FLORIDA GARDENING & PLANTS
Resources related to Florida gardening & plants span a wide range of plants and topics. The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (IFAS) is considered the leader in science-based horticultural and agricultural information in the state, and as the primary source of information for the Florida Horticulture for Health Network’s resource hub category Florida Gardening & Plants.
The information presented on this website is published in good faith and intended for general information purposes. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information on our website is strictly at your own risk and we will not be liable for any losses or damages from the use of our website.
The information presented on this website is published in good faith and intended for general information purposes. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information on our website is strictly at your own risk and we will not be liable for any losses or damages from the use of our website.
Key organizations
BOOKS, JOURNALS & EPUBLICATIONS ON Florida Gardening and Plants
Florida Horticultural Society.
University of Florida IFAS Electronic Data Information System (EDIS) Ask IFAS? (online
database of factsheets on a wide variety of topics - publications &
research).
University of Florida IFAS Electronic Data Information System (EDIS) Ask IFAS? (online
database of factsheets on a wide variety of topics - publications &
research).
RESEARCH & ARTICLES ON FLORIDA GARDENING AND PLANTS
Campbell, S.M. & Sims, C.A. (2021). Small-to-medium-scale sensory evaluation of horticultural crops:
Standard sensory practices. EDIS 3.
Standard sensory practices. EDIS 3.
EXAMPLES OF FLORIDA GARDENING AND PLANTS - Learning sites
Florida Botanical Gardens - listing by Florida Hikes!
UF IFAS Extension county office demonstration gardens (at most county extension offices)
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Bok Tower Gardens
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Leu Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden – Karen and Robert Scott Florida Garden
Sunken Gardens
The National Tropical Botanical Garden - Kampong (Coconut Grove, FL.)
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
UF IFAS Extension county office demonstration gardens (at most county extension offices)
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Bok Tower Gardens
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Leu Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden – Karen and Robert Scott Florida Garden
Sunken Gardens
The National Tropical Botanical Garden - Kampong (Coconut Grove, FL.)
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
VIDEOS & WEBINARS ON FLORIDA GARDENING AND PLANTS
Videos, webinars, and podcasts on Florida gardening
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinars
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in a Minute – One minute audio.
New Rare Edible Plants to Florida (& Beyond) video introduces a variety of edibles with tips for successful growing, shade houses, propagation ideas.
Pete Kanaris GreenDreams TV videos showcase Florida gardens & nurseries.
This Legendary Florida Farm has Changed the Way We Grow Food – Echo farms, Fort Myers, FL. demonstration site for permaculture and Florida gardening
Tour This Pensacola Homestead & Food Forest – paw paw, monstera, dragon fruit, carambola.
UF Fruitscapes videos
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinars
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in a Minute – One minute audio.
New Rare Edible Plants to Florida (& Beyond) video introduces a variety of edibles with tips for successful growing, shade houses, propagation ideas.
Pete Kanaris GreenDreams TV videos showcase Florida gardens & nurseries.
This Legendary Florida Farm has Changed the Way We Grow Food – Echo farms, Fort Myers, FL. demonstration site for permaculture and Florida gardening
Tour This Pensacola Homestead & Food Forest – paw paw, monstera, dragon fruit, carambola.
UF Fruitscapes videos
RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
Atlas of Florida Plants, Institute of Systematic Botany
Edible South Florida – Community Gardens
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone interactive map – your hardiness zone will indicate what plants will grow
well in your area
Edible South Florida – Community Gardens
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone interactive map – your hardiness zone will indicate what plants will grow
well in your area
Florida Gardening Resources
Every effort was made to feature resources on this page that are reliable and clear in how they relay information about plants. Some resources on this page may reference uses of plants for food or medicine, including plant uses in a historical context. Readers should be aware that even among “edible” or “medicinal” plants, not every part of an edible plant may be edible, some plants may require certain preparations to be safely consumed, some plants should only be consumed in small quantities, certain individuals may have sensitivities to some plants, and some plants that were historically used as medicine or food may now be considered unsafe to consume. Whether growing, consuming, or educating about edible plants, always research plant uses carefully. If you work with public gardens, educational, or therapeutic horticulture programs, it is important to consider the possibility that some people you work with may sample plants without asking, may misidentify plants, or misunderstand how edible plants can be safely eaten.
There are four generally accepted classifications for plant toxicity: major toxicity, minor toxicity, oxalates (juice or sap that irritates), and dermatitis (juice, sap, thorns causing rash or irritation). Resources will often list plants by toxicity class, and some plant lists identify plants that are considered safe. Many lists, including the FLHHN Resource Hub lists include a caveat - “plants on this list are generally believed to be safe” (University of California, 2022b).
The plants listed in these resources as “safe plants” are generally believed to be safe if consumed by humans in small quantities, however, not all plants listed as "safe plants" are intended to be consumed or "edible". If you suspect that a person has eaten any part of a non-edible or toxic plant, or if you notice symptoms such as illness or dermatitis after handling these plants, call your Poison Control Center for additional information.
Every effort was made to feature resources on this page that are reliable and clear in how they relay information about plants. Some resources on this page may reference uses of plants for food or medicine, including plant uses in a historical context. Readers should be aware that even among “edible” or “medicinal” plants, not every part of an edible plant may be edible, some plants may require certain preparations to be safely consumed, some plants should only be consumed in small quantities, certain individuals may have sensitivities to some plants, and some plants that were historically used as medicine or food may now be considered unsafe to consume. Whether growing, consuming, or educating about edible plants, always research plant uses carefully. If you work with public gardens, educational, or therapeutic horticulture programs, it is important to consider the possibility that some people you work with may sample plants without asking, may misidentify plants, or misunderstand how edible plants can be safely eaten.
There are four generally accepted classifications for plant toxicity: major toxicity, minor toxicity, oxalates (juice or sap that irritates), and dermatitis (juice, sap, thorns causing rash or irritation). Resources will often list plants by toxicity class, and some plant lists identify plants that are considered safe. Many lists, including the FLHHN Resource Hub lists include a caveat - “plants on this list are generally believed to be safe” (University of California, 2022b).
The plants listed in these resources as “safe plants” are generally believed to be safe if consumed by humans in small quantities, however, not all plants listed as "safe plants" are intended to be consumed or "edible". If you suspect that a person has eaten any part of a non-edible or toxic plant, or if you notice symptoms such as illness or dermatitis after handling these plants, call your Poison Control Center for additional information.
safe plant lists/Poisonous plants
Safe Plants for Florida Gardening Programs
(2022a). Safe and poisonous garden plants. University of California.
NCSU online plant database
Florida Poison Control Centers
(2022a). Safe and poisonous garden plants. University of California.
NCSU online plant database
Florida Poison Control Centers
ornamental landscaping
Resources for Florida ornamental landscaping are listed below. Ornamental landscape plants are primarily used as visually pleasing decorative specimens in the landscapes of homes, businesses, public gardens and parks. They are diverse plants—annual & perennial flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses. They may also provide food, shade or shelter, with these features considered secondary to their ornamental role.
Florida Friendly Landscaping™ interactive plant selector
Florida Friendly Landscaping™ plant guides, sample landscape designs, etc. (many of these resources
are also available in print format through local UF IFAS Extension offices)
Florida Native Plant Society - interactive plant selector, growing information, etc.
Plant Real Florida – Florida native plant gardening guide, plant locator, etc.
Florida Wildflower Foundation –plant lists for attracting pollinators, birds, etc.
International Water Lily and Water Gardening Society – Includes listings for local groups
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center plant database. The University of Texas at Austin – includes
Florida native plants
Books
Brown, S.P. & Schoellhorn, R. (2006). Your Florida Guide to Perennials: Selection, Establishment,
and Maintenance. University Press of Florida.
Broschat, T.K., Meerow, initial & A.W., Elliot, M.L. (2017). Ornamental Palm Horticulture (2nd ed.).
University Press of Florida.
Heugel, C.N. (2015). Native Florida Plants for Shady Landscapes. University Press of Florida. ISBN 13: 9780813060590
MacCubbin, T., Lampl, J., Tasker, G. & Bowden, R. (2021). Florida Gardener’s Handbook: All you need to
know to plan, plant, & maintain a Florida garden (2nd ed.). Cool Springs Press.
Florida Friendly Landscaping™ interactive plant selector
Florida Friendly Landscaping™ plant guides, sample landscape designs, etc. (many of these resources
are also available in print format through local UF IFAS Extension offices)
Florida Native Plant Society - interactive plant selector, growing information, etc.
Plant Real Florida – Florida native plant gardening guide, plant locator, etc.
Florida Wildflower Foundation –plant lists for attracting pollinators, birds, etc.
International Water Lily and Water Gardening Society – Includes listings for local groups
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center plant database. The University of Texas at Austin – includes
Florida native plants
Books
Brown, S.P. & Schoellhorn, R. (2006). Your Florida Guide to Perennials: Selection, Establishment,
and Maintenance. University Press of Florida.
Broschat, T.K., Meerow, initial & A.W., Elliot, M.L. (2017). Ornamental Palm Horticulture (2nd ed.).
University Press of Florida.
Heugel, C.N. (2015). Native Florida Plants for Shady Landscapes. University Press of Florida. ISBN 13: 9780813060590
MacCubbin, T., Lampl, J., Tasker, G. & Bowden, R. (2021). Florida Gardener’s Handbook: All you need to
know to plan, plant, & maintain a Florida garden (2nd ed.). Cool Springs Press.
edible gardening
Edible plants are organisms of the plant kingdom suitable by nature for use as a food for human beings (Collins Dictionary, 2021). Plants included in this section are typically not harmful to humans, but some people may have sensitivities to certain plants. Resources provided here are for informational purposes. Whether growing, consuming, or educating about edible plants, always research plant uses carefully. If you work with public gardens, educational, or therapeutic horticulture programs, it is important to consider the possibility that some people you work with may sample plants without asking, may misidentify plants, or misunderstand how edible plants can be safely eaten.
Please note that any use of the plants listed below is used at your own risk.
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
Herbs and Spices in the Florida Garden.
Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems.
Monthly Vegetable Gardening Planting Calendars
Growables - Information on growing fruits and vegetables in Florida
Herb Society of America
Plants for a Future – Information on edible plants
American Botanical Council – Information on medicinal herbs
Books
Boning, C. (2021). Florida's Best Fruiting Plants: Native and Exotic Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, (2nd ed.).
Pineapple Press.
Boning, C. (2021). Florida's Best Herbs and Spices: Native and Exotic Plants Grown for Scent and Flavor,
(2nd ed.). Pineapple Press.
Bowden, R. (2015). Florida Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: Plant, Grow, and Harvest the Best Edibles (Fruit
& vegetable gardening guides). Cool Springs Press.
Stibolt, G. & Contreras, M. (2013). Organic Methods for Vegetable Gardening in Florida. University Press
of Florida. ISBN 13: 9780813044019
Please note that any use of the plants listed below is used at your own risk.
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
Herbs and Spices in the Florida Garden.
Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems.
Monthly Vegetable Gardening Planting Calendars
Growables - Information on growing fruits and vegetables in Florida
Herb Society of America
Plants for a Future – Information on edible plants
American Botanical Council – Information on medicinal herbs
Books
Boning, C. (2021). Florida's Best Fruiting Plants: Native and Exotic Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, (2nd ed.).
Pineapple Press.
Boning, C. (2021). Florida's Best Herbs and Spices: Native and Exotic Plants Grown for Scent and Flavor,
(2nd ed.). Pineapple Press.
Bowden, R. (2015). Florida Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: Plant, Grow, and Harvest the Best Edibles (Fruit
& vegetable gardening guides). Cool Springs Press.
Stibolt, G. & Contreras, M. (2013). Organic Methods for Vegetable Gardening in Florida. University Press
of Florida. ISBN 13: 9780813044019
Interior plants
For related resources on interior plants refer to the category: Landscapes for Health – interior plants.
Plants grown indoors, or those that thrive indoors, in homes, offices, schools and other facilities, are referred to as indoor plants. Most often used for decorative purposes as houseplants, indoor plants can aid in indoor air purification, provide positive psychological fascination, and some are used as foods or herbs. According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (2014) Florida’s production of houseplants is worth $500 million. Additionally, Ernst (2016) reported that 500 Florida operators lead the country, growing 80% of all tropical foliage and houseplants produced in the US.
Hall, C. & Knuth, M. (2019). An update of the literature supporting the well-being benefits of plants: A
review of the emotional and mental health benefits of plants. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 37(1), 30-38.
Khalifa, A.A., Khan, E. & Akhtar, M.S. (2022). Phytoremediation of indoor formaldehyde by plants and
plant material. Int J Phytoremediation, 30, 1-12. doi: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2090499
NCSU online plant database
Park, SA. (2020). Indoor green plants are beneficial to mental health. AHTA Magazine, 48(3), 4-5.
World of Succulents
Plants grown indoors, or those that thrive indoors, in homes, offices, schools and other facilities, are referred to as indoor plants. Most often used for decorative purposes as houseplants, indoor plants can aid in indoor air purification, provide positive psychological fascination, and some are used as foods or herbs. According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (2014) Florida’s production of houseplants is worth $500 million. Additionally, Ernst (2016) reported that 500 Florida operators lead the country, growing 80% of all tropical foliage and houseplants produced in the US.
Hall, C. & Knuth, M. (2019). An update of the literature supporting the well-being benefits of plants: A
review of the emotional and mental health benefits of plants. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 37(1), 30-38.
Khalifa, A.A., Khan, E. & Akhtar, M.S. (2022). Phytoremediation of indoor formaldehyde by plants and
plant material. Int J Phytoremediation, 30, 1-12. doi: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2090499
NCSU online plant database
Park, SA. (2020). Indoor green plants are beneficial to mental health. AHTA Magazine, 48(3), 4-5.
World of Succulents
FLORIDA INSECT AND ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION
University of Florida IFAS (2021). Garden pest animals publications. Ask IFAS.
Florida Museum of Natural History printable pollinator identification guides
Florida Museum of Natural History online amphibian and reptile guides
Venomous Snakes of Florida
Recognizing Florida’s Venomous Snakes factsheet
Gillespie Museum Florida wildlife field guides
iNaturalist app – identifies plants and animals; log sitings; find out what lives in your location
University of Florida IFAS County Extension office Plant Clinics - Insect, animal, plant identification assistance
University of Florida IFAS. (n.d.). Featured creatures (insects).
University of Florida IFAS. (2012). Welcome to the insect ID Lab at the University of Florida.
Books and Field Guides
Bartlett, R.D. & Bartlett, P. (2003). Florida’s Snakes. University Press of Florida ISBN 9780813026367
Daniels, J. (2022). Your Florida Guide to Butterfly Gardening: A Guide for the Deep South, (2nd ed.).
University Press of Florida.
Florida Butterflies & Pollinators – A folding pocket guide to familiar species. Waterford Press.
Identification Guide to the Frogs of Florida SP468. University of Florida
Florida Museum of Natural History printable pollinator identification guides
Florida Museum of Natural History online amphibian and reptile guides
Venomous Snakes of Florida
Recognizing Florida’s Venomous Snakes factsheet
Gillespie Museum Florida wildlife field guides
iNaturalist app – identifies plants and animals; log sitings; find out what lives in your location
University of Florida IFAS County Extension office Plant Clinics - Insect, animal, plant identification assistance
University of Florida IFAS. (n.d.). Featured creatures (insects).
University of Florida IFAS. (2012). Welcome to the insect ID Lab at the University of Florida.
Books and Field Guides
Bartlett, R.D. & Bartlett, P. (2003). Florida’s Snakes. University Press of Florida ISBN 9780813026367
Daniels, J. (2022). Your Florida Guide to Butterfly Gardening: A Guide for the Deep South, (2nd ed.).
University Press of Florida.
Florida Butterflies & Pollinators – A folding pocket guide to familiar species. Waterford Press.
Identification Guide to the Frogs of Florida SP468. University of Florida
Plant lists and Resources for specific types of florida gardens
Attracting wildlife
Butterfly Gardening in Florida
Landscaping Backyards for Wildlife: Top Ten Tips for Success
Hummingbirds of Florida
UF/IFAS. (2021). Gardening with wildlife articles.
Books on Attracting Wildlife
Daniels, J. (2022). Your Florida Guide to Butterfly Gardening: A Guide for the Deep South, (2nd ed.).
University Press of Florida.
Fleming Hayes, R. (n.d.). Pollinator Friendly Gardening. Voyageur Press.
Hammer, R.L. (2015). Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies in Tropical Florida. University of
Florida Press.
Huegel, C. (2010). Native Plant Landscaping for Florida Wildlife. University Press of Florida.
Mader, E., Shepherd, M., Vaughan, M. & Black, S. (2011). Attracting Native Pollinators (Xerces
Society Guide). Storey Publishing.
Sensory gardens in Florida
Arslan, M., Kalaylioglu, Z. & Ekren, E. (2018). Use of medicinal and aromatic plants in therapeutic
gardens. Ind J Pharmaceut Educ Res., 52, S151–4. 10.5530/ijper.52.4s.92
Clem, T. (2021). Sensory gardens: More than meets the eye. The Gainesville Sun.
HGTV. (n.d.). A Florida sensory garden plan.
Jameson, M. (2019). Designing a sensory garden. UF/IFAS.
UF/IFAS (2021). Sensory gardens.
- (n.d.). The Sensory Arts Garden (Jupiter FL.).
Gardens for people with vision impairments
American Printing House. (2021). Gardening after vision loss: Tips from an experienced blind
gardener. APHVisionAware.
Heritage Village Sensory Garden, Pinellas County.
Horchey, E. (2021). Lighthouse for the blind opens sensory garden, playground (Pinellas County,
FL.). Suncoastnews.com.
The Lighthouse of Broward County. (n.d.). The Lighthouse sensory garden (Fort Lauderdale. FL.).
UF/IFAS. (2021). Fragrance gardens.
Butterfly Gardening in Florida
Landscaping Backyards for Wildlife: Top Ten Tips for Success
Hummingbirds of Florida
UF/IFAS. (2021). Gardening with wildlife articles.
Books on Attracting Wildlife
Daniels, J. (2022). Your Florida Guide to Butterfly Gardening: A Guide for the Deep South, (2nd ed.).
University Press of Florida.
Fleming Hayes, R. (n.d.). Pollinator Friendly Gardening. Voyageur Press.
Hammer, R.L. (2015). Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies in Tropical Florida. University of
Florida Press.
Huegel, C. (2010). Native Plant Landscaping for Florida Wildlife. University Press of Florida.
Mader, E., Shepherd, M., Vaughan, M. & Black, S. (2011). Attracting Native Pollinators (Xerces
Society Guide). Storey Publishing.
Sensory gardens in Florida
Arslan, M., Kalaylioglu, Z. & Ekren, E. (2018). Use of medicinal and aromatic plants in therapeutic
gardens. Ind J Pharmaceut Educ Res., 52, S151–4. 10.5530/ijper.52.4s.92
Clem, T. (2021). Sensory gardens: More than meets the eye. The Gainesville Sun.
HGTV. (n.d.). A Florida sensory garden plan.
Jameson, M. (2019). Designing a sensory garden. UF/IFAS.
UF/IFAS (2021). Sensory gardens.
- (n.d.). The Sensory Arts Garden (Jupiter FL.).
Gardens for people with vision impairments
American Printing House. (2021). Gardening after vision loss: Tips from an experienced blind
gardener. APHVisionAware.
Heritage Village Sensory Garden, Pinellas County.
Horchey, E. (2021). Lighthouse for the blind opens sensory garden, playground (Pinellas County,
FL.). Suncoastnews.com.
The Lighthouse of Broward County. (n.d.). The Lighthouse sensory garden (Fort Lauderdale. FL.).
UF/IFAS. (2021). Fragrance gardens.
Ethnobotany
Defined as the study of a particular people, region and culture and their use of indigenous native plants, ethnobotany focuses on relationships between cultures and plants (Mathias, 2004). This includes knowledge of plant classification, cultivation, and uses including medicine, food, and shelter. Biopiracy is the commercial exploitation or monopolization of biological or genetic material. Often, prominent medicinal plant extracts obtained without compensation to indigenous people or countries for their knowledge or materials is part of this topic. Florida, like other regions, has indigenous peoples and cultures, with research studies available, related to their ethnobotany.
Allen, G.M., Bond, M.D. & Main, M.B. (2012). 50 common native plants important in Florida’s
ethnobotanical history. UF/IFAS.
Botanical Research Institute of Texas - Native American Ethnobotany Database
Gillespie Museum Florida ethnobotany field guides
Larsen, C. (2022). Wildflowers – A growing part of Florida history. Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Mathias, E. (2004) Ethnoveterinary medicine: Harnessing its potential. Veterinary Bulletin 74, 27-37.
McClure, K. (2015). Value, access, and use of ethnobotanical databases in ethnopharmacology:
Methods, ethical research, and a case study on the Aurukun ethnobiology database project. Doctoral Thesis: University of Kansas.
Society for Economic Botany
Society of Ethnobiology
Open Science Network
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - Edward Palmer collections
Books
Austin, D.F. (2004). Florida ethnobotany. CRC Press.
Balick, M.J. & Cox, P.A. (2020). Plants, People, and Culture: The Science of Ethnobotany (2nd ed.).
Garland Science.
Allen, G.M., Bond, M.D. & Main, M.B. (2012). 50 common native plants important in Florida’s
ethnobotanical history. UF/IFAS.
Botanical Research Institute of Texas - Native American Ethnobotany Database
Gillespie Museum Florida ethnobotany field guides
Larsen, C. (2022). Wildflowers – A growing part of Florida history. Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Mathias, E. (2004) Ethnoveterinary medicine: Harnessing its potential. Veterinary Bulletin 74, 27-37.
McClure, K. (2015). Value, access, and use of ethnobotanical databases in ethnopharmacology:
Methods, ethical research, and a case study on the Aurukun ethnobiology database project. Doctoral Thesis: University of Kansas.
Society for Economic Botany
Society of Ethnobiology
Open Science Network
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - Edward Palmer collections
Books
Austin, D.F. (2004). Florida ethnobotany. CRC Press.
Balick, M.J. & Cox, P.A. (2020). Plants, People, and Culture: The Science of Ethnobotany (2nd ed.).
Garland Science.
Written & compiled by Jessica Sullivan, Lesley Fleming, Morgan Whitaker Smith, Susan Morgan, & Siang Yu Tham Feb. 2022; Revised April 2023 by Jessica Sullivan & Lesley Fleming.