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DYK: When the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) conceptualized the State Wildflower license plate to support their dream that Florida’s native wildflowers would be valued not only for their ecological importance but also celebrated as part of Florida’s cultural heritage, the first step was selecting a native state wildflower! They chose the genus Coreopsis, of which Florida has 12 native species. Commonly referred to as Tickseeds, they bloom vibrantly across our landscapes in spring through fall.

In 1991, FFGC successfully lobbied the state Legislature to make Coreopsis the official state wildflower, paving the way for the plates to become a reality. After another 9 years of dedication and hard work the first plate hit the road in June 2000 and this year we celebrate 25 years of native wildflower outreach and conservation!

Learn how incredible leadership and partnerships drove this conservation initiative to success.

Pictured above (left to right): Lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata), Fringeleaf tickseed (Coreopsis integrifolia), Leavenworth's tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii), Coastalplain tickseed (Coreopsis gladiata)

Celebrating the night shift!

July 19-27 is National Moth Week (NMW), shining a light on the often overlooked other half of the insect order Lepidoptera. Moths are an incredibly diverse group — Florida has over 2,500 species — that play important roles in our ecosystems and agriculture. Learn more here.

Here are some great ways to get involved:

• Observe and share moths in your area to contribute to community science.
• Attend a Moth Week event near you.
• Share the love of moths on social media. You can find great content from us, NWM and Xerces Society.

Pictured here: Luna moth (Actias luna)

Pollinator profile: Red-spotted purple

Contrary to its name, the Red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) is neither red nor purple, but a vibrant shade of blue. These beauties employ expert-level defense strategies both as a caterpillar and an adult. In the larval stage, they construct resting places out of their own frass, which is unappealing to predators. As adults, they mimic the poisonous Pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor).

Get to know them here!

Bloom report: Summer wildflowers — strange, surprising and just plain cool!

Florida’s wildflowers don’t always follow the rules. Some pretend to be something else, others bloom without obvious flowers, and a few are just sucking the life out of their neighbors — literally!

Here are some fun, weird and wonderful facts about Florida’s quirkiest summer bloomers.

Pictured here: Scarlet hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus)

Introducing our first South Florida Outreach Coordinator!

We are thrilled to introduce Kati DeSutter, our first South Florida Outreach Coordinator! She brings a background in small business, having worked with start-ups to guide them through the rapid growth stage before stepping back in search of a more balanced path. Now, she is focused on expanding the Foundation’s presence in South Florida and connecting communities with the region's rich native plant diversity.

Keep up with South Florida happenings and share your wildflower adventures in our South Florida Wildflowers Facebook Group.

Registration open for SEEK Environmental Conference

The Florida Wildflower Foundation is a proud sponsor of this wonderful educational opportunity for high school students offered by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. This year's program will explore the power of water and its ability to transform the environment. 

When: August 6-8

For: Students entering grades 9-12

Location: Withlacoochee Forestry Training Center, Brooksville

Full details and registration

2023-24 Annual Report now available!

Explore the highlights of our 2023-24 fiscal year in native plant education, planting and research.

From every plant in the ground to each story shared and every mile of protected roadside, these efforts bring us closer to a future where Florida’s landscapes are rich with native wildflowers — and the wildlife and people who depend on them.

Stacey Matrazzo, Executive Director

Pictured here: Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on Hairy Chaffhead (Carphephorus paniculatus)

No field trip in August, but we are cooking up some awesome opportunities for the fall that are guaranteed to fill up fast — including visiting The Nature Conservancy's private Rock Hill Preserve in Washington County on Saturday, September 27 and a field botany excursion at St. George Island State Park in Franklin County with Dr. Jim Folsom on Saturday, October 25.

Want to get access to early registration and free field trips!? Become a member today to unlock these benefits.

Remaining 2025 webinar schedule:

Check out our calendar for a full listing of upcoming events across the state!