news from the FIELDflawildflowers.org/resources/pdfs/2014/FWF_7.2.pdf · wildflowers in your yard or in containers. ... conclusions that improve growing and landscaping techniques.

Volume 7, Issue 2Spring 2014

Florida Wildflower Foundation Quarterly Newsletterwww.FlaWildflowers.org

news from the FIELD

Produced in partnership with the Florida Scenic Highways program. More information at www.FloridaScenicHighways.com.

Enriching lives with Florida’s native wildflowers

INSIDEResearch student Tia Tyler ............. 2

Plant Profile .................................. 2

Mother’s Day wildflowers ............. 2

Where we’ve been ........................ 3

Calendar ....................................... 3

Members corner ............................ 4

Above-normal spring temperatures, combined with adequate winter rains throughout much of the state, resulting in showy displays of spring beauties such as skyblue lupine (Lupinus diffusus), lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata), violets (Viola spp.), spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), toadflax (Linaria spp.), and annual phlox (Phlox drummondii). While annual phlox is not native to Florida, it is a familiar roadside wildflower throughout the Big Bend and Central Florida as far south as Tampa.

While this spring should be warmer than normal, it should be relatively dry, so moist sites in rural areas will be best for good wildflower displays through May. Look for Leavenworth’s tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii), Southeastern sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum), and the blue prairie iris (Iris hexagona). Another common native species of moist areas in Central and South Florida is black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), although in the Panhandle, that species tends to occur in drier habitats. A good place to view showy stands of Leavenworth’s tickseed,

Winter rains bring strong showing of spring wildflowers

Coreopsis nudata blooms in early April on State Road 65 near Hosford in Florida’s

Panhandle. (Photo/Eleanor Dietrich)

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FloridaWildflowerFoundation Follow us on Twitter: @FlaWildflowers Read our blog: www.floridawildflowerfoundation.blogspot.com

black-eyed Susan and other wildflowers that prefer moist sites is Florida’s Turnpike south of Orlando, from about mile marker 220 south

to Yeehaw Junction. A warm, dry

spring also should result in good stands of blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) and beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), mainly in coastal areas, as well as of the hairy form of lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata). C. lanceolata, which occurs in the northern half of Florida, typically has smooth leaves. In parts of the Panhandle, though, a very fuzzy form occurs in dry, sunny, sandy sites. Warm, dry weather may reduce

the extent of goldenmane tickseed (Coreopsis basalis), which is very common on roadsides in the Big Bend region (C. basalis is native to the U.S., but its nativity to Florida is debatable).

Remember, when you are out viewing wildflowers, please don’t pick them. Many of our native wildflowers reproduce only by seed. Picking a flower reduces the ability of

that plant to reproduce and for that population of wildflowers to sustain itself. Instead, use wildflowers in your yard or in containers. Seed packets are available in the online Florida Wildflower Foundation Flower Shop and from the Florida Wildflower Seed and Plant Growers Association. Florida native wildflower seed packets also may be available at native plant garden centers.

For where to see wildflowers, visit our website, www.flawildflowers.org/bloom.php. To learn how to submit your photos, go to www.flawildflowers.org/bloomreport.php.

Working with FDOT’s new Wildflower Area Program Procedure In our Winter newsletter, we reported that,

in January, Florida Department of Transpor-tation Sec. Ananth Prasad had signed a new Wildflower Area Management Program Procedure. Here’s a closer look at the program.

Why the program is important: Wildflowers are key to the sense of place that is unique to La Florida, “land of flowers.” Not only that, they’re building their own brand of tourism, which currently brings millions of dollars each year to states like Texas and North Carolina. People love visiting beautiful places, and wildflower tourism means more revenue for Florida communities, especially rural ones.

FDOT has planted wildflowers since the 1960s. The new program lays the groundwork to also preserve naturally occurring wildflowers through reduced and carefully timed mowing. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost habitat for the crop pollinators that put 30 percent of the food on our tables, and to protect the biodiversity needed to sustain healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations.

What’s happened so far: FDOT has named eight district wildflower coordinators, and the state office is developing procedures with which to monitor and evaluate sites. See the list of coordinators at www.flawildflowers.

org/resources/pdfs/2014/DWCsContactList_WithMap_03-26-14.pdf.

What to expect: Simply by managing wildflowers already growing on state-maintained highways, the program makes it possible for roadways to be more aesthetically pleasing. As mowing is altered, you may begin to notice more beautiful wildflowers on roadsides, especially during the peak spring and fall blooming seasons.

Not all flowers will be saved from mowers, though. The establishment of Wildflower Areas will likely occur more often in rural

(Continued on page 4)

Page 2 Volume 7, Issue 2

UF research student Tia Tyler studies germination of native wildflowers and exotic seeds By Claudia Larsen

As more is learned about Florida’s native wildflowers in their habitats and their use is increased in urban landscapes, many new questions and challenges arise. Targeting these is the focus of researchers who methodically come to conclusions that improve growing and landscaping techniques.

The Florida Wildflower Foundation provides scholarships for masters students studying wildflowers within the University of Florida’s Plant Restoration and Conservation Horticulture Consortium of the Department of Environmental Horticulture in Gainesville. Tia Tyler, the second of two students supported by FWF, is advised by Dr. Hector Perez, Associate Professor at the Plant Restoration and Conservation Horticulture Consortium at the Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida.

“I’m excited to have another highly motivated graduate student in the lab working on wildflowers,” said Dr. Perez. “We expect that Tia’s work will shed some light on the competitive abilities between wildflower and weed seeds. The knowledge that Tia creates can be used to inform restoration practitioners and wildflower enthusiasts alike.”

Why wildflowers? “I just love plants!” said Tia, who grew up in Sarasota County and started her masters studies

in fall 2013. “Florida has so many unique ecologies, it as a fascinating place to study them. There is also something very special about studying plants I remember from my childhood here.”

Why did you choose to do your masters in plant restoration and conservation?I am drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of studying ecological

restoration from a horticultural perspective. Also, learning about plants has been a personal hobby for quite some time. It is exciting to have the opportunity to go further into this knowledge and contribute to a greater understanding of our wild areas.

Why are your project and its goals important? My project looks at germination abilities of wildflowers and exotic species. Specifically, I will examine differences in seed response to temperature, depth of burial, and aging stress. How a seed responds to these conditions is linked to when it can emerge in nature. Two outcomes of this research are a better understanding of wildflower germination requirements, as well as evidence of competitive germination advantages in more aggressive species.

How did you decide that this to be your focus?The project was developed through the work in Dr. Perez’s lab and conversations with restoration practitioners. There is so much

potential for expanding our current knowledge of Florida native plants. It is exciting to be part of. Germination will be examined through simulated seasonal conditions in lab incubators. There will also be a field survey of seedling establishment at an active restoration site.

Which wildflowers will you work with? I have begun work on Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan) and Bidens alba (Spanish needles). I hope to also include Eragrostis elliottii (Elliott’s lovegrass) and an Andropogon spp.(bluestem).

Why do you think weed species are so aggressive in our gardens and roadsides?In my research, I hope to demonstrate whether or not aggressive species have less specific germination requirements than other wildflowers. Species that are released from germination constraints can theoretically more easily establish themselves in a range of unwanted places.

Do you have a favorite habitat/ecosystem where wildflowers grow?It is so difficult to pick a favorite! I have been enjoying hiking in San Felasco Hammock Preserve and Mill Creek Preserve most recently, and hope to venture farther into North Florida soon. Any walk where I learn a new plant or see a plant in a new context is a good one!

Who do you think will benefit from your research? A better understanding of germination cues could help anyone interested in establishing native wildflowers from seed. The comparison to more aggressive species will also provide data that could be useful in their control.

Plant Profile: Twinflower (Dyschoriste oblongifolia)As the name suggests, twinflower has a pair of lavender flowers that occur

throughout the year. The perennial, trumpet-shaped lavender flowers are about 1 1/2” wide with 5 lobes and dark purple spots on the bottom lobe. The leaves are directly connected to the stems, oval and opposite. As added plus, twinflower attracts bees and is the host plant for the common buckeye (Junonia coenia) butterfly.

Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)

Hardiness: Zones 8-11

Soil: Acidic, well-drained, sandy soils

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.

Growth habit: This fast-growing, ground-hugging plant will grow to a height of 6 to 12 inches. The plant spreads rapidly by underground runners and from seeds, which are spread when the seed capsules split open.

Garden tips: Twinflower is exceptionally adaptable to the home garden. Plants should be closely spaced to cover an area effectively. Although drought tolerant, extended dry periods will harm the plant. It will be necessary to occasionally water twinflower. – Dena Wild

Visit our blog (floridawildflowerfoundation.blogspot.com) for more plant profiles.

For Mother’s Day, say it with wildflowers

Our popular Mother’s Day promotion is back! Honor the mom in your life by making a donation of $25 or more in her name to the Florida Wildflower Foundation. We’ll send this lovely Mother’s Day card letting her know that you’ve made the donation. Inside will be four seed-paper flowers and planting instructions. The colorful flower cut-outs have Leavenworth’s Tickseed embedded in them. Florida’s state wildflower, Coreopsis leavenworthii, can grow to 2 feet in height and blooms spring, summer and fall. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, a sunny-yellow reminder of your love and appreciation for years to come. Mother’s Day is May 11 — place your order today! To order, visit www.flawildflowers.org or call 407-622-1606.

Volume 7, Issue 2 Page 3

Where we’ve been Spring’s been busy so far... here’s where the Florida Wildflower Foundation has been spreading the good news about native wildflowers!

FWF board members and staff visit Volusia County’s Longleaf Pine Preserve. From left: Dena Wild, Kim Coker, Terry Zinn, Lisa Roberts, Dixie Tate, Anne

Mackay, and Walter and Karin Taylor.

Ten Thousand Villages volunteer Susie Robertshaw looks over FWF’s table of information during a TTV

shopping day benefitting FWF.

FWF’s Dixie Tate hosts the table at Apopka Wildlife Festival and Birdapalooza on March 1.

Lisa Roberts and FWF volunteer and contributor/member Christopher Waltz at the Florida Association of Native Nurseries’ Native Plant Show in Kissimmee

in early April.

Member profile: Anne McKayInstrumental in getting the Florida

Wildflower Foundation off the ground, Anne Mackay continues to serve on the Foundation’s board, first serving on the Florida Wildflower Council board, then as board chair for the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Here’s why she stays involved:

“I have always been interested in and connected with growing things. My aunt, Ophelia Taylor, was a day lily hybridizer, and my mother and father were seriously interested in camellias. My interest in wildflowers began with trips to North Carolina, where I would see the breathtaking swatches of beauty along state highways and wonder how Florida could do the same. I later heard of Dr. Jeff Norcini’s project in Monticello. Jeff was growing small plots of native seed and comparing their progress with that of non-natives. The results were notable. We talked from time to time about his research.

“I also had occasion to meet Gary Henry, who was with the Florida Department of Transportation then and working with the garden clubs of Florida to secure the signatures required for the creation of the State Wildflower tag.

During that same time, the early ‘90s, Lady Bird Johnson invited the first ladies in the Southeastern states to meet at Calloway Gardens in Georgia to discuss the planting and distribution of wildflowers along our federal highways.

“First Lady Rhea Chiles invited me along and suggested I be the Florida representative. That was followed up with a visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Texas with Gary and Jeff. Finally, the license plate was approved with the help of then Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings from Orlando.

“I continue to serve on the board because I care deeply about Florida’s

environment, and believe the native wildflower populations are an important way to preserve the Florida we love, and give opportunities to educate and show by example the beauty that is native and natural.”

Anne Mackay’s favorite wildflower? It’s hard to choose favorites, she says. “We just brought a few butterflyweeds to help the monarchs on their way. Yellow coreopsis are high on my list -- there are so many types to choose from, like Florida’s diverse population!”

Meet member and founder Anne Mackay

CalendarMay 5–9: National

Wildflower Week

May 11: Mother’s Day

Through May 11: Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks at the Naples Botanical Garden — Lego sculptures in the wildflower meadow. Information: www.naplesgarden.org/show/nature-connects

May 15–18: Florida Native Plant Society Conference, Fort Myers. Information: www.fnps.org.

Visit FlaWildflowers.org/news.php for full calendar and event details.

Lisa Roberts visits State Road 65 near Hosford in the eastern Panhandle after speaking to

a conference nearby.

Volunteer Karin Taylor and Dixie Tate man the FWF booth at the Florida Wildflower &

Garden Festival, DeLand.

Join a movement that’s growing like wildflowers!

Page 4 Volume 7, Issue 2

Welcome new members (r) – renewal

Business/ContributorFlorida Native Plant Society, Ixia Chapter (r)

Annie SchmidtGeneral

Pamela Adams Theresa BradleyPam Capers Catherine GennaMary Lutz Isabelle Morris

Glabra Skipp Andrea England (r)Travis & Karen MacClendon (r)

Robin Pelensky (r)License Tag

Heather Blake (r) Roxanne BushDara Dobson (r) Marcia Knapke (r)

Mary Lake (r) Terri MarkenChristopher Scott (r) Deborah Tyler (r)

Patricia WinnerStudent/Senior

Beth Fraser Gail Leon (r)Richard Marshall (r) Lee Ogden

Susan Pettey (r) Anita Simonsen (r)Jalane Speer Julie Zimmerman (r)

Your name (please print)

Address

City State Zip Code

Area code and phone number Email address

q New Member q Renewing MemberCheck one: __ Student/Senior, $15 __ Contributor/Business $100 __ General, $25 __ Sustaining, $250 __ License tag: I’m a State Wildflower license tag holder, which entitles me to a free membership (specify Tag No. and Expiration date)

Please make check payable to:Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc.225 S. Swoope Ave., Suite 110, Maitland, FL 32751

or visit www.FlaWildflowers.org/membership.php

Show your Flower Power — get the plate!

Help preserve and conserve Florida’s native wildflowers and grasses by joining hundreds of other members who have raised $3 million for wildflowers over the past decade. Your membership and donations help seed highways, fund community and school plantings, create educational materials, support important research projects, and much more!

Become a Florida Wildflower Foundation member today to help ensure La Florida, or “land of flowers,” stays true to its name. Use the convenience of PayPal to join online at www.FlaWildflowers.org/membership.php, or mail this coupon with your check to the address below. Membership is free if you have a State Wildflower license plate.

(FDOT, continued from page 1) areas, where the demand for groomed landscapes isn’t as great and naturally occurring wildflowers are more prolific. Wildflowers also can be reintroduced in urban areas through planting. To ensure a safe area for motorists to pull over in emergencies, road shoulders will be routinely mowed 15 feet from the pavement.

How the program works: Through the adoption of wildflower resolutions (www.flawildflowers.org/resolution.php) or official communication channels, counties and municipalities can nominate FDOT-maintained roadsides within their boundaries as Wildflower Areas. The district wildflower coordinator then will assess the nominations in terms of safety, opportunities to reduce mowing, and natural abundance of wildflowers. Once the district maintenance engineer approves the nomination, a management plan for the area is crafted and turned over to the district maintenance yard or the contractor maintaining the area.

What we’re doing: The Florida Wildflower Foundation is working on a pilot program in FDOT District 3 (Florida Panhandle) that employs a contractor to work with the

department, the District 3 wildflower coordinator and the Panhandle Wildflower Alliance, a grassroots organization of wildflower enthusiasts. Contractor Eleanor Dietrich ([email protected]) also promotes wildflower awareness throughout the region, investigates concerns of PWA members, and works with wildflower coordinator Dustie Moss.

FWF also promotes the region’s wildflowers through the “Native Wildflowers in Florida’s Eastern Panhandle brochure,” available at area businesses, chambers of commerce, visitor centers and Florida Welcome Centers. To print a copy, go to www.flawildflowers.org/learn.php.

How you can help: Ask your county to pass a Wildflower Resolution, if it hasn’t already adopted one (see the model resolution: www.flawildflowers.org/resolution.php). Make your county aware of wildflowers on roadsides by providing bloom locations and species lists. If an endangered or threatened plant is identified on a roadside, immediately contact your county and FDOT district wildflower coordinator to make them aware of it. Also share the information with Florida Wildflower Foundation ([email protected]) and Florida Natural Areas Inventory (www.fnai.org).

Save the date !2014 Florida

Wildflower SymposiumSept. 19-20

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales

WILDFLOWERS, naturally!Celebrating Florida’s First Flowers

Do you love native Florida wildflowers? Do you have them in your yard or garden? If so, the Florida Wildflower Foundation wants to recognize your landscape.

Our new Wildflowers, Naturally! program will recognize gardens throughout the state that have areas dedicated to native wildflowers, and flowering shrubs, grasses and vines.

Recognized landscapes help increase awareness of Florida native wildflowers, promote wildflower conservation across the state, and educate others about landscaping with Florida natives.

For more information and to apply, visit www.flawildflowers.org/wildflowers_naturally.php.