Exploring Florida's Spring Flowers
As you may have noticed, the weather in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area has been increasingly warm. There are countless reasons why I feel fortunate to live in Florida during the spring: the beaches, weather, community – it's no wonder everyone wants to come to our area right now! But one thing that always fills me with joy is spotting spring flowers! If you're anything like me, your favorite part of spring might just be the abundance of blossoms. If you share my sentiment, you probably find solace in the abundance of blossoms during this season, fostering a deep connection to nature.
Luckily, living in Florida, whose name translates to "land of flowers" in Spanish, truly lives up to its name. April brings forth a spectacular display of native flowers, painting the landscape with vibrant hues of pink, yellow, purple, and white. Let's delve into Florida's natural wonders as we explore the beauty of its native spring flowers and discover where to find them. Stick around until the end to grab a copy of our spring flower scavenger hunt!
Blanketflower · Gaillardia pulchella
Envision a warm blanket of fiery reds and oranges adorned with sunny yellow tips, welcoming you to the heart of Florida's floral splendor.
Where to spot: Venture into Florida's sandy habitats, where Blanketflowers thrive in the wilds of roadsides, meadows, and coastal dunes.
Blooming period: April to June
Common Tickseed · Coreopsis leavenworthii
Like rays of sunshine captured in petals, Coreopsis blooms dance in the breeze, adding a touch of radiant beauty to Florida's landscapes.
Where to spot: Follow the sunshine to open fields, prairies, and roadside edges across Florida, where Coreopsis basks in its golden glory.
Blooming period: Spring to early summer
Eastern Red Columbine · Aquilegia canadensis
Imagine delicate red and yellow blooms, adorned with graceful spurs, beckoning hummingbirds and butterflies to sip from their nectar-filled cups.
Where to spot: Seek out the shaded sanctuaries of northern and central Florida's woodlands, where Eastern Red Columbine thrives along streams and woodland edges.
Blooming period: March to May
Spiderwort · Tradescantia spp.
Watch as Spiderwort's flowers unfurl in the morning light, their ephemeral beauty adding a touch of magic to Florida's natural tapestry.
Where to spot: Explore Florida's diverse habitats, from woodlands to marshes, and delight in the sight of Spiderwort's vibrant blue to purple blossoms.
Blooming period: March to June
Magnolias · Magnolia spp.
Admire the grandeur of Magnolia blooms, with their large, fragrant petals unfurling to reveal a stunning display of white, pink, or yellow, adding a touch of elegance to Florida's spring landscape.
Where to spot: Look for these majestic blooms in woodland areas, parks, and gardens throughout Florida. You can find them all over Pinellas, but they're particularly abundant at the Gulfport Food Forest!
Blooming period: Spring to early summer
Swamp Azaleas · Rhododendron viscosum
Delight in the clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers that adorn Swamp Azaleas, brightening the swampy landscape with their beauty and perfume.
Where to spot: Explore the wetlands and swampy areas of Florida, where Swamp Azaleas add a delicate fragrance to the air. We planted some of these at Folly Farm in Safety Harbor.
Blooming period: April to June
Firebush · Hamelia patens
Tubular red-orange flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, accompanied by glossy green leaves.
Where to spot: Coastal hammocks, edges of pinelands, and disturbed areas. We've planted some of these along the Pinellas Trail!
Blooming period: Spring through fall
Walter's Viburnum · Viburnum obovatum
Clusters of fragrant white flowers that give way to dark blue berries, providing food for wildlife.
Where to spot: Woodland edges, hammocks, and moist areas.
Blooming period: Late winter to early spring.
Pickerelweed · Pontederia cordata
Spikes of blue to purple flowers rising above glossy green leaves, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Where to spot: Freshwater wetlands, marshes, and pond edges.
Blooming period: Spring to summer.
Coral Bean · Erythrina herbacea
Clusters of striking red tubular flowers on tall spikes, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Where to spot: Hammocks, wooded areas, and along trails.
Blooming period: Spring to summer.
Beach Sunflower · Helianthus debilis
Vibrant yellow flowers with dark centers, often forming dense mats along the coastlines.
Where to spot: Sandy coastal areas, dunes, and beachfronts. Check them out in Pass-a-Grille!
Blooming period: Spring through fall.
As you're out and about in Florida this spring, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the native flowers. Whether it's the vibrant colors of Blanketflowers, the sunny glow of Coreopsis, or the delicate charm of Eastern Red Columbine, each flower has its own story to tell about Florida's natural charm! Every bloom here has a tale of resilience, beauty, and the rhythm of life. So, why not wander into Florida's floral wonderland this April and beyond? Let the stunning blooms lift your spirits and fill your heart with wonder. And hey, while you're at it, why not go on a little flower hunt? It's a great way to get the kids excited and connected to nature!
