Floridata.com Plant Encyclopedia

Photographic Encyclopedia of Plants for gardeners and nature lovers.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) - October 31, 2005

This species encompasses a group of cultivars and varieties perfect for wildflower meadows, butterfly gardens and cut flowers (especially the magnificent tetraploids known as gloriosa daisies).
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/R/rudb_hir.cfm

Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) - October 30, 2005

Native to Georgia and Alabama, this showy deciduous shrub has big bottlebrush-shaped flower clusters in spring that are followed by smooth, shiny nuts known as buckeyes - excellent for shady woodland plantings.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/A/aesc_par.cfm

Surprise Lily (Lycoris squamigera) - October 27, 2005

In mid-summer a 2 foot tall stem erupts from bare ground and crowns itself with a cluster of pink blossoms - surprise! The foliage does not appear until spring - plant a few bulbs, it's surprisingly easy to grow.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/L/lyco_squ.cfm

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) - October 26, 2005

A favorite for fabulous fall foliage displays and famous for the delicious maple syrup made from its sap, this tree is a native of the forests of eastern America but is also found in landscapes far beyond its natural range.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/A/ace_sacc.cfm

Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) - October 26, 2005

This evergreen viburnum has an appealing upright form, showy springtime flowers and is adaptable to shady conditions. It's a good choice for woodland gardens in warm temperate climates.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/V/vibu_rhy.cfm

Beach Bean (Canavalia rosea) - October 25, 2005

This showy vine decorates and stabalizes the dunes helping to protect beaches across the tropics, including those in South Florida and southern California, from storm erosion.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/C/cana_ros.cfm

Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) - October 24, 2005

This morning South Florida's spectacular coconut palms were trashed by Hurricane Wilma's winds but they are as flexible and rugged as they are beautiful and most should survive the ordeal.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/C/cocos_nuc.cfm

Tatarian Aster (Aster tataricus) - October 22, 2005

Here's a beautiful and rugged perennial that waits until late fall before presenting its spectacular display of lavender and gold daisylike flowers.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/A/aste_tat.cfm

Devil's Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) - October 22, 2005

This exotic-looking clump-forming tree is a native of the eastern US. At this time of year the foliage turns a deep red and purple berries hang from the branches providing winter sustanance for birds - perfect for wildlife and woodland gardens.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/A/aral_spi.cfm

Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) - October 20, 2005

Also called narrow leaf sunflower, this tall perenial is a native of the eastern US that at this time of year produces a pretty profusion of golden yellow blossoms.
http://floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?viewsrc=ref/H/heli_ang.cfm