Florida Native Plant Society Blog

The Florida Native Plant Society holds a members meeting once a year. All FNPS members are invited to participate. We provide a "year in review" and announce grant awards, Palmetto Awards for members and vote on new officers and directors. This year's meeting was July 20th, 9am Eastern. The recording of the meeting is available here . Agenda Welcome & Opening Statements - Mark Kateli Interim Executive Director Statement - Lynda Davis Welcoming Cherice Smithers, Operations Manager - Valerie Anderson Communications Committee Report - Shirley Denton Council of Chapters Report - Melanie Simon Policy & Legislation Committee Report - Gene Kelly & Travis Moore Conservation Committee Report - John Benton & Lilly Anderson-Messec Science Committee Report - Paul Schmalzer Finance/Treasury Report - Ann Redmond & Chris Moran Landscaping Committee Report - Natalia Manrique & Charles LaGreca Conference Committee Report - Athena Philips Awards - Mark Kateli & ...

Join A Community of Native Plant Nerds! Join your local chapter to learn about Florida native plants and ecosystems in monthly meetings, and get hands-on experience with local field trips, hikes, plant sales, plant rescues, and more.  We have 33 chapters across the state - find one closest to you:  https://www.fnps.org/chapters/chapters Help Florida’s ecosystems by volunteering for local and statewide science and conservation projects organized through FNPS. Learn about Plants, Ecology and Conservation! Enjoy our quarterly magazine, the Palmetto, filled with in-depth articles on native plants, gardening, conservation of native habitats, and rare native plants. Our bi-monthly newsletter, the Sabal minor, will help you stay up to date on FNPS news and activities. Watch our Friday Lunch and Learn livestreams on Florida native plant topics. Our Social Media provides a constant stream of education about native plants and ecology. Learn about local conservation and policy issues and...

This policy statement was prepared by the Florida Native Plant Society's Science Committee and is endorsed by the Florida Wildflower Foundation and the Florida Association of Native Nurseries. The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) supports the conservation of native plants and native plant communities. FNPS makes decisions and policy recommendations on the best available scientific information. Recommendations may change with time and circumstances as new information becomes available. Native insects, including pollinators, are critical components of native ecosystems. It is widely recognized that insect populations are in decline. The monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ) is a charismatic insect, whose unique migration attracts much attention. Recently, a controversy regarding monarch butterflies and milkweeds in Florida has raised concerns. Claims that native milkweeds planted in yards and gardens or even those growing in natural areas are damaging to monarch populations are n...

Photo of Blushing Scrub Balm / Dicerandra modesta by Valerie Anderson. Meet the scrub mints, some of Florida's most endangered plants. With over half of the 24 known species facing threats of endangerment at state or federal levels, these botanical wonders are struggling to survive amidst climate change, rapid human development, and agricultural expansion. In a groundbreaking study with funding assistance from FNPS, researcher Andre Naranjo and colleagues analysis of a distinct DNA marker suggests that some species, like the Titusville balm, may have been overlooked for federal protection due to taxonomic technicalities. Scrutinizing the evolutionary history of scrub mints, Naranjo and his team unveil a story of resilience amidst tumultuous environmental changes. Originating during the Pliocene era, these plants moved into the southern Florida peninsula as the land emerged from the sea. Yet, their existence is now imperiled by modern threats including development, climate change, a...

A newly published study of lupines in Florida names three new species, all of which are endemic. The rigorous, exhaustive study also raises the rank of one species variation to the species level, a move that may help conservation efforts to protect the species. Authors Edwin Bridges and Steve Orzell focused on the unifoliate group of the genus Lupinus in Florida for their study published in Phytoneuron . (Unifoliate species have a type of compound leaf that consists of a single leaflet.) This unifoliate-leaved group is also known to be a clade, meaning its members share a common ancestor. Bridges and Orzell obtained DNA sequencing data of the unifoliate Florida clade of Lupinus using RADseq, short for restriction-site DNA sequencing. RADseq is a relatively new, cost-effective technology that allows for comparisons of populations at the genetic level. The researchers combined their genetic data with morphologic, geographic and ecologic data — an approach known as “integrative taxonomy” ...

We are nearing the time of year when we elect our Officers and Board of Directors. As members of the 2024 Nominating Committee, we encourage you to nominate yourself. You can also nominate others if they agree that they want to run. Nominees must be FNPS members. We are extremely interested in individuals who are organized, motivated, and share our vision of a future where people have greater knowledge of and appreciation for Florida’s natural environment. This year FNPS will be electing a President , Vice President for Finance , a Secretary , and two (2) Directors .   See the Standard Operating Procedures for FNPS Officers in the Handbook for more information. The President is the principal officer representing FNPS, the president shall (1) preside at all meetings of and make reports to members and the Board, (2) acting as the organization's CEO, have general supervision of FNPS affairs, and (3) perform all such other duties that are either incidental to the office or deleg...

It’s No Mow Monday! This is our spring series on the native plants that are often considered “weeds” but can play an important ecological role in the urban landscape if allowed to grow. These early spring wildflowers provide nectar and pollen to native bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Blue Toadflax / Linaria canadensis in bloom on a roadside in urban Orange County. Photo by Mary Keim. Today we are highlighting Linaria canadensis , Blue Toadflax. While neither particularly blue nor a member of the flax / Linaceae family, this lithe wildflower has delicate, bumpy flowers that are attractive to smaller butterflies and bees. Its small lavender and white flowers start blooming from top to bottom in February and March with the ornamental golden seedheads blowing in the breezes now. Blue Toadflax is found throughout Florida and is a common volunteer in lawns and roadsides, as well as in intact native habitats. Blue Toadflax / Linaria canadensis at the Orlando Wetlands Park. P...