How Many Species of Native Plants Does Florida Have?

Florida is home to an incredible variety of species, including nearly 700 vertebrates, more than 30,000 invertebrates and more than 2,800 species of native plants. According to the Florida Vascular Plant Atlas, there are over 4,200 species of plants that grow outside of cultivation, with nearly 3,000 of them being native. Some popular Florida natives include Beautyberry, Muhly Grass, Coontie, and the Southern Magnolia. These plants can be seen in the landscapes of many homes in the area.\The state has the least fortunate distinction of having a high percentage of its native flora listed as endangered, threatened, or rare.

Fifty-five species are listed as endangered or threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and another 154 species are candidates for inclusion in the list or are considered to be of interest for management. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services lists 528 plant species as endangered or threatened and another 8 as commercially exploited. The Florida Inventory of Natural Areas (FNAI) tracks the status of 479 rare species of plants and lichens.\Florida has several native species of yucca that vary in shape and size, including the varieties of Spanish bayonet, Adam's needle and mound lily. Landscaping with native plants supports the local ecosystem and prevents the spread of invasive non-native species.

Manta flowers can grow anywhere in Florida because they tolerate heat, sandy soils, and high salt levels. In addition to this, pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies can be found in gardens across the state.\The FNAI has produced a Field Guide to Florida's Rare Plants which provides information on the identification, habitat, and management of Florida's rarest plants in a single field-oriented volume. One example is the aguileña wildflower which comes in many colors but species native to Florida have interesting red and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Other low-maintenance plants that make a Florida landscape stunning include gumbo-limbo which is native to South Florida and the Keys and is wind-tolerant enough to withstand frequent hurricanes in the area.