By Johnny Butterflyseed If you’ve spent any time tending a Florida lawn or garden, you’ve likely come across Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle spp.). With its round, shiny leaves resembling silver dollars, it’s often labeled as a nuisance—sprayed, pulled, and cursed. But what if this so-called “weed” is actually a vital part of […]
Let’s be clear: Tropical Milkweed is indeed a Florida-native species within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and above.
If you’ve ever tried to germinate olive tree seeds, you probably understand why most olive “seedlings” sold online are actually propagated from stem cuttings. Olive seed germination is notoriously difficult, thanks to a complex dormancy mechanism and a hard, water-resistant endocarp that protects the seed within. This isn’t a process […]
Whorled Milkweed is one of the many varieties of milkweed that are critical to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus).
A New Measure for Understanding Plant-Pollinator Relationships By Johnny Butterflyseed Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, playing a critical role in the reproduction of countless plant species. From bees and butterflies to beetles and birds, these creatures ensure that plants can produce the seeds and fruits necessary for […]
Bidens Alba, commonly known by several names including Beggarticks, Romerillo, Spanish Needle, and endearingly referred to as “Butterfly Needle,” is a fascinating and widely recognized plant within Florida’s diverse flora. This hardy and prolific species, part of the Asteraceae family, plays a significant role in the local ecosystem, particularly for […]
Quercus geminata, commonly known as the Sand Live Oak, is a prominent feature of the unique dune-like ecosystems of the central Florida Lake Wales Ridge.
The “Neotropical Realm” encompasses a variety of ecosystems and spans across much of South and Central America, as well as parts of the Caribbean and southern North America, including parts of Florida. In terms of USDA Hardiness Zones, Florida includes three zones that fall within the Neotropical Realm. These zones […]