What's in Bloom
May 2009
Fringed Bluestar (Amsonia ciliata)
This wildflower, a clump-forming perennial native to Florida, is a good landscape plant for sunny, dry, sandy sites throughout much of the state. It is one of the few native wildflowers with true blue flowers, but its availability is extremely limited. It is generally found in sandy soils, such as our sandhills. Look now for terminal clusters of star-like, light blue flowers atop generally erect stems clad with narrow, almost needle-like, green leaves.
The Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea)
The Coral bean, also known as the Cherokee bean, is a flowering shrub found throughout the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It can reach up to 15 feet in areas that do not kill it back by freezing. Its leaves are shaped like arrowheads, and its bark is smooth.It blooms from blooms from March to June; you will see bright red long clusters, each flower being around 2.0 in long. Flowers are followed by pods containing bright red seeds (from which the tree gets its name), which are poisonous enough to have been used in the past as a rat poison.
The coral bean grows in pinelands, hammocks, and disturbed areas. Within its natural range it can readily be grown in gardens. Although its use in gardens is not particularly common, it is popular among those who do grow it as a source of early season color, for its hardiness, and because it attracts hummingbirds.
Despite the toxic nature of its fruit, Native American people had many medicinal uses for this plant, varying between nations and localities. Creek women used an infusion of the root for bowel pain in women; the Choctaw used a decoction of the leaves as a general tonic; the Seminole used an extract of the roots for digestive problems, and extracts of the seeds, or of the inner bark, as an external rub for rheumatic disorders.
Native Wild Petunia
(Ruellia caroliniensis)
Found throughout Florida’s flatwoods, sandhills, and hammocks, our most
common native wild petunia, sometimes called Carolina petunia, is a lovely
flowering perennial for woodland gardens and planted flowerbeds. This
drought-tolerant native adapts well to all soil conditions, full sun or partial shade, and is an excellent replacement for impatiens.
The plant generally ranges from 6-16" high, but there may be some variability
across the state. The short-lived delicate flowers last no more than a day (sometimes just a morning), but new ones appear daily through the blooming season
(spring-summer). Blossom color ranges from a strong to pale lavender, with
white forms occasional.
Wild petunia will seed in the garden but is not invasive. This plant is an occasional host for the common buckeye butterfly. Other
native wild petunias that may be rarely seen in native plant nurseries include Ruellia ciliosa,
naturally occurring in Central and North Florida sandhills, and Ruellia succulent, found in South Florida rocky pinelands. Generally not available are
Ruellia noctiflora, an extremely rare native of wet flatwoods and bogs in North
Florida and the central Panhandle, and Ruellia pedunculata, another rare native
of wet flatwoods and bogs in a few North Florida counties
Miss last month's news? You can scan history from our archives.
Upcoming Programs
June 1
Sandhills
Mary Barnwell
July 13
Garden Party and Plant Auction!
Conservation Corner
Keep Up with What They're Up To in Tallahassee
– Cindy Liberton
If you've been getting the FNPS Action Alerts, you know that we've been on a rollar coaster concerning Florida Forever.
As the budget debates continue, the future of funding for environmental issues changes day by day.
You can follow along with expert analysis on
Bruce Ritchie's blog, FloridaEnvironments.com. Articles appearing here relate specifically legislative action on environmental issues. Top posts include SFWMD purchase of US Sugar Corp. land, Stimulus Package dollars for Everglades Restoration, and of course, on the future of Florida Forever.
Bruce Ritchie has covered Florida growth and environmental issues since 1993. He previously was a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, the Gainesville Sun and the Florida Times-Union. He is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists.
Sabal minor E-news
Are you getting your Sabal minor on-line? If not, the Society may not have your correct e-mail address. Please send it to info@fnps.org to keep up with all the FNPS organizational news. You can also get the Sabal minor on-line, in pdf and expanded web page format.
Give a gift that keeps on giving by purchasing a FNPS gift membership for only $25.00. For a membership form, visit http://www.fnps.org
Monthly Meeting & Program
Always Learning: Enhancing Your Field Trips
Paul Eisenbrown, Tarflower Chapter FNPS, Orlando
Monday May 4, 2009
Fieldtrips allow learning in the company of fellow outdoors enthusiasts.
Hernando County and its neighbors are blessed with an abundance of public lands upon which to wander and encounter native flora. It is important to visit a site in different seasons to experience the full season of bloom.
Field trips, especially in the Florida's cooler months, are wonderful ways to learn about nature in the company of those with common interests. Our speaker, through experience leading field trips for the Florida Native Plant Society, has developed a process for those seeking to learn plants in their natural settings. This program will share strategies to make each field trip contribute your knowledge of the real Florida.
"I have always loved the outdoors," says Paul, "at first as a hiker. While leading hikes people would ask about the plants, particularly the flowers, about which I knew nothing. So I started learning as much as I could. Joining the Florida Native Plant Society and going on field trips has provided me with one of the best ways to learn. There is a wealth of knowledge among the members that makes the learning process easier." Eventually Paul volunteered to lead field trips and through this experiencehe put together a program to help those that really want to learn their plants. By following through on basic tips, and getting out as often as possible, you can learn to identifyplants that don't always look like the pictures in the field guides. Paul also enjoys reading about Florida history, which helps him appreciate the places he visits.
Monthly meetings and programs of the Hernando Chapter are held on the first Monday of the month, and are open to the public, free of charge. Meetings are held at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Office – 19490 Oliver Street (next to the County Fairgrounds) in Brooksville. We gather for delicious food and fellowship at 6:30pm, meeting and program starts at 7:00pm. For more information about this program or the Florida Native Plant Society, contact the Hernando Chapter Board at hcfnps@gmail.com.
Society News & Resources
You Can Join FNPS On-line
You can now join, renew, donate or give gift memberships on at http://www.fnps.org. You'll see big friendly buttons on the upper left of the Society's homepage.
29th Annual Florida Native Plant Society Conference
May 21-24, 2009
West Palm Beach, Florida
Hosted by the Palm Beach County & Cocoplum Chapters
You know you want to go! You can still register on-line.
Highlights include keynote speaker, Doug Tallamy, Professor and Chair of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. His new book Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens explores why we need biodiversity, and how change in landscape paradigms can preserve biodiversity and create sustainable suburban ecosystems. Dan Austin will also give a keynote address, Plants and People – From Swamps to Deserts, addressing plants shared between Florida and the Southwestern US.
Of particular importance is the Status of Conservation in Florida Panel Discussion with Greg Brock, Florida DEP, Richard Hisenbeck, TNC, Tom Hoctor, UF, Reed Noss, UCF, and Jon Oetting, FNAI will be moderated by FNPS President, Gene Kelly.
The purpose of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Annual Conference is to provide educational programs to Society members and the general public about the preservation, conservation and restoration of Florida native plants and their associated plant communities. The conference provides presentations of interest to homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, nature lovers, teachers, students, environmental consultants, researchers and community planners. Vendors will be on hand with native plants and nature-related art for the discerning shopper.
Retail Plant Day at All Native Flora – May 2
Stock up on trees, shrubs, wildflowers, palms, cycads, grasses for your spring landscape projects! Below retail pricing and additional deep discounts will be available this day only. The plant sale will take place at the Wesley Chapel nursery at 33601 Kiefer Road from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Hiking Hernando in the Cool Mornings of May
Compiled from public sources by Cindy Liberton
The leaves are out on the hickories, the insects aren't too prevalent yet, and the hot, hot summer isn't quite upon us. It's time to take those hikes or strolls you've been thinking about. The purpose of this article is to provide instant access to the resources you need to plan your route. Now get out there!
In Hernando County, no matter where you live, you’re not far from conservation lands and parks. Vast tracts of public land have been preserved in Hernando County, by one count, 234,000 acres of mainly natural areas. These include the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Chinsegut Hill preserves, Withlacoochee State Forest, Weeki Wachee Preserve, and the PK Ranch. The County has also purchased properties with natural assets, such as such the Cypress Lakes Preserve and Fickett Hammock, where trails offer access to a variety of plant species.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Starting in the east, and bordered on the west by the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and in the midst of one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, the 33,919-acre Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area is part of a nearly unbroken crescent of protected public lands stretching 200 miles from Pasco County to the Apalachicola River. Here you can hike along trails through rare sandhill and scrub communities.
From the Indigo Road/Swamp Grade Trailhead are two marked trails through flatwoods, sandhills, cypress domes, and scrub. More adventuresome hikers may choose to explore the miles of trams through the hardwood swamp. At the Weeki Wachee tract there are a series of trails winding through the scrub. You can download and print a PDF of the Chassahowitzka Trail Guide or pick one up at the trail head.
Weekiwachee Preserve
The Weekiwachee Preserve is part of a regional system of conservation lands that extends up to Crystal River Buffer Preserve, preserving the southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in western Florida. The preserve provides a rich mosaic of habitats including several miles of Weeki Wachee River frontage, portions of the Mud River, dense hardwood swamps, fresh and saltwater marshes, and pine-covered sandhills. The preserve is best known for its Florida black bear population. The bears are shy, elusive and pose no threat to people, spending most of their time deep within the swamp.
Enter on foot or bicycle from Shoal Line or Osowaw Boulevard access points. On second Saturday of each month, visitors may drive into preserve through the Osowaw Boulevard entrance and park at end of paved road. Click here to download map.
The preserve offers a 5.5-mile interpretive trail and paved road, and 4.3 miles of marked, scenic woods roads. Compass and topographical map recommended for cross-country travelers. Interpretive guide books available at three locations on trail.
Withlacoochee State Forest
Withlacoochee State Forest is currently the second largest state forest in Florida and is divided into eight distinct tracts of land. The size and diversity of Withlacoochee State Forest provides visitors with a variety of natural communities, wildlife and recreation activities to enjoy.
Withlacoochee State Forest has 3 nature trails, 99 miles of hiking trails, over 65 miles of horse trails, over 40 miles of off-road bicycle trails, and 8 miles of multi-use trails. Several hiking trails follow the Withlacoochee and Little Withlacoochee Rivers with each trail exhibiting it's own characteristics depending on the terrain and vegetation. There are several trails on Withlacoochee State Forest that are included in the Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Program. Information on the Trailwalker Program is available at trailheads, the Visitors Center or by telephoning 850/414-0871.
McKethan Lake
The McKethan Lake Nature Trail, a two mile nature trail around the lake offers visitors a chance to view frequently spotted wildlife such as white-tailed deer, hawks and owls. There are four species of southern pine: longleaf, slash, loblolly and sand. To reach the park, drive north from Brooksville on Hiway 41 past the forestry office. There are three pavilions, numerous picnic tables and a nature trail all nestled around the lake.
Chinsegut Wildlife & Environmental Area
Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and is the only educational facility operated by the Commission. Located on the Brooksville ridge in Hernando County, Chinsegut WEA consists of the 420-acre Chinsegut Nature Center and the 408-acre Big Pine Tract, the second largest contiguous tract of old-growth longleaf pine in Florida. Click here for map.
Many unique and endangered species that are characteristic of the sandhill community occur on the nature center’s property. These include the federally threatened Eastern Indigo Snake, the Tiger salamanders, which are found no further south than Hernando County, federally threatened short-tailed snake and the seldom-seen pencil-thin snake which is endemic to only Florida. The longleaf pine/turkey oak uplands and the wetland habitat provide a diverse area attractive to many wildlife species and suitable for environmental education. The property also features Mays Prairie, a fine example of Basin Marsh.
Withlacoochee State Park Trail–Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest
The paved Withlacoochee State Park Trail, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks travels through the Croom Tract, center tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The Croom section encompasses 123,241 acres across several counties and is host to may different types of recreational activities such as; hiking, bicycling, off-road motorcycling, hunting, (during winter), freshwater fishing, canoeing, camping, backpacking etc. The 45-mile Withlacoochee State Park Trail extends from Inverness to Trilby, cutting north across Hernando County. It passes through mostly xeric hammock, or sandhill that has degraded into xeric hammock. Visitors to the Ridge Manor Trail Head just east of I-75 on Hiway 50 are in close proximity to a variety of public lands and ecosystems, including the Withlacoochee River, Cypress Lakes Preserve, and the PK Smith Ranch. Click here for map.
Foresty’s Withlacoochee River Parks
Hog Island Recreation Area is located on the east bank of the Withlacoochee River near the community of Nobleton and includes The Hog Island Nature Trail, a Picnic area, fishing, camping, a canoe and boat launch.
Iron Bridge Day Use Area hiking trail provides a good turn-around point for less experienced hikers that start their hike from either Hog Island or River Junction. This area has Picnic area, Hiking, Parking, and a Canoe launch
River Junction Recreation Area is located on the east bank of the Withlacoochee River at the mouth of the Little Withlacoochee River at Silver Lake. This recreation area provides many opportunities for canoe and fishing enthusiasts, including canoeing, Fishing Campground Picnicking, and the Trailhead for the River Trail/Croom Trail which is included in the Division of Forestry's Trailwalker program.
Silver Lake Recreation Area
One of the more popular and easily accessible areas, Silver Lake is approximately 6 miles upriver from Hog Island recreation area and 10 miles from the Nobleton boat ramp/canoe launch sites at the County Road 476 river bridge and the community park located on the north side of CR 476 at the northern terminus of Edgewater Avenue. A 2.8 mile connector trail links the day use area to the main loops of the Croom hiking trails
Trails on Hernando County's Sensitive Lands
Cypress Lake Preserve, S.R. 50 and Ridge Manor Blvd., Ridge Manor, FL 33525
A great place for hiking buffs. With 324 acres and approximately 600' of frontage on the Withlacoochee River, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the walking and hiking trails.
Fickett Hammock Preserve, Enter off Centralia Road before Citrus Way, Brooksville You will appreciate the solitude of this land, located in the northwest part of the county, where you can observe nature on 149 acres in a virtually undisturbed setting.
