Wildflowers, Shrubs and Trees

A wide variety of plant life can be seen along the two trails at the Ridge Audubon Center.  Trees include longleaf and sand pines, a number of oak species, and an assortment of palms and palmettos.  It is inspiring to see how many beautiful wildflowers grow in sand in the hot sun, watered only by rainfall. Click or tap the thumbnails for a larger photo.

 

Chionanthus pygmaeus

This unusual tree can be seen on the Lake Trail: a rare Pygmy Fringe-tree

 

 

 

Sisyrinchium xerophyllum

 

 

 

 

Asclepias humistrata

This milkweed is native to the area, surviving in the sand by putting down a deep taproot.  Shown here in bloom.  Also called Sandhill Milkweed, it is a larval host for Monarch and Queen butterflies.

 

 

 

Asclepias humistrata

Gone to seed, pods bursting open.

 

 

 

Myrcianthes fragrans

Also called Twinberry.

 

 

 

Asclepias tuberosa

Also called Butterfly Weed or Pleurisy-root

 

 

 

Helianthus debilis

 

 

 

 

Polygonella robusta

 

 

 

 

Yucca filamentosa

A trunkless yucca found in sandhills, scrub, and pine flatwoods.

 

 

 

Cnidoscolus stimulosus

Also called Tread-softly or Finger-rot, this pretty flower has stems and leaves with nasty thorns. Do not touch!

 

 

 

Opuntia humifusa

This native cactus produces edible fruits, and is a host plant for the cochineal, a scale insect which produces a deep red color used as a dye.  More information here.

 

 

 

Berlandiera subacaulis

Florida Greeneyes has a green-centered daisy flower when the bloom is young.

 

 

 

Liatris Gracilis

Also called Slender Gayfeather, this perennial grows in many places on our trail.

 

 

 

 Lupinus diffusus

 

 

 

 

Polanisia tenuifolia

Also calles Slender Clammyweed.