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Highlands Today

Autumn Blooms

NOREEN CULLEN/Highlands Today

Seasonal wildflowers such as these Coreopsis are in full bloom along backroads and in fields throughout the Heartland.

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By Noreen Cullen

Published: October 14, 2007

A bounty of seasonal wildflowers can be seen now throughout this Heartland area along backroads and flooded fields. This Florida fall is like a second spring with warm, sunny days and few showers to water the wayside flowers.

Growing singly or in sprays and bouquets across sandy lots, these persistent "weeds" continue to grow and flower in vibrant colors of every hue.

Florida was named centuries ago by the Spanish explorers who were impressed by this land that was covered with wildflowers, as the state's name implies.

Over time, many of those vast areas of flowering plants were replaced by citrus groves, agricultural zones and commercial developments.

Yet the seeds for so many of these native plant species are continually spread by wildlife and the cycle of their growth begins again in many different habitats of an area.

This south-central corridor of Florida contains pine flatwoods, scrublands of desert-like conditions and wetwoods and prairies here in the southern regions of the highlands.

There are specific wildflowers for all of these regions for all of the seasons. There's a predominance of yellow wildflowers in bloom right now.

I was recently looking at a small clearing full of yellow flowers when a troop of five little raccoons walked in single file across the backroad and headed on into that sandy scrub area that was covered with the low-growing shrubs of St. John's Wort in bloom.

The raccoons suddenly disappeared behind the dense mass of plants and all that was visible were their little heads popping up amongst the flourish of bright yellow flowers. It was a charming sight.
These autumn wildflowers provide butterflies and bees with plenty of food and they show us a colorful flower display along roadsides, fencelines and in fields.

The many shades of yellows of the Primroses, Goldenrods, Coreopsis and Fabaceae or bean flowers glow brightly on these sunny days. While the purples and pinks of Blazing Stars, Blue Porterweed, Morning Glorys and Meadow Beautys are scattered around and growing in little clusters through pastures and bordering woodlands.

It's always been a pleasant surprise while walking through the woods to find a little patch of white violets blooming from a muddy swath that wild hogs had dug up a season ago.

While driving, I look to see what wildflowers have grown and flowered where none had been before.
I wonder what force it is that keeps these wild plants continually growing in the harshest of conditions while being cut down, trampled upon or nibbled on by grazing wild animals. These native wildflowers, now commonly referred to as "weeds" contain a powerful seed of life and a tenacious drive to survive.
They always keep their sunny-side up and even bloom on cloudy days.

They are Florida's wild wonders of natural beauty and delicate dance in the subtle breezes and sunshine of this Fall season.

Should you happen to see some of these wildflowers along your way they might even capture you for a moment to brighten your day.

For additional information on Florida's native wildflowers, the Florida Wildflower Foundation has a Web site at www.floridawildflowercouncil.org or write to the Executive Director-Gary L. Henry at 1126 Brandt Dr., Tallahassee, 32308.

The Florida Wildflower Council, established by the Florida Legislature, supports research and planting projects to educate Florida's citizens and visitors about the natural beauty and heritage of the state's native wildflowers.

Enjoy.

Noreen Cullen is a Florida naturalist and photographer and can be reached at ncullenfws@yahoo.com

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