Brazilian Pepper Tree

Common Names: Brazilian Pepper, Florida Holly
Botanical Name: Schinus terebinthifolia

Description:
Brazilian pepper tree is an invasive evergreen shrub or small tree introduced from South America. It forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation. Glossy compound leaves and clusters of bright red berries make it visually striking, but it disrupts native ecosystems, particularly in coastal and disturbed areas.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Schinus

Species: Schinus terebinthifolia – Brazilian Pepper Tree

︎

Little Bluestem

Common Names: Little Bluestem
Botanical Name: Schizachyrium scoparium

Description:
Little bluestem is a native warm-season grass common in sandy soils and coastal uplands. It forms upright clumps with blue-green blades that turn copper and rust tones in fall. It provides habitat for insects and birds and is well adapted to drought and poor soils.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Schizachyrium
Species: Schizachyrium scoparium – Little Bluestem

︎

Common Blanket Flower

Common Names: Common Blanket Flower, Indian Blanket
Botanical Name: Gaillardia pulchella

Description:
Common blanket flower is a native wildflower found in sandy coastal soils and open fields. It produces bright red and yellow daisy-like blooms and is tolerant of heat, drought, and salt exposure. It attracts pollinators and contributes seasonal color to coastal landscapes.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Gaillardia
Species: Gaillardia pulchella – Common Blanket Flower

Lesser Swine Cress

Common Names: Lesser Swine Cress
Botanical Name: Lepidium didymum

Description:
Lesser swine cress is a low-growing herb found in disturbed soils, lawns, and pathways. It spreads close to the ground with finely divided leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by rounded seed pods. It is often considered a weed but thrives in compacted coastal and urban environments.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Lepidium
Species: Lepidium didymum – Lesser Swine Cresse

︎

Wax Myrtle

Common Names: Wax Myrtle, Southern Bayberry
Botanical Name: Morella cerifera

Description:
Wax myrtle is a fast-growing native shrub or small tree found in coastal and wetland areas. It has aromatic leaves and produces small blue-gray berries that provide food for birds. It tolerates salt spray and poor soils and is often used in restoration and landscaping.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fagales
Family: Myricaceae
Genus: Morella
Species: Morella cerifera – Wax Myrtle

︎

Deergrass

Common Names: Deergrass
Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia capillaris

Description:
Deergrass (often called pink muhly grass) is a native ornamental grass found in sandy coastal habitats. It forms fine-textured clumps and produces airy pink to purple flower plumes in fall. It is drought-tolerant and supports pollinators and small wildlife.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Muhlenbergia
Species: Muhlenbergia capillaris – Deergrass

Swamp Titi

Common Names: Swamp Titi
Botanical Name: Cyrilla racemiflora

Description:
Swamp titi is a native evergreen shrub or small tree found in wetlands and along freshwater margins. It produces slender, drooping clusters of small white flowers in late spring to early summer. It thrives in saturated soils and contributes to wetland structure and habitat.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ericales
Family: Cyrillaceae
Genus: Cyrilla
Species: Cyrilla racemiflora – Swamp Titi

︎

Southern Live Oak

Common Names: Southern Live Oak
Botanical Name: Quercus virginiana

Description:
Southern live oak is a large, long-lived native tree common in coastal landscapes. It has a broad, spreading canopy with thick, horizontal branches and evergreen leaves. Often draped with Spanish moss, it provides shade, wildlife habitat, and structural presence in hammocks and developed areas alike.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fagales
Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Quercus
Species: Quercus virginiana – Southern Live Oak