Native Yellow Daisies
The daisy family is full of cheerful flowers suitable for Florida landscapes.
In Florida, there are hundreds of species in the Asteraceae family (commonly called asters), many of which are native. We have compiled a list of shining daisy-like flowers in this family that not only are native, but also make great pollinator-friendly plants with vibrant personalities.
Swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) is widespread along the eastern United States, growing from New York down to Florida and across to Texas. This native herbaceous perennial is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 10. Its showy, golden-yellow flowers appear in late summer or fall and attract pollinators and songbirds. Swamp sunflower grows 2-6 feet tall and needs full sun for the best results. In shady spots, it becomes leggy and produces less flowers. As hinted in the name, it prefers moist conditions, but it can grow in drier soil if adequate water is provided.
Charming beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) is popular for its frequent blooms that resemble miniature versions of the classic sunflower. The 3-inch flowers attract different species of butterflies and bees, making it a perfect option for a pollinator garden. This native groundcover reaches 2 to 4 feet high and is suitable for hardiness zones 8b to 10. It acts as a perennial except in areas that experience freezes, where the plant might die back and then reseed. Once established, the beach sunflower is quite drought tolerant and only needs occasional irrigation. Its salt tolerance makes it an ideal groundcover for coastal areas.
The entire genus Coreopsis is designated as Florida’s state wildflower. It’s easy to see why, with its multiple Florida natives that feature bright, striking flowers. Two popular choices for home gardeners are C. lanceolata and C. leavenworthii. These perennials thrive in hardiness zones 8b to 11, preferably in full sun with well-drained soil. Their golden flowers attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators, and their seeds provide food for birds. They are short-lived plants, generally lasting 3-4 months, but they will reseed themselves.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) dazzles gardeners with its floral display, characterized by red, orange, yellow or golden petals and brown centers. This native is both salt and drought tolerant with a preference for sunny, well-drained locations. It grows as a clumping mound that reaches 2-3 feet in height. Blooms of the black-eyed Susan can be seen during summer and fall; just be sure to remove dead flower heads to prolong blooming (a method called “deadheading”). This plant can even be enjoyed in the home in cut-flower arrangements. This outstanding aster can be grown throughout Florida and works well as a mass planting or border. Like many other daisy flowers, it attracts pollinators and birds.
Cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is a tall flowering plant reaching 3-6 feet, perfect as a background specimen or against a fence. This long-lived perennial has showy, yellow flowers known for their gracefully arching petals. Deadheading can prolong the blooming period, which ranges from July to September. Cutleaf coneflower is mainly suitable for growing in North Florida (down to hardiness zone 9b), with a preference for full or part sun. Bumble bees and butterflies are attracted to its blooms, while small birds feed on its seeds. This herbaceous plant even serves as the larval host for the silvery checkerspot, a North American butterfly that only rarely reaches as far south as the Panhandle.
If you’re looking for some sunny flowers, then these asters might be just the ticket. Take stock of your site conditions and match them up with one or more daisy-like beauties. For more information about planting in your area reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office.