Asteraceae

Seaside Goldenrod, Solidago sempervirens

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, and Gabriel Campbell

Calendula officinalis Calendula, Pot Marigold

Edward F. Gilman and Teresa Howe

A hardy annual, from southern Europe, the pot marigold is one of the most reliable cool season annuals. Flowers are single or double and usually yellow or orange. Pot marigold will grow one to two feet tall and require full to partial sun. As an herb the petals are much prized for their coloring and flavor. The colonists used the petals to color butter and cheese and added the dry petals to soup for flavor. In USDA hardiness zones 9b, 10, and 11, Calendula officinalis is generally planted in the fall for winter and spring color.

Borrichia arborescens Silver Sea Oxeye, Tall Sea Oxeye

Edward F. Gilman

The silver sea oxeye is an upright to roundish shrub that grows 2 to 4 feet in height near brackish water (Fig. 1). The leaves of this plant are fleshy, leathery, and gray-green in color. The daisy-like flowers have yellow disks that are larger than its yellow rays; the yellow color of the flower is subtle. Flowers are borne mostly in the spring but some can be seen into the summer. This plant has fruits that are small, sharp, needle-like achenes.

Goldenaster, Chrysopsis

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, and Gabriel Campbell

Seacoast Marshelder, Iva imbricata

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, and Gabriel Campbell

Woody Goldenrod, Chrysoma pauciflosculosa

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, and Gabriel Campbell

Coastalplain Honeycombhead, Balduina angustifolia

Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, Christina Verlinde, and Gabriel Campbell

Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), a herbaceous plant native to Florida. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its height, spread, flower color, and leaf arrangement. The document also covers the plant’s growth requirements, such as light, soil, and water needs, and its uses in landscaping and naturalizing. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s drought tolerance, pest resistance, and potential invasive nature. The document concludes with information on propagation methods and common pests and diseases that may affect the purple coneflower. Original publication date October 1999.

Senecio cineraria Dusty Miller

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

The publication on Senecio cineraria (Dusty Miller) highlights its attractive silver-white, finely divided foliage, which adds visual interest, especially in low light. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and is used in mass plantings, borders, or containers. It prefers full sun or light shade and well-drained soil, with moderate drought tolerance. The plant has no major pest or disease concerns and is typically propagated by seed. The cultivar 'Silver Queen' is noted for its compact, lacy leaves. Original publication date October 1999.

Symphyotrichum laeve: Smooth Aster

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Smooth aster has fine grey-silver leaves and lavender daisy-like flowers that appear in the fall. This plant is excellent for pollinator gardens, natural areas, use in landscape beds, or used as cut flowers.

Tagetes erecta ‘Perfection Yellow’ ‘Perfection Yellow’ Marigold

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Tagetes erecta ‘Perfection Yellow’, commonly known as ‘Perfection Yellow’ marigold. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower colors, which range from yellow to bicolored. The document also covers the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun and well-drained soil, and its susceptibility to pests and diseases. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, including as a border plant and in containers, and offers tips for maintaining its appearance and health. Original publication date October 1999. 

Dahlia spp. Dahlia

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides comprehensive information on the cultivation and care of dahlias. It covers the ideal soil conditions, planting times, and maintenance practices to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms. The text also details the various pests and diseases that can affect dahlias, along with methods for propagation and overwintering. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower colors, making it a valuable resource for gardeners and horticulturists.  Original publication date October 1999.

Gazania spp. Gazania

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Gazania, a perennial plant often grown as an annual, known for its bright, daisy-like flowers in yellow, orange, or red. Gazania thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it suitable for rock gardens and erosion control. The plant grows 6 to 12 inches tall with blueish foliage and requires well-drained soil to prevent disease. It is highly drought-tolerant and has minimal pest issues. Gazania is not native to North America and is somewhat available, though it may require sourcing from outside the region. The document details its planting months, growth habits, and care requirements, emphasizing its ornamental value and resilience in various soil types.

Tong Hao—an Asian Vegetable Expanding in Florida

Guodong Liu, Qingren Wang, Bonnie Wells, Yuncong Li, and David Dinkins

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Pityopsis - Silkgrasses

Gage Lapierre, Michael Andreu, and Jazz Griffis

The genus Pityopsis, the silkgrasses, are perennial forbs that look like grass with silky, silver hairs. Recognizing different species of silkgrass is important for land managers who are striving to restore specific plant communities and for nurseries selling and distributing native plant materials throughout Florida. Academic botanical keys make identification of silkgrass species challenging for those without a botanical background. This publication provides a breakdown of botanical terms used to describe silkgrass species and a guide with pictures and descriptions of various species to aid in differentiating between them. In addition, the publication provides information about phenology, seed harvesting, and propagation for silkgrasses and presents many practical applications for these attractive and useful plants.

Gazania x Harlequin Hybrids Harlequin Hybrids Gazania

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Gazania x Harlequin Hybrids, a perennial plant often grown as an annual. It highlights the plant’s characteristics, including its bright yellow, orange, or red daisy-like flowers, and its suitability for rock gardens and hot, dry areas. The document details the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun and well-drained soil, and its high drought tolerance. Additionally, it discusses the plant’s uses, planting zones, and potential for erosion control, while noting its moderate growth rate and pest resistance. Original publication date October 1999.

Dahlia x 'Figaro Improved' Figaro Improved Dahlia

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides comprehensive information on the cultivation and care of the ‘Figaro Improved’ dahlia. It covers optimal soil conditions, planting times, and spacing requirements for different USDA hardiness zones. The document also details common pests and diseases affecting dahlias, along with their symptoms and control measures. Additionally, it includes propagation methods and general maintenance tips to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Original publication date October 1999.

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sonata White' Sonata White Mexican Aster

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the sensation-type cosmos, specifically the Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sonata White’. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower colors. The document also covers the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun exposure and soil preferences, and discusses its moderate drought tolerance and pest resistance. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping and its propagation methods, primarily through seeds. The document concludes with information on potential pests and diseases that may affect the plant.  Original publication date October 1999.

Zinnia spp. Zinnia

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document is about the Zinnia spp., commonly known as zinnia. It describes the plant’s various heights (6 inches to 3 feet) and vibrant flower colors (except blue). Zinnias thrive in full sun, tolerate most soils, and are used in mass plantings, containers, and as cut flowers. The document also covers planting guidelines, pest and disease management, and highlights the plant’s fast growth rate and high drought tolerance. Original publication date October, 1999.

Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's Tickseed

Edward F. Gilman, Jeffrey G. Norcini, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Senecio confusus Mexican Flame Vine

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

The publication on Senecio confusus (Mexican Flame Vine) describes it as a fast-growing, evergreen vine with dark green, coarsely toothed leaves and bright orange-red daisy-like flowers. Ideal for covering fences, trellises, or cascading down walls, it blooms mostly in spring and summer. This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates various soils, though it is susceptible to pests like nematodes and caterpillars. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and the 'Sao Paulo' cultivar offers deeper orange flowers. Original publication date October, 1999.

Exacum affine Persian Violet, German Violet

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the German violet (Exacum affine), a 6 to 12 inch tall annual known for its blue flowers and shiny green foliage. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its dense, rounded habit, slow growth rate, and fine texture. The German violet thrives in partial shade with well-drained, light soil, and requires moderate fertilization and watering. It is not native to North America and is somewhat available, though it may require sourcing from outside the region. The document also highlights potential issues such as gray mold and broad mites, and offers guidance on propagation by seed. Original publication date October 1999.

Gomphrena globosa Common Globe Amaranth

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the common globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), detailing its characteristics, planting requirements, and uses. The plant is described as an annual with globe-shaped flowers in various colors, commonly used in mass plantings, rock gardens, and containers. It thrives in full sun and moderately dry soil, showing resistance to heat and minimal pest issues. The document also outlines its growth habits, including height, spread, and leaf arrangement, and notes its availability and non-invasive status. Propagation is typically by seed, and the plant is noted for its drought tolerance and suitability for areas with limited irrigation. Original publication date October 1999.

Gazania x 'Bronze Red' Bronze Red Gazania

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a concise summary of the ‘Prostrata’ or trailing gardenia, a dwarf cultivar of Gardenia jasminoides. It outlines the plant’s growth habit as a ground cover, its height and spread, and its ornamental features, including leaf and flower descriptions. The text discusses the plant’s environmental preferences, such as soil and light requirements, and notes its moderate drought tolerance. It also mentions the susceptibility to pests and methods of propagation, emphasizing the trailing gardenia’s versatility in various landscape applications. The abstract is designed for presentation on a journal website, offering a snapshot of the plant’s characteristics and cultivation information. Original publication date October 1999.

Yacon, a Potential Tuberous Crop for Florida

Sergio Marcelo Gutierrez Laredo, Jianjun Chen, and Guodong Liu

The purpose of this article is to introduce yacon as a potential crop to Florida growers and the Extension community by providing information on its propagation, production, and utilization as well as nutritional value. It is anticipated that the availability of such information will support the establishment of yacon as a higher-value crop and promote yacon production and utilization in Florida. Written by Sergio Marcelo Gutierrez Laredo, Jianjun Chen, and Guodong Liu, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 5 pp.

Tagetes tenuifolia Signet, Signet Marigold

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Tagetes tenuifolia, commonly known as Signet Marigold. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower colors, which range from yellow to bicolored. The document also discusses the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun and well-drained soil, and its susceptibility to pests and diseases. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, including as an edging plant and in containers, and offers tips for maintaining its appearance and health. Publication date: October, 1999.

Euryops chrysanthemoides African Bush Daisy, Bull's Eye, Bush Daisy

Edward F. Gilman, Linda Landrum, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the African bush daisy (Euryops chrysanthemoides), detailing its characteristics, growth requirements, and uses. The plant is a perennial shrub native to Africa, known for its bright yellow flowers and fern-like leaves. It thrives in full sun and various soil types, with moderate drought tolerance. The African bush daisy is suitable for mass planting, borders, and containers, attracting butterflies and requiring occasional clipping for dense growth. It is somewhat available and can be propagated by seed, with nematodes being the primary pest concern. Original publication date October 1999.

Garberia heterophylla Garberia

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed description of Garberia heterophylla, a low shrub native to Florida. It highlights the plant’s distinctive features, including its grayish foliage, lavender pink flowers, and obovate leaves. The shrub is noted for its drought tolerance, preference for acidic soils, and ability to attract butterflies. It is suitable for use in reclamation projects, borders, and mass plantings. The document also covers the plant’s growth habits, soil and light requirements, and pest resistance, emphasizing its utility and aesthetic appeal in landscaping. Original publication date October 1999.

Coreopsis spp.Tickseed, Coreopsis

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Coreopsis spp., commonly known as tickseed or coreopsis. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its bright green leaves, colorful flowers, and upright growth habit. The document also covers the plant’s general information, such as its scientific name, common names, family, and USDA hardiness zones. Additionally, it discusses the plant’s uses, planting requirements, growth habits, and potential pests and diseases. The document emphasizes the plant’s suitability for sunny locations with well-drained soils and highlights its attractiveness to butterflies. Original publication date October 1999.

Dendranthema x grandiflora Garden Mum, Garden Chrysanthemum

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of Dendranthema x grandiflora, commonly known as garden mum or garden chrysanthemum. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower colors. The document also outlines the plant’s growing conditions, such as its preferred light, soil types, and hardiness zones. Additionally, it covers the plant’s uses in landscaping, propagation methods, and pest resistance. The garden mum is noted for its ornamental features and its ability to attract butterflies. Original publication date October 1999.

Centratherum punctatum: Brazilian Buttonflower, Bachelor’s Button, Larkdaisy

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, Ryan Klein, and Sydney Park Brown

Brazilian buttonflower is an herbaceous perennial with a spreading growth form, coarsely toothed leaves, and fluffy button-like lavender flowers. It is well suited as a groundcover and cascades when planting near a wall.

Helianthus annuus 'Sonja' Sonja Sunflower

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the ‘Sonja’ sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Sonja’), a short-lived annual plant known for its large, striking flowers. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower size, as well as its growing conditions and pest resistance. The document also compares ‘Sonja’ with other sunflower cultivars like ‘Valentine’, ‘Floristan’, and ‘Hallo’, highlighting their differences in appearance and susceptibility to pests. Additionally, it offers practical information on planting and maintaining sunflowers in Florida, emphasizing their seasonal growth patterns and potential uses in landscaping. Original publication date October 1999.

Helianthus debilis Beach Sunflower

Edward F. Gilman, Sydney Park-Brown, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), a perennial plant native to Florida. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its small, sunflower-like flower heads, dark green deltoid leaves, and dense, spreading habit. The beach sunflower is noted for its high drought and salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal areas. It is commonly used as ground cover and attracts butterflies. The document also outlines the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun and well-drained sandy soils, and highlights its minimal pest issues and various cultivars. Original publication date October 1999.

Rudbeckia hirta Blackeyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), detailing its characteristics, planting requirements, and care. It describes the plant’s appearance, including its height, spread, and flower colors, and offers guidance on optimal growing conditions such as soil type, light requirements, and drought tolerance. The document also addresses potential pests and diseases that may affect the plant, along with propagation methods. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping and its availability in various cultivars. Original publication date October 1999.

Aster spp.: Aster

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Claire Lewis, Tom Wichman, Gail Hansen, and Ryan Klein

Aster is a herbaceous perennial with clusters of white, purple, lavender, pink or red flowers that have a star-like appearance. This plant is suited for mass plantings, edging, pollinator gardens, or flower arrangements.