A Woodland Wildflower Garden (Part 3)

In the butterfly garden, we have a small patch of garden for which we have been struggling to find a theme. We finally decided to turn this little corner into a bed for wildflowers gathered from MOSI’s grounds and backwoods. Often overlooked and sometimes considered weeds even when they’re native, these tiny flowers are easy to miss. Up close, they each have their own special charms, and butterflies often agree. This three-part series looks at the wildflowers we’ve added to this woodland bed; for more details on individual wildflowers, click the links.  

Narrowleaf Yellowtop (Flaveria linearis) is native to coastal south Florida, and is listed as being hardy to zone 10a. Our area is right on the border between 9b and 10a, and we find that Yellowtop does just fine here. Even if it’s killed to the ground in a freeze, it will reseed and return with warmer weather. A fairly tall leggy plant topped with clusters of tiny yellow flowers, Yellowtop is a great nectar plant for small butterflies and pollinators. Find it at native plant nurseries, especially further south in the state.

Violet Wood Sorrel (Oxalis violacea) is often mistaken for clover or shamrocks (which are native to Europe). However, they are entirely different plants not even from the same family – Oxalis is part of the woodsorrel family, Oxalidaceae. Regardless of its botanical classification, Violet Wood Sorrel grows from small bulblets which will multiply and spread over time. It loves the partial sun of the woodlands, and does best in fairly dry soils. The violet-pink blooms appear in spring and are delicately detailed. Oxalis bulbs are fairly readily available for sale, although those you find in stores may be a hybridized variety for better growth habit.

Toothpetal False Reinorchid (Habenaria floribunda) is easy to miss, but worth seeking out. Also known as Mignonette, this is a true plant of the woodland floor, where it thrives among the leaf litter. Reinorchids form small colonies when left undisturbed, and produce small delicate green flowers in winter. It’s said to have a strong scent (some find it objectionable, while others don’t seem to mind it) at night, when it is believed to be pollinated by male mosquitoes. It is common throughout its native Florida, and may be available at native plant nurseries.

Narrowleaf silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), also known as Grassleaved Goldenaster, is a fall and winter bloomer, but has lovely silvery-green foliage from the time it begins growing in spring, so it’s worth having around all year. Native to sandhills more than woodlands, Narrowleaf Silkgrass likes dry, sunny, sandy spots, so we placed it on the sunny south side of the bed where it should slowly spread throughout the open spaces. It may be available for sale at native plant nurseries.

NOTE: Nearly all of the plants in our woodland wildflower garden are native, but we do have a few non-native species, carefully monitored and thoughtfully chosen as noted below.

Green Shrimp Plant (Blechum pyrimadatum), also known by the common names of Wild Hops and Browne’s Blechum, is a host plant for Malachite, White Peacock and Buckeye butterflies. This plant is generally considered to be a non-native that has naturalized in the southern portion of the state, and has a potentially invasive status. You’ll find this plant for sale along with Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeana), but you may want to use your own best judgment on whether to add a potentially invasive species to your yard. Our small patch already exists, so we plan to maintain it carefully to keep its spread in check.

Narrow-Leaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is one of about 200 species of inconspicuous grass-like plants common to disturbed areas like roadsides and yards. It is native to Europe but widely naturalized in the U.S., where it is only considered a problem species for those who don’t like it invading their lawns. Often the wide blades of this plant can be spotted in a lawn before the rest of the grasses come to life after a long winter. This plant is a host for Common Buckeyes and Painted Lady butterflies, along with native plantains like Plantago virginica. Considering its “weedy” status, you’re not likely to find it for sale, but you may find some poking up in your lawn!

West Indian Sage (Salvia occidentalis) is another common non-native “weed”, but as far as we’re concerned, the fact that it belongs to the salvia family means it’s always welcome in the butterfly garden! This low-growing salvia often pops up in lawns, remaining unnoticed until it puts on a short spike of blue and white flowers. Many people probably mow right over it, but the little blooms definitely deserve a second look. Look for it in your lawn, as you’re not likely to find it for sale.