Button Sage

Last spring we were pleased to be able to add some Button Sage to the Historic Tree Grove, since this native lantana species is easy to grow and great for pollinators. These shrubs put on plenty of growth over the rainy summer months, and even now continue to be covered in tiny pinkish-white flowers and small purple berries.

Button Sage is native to coastal areas of Central and South Florida, and can be grown in zones 8 and higher. It may suffer some cold damage in northern areas, but its relatively quick growth habit means it will recover quickly in spring. It can tolerate dry soil once established, making it easy to care for. The fragrant flower clusters appear all year long, and draw pollinators including butterflies and bees. The purple berries that follow are eaten by birds, who then help spread the seeds in their droppings.

The common name "Button Sage" comes from the sage-like odor of the leaves when crushed, but this shrub is actually a native lantana species - Lantana involucrata. Lantana of all kinds are one of the best butterfly nectar plants out there. Unfortunately, the most common species sold is Lantana camara, which has become invasive in Florida. L. camara quickly escaped cultivation in Florida and has hybridized with our native Lantana depressa to the point that the Florida Association of Native Nurseries no longer recognizes L. depressa as a true native. (Learn more about the lantana debate here.)

The result is that Lantana involucrata is the only true Florida native lantana available for sale. You'll have to go to native plant nurseries to seek it out, because it's not as showy as its more commonly-sold cousin. But this native is easy to grow, has a lovely fragrance, and draws pollinators. It deserves a place in Florida native and wildflower gardens. We purchased ours from Sweet Bay Nursery in Parrish, which sells to the public as well. Visit their website to learn more.