21 Plants Native to the Florida Everglades
Looking to learn more about the beautiful plants that are native to the Florida everglades areas? There are many plants that are native to the area. In this article, we examine 21 different plants that grow naturally in this state. You'll learn about what kind of climate each plant functions best in, so you can decide if you'd like to test your hand at growing one in your state.

Contents
What makes a plant a “native” plant? Native plants have evolved over a long period of time in a given ecosystem (or ecosystems) without human intervention. In this process of evolution, they form complex relationships with other plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. These relationships contribute to the survival of all parties. It just so happens that the Florida Everglades has tons of native plants, due to its interesting ecology.
The Everglades make up 1.5 million acres of wetland in the southern part of the state. According to the United States Geological Survey, the Florida Everglades has nine different primary habitats. These habitats include freshwater sloughs, coastal lowlands, and hardwood hammocks. So what plants are native to the Florida Everglades?
Hardwood hammocks are characterized by thick shade trees with overlapping leaves. Coastal lowlands feature plants that can withstand saltwater and tend to resemble shrubs. Freshwater sloughs are low in elevation but help shape the rivers and marsh many people associate with the Everglades.
Hundreds of plants and trees make their home in the Southern Florida wetlands. This includes 750 Everglades native plants in Florida. Here are 21 of the plants that are native to this region.
Bromeliads

These are a family of plants that typically grow in tropical and subtropical climates. Bromeliads are part of the pineapple family due to their similar appearance. Some bromeliads grow on other nearby plants while others grow from the ground and establish root systems.
The majority of bromeliads present in the Florida Everglades are epiphytic and establish root systems on trees. Bromeliads that tour guides will likely point out are wild pine. Some people refer to these as air plants because they do not need soil to grow.
These plants have a bright green color and tend to grow in groups. Bromeliads can flourish in all types of habitats found in the Everglades. Some varieties are native to the state.
Florida Agave

Commonly referred to as false Sisal or Florida agave, Agave decipiens is endemic to the Everglades. The term endemic refers to a native plant that is only native to this very specific region. Therefore you won’t find this succulent in the wild outside the Everglades.
During periods of drought or inclement conditions, the plant’s leaves store water and nutrients. This is what happens to other cacti and succulent species, giving them a boost during severe weather. Interestingly, though the plant withstands drought, it does well with regular periods of flooding from nearby coastal waters.
Sawgrasses

Officially known as Cladium jamaicense, sawgrass is common in the Everglades and is also native to the area. The plant is quite prevalent, lining much of the waterways and rivers.
If visitors to the park look closely, they’ll notice the top of sawgrass blades resemble sharp teeth. The name of the plant is actually a misnomer, as sawgrass is not considered actual grass.
Muhly Grass

This type of grass tends to grow in the coastal prairie habitats of the Everglades. Locals and visitors will see the grass growing in patches or small groups.
The color of the grass changes to purple during the harvest months. These are actually the flowers. Muhly grass grows to a maximum height of 4 feet.
Lichens

Lichens are either fungi or algae. These species can be seen growing on trees or the roots of trees. Many of them are mistaken for part of the tree or bark. The color and sizes of lichens can vary widely.
For instance, some lichens resemble moss while others look like small lines. Some lichens look like crusted scales that resemble scabs. The National Park Service’s lichen project has pinpointed 550 species growing in the Everglades.
Ladies’ Tresses

Ladies’ tresses fall under the orchid family. These plants typically have white flowers. The stems are long and thin, and the petals are somewhat delicate and small. These orchids can grow and survive in a variety of habitats, including hardwood hammocks.
Ladies’ tresses are one of the terrestrial orchids seen in Florida. Terrestrial orchids can grow in northern and southern climates. However, ladies’ tresses in the Everglades are as far south as they can go.
Butterfly Orchids

Butterfly orchids are also part of the orchid family. This species grows in tropical climates that maintain high humidity and temperature levels. As epiphytes, butterfly orchids live on trees in the Everglades.
During periods of drought, the plant can soak up large amounts of water. The water stays within the roots and stems to sustain the plant’s life until precipitation returns. A butterfly orchid typically consists of 5 open leaves. The center of the flower hangs from the base of the open leaves. A mix of white, yellow, and purple hues is common in the flowers.
Seagrasses

These grasses grow underneath the water and remain there. However, seagrasses do not grow too deep underwater since they also need a reasonable amount of sunlight. Shallow streams and bodies of water in the Everglades often feature seagrasses.
These plants not only provide shelter for other forms of water life but also keep the water clean. Seagrasses look slightly thicker than some of the lawn grasses seen in Florida. These grasses don’t always resemble the look and feel of seaweed but can be easily destroyed by boating activities. This is why boating activities are restricted or banned in various portions of the Everglades.
Coral Bean

The coral bean is one of the wildflowers commonly found in the Everglades, and is also native to the area. True to its name, it is coral in color. The stems or stalks tend to be tall, and the leaves have a tube-like shape.
Although disturbing wildflowers is prohibited in the Everglades, you should know the seeds of the coral bean plant are poisonous. This is something to keep in mind during the fall months when the plant’s pods start to open to reveal the seeds. Coral bean plants can tolerate salt and saltwater and do not need a lot of water once they’re rooted in the soil.
Climbing Aster

These wildflowers can grow more than 12 feet tall! The stems and leaves of the flower are both narrow. Climbing asters are pink and purple in color.
Climbing asters belong to the perennial family. The flower tends to have a small center that looks like a smaller, lighter version of a sunflower’s center. Blooming typically occurs in the fall, although this may differ in subtropical climates like the Everglades.
Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweeds also grow in climates of the southeastern US. The compound blooms contain a cluster of small flowers with a rose and ivory color palette.
These milkweeds attract bees and butterflies. Chief among them is the Monarch butterfly, which relies on the milkweed for survival as it migrates to Mexico each fall. Hummingbirds also flock to them. These flowers tend to establish a deep and extensive root system once they’ve grown. This can make them more difficult to relocate or replant.
Purple Thistle

Purple thistle is another wildflower native to the Everglades. This purple flower is actually considered a weed, but it’s an important plant to the insects of the area. The petals are wire-like in appearance and have a soft purple hue. Purple thistle usually blooms during the summer and fall. However, some of these flowers keep blooming regardless of the season.
This wildflower is more likely to be present in the coastal prairie habitats of the Everglades. The flower’s stem is tall, and the stem can ooze a sap-like substance when cut or injured. Some people describe the petal’s appearance as “spiky”, while others liken it to that of an artichoke.
Spatterdock

The spatterdock plant is also called a yellow pond lily. The plant sits on top of the water, similar to a frog’s lily pad. Spatterdock plants can grow up to 10 inches wide, and sometimes people can see yellow flowers blooming from the stems.
The flowers themselves can be up to 1 inch wide and tall. They have a round shape and can appear to cave in toward the center. Spatterdocks usually grow in shallow bodies of water, including lakes and streams. These plants also produce fruit that is shaped like eggs.
Swamp Lily

While not a true lily variety, the swamp lily (Crinum americanum) has the familiar white petals of regular lilies. However, the petals are droopy and thinner than the types of lilies available at your local flower shop. In the United States, this plant is only found in the southeastern region and needs a wet and humid environment to thrive.
In the Everglades, the swamp lily can be found near marshes and water sources. The petals and leaves can open out in a spider-leg-type look. Swamp lilies are a perennial herb.
Some people mistake swamp lilies for spider lilies because of their similar appearances. However, swamp lilies have six separate petals, and spider lilies have petals that are connected. Swamp lilies also produce a beautiful fragrance.
Wild Petunia

Don’t let its name fool you! The wild petunia does not belong to the petunia family and technically is a different flower altogether. Instead, the wild petunia belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It grows in much of the eastern half of the United States, including Florida and the Everglades.
The flower blooms in a purplish, lavender color. It is known for attracting bees and butterflies. The plant’s seeds can travel up to 10 feet when the capsule pops open. Many gardeners think the wild petunia can grow aggressively, but they are most likely thinking of the invasive Ruellia caerulea, rather than this species, Ruellia caroliniensis var. succulenta.
White Water Lily

The white water lily grows and lives in water. Like lily pads, the flower appears to float on top of the water. The leaves of the plant have a green color on top, and on the bottom, they have a red-purple hue. When opened, the flowers are white and surround a yellow center.
The white water lily’s flowers open during the morning hours and usually close back up by midday. Petals on the plant tend to be longer and wider on the outer edges, becoming more narrow and close together as they move toward the center. These flowers can be as large as 10 inches wide and produce a fragrance.
Duck Potato

The duck potato is a wildflower that has a unique look and name. It tends to grow in shallow wetlands where ducks use the plant as a food source, hence the name.
The duck potato can grow and establish roots in water or muddy, damp soil and thrives as long as the ground is somewhat thick and deep (up to 2 feet). Growing to heights between 2 and 4 feet, this plant is also a feast for geese and muskrats. When the flowers are open and blooming, they are white and surround a green bulb.
Devil’s Potato

The devil’s potato is a perennial vine. In the United States, it only exists in Florida. However, the plant also exists in nearby tropical and subtropical regions, including the Caribbean and Mexico.
One of the reasons the plant has ‘devil’ in its name is because it produces a poisonous sap. The sap is white in color and must be avoided by both humans and most animals. A second characteristic is the plant’s root system. Since the roots are thick and take on the appearance of potato spuds, this is where the ‘potato’ portion of the name comes from.
Purple Bladderwort

The purple bladderwort grows in shallow waters, such as ponds and lakes. It does not form a root system and instead floats on top of the water. While the plant has a long stalk, the top consists of a small, purple flower. The center of the flower’s connected petals can be a mix of yellow and white.
People who examine the purple bladderwort closely will find that all of the plant’s leaves exist underwater. Because the plant only thrives in wetlands and swampy areas, it only exists in certain U.S. states. These include New England, the Florida Everglades, Texas, and the Southeast.
Winter Dropwort

This is a delicate-looking wildflower reminiscent of a dandelion’s white spores. The plant is also known as water hemlock in regions of Florida, including the Everglades. While it does grow well in wetlands, humid, and swampy areas, the plant is harmful to humans.
When it comes into contact with humans, the winter dropwort is poisonous. The flower does attract butterflies, bees, and wasps. It is considered part of the parsley or celery family and its stalk is similar to celery.
Buttonbush

The buttonbush is a quirky-looking plant. Its center is round like a golf ball, and it has multiple spikes extending from its center. Several spiked balls can exist on separate stems that branch out from the plant’s main stalk.
The buttonbush plant is a perennial. It can bloom in white and pink colors, usually during the summer and early fall months. The shrub itself can grow between 6 and 12 feet. Spiked blades can extend up to 8 inches in length and width.