Rosemary is one of those tough, multi-purpose plants that I’ve come to not just love, but respect. It looks docile enough, but that great-smelling herb on your porch is also capable of serious chemical warfare.
There are two native species we call rosemary found commonly in our dry, sandy habitats, at the beach and in upland scrubs and forests. Neither of these is the culinary rosemary (Salvia rosemarinus) typically grown in herb gardens—that’s from the Mediterranean—but ours are similar.
Florida rosemary has dark green, fir-like needles. Photo credit: Ashlynn Smith, UF IFAS
In northwest Florida, we have Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) and false rosemary (Conradina canescens). While Florida rosemary is a deep evergreen color year-round and most resembles culinary rosemary, it is not terribly aromatic when crushed. The plants grow in rounded mounds, and are extremely salt, drought, and heat tolerant. Florida rosemary’s yellow flowers are present from spring to early fall. The needles are similar in shape to a fir tree, growing upright and firm to the touch.
False rosemary is a pale green and more aromatic than Florida rosemary. Photo credit: Mack Thetford, UF IFAS
False rosemary is actually a type of scrub mint, and grows in the same habitat as Florida rosemary. It is softer to the touch and lighter in color—the needles are a pale green and the flowers are lavender (as are those of culinary rosemary). To me, false rosemary has a much stronger, more “rosemary-like” scent than Florida rosemary and could be used for cooking. On the internet (including in IFAS publications), you will see contrasting descriptions of the level of scent for these species. However, in my field experience (and that of several Extension colleagues), we find false rosemary to be the most aromatic.
Both Ceratiola and Conradina play important roles in dune ecology. Their mats of woody roots help stabilize the loose sand of vulnerable barrier islands. Their flowers are important for pollinator species, particularly bees.
As for the “chemical warfare” I alluded to earlier, Florida rosemary is one of several native species known to be allelopathic. Allelopathy is a strategy by which plants secrete chemicals through their root systems that seep into the surrounding soils. The Florida rosemary produces ceratiolin, a compound that works like a natural herbicide to prevent growth of any competing species around them. This enables their own successful growth and that of any offspring. You may have noticed that rosemary shrubs often grow in clumps set slightly apart from other species—this is why! Other plants basically cannot enter the underground force-field created by the rosemary plants.
The highly specialized rosemary grasshopper feeds on Florida rosemary in central Florida. Photo credit: Lyle Buss, UF IFAS
In central Florida’s sandy ridges, Florida rosemary also has a few closely associated insect species. The bright green coloration of the rosemary grasshopper allows it to hide in plain sight within the plants. The grasshopper’s diet consists solely of Florida rosemary leaves. Wolf spiders and the rarely-seen cotton leafhopper also live among the rosemary; with the leafhopper eating its flowers and the spider burrowing in the open sandy area around the shrubs.
In March, the UF/IFAS extension office was awarded a grant from the Apalachee Audubon Society to install a pollinator garden at the Jefferson County Extension Office. The goal of the pollinator garden is to educate the community on the importance of pollinator and native pollinator plants. The pollinator garden is a demonstration site encouraging community members to plant more pollinator plants in their home landscape. A pollinator garden at home is fantastic because it attracts and supports essential pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators help fertilize flowers, leading to better fruit and vegetable production in your garden. Plus, it’s great for the environment.
Pollinator Garden
UF/IFAS Jefferson County
Pollinators are essential for our ecosystem. Pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of plants by transferring pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts. This process allows plants to produce fruits, seeds, and new plants. Many plants would struggle to reproduce without pollinators. This can lead to a decline in biodiversity and the availability of food sources for other food sources. Pollinators are like nature’s superheroes.
Types of Pollinators
UF/IFAS
The garden consists of over 50 different pollinators and native plants. Planting more native pollinator gardens is super important. Native plants adapt well to the local environment, making them easier to grow and maintain. Pollinators and native plants have an extraordinary relationship. Native plants offer nectar, pollen, and shelter that are specifically suited to the needs of native pollinators. By Planting native flowers, one is creating a haven for these vital pollinators, increasing biodiversity, and ensuring the health of our ecosystems.
Pollinator Plants
UF/IFAS Jefferson County
The pollinator garden includes an herb garden. The herb garden aims to educate community members about edible landscaping and pollinator herb plants. Edible landscaping can allow one to produce food using sustainable agricultural practices that conserve water, protect water quality, provide wildlife habitat, and reduce chemical inputs. Planting herbs in your garden is a great idea. Herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint can attract beneficial insects to your garden and repel pests. Herbs are easy to grow and can be used in cooking, teas, and even for natural remedies.
Pollinator Herb Section
UF/IFAS Jefferson County
The garden includes a small pond demonstrating a healthy aquatic ecosystem in home landscapes. Creating a pond is an excellent addition to your pollinator landscape. They provide a water source for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is essential for survival. Pollinators need water to stay hydrated, especially during hot and dry weather. Having a pond in your garden can attract various pollinators and create a habitat for them to thrive. A healthy aquatic ecosystem can help manage water by reducing runoff and filtering pollutants.
Pond in Pollinator Garden
UF/IFAS Jefferson County
If you are in the area, please feel free to stop by the Jefferson County extension office and visit the pollinator garden. Please visit UF/IFAS for more information regarding pollinator plants and Florida Friendly Landscaping.
The joy of being outdoors in the yard and gardens is something many of us have the opportunity to receive and appreciate. Observing nature at its best with the changes of seasons and all the activity, from birds visiting to vegetable and flower gardens to the healthy green lawns there is much to contemplate. The environment in which we live is complex and ever changing and is a critical source to our quality of life. One major source that links us all is water and the quality of it moving forward. How are we addressing changes to this important resource and the unintended consequences that can follow?
How we garden and manage the landscape at home and possibly in a business situation seems small in comparison to the number of settings out there, but if enough people work to improve water quality the positive impacts can be significant. Impervious surfaces that include paved driveways and walkways are areas that do not allow rain events or irrigation to infiltrate into the soil. Creative solutions are out there to construct pervious surfaces. Many acres of forest and wetlands have been lost to development impacting land areas like this to slow water movement allowing time for nutrients and sediment to settle and be absorbed into the soil and taken up by plants or sequestered in organic matter in the soil layers.
We often think about the larger rivers and big bodies of water that include lakes, bays, gulfs, and oceans that shoulder the large scale of human activity. It is often the smaller water sources that when combined multiple times as the tributaries involving creeks that lead to larger streams and rivers are often overlooked as having major impacts on water quality. What we can do to assist is to better manage nutrients (fertilizers and others) involving lawns, trees, and shrubs in your landscape. Work on improving soil balance through soil testing and following the recommendations to understand your soil types and plants that grow best in these settings. Contact your local University of Florida Extension office located in your county for information to assist in this important process.
A waterfront buffer zone may include a raised berm with native vegetation to slow runoff from a yard before entering the water. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson
Creating planting buffers around creeks, ponds and lakes is critical to reducing nutrient entry links to these water sources. Care must be taken when applying nutrients that include nitrogen and phosphorus to the lawn, gardens, and other landscape areas. UF/IFAS Extension’s Florida Friendly Landscaping program recommends, if you are broadcasting fertilizer without a deflector shield, The Ring of Responsibility should extend at least 10 feet from the edge of water. Be aware that fertilizer landing on hard surface driveways and sidewalks are subject to running off with rain events and potentially entering these water sources.
There is much more information available on this topic and it is highly recommended to do a little research via the smart phone and other ways to better understand the importance of how we address water quality moving forward. Enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate all it has to offer.
Florida has a diverse array of birds. Warblers, raptors, shorebirds, and more may be spotted now in North Florida. Your yard or landscape can serve as an ideal habitat for wildlife, particularly birds. Even a modest quarter-acre plot can be intentionally designed to offer a supportive environment for a variety of birds. Transforming your backyard into a sanctuary for birds might allow you to witness these fascinating visitors firsthand.
“Rudbeckia’ photo by UF/IFAS
CONSIDER NATIVE PLANTS
Bring a touch of local charm to your yard by choosing native plant species whenever you can. Native birds have a natural connection with these plants, having evolved alongside them. What’s more, landscapes featuring Florida-native plants demand less attention and resources compared to those with non-native varieties. Native plants are well-suited to the local soil conditions, usually need less fertilizer, and boast better resilience against common pests and diseases. Embrace the beauty of native flora while making your yard a low-maintenance haven for both birds and nature.
“Snags” photo by UF/IFAS
MAKE SAFE COVER AVAILABLE
When trees face disease or reach the end of their life, think about leaving them as standing snags—imperfect yet invaluable shelters for wildlife to feed and nest. Additionally, creating a couple brush piles, especially near other plants, offers fantastic cover and feeding spots for birds. These piles not only provide a feeding opportunity for our feathered friends but also act as protective hideouts in open spaces. Embrace the natural cycle by turning aging trees and brush into welcoming havens for local wildlife.
INCLUDE A VARIETY OF LAYERS
Birds take to the skies, and for a thriving habitat, it’s essential to have various levels in your environment—tall trees, medium-sized trees, high and low shrubs, and groundcover. The more diversity, the better, as different bird species rely on different layers for their needs.
Tall trees play a crucial role, creating a sort of continuous woodland environment where birds can gracefully move from tree to tree. The choice of trees and shrubs you plant significantly influences the overall health of your landscape. Opt for species that suit your specific site and soil conditions to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for our avian friends
“Birdbath” photo by UF/IFAS
ADD A WATER SOURCE
Water is a vital ingredient for wildlife environments, and birds reap the rewards from any water source you offer. It can be as easy as placing a shallow dish or bowl filled with water or adding a small fountain to your outdoor space. Just remember to switch out the water regularly to thwart mosquito breeding and ensure a clean and refreshing oasis for our feathered companions.
UTILIZE BIRD FEEDERS
A delightful way to connect with nature and witness birds up close is by using bird feeders. Not only does this provide an opportunity for observation, but it also supplements the natural food sources available to birds near your garden. For those interested in incorporating bird feeders, it’s important to remember proper care and maintenance. Neglected feeders can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, posing a risk to the health of the birds. A recommended practice is to clean feeders at least once every 1-2 weeks, or more frequently in wet or humid conditions, using a diluted bleach solution. For nectar feeders, a simple wash with soap and hot water is sufficient. Always ensure the feeders are thoroughly dry before refilling them with bird feed. This way, you not only create a welcoming space for our feathered friends but also ensure their well-being through responsible feeder care.
WINTER WANDERERS
Creating a bird-friendly backyard in North Florida is not only a satisfying project but also a meaningful way to help protect our feathered friends. By making smart choices in your landscaping, you can turn your outdoor space into a welcoming sanctuary for birds. The benefits are twofold: you get to enjoy the colorful variety of bird species visiting your backyard while also contributing to the conservation of biodiversity in the area. Let your backyard showcase the harmonious relationship between humans and nature’s nomads. For tips on landscaping that supports birds, reach out to your local county extensions office.
For most of the year, yaupon (pronounced “yo-pon”) holly is the nondescript evergreen backdrop to forested areas throughout the Panhandle. But in the fall, these plants are bursting with brilliant red berries. There are 9 holly species native to our area, all with evergreen, mostly oval shaped leaves. Of these, yaupon is among those with the smallest leaves. Members of this species can be distinguished from the similarly sized myrtle-leaved holly by their leaf margins. While myrtle has smooth edges, yaupon has scalloped/serrated edges. Both species sport bright red berries, tasty only to birds and other wildlife.
The bright red berries of yaupon holly are particularly eye-catching during the fall. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
The leaves, however, have historically been ingested by humans. I’ve tried homemade black yaupon tea, and it is quite tasty. Native Americans throughout the southeast brewed a “black drink” from yaupon holly as a natural stimulant and for use in ceremonies. It is one of just a handful of naturally caffeinated plants that grow in the wilds of North America, and Spanish explorers quickly took up the habit as well. Lore says that overconsumption can lead to stomach ailments, hence the Latin name Ilex vomitoria. By most accounts, however, you’d have to drink gallons of the stuff to actually get sick. Rumors still circulate that this unappetizing misnomer was deliberate, because by the late 1700’s the homegrown American tea was starting to rival popularity of British teas. In addition to tea, Native Americans would use the plant medicinally and also convert the shrub’s typically straight branches into arrow shafts.
Freshly picked yaupon holly leaves can be dried/roasted and brewed into an excellent tea. Photo credit Matt Stirn, BBC
Early American settlers drank yaupon tea frequently when tea was hard to obtain from overseas during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. During the rationing periods of World War II, the American government encouraged the substitution of yaupon tea for coffee and other teas. While it never really took off in the 1940’s, Texas currently has a rapidly growing industry in harvesting the plant. Growers are selling it as tea and as flavoring for a wide variety of food and drink products. To maintain a steady supply of leaves, tea makers often clear landowners’ property of overgrown yaupon shrubs, free of charge. This win-win solution provides an inexpensive harvest, reduces wildfire fuel, and allows native grasses and other open-canopy species to thrive.
Yaupon holly can be differentiated from other holly species by its small, scallop-edged leaves. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension
For the most part, the plant is considered a nuisance in forested areas. It is one of those woody species that grows up quickly in areas that haven’t been maintained by fire on a regular basis. As a home landscape plant, it works well as an evergreen screen. While it can grow up to 20’ tall, yaupon responds well to routine pruning. Most native hollies thrive in both wet and dry soils, so they are truly versatile. They are also salt-tolerant, drought-tolerant, wind resistant, and provide winter color and food for wildlife in their bright red berries.
Many shrubs can benefit from a little pruning. Choosing what to prune to maintain a plant’s natural look can sometimes be a challenge. Get a few tips on pruning shrubs with cane type growth from UF IFAS Extension Escambia County.
