What’s Blooming in August

Carolina Sea Lavender (Limonium Carolinianum)

Also known as marsh root or ink root, is showy perennial that can be seen blooming in late summer in salt marshes, salt flats, and coastal beaches. This plant grows in loamy soil or sandy tidal marshes and is salt tolerant. This flower has been used for making wreaths, but this can deplete populations of this slow-growing plant. The root of this plant contains a tannin that has been used as a remedy for gastrointestinal issues, treating sore mouths, and ulcers.

You can see Carolina Sea Lavendar blooming on some of the spoil islands or in the dunes.

West Indian Lantana (Lantana camara)

Also known as tickberry in South Africa (due to the seed shape and the plant’s ability to attract ticks), can be seen blooming in late spring until the first frost. This invasive shrub can bloom year-round. Lantana is native to Central and South America but has been spread to around 50 different countries. Lantana outcompetes other native, more desirable species causing less biodiversity. This notorious weed can produce dense thickets if left unchecked and can be toxic to livestock.
Lantana is a popular plant used in gardening, but this plant is not native to the US and can spread quickly. Some alternative plants to add to your garden with similar benefits are beach sunflower, sunshine mimosa, and perennial peanut. These native plants attract pollinators and are drought tolerant.
You can see Lantana blooming on the beach or on the roadside (a favorite spot invasives like to grow) anywhere in Okaloosa County.

Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum)

Butterfly pea is a perennial herbaceous wildflower that blooms throughout summer with flowers growing in clusters of 2-4. This flower is a trailing or climbing vine that can grow up to 12 feet tall and can be found in pine flatwoods, and sandy soils along the coast. Spurred butterfly-pea is primarily pollinated by bees but is a larval host for the Northern cloudywing and Long-tailed skipper butterflies.
You can see Spurred Butterfly Pea blooming in the dunes or in the woods in Crestview.

Pineland Hibiscus (Hibiscus aculeatus)

Also known as comfortroot, due to the belief that the plant’s roots have soothing properties. This is a large perennial wildflower that blooms in late spring through fall and is known to attract many pollinators, especially bees. Pineland hibiscus can grow to a height of 6 feet and occurs in wet pinelands, savannas, and bogs.
You can see Pineland Hibiscus blooming on the trails in Crestview.