Wildflowers, Shrubs and Trees
A wide variety of plant life can be seen along the two trails at the Ridge Audubon Center. Trees include longleaf and sand pines, a number of oak species, and an assortment of palms and palmettos. It is inspiring to see how many beautiful wildflowers grow in sand in the hot sun, watered only by rainfall. Click or tap the thumbnails for a larger photo.
This unusual tree can be seen on the Lake Trail: a rare Pygmy Fringe-tree
This milkweed is native to the area, surviving in the sand by putting down a deep taproot. Shown here in bloom. Also called Sandhill Milkweed, it is a larval host for Monarch and Queen butterflies.
Gone to seed, pods bursting open.
Also called Twinberry.
Also called Butterfly Weed or Pleurisy-root
A trunkless yucca found in sandhills, scrub, and pine flatwoods.
Also called Tread-softly or Finger-rot, this pretty flower has stems and leaves with nasty thorns. Do not touch!
This native cactus produces edible fruits, and is a host plant for the cochineal, a scale insect which produces a deep red color used as a dye. More information here.
Florida Greeneyes has a green-centered daisy flower when the bloom is young.
Also called Slender Gayfeather, this perennial grows in many places on our trail.
Also calles Slender Clammyweed.