The hardy trees found native Florida are suited to the Sunshine State’s diverse environment. Pine, oak, cypress, and a variety of deciduous trees are among the many species of trees native to Florida. Sunshine, high humidity, and salty coastal air must all be tolerated by trees that thrive in Florida. Furthermore, the state’s climate presents diverse challenges due to its warm winters in the south and harsh winters in the north.
Some native Florida trees, however, are unable to survive across the state. In Central and Northern Florida, for example, the native longleaf pine thrives, but south of Lake Okeechobee it may struggle. From Miami to Jacksonville and west to Pensacola, the slash pine and evergreen southern live oak are suitable.
Are you fascinated by Florida’s native trees? If you want to learn more about the most gorgeous trees to cultivate in the southern United States, keep reading. Identifying native trees in Florida is discussed in this article. Moreover, it contains descriptions and photographs of the most common native trees found throughout Florida.
Growing Zones for Native Florida Trees
Which native trees survive in a Florida environment is influenced by a variety of factors. Sun exposure, humidity, soil type, and proximity to the coast should all be considered. Nonetheless, some trees suitable for southern climates may not flourish in the north due to Florida’s varied growing zones. USDA growing zones in Florida range from 8 to 11. For native Florida trees, here’s a quick guide to growing zones:
Florida USDA Zone 8: The Florida Panhandle, which runs from Pensacola to just beyond the Atlantic coast, but not including Jacksonville, is located in the northwest along the Gulf coast. Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola are among the cities. The coldest month is January, when the temperature drops to 20°F (-6.6°C).
Florida USDA Zone 9: From north of Gainesville to the northernmost point of Lake Okeechobee, Central Florida stretches. From the Mexican Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean, Zone 9 encompasses all of central. Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa are among the cities. Winter temperatures must be below 25°F (-3.8°C) for safety.
Florida USDA Zone 10: Miami, Cape Coral, Naples, Fort Lauderdale, and the Everglades are all part of Florida’s tropical region south of Lake Okeechobee. Winter temperatures between 30°F and 35°F (-1.1°C and 1.7°C) are required.
Florida USDA Zone 11: The Florida Keys are located at the state’s southernmost point. Hot and humid, with short, pleasant winters, the climate is ideal. Winter minimum temperatures range from 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 to 7.2 degrees Celsius).
How to Choose Native Trees to Grow in Florida
If you want to put native trees in your Florida garden, there are a few things to think about. First, estimate how much sunlight the expanding zone requires. Additionally, you should look at the tree’s development rate, maturity height, and spread. Lastly, consider how much upkeep it will need.
Native Florida Trees (With Pictures) – Identification Guide
In Florida, there are approximately 460 different native tree and shrub species of various shapes and sizes. We’ll explore how to identify some gorgeous pines, oaks, cypress, and flowering trees that are native to Florida in depth.
Native Florida Pine Trees
Pine trees are widespread in Florida, with some able to thrive on sandy soils and withstand heat, humidity, and coastal marine air. Many evergreen pine trees are also suitable for year-round color in the landscape, as well as shade trees.
Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii)
Slash pine is a pine tree that has long needles and is native to Florida. Long needle-like leaves, reddish-brown scaly bark, and long slender pine cones characterize this common Florida pine tree. Slash pine trees have a rounded, spreading crown that grows up to 100 feet (30 meters) tall.
Slash pine trees may be found across Florida, with needles scattered. From the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, these are one of the most frequent pine species. Swampy soil is common for coniferous evergreens. Southern Florida pine, swamp pine, or yellow slash pine are some of the other names for this species.
The longleaf pine and the slash pine are both native to North America. The red-brown cones of the slash pine are smaller, and the needles are shorter and less glossy in clusters of two rather than three. USDA zones 7 to 11 are suitable for Slash pines.
Native Florida Tree Identification
The needles of the slash pine tree are 5″ to 11″ (13 cm) long and reddish-brown pine cones are up to 6″ (15 cm) in length.
Sand Pine Tree (Pinus clausa)
Apart from zone 11 and the hottest zones of zone 10, sand pines may be found in most areas of Florida. The twisted branches differentiate them from other pine trees. The reddish-brown bark of the evergreen sand pine, which has a scattered or rounded crown, is needle-like. It bears one pair of needle-like leaves per fascicle. Sand pines can grow to be up to 65 feet (21 meters) tall, although are more typically around 16 feet (5 meters).
The elliptical-shaped pine cone cones are 1.2” to 3.1” (3 – 8 cm) long and contain 2″ to 4″ (5 – 10 cm) of pine needles. Near the base, sand pine bark is grayish-brown, but towards the crown, it becomes redder. Tall, upright trunks are common in many species. Yet, several pines have twisted branches and crooked trunks.
In north-central Florida, sand pines are the most prevalent pine tree. To the south, Augustine is reached via the Golden Gate Bridge. South of Tampa and Naples, Lauderdale and thin coastal strips. USDA growing zones 7 through 10 are ideal for sand pine trees.
Native Florida Tree Identification
Sand pine trees have paired needles and cones that are cylindrical and light brown or reddish-brown.
Longleaf Pine Tree (Pinus palustris)
The longleaf pine is a native Florida tree that grows throughout Northern Florida with long needles and trunks. A tall, straight stem, a rounded crown, and short branches characterize this native Florida pine tree. The longleaf pine tree’s needles, which range in length from 8″ to 18″ (20 – 45 cm), and lance-shaped cones are identifying characteristics.
Longleaf pine trees have a slender, straight stem and produce longleaf pine needles and immature cones. This tall, magnificent pine tree may be found in zones 8 and 9 throughout Northern Florida. Sandhills, arid sandy uplands, and flatwoods are its natural habitats.
Native Florida Tree Identification
Long slender needles and cylindrical reddish-brown cones 6 inches to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) long distinguish the longleaf pine.
Native Florida Cypress Trees
The pond cypress and the bald cypress are two native species of cypress trees found in Florida. Because they thrive in marshy environments while tolerating some drought, these deciduous conifers are appropriate for Florida’s environment.
Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens)
Pond cypress trees (conifer) have a columnar or narrowly conical habit and are covered in foliage. The grayish bark, delicate, green needle-like leaves, and horizontally developing branches distinguish the medium-sized tree. The pond cypress, unlike other conifers, turns rich orange hues and then drops its leaves in the autumn. Pond cypress trees may grow to be 50 to 60 feet (15–18 meters) tall and 15 feet (5 meters) broad. In poorly drained soils, you may grow pond cypress conifers as shade trees.
Native Florida Tree Identification
When growing in marshy, waterlogged soil, the pond cypress tree develops a grayish trunk that bulges at the base. Its bright green leaves turn orange, and purple ovoid cones develop brown as it matures.
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
The bald cypress is a Florida coniferous tree that thrives in damp, marshy areas throughout the state, with its foliage and cones. The upright development and triangular crown of bald cypress trees distinguishes them. Grayish-brown bark, needle-like green leaves 0.75 inch (2 cm) long, and tiny spherical cones characterize the deciduous conifer.
The roots that develop around the tree, known as “knees,” are a common characteristic of bald cypress trees. The swollen, knobby base (called knees) that develop when this conifer grows in bogs is a unique feature of this conifer. Tidewater red cypress, swamp cypress, and gulf cypress are some of the other names for the tall, slender conifer.
Native Florida Tree Identification
The thin grayish-brown bark, green leaves that turn russet-red in the fall, and spherical greenish cones that turn hard and brown are all distinguishing characteristics of the bald cypress.
Native Florida Oak Trees
Various types of natural oak trees grow in Florida, including deciduous and evergreen varieties. Oak trees play a significant role in many Central and Northern Florida landscapes. Furthermore, Florida’s varied climate is well-suited to a few oaks.
Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
The southern live oak is an evergreen oak tree with glossy green oval leathery leaves, thick dark bark, and small oblong dark brown acorns. It is classified as Quercus virginiana. The crown of a Southern live oak is rounded and spreading, with gnarled branches. Florida live oaks can grow up to 90 feet (27 meters) tall and 66 feet (20 meters) broad.
Southern live oak leaves have smooth, glossy surfaces that may reach 6″ (15 cm) long, oblong acorns measuring 1″ (2.5 cm), and tiny clusters of finger-like white blooms.
The bark of the southern live oak is dark brown and has longitudinal furrows that give it a scaly look. From the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, it may be found growing in every part of Florida.
Native Florida Tree Identification
Horizontally spreading branches, leathery lanceolate leaves, and dark brown, practically black acorns distinguish the southern live oak.
Turkey Oak Tree (Quercus laevis)
The turkey oak tree is a common red oak tree found in the southeastern United States. This tiny deciduous heat-loving shrub with numerous stems appears to be 26–33 feet (8–10 meters) tall. Throughout Northern and Central Florida, you may spot the oak tree.
Turkey oak tree’s distinguishing characteristics include its distinctive leaves, deep acorns, and autumn hues. Oak leaves are pointed and deeply lobed, resembling a turkey’s foot, and measure 4″ to 6.75″ (10 – 17 cm). As the young acorns are greenish, they become reddish with prickly caps as they develop, and the bright green leaves color in the autumn.
Native Florida Tree Identification
The shrub-like development of the turkey oak tree, as well as its mirror green, three-lobed leaves and coppery-brown acorns, distinguish it from other oaks.
Other Native Trees in Florida
Other native Florida trees that are known for their stunning flowers, lovely leaves, and capacity to provide cover on hot, sunny days will be reviewed in detail below.
Crape Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crape myrtle trees, which resemble shrub-like shrubs, bloom all throughout the summer in Florida. Crape myrtle trees’ crimson, purple, white, and orange flower clusters are a gorgeous aspect of the forests. Furthermore, the shrub-like trees have crimson, orange, or yellow leaves that change color in the autumn.
Small trees or big shrubs with a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) and a width of 1.8 to 3 meters Suppose, on the other hand, that you have a tiny, efficient garden in Florida. If you want to grow something between 2 and 6 feet (0.6 and 1.8 meters) tall, pick a dwarf crape myrtle shrub species. For optimum results, plant tiny shrub-like trees in full sun and well-drained soils. As specimen plants, foundation plantings, or lawn trees, flowering crape myrtle trees are perfect.
Native Florida Tree Identification
Crape myrtle tree has lavender, pink, red, white, and yellow blooms that are 2″ (5 cm) long and have deep green oval leaves that grow 2″ (5 cm). It has attractive peeling light-brown bark.
Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
With lovely purple blooms, dark pinnately compound leaves, and alien-shaped woody seed pods, the Jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is a gorgeous tropical Florida tree. From late spring through August, the eye-catching tree produces dangling trumpet-shaped lilac blooms. Throughout the year, the fern-like leaves provide dappled shade.
In USDA zones 9 through 11, this purple-blue blooming jacaranda tree may be found across Central and South Florida.
Regular pruning is required to grow as a single-stemmed tree, even though the beautiful tree is easy to care for. Moreover, in late summer and autumn, the tree can be messy when it shed its leaves and pods. Therefore, it isn’t appropriate for pool-filled Florida gardens.
Native Florida Tree Identification
The lovely funnel-shaped purple blooms, dense crown of feathery leaves, and extended flowering season make the magnificent jacaranda tree simple to notice. The big, spreading tree grows to be 25 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) tall and 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters) wide.
Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia)
The royal poinciana is a popular shade tree across Southern Florida, and it’s also known as the flamboyant tree or flame tree. The tree’s spreading branches and spectacular blooms are its most striking characteristics. Four spoon-shaped 3″ (7.5 cm) long petals make up each fragrant flower.
The tropical blooming tree has thrived in the tropical environment of the southeast, despite not being native to Florida. Mature trees may reach 40 feet (12 meters) tall and 60 feet (18 meters) broad in full sun. The umbrella-shaped canopy of the royal poinciana tree is what distinguishes it.
Native Florida Tree Identification
The bright orange-red blooms that cover the rounded canopy throughout the summer are a distinguishing feature of the royal poinciana tree. Moreover, the tropical red blooms are complimented by the shade tree’s fern-like foliage.
Saucer Magnolia Tree (Magnolia x soulangeana)
The saucer magnolia tree is a beautiful decorative tree that thrives in North and North Central Florida, with a rounded, spreading crown. Purple, pink, or white blooms are spectacular and aromatic cup-shaped flowers. This early-blooming tree blooms late in the winter, before new growth develops, with large 4″ to 12″ (10 – 30 cm) blooms. The saucer magnolia has a number of features.:
- Flowers with upward-facing petals
- Oval-shaped dark green leaves
- Fall foliage is golden yellow or copper-brown.
The saucer magnolia tree is a popular choice for landscaping projects in tiny gardens because it is a compact, little tree. It grows to be 20 feet (6 meters) tall and 30 feet (9 meters) broad. The shrub-like tree develops a multi-stemmed form as it grows, with its initial upright, stiff form becoming more rounded.
Native Florida Tree Identification
The huge cup-shaped flowers in pink and white, glossy dark green oval leaves, and lustrous silvery bark distinguish the saucer magnolia tree.
Eastern Redbud Tree (Cercis canadensis)
The eastern redbud tree is a small native Florida tree that bears pink blooms. It’s ideal for northern and upper Central Florida. The beautiful dark magenta-pink blooms of the Eastern redbud tree grow in clusters on bent branches, making it well-known. The redbud tree, native to the eastern United States, has heart-shaped leaves 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long and rose-colored seed pods.
In USDA zones 8 and 9, eastern redbud trees may be grown in North Florida. With masses of pea-like rose-pink blooms covering the branches, it should be planted in full sun for the best flowering results. When the leaves fall, they reveal the appealing Zigzag branching of the tree, which is light yellow in hue. In full sun and moist, well-drained soil, grow an eastern redbud tree as a specimen tree.
Native Florida Tree Identification
In the spring, lovely, fragrant red-purple blooms emerge from crimson buds on the eastern redbud tree. For many weeks, the lovely pink-blossoming tree blossoms.