New College students compiled a list of possible focus plants, using information collected from neighborhood interviews. Surveys were completed by forty IBSS residents to determine interest in those plants, and the results are graphed below. The top choices shown in purple on the graph were researched by New College students, and their information on the animals is presented here.
![[graph of plant interview results]](/images/plantgraph)
Live Oak
Live Oak is native to Florida, and lives throughout the southeastern states. It is slow growing, but long-lived, and ultimately reaches a size of 60-80 feet tall with a crown spread of up to 100 feet
Live Oak needs average to dry soil moisture and full sun. They prefer to grow on low ridges near the coast. Live oak is very cold tolerant.
These trees are a good source of shade, make a good windbreak, and provide habitat for for many animals. Acorns are a major food source for wildlife, and are edible to humans with proper preparation. Live oak is a symbol of the South.
Southern Magnolia
Southern Magnolia trees are found in warmer regions of the US. They grow up to 90 feet, and have large oval leaves and fragrant white flowers.
These trees prefer moist, well-drained acidic soil, and are tolerant of sun and shade. They can be planted at any time of year.
Southern Magnolia can act as a screen or hedge to block undesirable views or define a property line. The flowers are both beautiful and aromatic.
Butterfly plants
There are a variety of butterfly plants, defined as plant “larval plants” which provide necessary food for caterpillars. Almost all butterfly plants are low maintenance perennials.
They need average soil and full to partial sun, watering to establish them in a new place. It is crucial that butterfly plants be kept clear of herbicides and pesticides, as these will kill the butterflies!
Specific butterfly plants can increase specific butterfly populations, such as monarch and zebra longwing. They make it possible to observe the complete butterfly lifecycle.
Bamboo
Slash Pine
Slash pine is native to Florida. The trees grow up to 100 feet tall. They have dark green needles, 7-10 inches long, and 6-10 inch long pinecones.
Slashpines needs sandy dry soils or swampy flatwoods and full sunlight. They do not need much water.
The seeds provide food for many animals and the trees provide shade. They have a real Florida feel and can be lovely for landscaping, and have excellent drought tolerance.
Hickory
Hickories are North American deciduous forest tree native to most of the Eastern United States. They grow slowly to a massive height, 60-80 feet tall with spreads 25-35 feet, and a trunk 2-4 feet in diameter. They usually grow in groups with other oak trees. Their maximum age of seed production is approximately 300 years. They have open branching, shaggy gray bark and smooth leaves, 4-5 segment nut encased in a green hull, and flowers appearing in inflorescences.
Hickories need well drained, moist to dry soils, in dry uplands to moist valleys. They have a moderate soil salt tolerence. Hickories tolerate shade when young, and will grow in partial sun/shade and full sun. They have deep, widespread root systems and need relatively open areas to grow in.
Hickories provides shade and are a windbreak and erosion control. They’re good habitat for squirrels. “Cathedral-esque” when fully grown to their large heights, they are virtually disease and pest free. They constantly shed leaflets, rachises, dead twigs, immature fruits and husks, and debris from squirrel feeding from mid-summer to late autumn. In the fall, the nuts can be gathered for baking and eating raw.
Gumbo Limbo
Gumbo Limbo grows in Florida and the Carribean, and reaches a height of over 40 feet. Most of this tree’s photosynthesis occurs in the bark, which peals away to expose new layers. It is classified an endangered species.
Gumbo Limbo needs full or partial sun, and grows in hardwood hammocks.
They are an excellent source of shade. Unique and visually appealing. Their sap has medicinal properties. Though deciduous, new growth appears rapidly.
Wax Myrtle
Wax Myrtle is native to Florida, and are found along the east coast from New Jersey to Florida, along the Gulf into Texas. They grow 20-40 feet
Wax Myrtle can grow in any type of soil, including sandy and loam. They need light from partial shade to full sun, and can tolerate any moisture level from swamp to upland woods.
Wax Myrtles provides food and shelter for blue jays and wintering swallows. They are aromatic, used to make candles, and early Southern colonists used them to discourage pests.
Necklace Pod
Necklace pod is native to Florida. The plants grow 3-10 feet tall, and have silver foliage, yellow flowers and of course, necklace shaped seed pods.
Necklace pod is salt tolerant and drought tolerant, and generally found close to the coast. It needs full sun.
Necklace pod is green year-round, and is a host plant for Sulphur caterpillars. It is also favored by ruby-throated hummingbirds.