Autumn in Florida

Think Florida has no fall color? Think again!

Pine needles fall and drift lazily into the pond as the Spanish Needles (Bidens alba) produce copious amounts of seeds that stick to the dogs’ fur, my socks and every bit of clothing in the laundry. The Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) berries change with their wonderful aroma and pretty blue coloring. The American Beautyberries (Callicarpa americana) ripen to purple joy. The fruits of the Dahoon (Ilex cassine) turn bright red alerting the birds that look down from the blinding sunny skies to this important food source as they return to their winter homes from the north. The sun is much lower in the sky and intense in brightness but the breezes keep us cool.

Lopsided Indian Grass provides rich reds

The edible garden renews itself preparing those delicious winter tomatoes and peppers. Celery that looked dead from the heat begins to green up again. Asters prepare their burst of blooms to provide nectar for the bees, butterflies and other pollinators that are with us year round.

Chalky bluestem provides various hues

Yes, autumn occurs in Florida and while it may differ from other parts of the country, we still have nice subtle shades of browns, yellows and oranges heralding the change of season. The Cypress trees (Taxodium spp.) turn from green to yellow to brown as they begin to drop their needles in anticipation of winter. The Red Maples (Acer rubrum) provide a wonderful color palette. Tall native grasses bend in the wind as the fluffy tan seedheads shake free to travel in the breeze, planting their next generation and giving the birds a natural meal. The rich golds of several Goldenrod genus (Solidago spp., Euthamia spp. and Bigelowia spp.) coupled with Silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia) and Swamp Sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius) would give any Northeastern state a run for its money come late September and October.

Swamp sunflowers provide golds

I’ve heard countless times how some people could never move to Florida because they would miss the seasons changing. When I first moved here I was convinced I would too, but I have find that I love autumn in Florida just as much as I enjoyed it up north. The seasons here change just like everyone else’s do; it is just a matter of watching to see the beauty that Mother Nature provides in your specific area. It certainly is glorious no matter where you live.

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