"Gil Nelson's book provides a very good selective overview of native plants readily available in the nursery trade that can be used in landscaping and the best ways to utilize them."--Richard P. Wunderlin, author of Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida and Flora of Florida, Volume 1

Florida's Best Native Landscape Plants is an illustrated guide for landscape designers, home gardeners, and restoration professionals. Published in cooperation with the Association of Florida Native Plant Nurseries and the Florida Department of Transportation, it provides technical information on the design and maintenance of native plants that are readily available from the state's native plant nurseries for use in Florida gardening and landscaping. The 200 species were selected for their availability and for their general hardiness, popularity, and ease of use in both commercial and residential landscapes. All are easily found in the native plant trade and will perform well in both home and commercial landscapes.

Each species profile details size and form, uses for landscaping and/or gardening, best features, range and distribution, physical appearance, culture, best companion plants, allergenic properties, cultivars, and similar species. Each account is illustrated with one or more color photos, over 700 in all, and 180 of them are further illustrated with an original watercolor. An introductory section introduces readers to the importance and benefits of using native plants in landscaping.

Both federal and state guidelines mandate the incorporation of regional native plants in public site design to the maximum extent possible. Gil Nelson's book provides information for those charged with selecting easy-to-obtain native species for use in state and local parks and along our highways—and assists planners and designers, architects, and homeowners in making educated decisions about native plant selection and use.

Gil Nelson is a writer, naturalist, and educator who lives and works in Tallahassee, Florida. He is the author of Ferns of Florida, Shrubs and Woody Vines of Florida, Trees of Florida, Exploring Wild Northwest Florida, and Exploring Wild North Florida and coauthor of the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida, the National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southeast, and Florida Wetland Plants.

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"Something akin to the bible of Florida's flora. At $35, it's a bargain."
--Gainesville Sun

" At last: a book about Florida native plants that takes us to the next level of landscaping with indigenous flora."
--Daytona Beach News Journal

"Beautifully-illustrated" ; "This book is a must-have for Florida gardeners who love color."
--Florida Gardening

"A fine and knowledgeable overview of native plants available to the Florida gardener. Here is a horticultural treasure trove of choices, providing technical details on the design, maintenance, and use of a wide range of readily available native plants."
--Midwest Book Review

"The artwork alone makes this softcover book distinctive and an outstanding value at just $34.95."
--Ledger (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota Met Area

"The artwork alone makes this softcover distinctive and an outstanding value."
--Sarasota Herald - Tribune

"Beautifully illustrated, well-written"
--Florida Monthly

"It has pictures and really good descriptions of common plants people can find in local nursuries."--Goodman and Doris Klemm, owner of Harmony Gardens Nursery
--Gainesville Magazine

"An elegantly written and intelligently formatted guide replete with historical glimpses of native-plant gardening, helpful lists and references and excellent plant profiles."
--The Ledger

“This is a great reference because it provides growing conditions, companion plants, and the best and worst features of each plant.”
--Clay Today