Indian Blanket Flower...

I noticed this patch of Blanket Flower, Gaillaria pulchella, growing in the sun outside of our vet's office. Recent research has now shown that this beauty is not native to Florida and is thought to have been introduced from the southwestern U.S. It has become 'naturalized' (not native to a particular area but has successfully established a self-sustaining population there, reproducing and thriving without human assistance) in the Sunshine State. It's certainly a beauty and the pollinators love it! For those looking for a native version, there is Lanceleaf blanketflower, Gaillardia aestivalis. Seeds and young plants are available on line and at local native plant nurseries.