Welcome to Stetson University's Native PlantWeb Site
Looking for the real Florida? Discover it in Florida native plants. Discover it at Stetson University.
Florida's native plants represent the authentic, natural face of our state. Explore the distinctive world of these plants on Stetson University's campus and, in a virtual sense, on these Web pages.
Through its Florida Native Plant Initiative, the University is coming forward
as a leader of a new approach to landscaping. We stand apart in our policy to allow use of only native Florida flora on our 174-acre main campus in DeLand, a small city halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach on the rapidly developing I-4 corridor.
Florida has many endangered ecosystems. At Stetson University, we're committed to saving those natural resources. Gradually, the campus is being transformed as nonnative flora is being replaced with indigenous plants. Such plants help fuel the growth of a healthy and sustainable environment rich in biodiversity and beauty. The University's evolving native-plant landscape also functions as a living laboratory rich in educational and research opportunities in the environmental sciences.
Reintroducing native plant species reinforces our natural heritage and also serves as a positive ecological example. Native plant landscapes don't require the level of pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation needed to maintain conventional styles of landscaping.
Explore this Web site to learn about Florida native plants, gain an appreciation for them and discover ways to use them. The pages contain links to profiles of Florida native plants and to details about related educational initiatives and landscaping plans. The information is valuable to homeowners wanting to break free of the monotony that pervades suburban landscaping, builders wishing to see their developments stand out from others, educators searching for creative teaching ideas and everyone interested in the indigenous flora of Florida.