Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Meet the Natives: Sea Lavender
This week we are going to highlight the beautiful sea lavender (Heliotropium gnaphalodes).
Sea lavender is a state-listed endangered species in Florida found primarily in southeastern coastal counties. They grow native in dunes and coastal thickets.
“Because of their coastal dune habitat, sea lavender prefers full sun, and sandy well-draining soils,” said SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sophie Carpenter. “Once established, these shrubs are drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant.”
Typically, sea lavender grows to about 3 feet to 6 feet tall with about equal width. Despite its name, sea lavender is not a true lavender, it instead belongs to the Boraginaceae, or forget-me-not, family.
Sea lavender is evergreen, and has soft, semi-succulent leaves, which are covered in a light pubescence that give the plant a striking silver-green appearance. They can bloom year round, with peak bloom time in the winter, producing clusters of small but showy white flowers. Although small, these flowers are fragrant, and produce a light sweet scent.
“Sea lavender make an excellent addition to coastal gardens. They can be used as a beautiful specimen plant, or in dune restoration projects,” Carpenter said.
In their native habitats, sea lavender often form colonies that help to anchor soil and stabilize dunes. Their low-growing branches grow roots when covered with sand, further aiding in soil stabilization.
“These shrubs have several unique adaptations to help them survive in their specialized coastal habitat. The leaves are light in color to help reflect sun, and are also slightly succulent and covered in a light pubescence to retain moisture and prevent desiccation,” Carpenter said. “The fruits are light and corky, allowing them to float and disperse with ocean currents.”
Incorporate sea lavender into your garden as a stunning, salt-tolerant shrub that also provides an excellent source of nectar for our pollinators.
“Sea lavender’s fragrant flowers attract an array of native butterflies and bees,” Carpenter said. “Here at the nursery, gulf fritillary, monarchs, and white peacock butterflies frequent our sea lavender’s nectar rich blooms.”
Purchase sea lavender at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL.