Native Plant Sale returns to UF, with hundreds of species available
Press release from UF/IFAS
BY WES WOLFE
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – You’re probably going to want to get there early — nothing gets the heart of campus jumping during the summer heat quite like the annual UF/IFAS Native Plant Sale.
“We anticipate the highest demand will be for native milkweeds and vibrant wildflowers,” said Gage LaPierre, manager of the UF/IFAS Native Plant Nursery and a post-doctoral associate with the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.
“There is an incredible public push right now to support monarchs and local pollinators, and these species are both beautiful and ecologically essential for Florida yards.”
The event runs both Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, near the intersection of Mowry and Hull roads on the main UF campus in Gainesville, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. Sales are by credit and debit card only — no cash.
It’s the fifth year of the plant sale, and there will be more than 200 species of plants, which, along with the milkweeds and wildflowers, include types of trees and shrubs as well. The selection, curated by students, faculty, and staff, is always a draw.
“Our selection adapts and grows every year,” LaPierre said. “Over time, we have greatly expanded our inventory to include nearly 250 different species. This continuous expansion allows us to offer greater biodiversity and provide the public with an unmatched variety of authentic Florida flora.”
Public demand for native plants and the need for money to fund Native Plant Nursery internships served as the catalyst for the plant sale in 2020. Hundreds of people show up each year to pick up native species and talk with UF/IFAS experts.
This year will feature the greatest diversity of native plants yet, including many unusual and rare species that are not commonly available in the nursery trade. As well, there will be multiple checkout lines, an improved plant labeling system, shaded areas, and cold drinks.
“The feedback is always wonderful,” LaPierre said. “Attendees consistently share how thrilled they are to find rare, hard-to-source native plants that aren’t available in standard nurseries. They also deeply appreciate the opportunity to connect directly with Extension professionals to get tailored advice for their home landscapes and restoration projects.”
To check out the inventory of plants, go to tinyurl.com/2026-Public-Plant-List.