New UF/IFAS App takes guesswork out of choosing the right plants, supporting pollinators and saving water for Floridians

Press release from UF/IFAS

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program (FFL) has launched the FFL Plants & Pollinators App, a comprehensive new resource that brings together plant selection, pollinator support, and sustainable landscaping guidance in one easy-to-use platform.

The new platform combines the former FFL Plant Guide, Bee Gardens, and Butterfly Gardens apps into a single resource for selecting plants that support pollinators, conserve water, and protect Florida’s ecosystems.

“Great landscapes begin with informed plant choices,” said Claire Lewis, director of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program. “The FFL Plants & Pollinators App empowers Floridians to select plants that are beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible while supporting wildlife, conserving water, and creating healthier communities.”  

Available across web and mobile platforms, the FFL Plants & Pollinators App provides science-based tools and information for homeowners, landscape professionals, educators, UF/IFAS Extension agents, and gardening enthusiasts.  

New features include: 

• A Guided Plant Search that recommends plants based on site conditions such as sun exposure, soil moisture, hardiness zone, and wildlife goals.  
• Enhanced plant filters and expanded plant profiles featuring wildlife benefits, pollinator value, toxicity information, growing requirements, and thousands of plant images.  
• Integrated bee and butterfly resources, including host plant information, nectar sources, pollinator profiles, and gardening tips.  
• A customizable My Lists feature that allows users to save, organize, export, and share plant selections for landscape projects and educational programs 
• Information on invasive plants and Florida-Friendly alternatives to help users make environmentally responsible landscape choices.  

The app supports the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program’s mission to help residents make informed decisions to create attractive, sustainable landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by bringing plant, pollinator, and educational resources together in one place.

“We wanted to make it easier for people to understand not only which plants will thrive in their landscape, but also how those plants contribute to the larger ecosystem,” said Tom Wichman, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program assistant director and horticulturist. “The FFL Plants & Pollinators App helps connect plant selection with successful environmental outcomes.”

The FFL Plants & Pollinators App is available beginning August 19, 2026, at FloridaFriendlyLandscaping.com and through the Apple Store and Google Play Store.