GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Museum visitors will have the opportunity to browse more than 175 species of plants during its annual spring plant sale from April 6 to 8.

At one of the museum’s largest sales of the year, guests can expect to find species designed to attract butterflies and other pollinators, as well as edible plants from Natural Treasures Farm & Nursery.

“More than half of our planned species are native to Florida,” said Ryan Fessenden, “Butterfly Rainforest” assistant manager. “This will include host plants, or the food for caterpillars, as well as nectar plants for adult butterflies to feed on. Several species of ornamental plants used in the “Butterfly Rainforest” often asked about will also be available for sale.”

The plants fit a variety of yards and ecotypes, and this year’s sale will also feature new additions, including the Rattlesnake Calathea, an ornamental that can be found in the “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit.

“Every large plant sale we strive to offer old favorites as well as new and unusual plants for sale,” Fessenden said. “This year is no different. We plan to have several rare species of native plants for sale that we have never offered before, such as Fever Tree and a native species of rose.”

The event will be held outside the Florida Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 6 and 7, and from 1 to 5 p.m. on April 8. All proceeds benefit the “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit.

“This year customers will be free to wander and pick plants they want themselves instead of waiting for staff to serve them, which, we think, will make for an even better experience for our visitors,” Fessenden said.

For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/spring-plant-sale or call 352-273-2057.

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Writer: Kelly Hayes, 352-273-2032, PRintern@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Ryan Fessenden, 352-273-2057, rfessenden@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu