Opening/Closure Status

All outdoor gardens are currently open. The Conservatory and public restrooms remain closed, due to the closure of the U.S. Capitol campus buildings. Please monitor www.USBG.gov for updates on operating status. USBG resources can be accessed online, including educational materials, virtual tours, and online programs by visiting www.USBG.gov/AtHome.

Regional Garden

Venus fly trap

The Venus fly trap is endemic in sandy, acidic, low-nutrient boggy soils in a small area of the coastal pine savannah along the border of North and South Carolina. Although a common house plant, Dionaea muscipula is very vulnerable in the wild, due in part to its popularity. Isolated wild populations are illegally harvested, decreasing the genetic diversity and damaging the delicate habitat.

False rosemary

False rosemary, federally listed as endangered by the Endangered Species Act, is one of five shrubby mints found in central Florida's scrub habitat. This short-lived, aromatic, perennial shrub occurs in fewer than 30 sites along a ridge area in central Florida. This scrub habitat is dominated by evergreen scrub oaks, sand pine and, in open areas, herbs and small shrubs, including short-leaved or false rosemary. These are fire dependent habitats and are home to numerous threatened and endangered plants and animals.

Pygmy fringe tree

Chionanthus pygmaeus, the pygmy fringe tree, is found only in (endemic to) the sandy soils of dry hammocks and pine forests in central Florida. The pygmy fringe tree depends on fire to maintain the open and exposed conditions it requires. It has adapted the ability to re-sprout from the roots after these historic periodic burns. Much of the habitat of has been lost due to residential development and citrus production. Suppression of the naturally occurring fires has also impeded its growth.

Tennessee coneflower

This cultivar of the rare Tennessee coneflower is a tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. You can divide clumps every 4 years when become tight clump. It will typically rebloom without deadheading and the seed heads are highly attractive to birds. Some feel that the removal of spent flowers improves appearance and because 'Rocky Top' may not come true from self-seeding in the garden.

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