May 28, 2025

I am a Horace's Duskywing moth

I'm mostly brown with very little white

I perch on a branch about a foot above the ground

When I want some afternoon delight*.

*Check the linked article for back up on this factoid.

Location: Jones' Pier Conservation Area, Vero Beach

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Erynnis-horatius

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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August 11, 2022

These are three stages of Indian Blanket 

From bottom to top: Gone to seed, a bud, and in bloom

It grows very fast, and can spread quite far

So if you plant it, give it plenty of room!

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Black Point Wildlife Drive, Stop 8

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-gaillardia-pulchella

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 20, 2021

This is Gaillardia pulchella

Sometimes also called Firewheel

Purchase your Gaillardia from native plant nurseries

To prevent non-native hybrids, which are not ideal.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-gaillardia-pulchella

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 24, 2020

Location:  Fellsmere, my house

This is Indian Blanket
Also called Blanketflower or Firewheel
It requires dry, sunny conditions
Easy maintenance is part of its appeal.

Sources: Florida Wildflower Foundation - Flower Friday: Blanket Flower

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 27, 2019

Location: Melbourne, Hundred Acre Hollows

This is Gaillardia pulchella
Commonly known as Indian Blanket.
It's good to leave spent flowerheads on the ground
To give Goldfinches a colorful banquet.

Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden - Gaillardia pulchella

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 27, 2017

Location: Fellsmere, my yard

This is a Gaillardia pulchella,
It is common throughout our state.
It flowers from April till June,
And bees help it pollinate.

Sources: University of Florida, IFAS Extension

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson