SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Every fall, the North Shore of Lake Jesup transforms into a stunning sea of yellow as the “swamp sunflower” blooms in expansive shallow water marshes.
This native wildflower, known scientifically as Helianthus angustifolius, thrives in the floodplain habitat that the St. Johns River Water Management District manages around the lake.
Graham Williams, a land manager with the district, explains that the sunflowers come up from seed early in the summer with the rainy season. They grow throughout the summer and bloom in a remarkable synchronized display each year around Oct. 1, lasting about two to three weeks.
“This year, the water levels were just right, and we didn’t have any major flood events, so the conditions were optimal for these plants to thrive,” Williams said. “Some years, hurricanes or tropical storms flood them out or blow them down, but we dodged a bullet this year.”
The district manages about 6,000 acres of floodplain around Lake Jesup, with roughly three to four thousand acres of ideal habitat for the sunflowers. The flowers prefer wet soil but not deep water, so they grow in a narrow margin between shallow water and grassy areas.
Visitors can experience the blooms by hiking from trailheads like the Marl Bed Flats Track or by horseback riding and airboat tours, which provide easier access to the vast flower fields.
Williams describes the sunflowers as a good indicator of the ecosystem’s health.
“The fact that native species like the southeastern sunflower are thriving shows the natural system is functioning well,” he said.
The floodplain itself plays a crucial role in Central Florida’s environment. It acts as natural flood storage during heavy rains and tropical storms, protecting downstream communities from flooding. The wetlands also filter water naturally, improving water quality.
Historically, the area around Lake Jesup was altered for agriculture with dikes and pumps, but restoration efforts have returned much of the floodplain to its natural state, allowing the wetlands to perform their essential ecological functions.
Williams, who manages about 85,000 acres across Central Florida, enjoys this time of year most.
“I love that I have the opportunity to work on these incredible pieces of conservation land and leave it better for the next generation,” he said.
The southeastern sunflower bloom is a fleeting spectacle, lasting only a few weeks each fall. For those who want to witness this natural wonder, now is the time to visit Lake Jesup before the flowers fade until next year.