Have you ever stood in a field of wildflowers and felt lost in its beauty? Sunflower fields are even more amazing because their bright blooms are often growing at eye level or above, completely engulfing visitors in a sea of green and yellow. We might not have a lot of wildflower fields in Florida, but we do have this incredible swamp sunflower field in Collier County. Walking or driving through this park is an unforgettable experience.
Take a look at this breathtaking scene. You'd probably never guess this yellow blanket of wildflowers was right here in our backyard. This gorgeous swamp sunflower field is located on the Pepper Ranch Preserve in Immokalee in Collier County.
These bright and beautiful blooms belong to Helianthus Angustifolius, or the Swamp Sunflower (or Swamp Daisy). This long-leafed cousin to the traditional sunflower is exactly what its nickname suggests: A cheery, sun-loving flower that likes to grow in moist soil.
You've probably seen little groupings of swamp sunflowers on the side of the road, but you might not have known they can grow five to seven feet tall, making fields like this quite a sight to behold. Early October is the recommended best time to visit.
You'll see butterflies fluttering and bees buzzing around the sunflower field, but don't get lulled into total relaxation by this idyllic scene. This area is still very much wild and full of gators, snakes and other native wildlife you'll need to keep an eye out for. You don't have to hike through the flowers, though. You can also drive through the preserve. Visit the on-site visitor center for more information.
Check out the video below for a glimpse of the Pepper Ranch Preserve and the wildlife that you might encounter. If you only want to see a drive through the flowers, fast forward to 1:45.
The Pepper Ranch Preserve is located at 6315 Pepper Rd, Immokalee, FL 34142. It’s only open on select weekends, so we recommend calling (239) 657-1999 before planning a trip here.
Have you ever visited The Pepper Ranch Preserve? What’s your favorite spot to view wildflowers in Florida?
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