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Swamp sunflowers: Here’s how to see the crazy cool perennials in Central Florida

Wildflowers blanket Lake Jesup Conservation Area

The Narrowleaf sunflower, also known as the swamp sunflower, blooms along Lake Jesup. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

ORLANDO, Fla. – When you think of autumn, you probably think of the leaves changing colors, but Florida doesn’t often see those deep reds, oranges, and yellows like some of our neighbors to the north.

However, we do get to enjoy some of the most beautiful fall flowers.

The Narrowleaf sunflower, also known as the swamp sunflower, blooms along Lake Jesup. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Right now, swamp sunflowers are blanketing the Lake Jesup Conservation Area.

The flowers bloom into bright, vibrant yellow blooms that attract all sorts of pollinators, according to the UF/IFAS Extension.

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If you have driven down State Road 417, you have likely seen them out the window, but you can get a lot closer than that.

The Narrowleaf sunflower, also known as the swamp sunflower, blooms along Lake Jesup. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Seminole County says the best way to access the flowers is via the Lake Jesup Wilderness Area located at 5951 S. Sanford Avenue in Sanford.

There is a marked trail system that will guide you along the south loop trail.

The park is free to access.

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The photographs in this story were taken not far from there at the Marl Bed Flats Tract Trailhead, located at 1799 Oakway in Sanford. To access Lake Jesup, you can park at the trailhead – only a few vehicles can fit in the parking area – and the walk to the flowers is less than a mile away. The area near the flowers will probably be very wet, so dress accordingly and watch out for wildlife.

The Narrowleaf sunflower, also known as the swamp sunflower, blooms along Lake Jesup. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)
The Narrowleaf sunflower, also known as the swamp sunflower, blooms along Lake Jesup. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)
The Narrowleaf sunflower, also known as the swamp sunflower, blooms along Lake Jesup. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Seminole County also says you can access the narrow leaved sunflowers via the Lake Jesup Conservation Area.

Park hours are sunrise to sunset.

If you want to see them up-close time is running out, the Florida Wildflower Foundation says the short-lived perennial primarily blooms in October and November.

The Narrowleaf sunflower, also known as the swamp sunflower, blooms along Lake Jesup. (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

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About the Authors
Tiffany Browne headshot

Tiffany is a Edward R. Murrow Award winning journalist. She produces WKMG Hits the Road, along with Florida's Fourth Estate and Talk to Tom.

Jacob Langston headshot

Jacob joined ClickOrlando.com in 2022. He spent 19 years at the Orlando Sentinel, mostly as a photojournalist and video journalist, before joining Spectrum News 13 as a web editor and digital journalist in 2021.