Lake Wales Balm: A Critically Endangered Florida Native Worth Protecting
Meet Lake Wales balm (Dicerandra christmanii), one of Florida’s most precious botanical treasures—and unfortunately, one of its most endangered. This charming little native plant might just be the rarest gem you’ll ever consider for your garden, but before you start planning where to plant it, there’s something crucial you need to know.
A Plant on the Brink
Lake Wales balm carries a sobering conservation status: it’s listed as Critically Imperiled with a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning there are typically five or fewer occurrences in the wild with very few remaining individuals (less than 1,000). In the United States, it’s classified as Endangered. This isn’t just another rare plant—it’s a species fighting for survival.
Where in the World?
This Florida endemic calls only one state home, and even within Florida, it’s incredibly specific about where it chooses to grow. Lake Wales balm is native to the lower 48 states, but you’ll only find it naturally occurring in central Florida’s unique Lake Wales Ridge region.
What Makes It Special
Despite its precarious status, Lake Wales balm is a delightful little plant with plenty to offer. As a member of the mint family, it produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that range from white to pale pink. The aromatic foliage releases a pleasant, mint-like fragrance when brushed or crushed, adding a sensory dimension to any garden.
This perennial herb grows as what botanists call a forb—essentially a non-woody plant that dies back to ground level but returns year after year from its root system. It maintains a compact, herbaceous form that fits beautifully into native plant designs.
Garden Role and Landscape Fit
If you’re lucky enough to source Lake Wales balm responsibly, it makes an excellent addition to:
- Native Florida plant gardens
- Wildlife and pollinator gardens
- Xerophytic (drought-tolerant) landscapes
- Conservation-focused plantings
Its compact size and attractive flowers make it perfect as a specimen plant or in small groupings where its unique characteristics can be appreciated up close.
Pollinator Paradise
One of the most compelling reasons to grow Lake Wales balm (when ethically sourced) is its value to pollinators. This native beauty attracts a variety of Florida’s native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. In a world where pollinator populations are declining, every native plant matters—especially one as rare as this.
Growing Conditions
Lake Wales balm is adapted to Florida’s unique sandy ridge environment, which gives us important clues about its growing preferences:
- Soil: Well-drained sandy soils are essential—this plant cannot tolerate wet feet
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 9-11 (basically, Florida’s climate)
Planting and Care Tips
If you’re committed to growing this endangered beauty responsibly, here’s what you need to know:
- Ensure excellent drainage—amend heavy soils with coarse sand
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering significantly
- Avoid fertilizers, which can harm this adapted-to-poor-soils native
- Mulch lightly with pine needles or small gravel rather than heavy organic mulches
The Responsible Choice
Here’s the critical part: if you want to grow Lake Wales balm, you absolutely must source it responsibly. This means:
- Only purchasing from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from legally obtained seeds or cuttings
- Never collecting from wild populations
- Supporting conservation efforts and habitat protection
- Participating in seed collection programs if available through conservation organizations
The Bottom Line
Lake Wales balm is a plant that tells a story—one of Florida’s unique ecosystems, the fragility of rare species, and the important role gardeners can play in conservation. While you probably shouldn’t make this your first choice for a low-maintenance landscape plant, if you’re passionate about Florida natives and committed to responsible gardening practices, Lake Wales balm offers a chance to be part of something bigger than your backyard.
By growing this endangered species with ethically sourced plants, you’re not just adding beauty to your garden—you’re becoming a conservation partner in preserving one of Florida’s most precious botanical treasures for future generations.
