This type of vegetation has become harder and
harder to fi nd, but is imperative for the survival of
more than 24 species of animals, and countless
types of birds and insects. Other names Florida
scrub goes by are xeric scrub, sand scrub, big
scrub, sand pine scrub, oak scrub, evergreen oak
scrub, dune oak scrub, evergreen scrub forest,
slash pine scrub, palmetto scrub, rosemary scrub
and rosemary bald. These names are representative
of Florida scrub in different phases of growth.
According to the University of Florida, Florida
scrub may be classifi ed as coastal or interior.
Scrub is often named by its dominant plant
species, as in rosemary scrub, sand pine scrub,
palmetto scrub or oak scrub. New scrub growth,
such as that after a fi re, is called pioneer scrub.
Vegetation called scrub or pine fl atwoods is also
known as scrubby fl atwood. As you can see, each
step into the terrain of the natural coastal
Florida ecosystem brings new and different
types of growth.
