Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Endemic Species
Photographed by McGhiever, February 13, 2024
1. Endemic Species Marker
Florida's endemic species are plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. One example is the endangered Florida goldenaster whose range consists of five Florida counties: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Hardee, and Highlands Counties. This plant is found only in open, dry, and sandy scrub habitat and historically on beach dunes. It provides food for common species like the eastern cottontail rabbit.
Since the first sample was collected in Bradenton in 1901, much of this plant's habitat has disappeared. As houses were built and the fires that kept the scrub clear were put out, populations of goldenaster dwindled, impacting the wildlife that depends on a diversity of native plants. Manatee County land managers have worked with Bok Tower Gardens to grow and reestablish this rare native plant.
Artwork by Melissa Nell
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 27° 30.046′ N, 82° 40.501′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from Manatee Avenue, on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast and on Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pines (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome Home (approx. 1.3 miles away); Palma Sola Community Church (approx. 1.7 miles away); Pillsbury Boatshop (approx. 2.3 miles away); Pillsbury Boatshop/Pillsbury Tienda de Barcos (approx. 2.3 miles away); Propeller from the 1892 Steamboat 'Mistletoe' (approx. 2.3 miles away);
Photographed by McGhiever, February 13, 2024
2. Endemic Species Marker in Perico Preserve
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
