This sprawling
evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves looks a lot like
the common landscaping groundcover, creeping juniper.
Sandlace occurs naturally only in scrubs on the Lake
Wales Ridge in Orange, Polk and Highlands Counties. Once
believed to have potential as a no-maintenance
groundcover for xeric landscaping, sandlace has proven
difficult to propagate commercially and apparently is no
longer offered by native nurseries.
Sandlace is the single best
indicator of ancient Lake Wales Ridge scrub. Look
for it in vacant lots and road shoulders within 10 miles
of US-27 in Polk and Highlands Counties. If you see this
plant you know you are in true Lake Wales Ridge scrub,
and you can expect to see several other Endangered and Threatened species in the
vicinity. Sandlace is protected as an Endangered
Species, and it is unlawful to collect it unless you
have the land owner's permission.
This sprawling
evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves looks a lot like
the common landscaping groundcover, creeping juniper.
Sandlace occurs naturally only in scrubs on the Lake
Wales Ridge in Orange, Polk and Highlands Counties. Once
believed to have potential as a no-maintenance
groundcover for xeric landscaping, sandlace has proven
difficult to propagate commercially and apparently is no
longer offered by native nurseries. 
Sandlace is the single best
indicator of ancient Lake Wales Ridge scrub. Look
for it in vacant lots and road shoulders within 10 miles
of US-27 in Polk and Highlands Counties. If you see this
plant you know you are in true Lake Wales Ridge scrub,
and you can expect to see several other Endangered and Threatened species in the
vicinity. Sandlace is protected as an Endangered
Species, and it is unlawful to collect it unless you
have the land owner's permission.
