Florida is one of the most botanically rich areas in the United States. The number of our native plant species–over 2,840–exceeds that of each of the other lower 48 states except for Texas and California. Florida has the less fortunate distinction of having a high percentage of its native flora listed as endangered, threatened, or rare. Fifty-five species are listed as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and another 154 species are candidates for listing or are considered of management concern.