The Nature Trail at Sugar Mill Ruins is surprisingly diverse and interesting. At each numbered marker along the way, you can learn a little bit more about the items that make this Nature Trail a Volusia County hidden treasure.
Marker 6: Wild Violets and Shiny Leaf Coffee
One of the common groundcovers on this trail are wild violets. This violet (Viola sororia) loves the shade and is native to Florida. It features pretty, pale purple blooms throughout the Spring and Summer. The petals are edible although they are apparently not very tasty. They are also used to decorate other foods.
Just behind the violets, you can also spot a short bush with shiny green leaves – Shiny Leaf Coffee. This native evergreen plant sports clusters of pretty white flowers in the Spring and Summer berries. The fruits resembles coffee beans, but they are naturally caffeine-free. They thrive in the shade, and can be found throughout this trail.
The ground cover with the five leaves is Virginia Creeper. It is not Poison Ivy, which would look similar but with leaves of three. However, Poison Ivy can be found in many off trail areas of the park, so keep alert.
Go to Marker 7 Live Oak
Thank you to the following folks who generously donated their time and expertise to identifying the plants on this nature trail: Raymond Jarrett, David Griffis, Trey Hannah and Kalan Taylor.