Common Plant Names – A Quick Glance

Knowing common plant names is key if you intend on establishing a good indoor or outdoor garden. As many botanical shops deal with their seeds, seedlings and full grown plants by their common plant name, it is vital that you can match common names with scientific names.

There are several ways to group common plant names with their scientific names. Databases and plant encyclopedias are preferred, as many of these will provide images of the plants along with a list of all of their names. If you keep the seed packets when you buy your plants, they tend to name the scientific name with the local common plant name.

In most situations, the common plant name is the english translation of the latin version of the name. The latin is also known as scientific, as many scientific names are derived from ancient language.

Some common plant names for herbs include Ammania, Bedstraw, Beggarticks, Buckwheat, Bursage, annual, Buttercup, Catnip, Cocklebur, Conzya, Crimson Monkeyflower, Cudweed, Dove Weed and Duckweed.

If you are interested in common plant names for flowering plants, some include african corn lily, african lily, alpine thistle, amaryllis, amazon lily, arum, baby’s breath, balloon flower, barberton daisy, bee balm, bell flower, bells of Ireland, roses, tulips, clover, gerber daisy and sunflower.

Popular, oak, birch, coffee trees, rubber trees, lemon trees, orange trees, pear trees, apple, Japanese maple, juniper and ash are a few common names of trees for those who are interested. If you are researching trees in order to grow in your home or outside, you should be aware that trees have a much longer grow cycle than flowering plants. Some trees, such as fruit trees, are especially sensitive to climate. Research should be done before you import any tree that has not already been introduced to the region.

If you live in a region that has poisonous plants, knowing their common plant names can prevent confusion if you or a loved one are exposed to them. Poison ivy, poison oak, belladonna, night shade, alder buckthorn, yew, english ivy, foxglove, monk’s hood, poison hemlock, poison sumac and pokeweed are a few examples of poisonous plants. If you suspect that you have been poisoned by any type of plant, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Poisonous plants should not be kept as indoor plants unless precautions are done to prevent poisoning. Some herbs can be poisonous if used improperly, so many data sources will list useful herbs, such as chives, garlic and cinnamon as poisons, due to improper usage.

Knowing the common names of plants isn’t enough to ensure that you will be able to keep them in your indoor or outdoor garden. Researching the plants and ensuring that you live in the proper climate for the plants you desire is vital if you want to make sure your plants have longevity.