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Botany - Flower terms
Category: Animals and Nature > Botany
Date & country: 09/09/2007, USA.
Words: 2228

Hatpin Cactus
(Ferocactus) This group consists of about 35 cacti found across the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico. They are excellent for growing in containers on patios and in greenhouses or as landscape plants. When young, they are usually globular shaped, though they eventually become columnar with age, some species gradually reaching a height of up to 13 feet. In the summer, large, bell- or funnel-shaped flowers are produced at the plant's crown. These are usually followed by sticky, yellow berries. Thâ€¦

Haworthia
(Cut Window Plant, Fairy Washboard, Pearly Dots, Zebra Plant) This large group of succulent plants is originally from South Africa; they are commonly found in rock crevices and under bushes, out of direct sunlight. These plants form rosettes of soft, fleshy, triangular leaves, though a few have long, grass-like leaves. The shapes and markings of the leaves vary, but raised, white spots are the most common variegation. Some leaves are very thick with windowed upper surfaces. Some plants have rootâ€¦

Hawthorn
(Crataegus) This is a large group of hardy, deciduous trees and a few shrubs that are commonly known as Hawthorns or Thorns; other common names will be mentioned by its tree. Most of the Hawthorns are natives of North America; others are natives of Europe, Asia Minor, China, Japan, the Old World and the Himalayas. Hawthorns are beautiful, flowering trees suitable for shading patios, decorating lawns and lining streets. These hard-wooded trees can be grown in exposed locations as well as tolerateâ€¦

Heartleaf Crambe
(Crambe) These hardy perennials originate in Asia and Europe and include one, C. maritima, also known as Sea Kale, which is used as a vegetable. C. Cordifolia, Heartleaf Crambe, is a vigorous, many-branched plant with very large, dark green leaves that are heart-shaped and crinkled. The white, 4-petaled flowers are tiny and are borne in large, loose sprays in the summer. The Heartleaf Crambe can grow up to 6 feet high with a spread of 4 feet or more. C. maritima, the Sea Kale, grows wild in the â€¦

Heartsease
(Viola) This is a large group of annuals and perennials. They are found wild in the mild Northern regions, South and eastern Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. These plants belong to the Violet family, Violaceae. Viola contains a wide range of pretty woodland and rock garden plants along with the more developed Bedding Violas, Sweet Violets and Pansies, as they are commonly called. Pansies are descended from the European wild Violas, V. tricolor and V. lutea. Bedding Violas are hyâ€¦

Heather
(Calluna) These small, hardy, evergreen shrubs are found wild in many parts of Europe and some in places of North America. They have little, opposite, four-ranked leaves and spikes of tiny flowers in many different shades. These plants are commonly known as Heather. C. vulgaris, the common Heather, is a small shrub that grows on the mountains and moorland in the northern and western parts of the British Isles. C. vulgaris is the only species, but from it, many varieties which differ greatly in hâ€¦

Hedge Nettle
(Stachys) This group consists of about 300 species of mostly hardy perennials, which belong to the Mint family, Labiatae. These plants are widely distributed throughout Europe and other north temperate regions and several are found wild in North America.Some are valued for their attractive foliage, while others are appreciated for their spikes of pretty flowers. Their common names include: Betony, Bunnies' Ears, Hedge Nettle, Lamb's Ears, Lamb's tongue, and Woundwort. One, S. Sieboldii (Câ€¦

Hedge Thorn
(Carissa) These are tropical shrubs, natives of Africa, Australia and Asia. Some of them are grown outdoors in Florida and California. They have dark green, shiny leaves and bear fragrant white or pink flowers that are sometimes followed by edible fruits resembling plums. These plants are spiny and are great hedge plants.â€¦

Hedgehog Cacti
(Echinocereus) This group consists of about fifty cacti from the southern U.S. and Mexico. These pretty cacti come in a wide range of shapes and colors. Some species form round, spiny mounds and are commonly called Hedgehog Cacti, while others develop thin, rambling stems. The flower buds of these succulents form inside the stems, bursting out near the stem tips in late spring and early summer. The flowers open completely in full sun and come in an array of colors such as yellow, orange, red, piâ€¦

Hedgehog Cactus
(Echinocactus) This group consists of six cacti native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. These globular- to barrel-shaped plants (Hedgehog Cactus) vary in size from small plants only 41/2 inches wide to giants 3 feet wide and 61/2 feet high, weighing more than 2,200 pounds. These plants produce a ring of open-faced flowers on the plant's crown ranging in color from golden yellow to purplish-red. These cacti are suitable for growing in containers in a greenhouse or home and as landscape plants.â€¦

Hedychium
(Garland Flower, Ginger Lily) These slightly hardy to frost-tender perennials are natives of China and India. They are commonly called Garland Flower, Ginger Lily and Kahili Ginger. These plants grow from 4 to 6 feet in height. H. densiflorum forms clumps of oblong to broadly lance-shaped, ribbed, shiny dark green leaves on reed-like stems. In late summer, slender stems shoot up bearing dense spikes of small, fragrant, orange or yellow flowers. H. gardnerianum resembles H. densiflorum, but its lâ€¦

Hedysarum
These perennials are natives of North Africa, Europe, temperate Asia and temperate America. A few are nice to grow in the garden, but most are more attractive in a wild setting. One of the prettiest for cultivation is H. coronarium, the French Honeysuckle. It grows up to 3 feet high and wide. Its mid-green leaves are divided into 3 to 5 pairs of elliptic to round leaflets. In early summer, stout stems shoot up and bear spikes of small, pea-like flowers colored reddish-purple or carmine-red. H. sâ€¦

Helenium
These perennials, commonly called Sneezeweeds, are natives of North America. They grow from 2 to 5 feet high and produce tons of beautiful, Daisy-like flowers that last well when cut. These flowers have very pronounced, central disks and are borne from late summer to fall. H. 'Sonnenwunder' is a vigorous growing plant with lance-shaped, dark green leaves growing from strong stems. From late summer to fall, a profusion of large flowers with reflexed, golden yellow petals and large, round disks arâ€¦

Helianthus
(Girasole, Jerusalem Artichoke, Jerusalem Artihcoke, Mirasol, Sunchoke, Sunflower) These are hardy herbaceous perennials or annuals found wild in North America. They produce large yellow flowers in late summer and autumn. The perennial kinds are tall and vigorous. H. decapetalus multiflorus and its double variety, Soliel d'Or, grow 4 to 5 feet high. The prettiest one is called Monarch; it is a variety of H. atrorubens sparsifolius. This plant will grow 6 to 7 feet high and bear large, golden yelâ€¦

Helichrysum
(Everlasting Flower, Immortelle, Strawflower) This is a large group that includes annuals, herbaceous perennials and shrubs. The annuals are the most popular, for their flowers are cut and dried for winter decoration; they are found wild in Australia. They grow 2 to 3 feet high and have oblong or lanceolate leaves up to 5 inches long. Their flowers are 2 to 3 inches across and resemble daisies. The petals are dry and shiny and come in almost every color except blue. They should be cut just beforâ€¦

Heliconia
(False Plantain, Lobster Claws, Parrot's Flower, Parrot's Plantain) Heliconia is a group of frost-tender perennials grown for their attractive foliage and brilliant flower spikes. They are found naturally in tropical forests of eastern Brazil. They have several common names including Lobster's Claws, Parrot's Flower, Parrot's Plantain and False Plantain. H. psittacorum has lance-shaped, evergreen leaves on long stalks, which may be tinged scarlet. In the summer, on mature plants only, cylindricaâ€¦

Heliopsis
These pretty perennials are natives of North America. They are great plants for the herbaceous border and they provide beautiful flowers for cutting. The height of the varieties range from 3 to 5 feet. H. helianthoides variety scabra Sommersonne forms clumps of dark green, oval to lance-shaped, toothed leaves. In late summer, tons of large, single flowers are borne; their rich yellow petals surround dark orange-yellow centers. H. 'Ballet Dancer' has large, double, Daisy-like flowers with toothedâ€¦

Heliotrope
(Heliotropium) These are tender, bushy plants that grow 1 to 4 feet high. Their leaves are elliptic or oblong to lanceolate and they grow up to 3 inches long. They produce pretty, wonderfully fragrant flowers in clusters up to 8 inches across. They may be deep blue-violet to purple, lavender, or almost white.â€¦

Heliotropium
(Cherry Pie, Heliotrope) These are tender, bushy plants that grow 1 to 4 feet high. Their leaves are elliptic or oblong to lanceolate and they grow up to 3 inches long. They produce pretty, wonderfully fragrant flowers in clusters up to 8 inches across. They may be deep blue-violet to purple, lavender, or almost white.â€¦

Helipterum
(Everlasting Flower, Immortelle, Rhodanthe, Strawflower) These shrubs, annuals and perennials are natives of Australia, Tasmania and South Africa. The annuals produce flowers that are used for drying. The blossoms are cut just as they are about to open. The leaves are linear to lanceolate and up to 3 inches long; they are a bluish-green color. The flowers are papery dry and round, 2 to 3 inches across; they may be rose, pink or white with golden centers.â€¦

Hellebore
(Helleborus) Helleborus is a group of very beautiful and interesting, evergreen or deciduous (leaf-losing) perennials that are native to southern Europe and Asia. These plants belong to the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. They grow upright from 12 to 18 inches high. These plants have several common names such as Hellebore, Christmas Rose, and Lenten Rose. H. purpurascens has deciduous, dark green leaves that are divided into 2 to 6, lance-shaped segments. In early spring, clusters of large, nodâ€¦

Helleborus
(Christmas Rose, Hellebore, Lenten Rose) Helleborus is a group of very beautiful and interesting, evergreen or deciduous (leaf-losing) perennials that are native to southern Europe and Asia. These plants belong to the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. They grow upright from 12 to 18 inches high. These plants have several common names such as Hellebore, Christmas Rose, and Lenten Rose. H. purpurascens has deciduous, dark green leaves that are divided into 2 to 6, lance-shaped segments. In early spâ€¦

Hemerocallis
This group consists of 15 species (as well as numerous hybrids) of deciduous or evergreen, perennial plants commonly known as Daylilies. Daylilies belong to the Lily family, Liliaceae, but are not true Lilies. Their Lily-like flowers usually last only a day, thus the common name, Daylily, but are borne in succession over a period of two to six weeks during the summer. Daylilies are natives of Japan and other eastern countries and southern Europe; some kinds are naturalized in Northâ€¦

Hemigraphis
The Waffle Plant. This frost-tender perennial is grown mainly for its attractive foliage. It is a native of tropical Malaysia. It is a prostrate growing plant with spreading, rooting stems. Its satiny leaves are slender and lance-shaped with toothed, scalloped, or lobed margins. They are grayish-green stained with red-purple above and darker purple beneath. The tiny white flowers grow intermittently throughout the year. This plant reaches a height of 6 inches and has an indefinite spread.â€¦

Hemlock
(Tsuga) These evergreen trees are commonly known as Hemlock or Hemlock Spruce. Hemlocks are found wild in North America, the Himalayas, Japan and China. Most of these trees are hardy and as other Conifers (cone-bearing tree), need a fairly clean atmosphere to survive. Hemlock can be distinguished from other Conifers by its flat, linear, dark green leaves, which have two long, whitish lines on their lower surfaces. Each leaf is attached to a little woody stem that remains on the twig after the leâ€¦

Herb O'Grace
(Ruta) This herb is commonly known as Rue or Herb O'Grace. This ancient medicinal plant is a hardy perennial that grows upright to 2 feet high and 12 inches wide. Its attractive foliage is silvery blue-green, and in early summer, many stalks of pretty yellow flowers shoot up above the foliage. The leaves can be added, in very small amounts only, to salads and sandwiches. Pregnant woman should not eat Rue. Handling the plant, especially when in bloom, can cause skin irritation. Dried leaves are oâ€¦

Hercules' Club
(Aralia) This group consists of hardy trees, deciduous shrubs, perennials and a few climbers that are natives of North America, Japan, China and Korea. They are mainly grown for their handsome foliage. A. elata (Japanese Angelica Tree) is often seen growing as a large shrub, but sometimes grows to a small tree. The spiny stems are covered with huge, doubly pinnate leaves, which mainly grow at the ends of stems. They usually turn pretty colors in the autumn. In late summer, panicles of white flowâ€¦

Hercules' War Club Gourd
(Lagenaria) This Gourd, as all other Gourds, belong to the Cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. Unlike their edible relatives such as Melons, Squashes, Cucumbers and Pumpkins, Gourds are mainly grown for ornament. All are tendril-bearing vines that will sprawl if not supported. L. siceraria is commonly known as the Bottle Gourd. Other popular names include Calabash and White-flowered Gourd. This musky-scented, tender perennial is a native of South America and can reach a height of 30 feet. The stickyâ€¦

Herringbone Plant
(Maranta) These frost tender perennials are native to tropical America and are grown for their beautiful foliage. They can be grown outside in frost-free climates only. Their leaves rise straight out of the soil and vary in size and shape. They are often marked with streaks or blotches of contrasting colors. M. leuconeura variety erythroneura (Herringbone Plant) has oblong, velvety, black green leaves veined with red and having a lime-green midrib area. This plant will produce erect spikes of smâ€¦

Hesperis
(Dame's Rocket, Dame's Violet, Sweet Rocket) This is the botanical name for Sweet Rocket, also known as Dame's Rocket or Dame's Violet. These perennial or hardy biennials belong to the Mustard family, Cruciferae, and have some of that plant's pungent flavor. They are originally from Japan, Europe and Asia Minor. Sweet Rocket is an old-fashioned plant that is grown in gardens and is naturalized in the lightly shaded woodlands of eastern North America. They grow from 1 to 4 feet high and have alteâ€¦

Heterocentron
(Spanish Shawl) This is a small group of frost-tender perennials from Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. This plant, commonly known as Spanish Shawl, is a thick, creeping plant, which will grow to 2 inches high and spread endlessly. Its small, oval to oblong leaves are medium green and bristly to downy. In the summer and fall, an abundance of small, 4-petaled, bright magenta- to mauve-colored flowers are produced.â€¦

Heuchera
These hardy perennials are mainly natives of North America. Alum Root, as they are commonly called, grow from 12 to 18 inches high. Some types are mainly grown for the beauty of their foliage and others for their dainty flowers. Not many wild types are now grown in gardens, because many beautiful named varieties have been developed which provide an abundance of pretty flowers. A few of the named varieties and wild species will be described in this section; others will be mentioned below in the vâ€¦

Heucherella
These perennials are hybrids of Heuchera and Tiarella. H. tiarelloides forms thick carpets of rounded, lobed, mid-green leaves with serrated and scalloped margins. In early summer, long sprays of tiny, bell-shaped, pink flowers are produced. H. alba 'Bridget Bloom' produces tiny pale rose-pink flowers in long-stemmed sprays intermittently from early summer to fall. These plants grow up to 18 inches high.â€¦

Hibiscis
(Confederate Rose, Cotton Rose, Flower Of An Hour, Hibiscus, Jamaica Sorrel, Jamaican Sorrel, Okra, Rose Mallow, Rose Of China, Rose Of Sharon, Roselle, Shrub Althaea, Swamp Hibiscus) This is a group of hardy and tender shrubs and annual and perennial plants that come from Asia and tropical East Africa. These plants flourish in sunny positions. Tropical Hibiscus can only grow in climates that are frostless, such as Hawaii, southern California and southern Florida. They can form shrubs up to 30 fâ€¦

Hibotan
(Gymnocalycium) This group contains 80 variable species. They are natives of South American countries from Argentina, north to Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. The plants range from small stems, 11/2 inches across, to stems 8 inches wide and high. They range in color from blue-green to gray or brown. Most of the species flower profusely and at an early age. The long-lasting flowers range in color from white to light yellow and pink and only open fully in bright light. The blossoms are folâ€¦

Himalayan Heather
(Cassiope) This group of hardy, dwarf, evergreen shrubs are natives of the Himalayas, Asia and North America. They do better in cool climates where summers aren't too warm. They can withstand temperatures as low as -30Âº F. Cassiopes are suitable for growing in shady or semi-shady places of the rock garden or shrub border. These plants have tiny, compact, overlapping leaves and solitary, bell-shaped flowers that resemble Lilies-of-the-Valley. C. 'Edinburgh' is a hybrid with slender, dark green stâ€¦

Hinn Choy
(Amaranthus) These are tender annuals that are natives of India, the Philippines and other warm countries. They are erect-growing plants; their height ranges from 2 to 8 feet high. Their leaves are long or oval, from 2 to 4 inches long and they start out green or dark red and change to bright yellow, orange or florescent pink at the tops. They produce pretty tassels of flowers that may be wine red or chartreuse. The flowers last a long time. Those with colorful leaves don't produce as lovely floâ€¦

Hippeastrum
This group consists of 75 deciduous, perennial bulbs mostly native to tropical America. Commonly known as Barbados Lilies and Amaryllis, these plants shouldn't be confused with Amaryllis Belladonna, which is a completely different group. Amaryllises are excellent for growing in flowerbeds, in containers, and as houseplants. They produce beautiful blooms outdoors, in the spring or summer; indoors, in the winter or spring. The bulbs of these plants are quite large with some varietiesâ€¦

Holcus
(Creeping Soft Grass, Velvet Grass) Holcus, commonly known as Velvet Grass, is an ornamental Grass that grows wild in Europe and is naturalized in North America. H. lanatus grows 18 to 24 inches high and has soft, downy green leaves. H. mollis 'Albovariegatus' (Variegated Creeping Soft Grass) forms clumps, up to 3 feet high, of evergreen, linear leaves with hairy nodes. They are green striped with white. In the summer, spikes of tiny purplish-white flowers are produced. These plants have an unliâ€¦

Holly
(Ilex) This group consists of about 400 evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs as well as numerous hybrids and cultivars. These attractive plants are commonly known as Holly. Hollies range from compact dwarfs to large trees that can reach a height of up to 50 feet. Hollies are valued for their beautiful leaves, which may be glossy green, gold, bluish-green or reddish-purple and are sometimes variegated or edged with cream, yellow, or silvery white. Some leaves are usually prickly while others â€¦

Holly Fern
(Cyrtomium) These ferns are natives of Japan, China, India, Celebes, and Hawaii. Their fronds average 30 inches in length. The pinnae (leaflets), which are about 3 inches long and are shiny, dark green and tough, grow from brownish, hairy stalks.â€¦

Hollyhock
(Alcea) This group consists of about sixty, tall, herbaceous plants commonly known as Hollyhock. These beautiful plants range in height from 6 to 10 feet. Their large, rough leaves have five to seven lobes. In the summer and early fall, long, upright spikes of large, single or double flowers that may be white, pink, rose, red, crimson, purple, yellow, or peach are produced. The flowers open individually from the bottom up. Hollyhocks are biennial, but they self-seed readily making them seem likeâ€¦

Honesty
(Lunaria) These annuals and perennials are found naturally from Europe to eastern Siberia. They are grown for their pretty flowers and decorative seedpods, called silicles. Lunaria (commonly called Honesty, Money Plant, Moonwort, Satin Flower and Silver Dollars) is derived from luna, the moon, and refers to the shape of the seedpods. L. rediviva is a perennial that grows 24 to 30 inches high. Its oval-lance-shaped leaves are finely serrated and medium green; they are sometimes tingâ€¦

Honey Locust
(Gleditsia) This group of mostly hardy, deciduous trees is native to North America, South America, tropical Africa and central and eastern Asia. These trees, commonly known as Honey Locusts, have pinnate or bi-pinnate leaves consisting of 18 or more, oblong lance-shaped leaflets. They are smooth and dark green above, paler beneath. The small, greenish flowers of these trees are inconspicuous and are followed by thin, purplish-brown pods growing from 10 to 18 inches long and 1 to 1Â½ inches wide. â€¦

Honey Shucks
(Gleditsia) This group of mostly hardy, deciduous trees is native to North America, South America, tropical Africa and central and eastern Asia. These trees, commonly known as Honey Locusts, have pinnate or bi-pinnate leaves consisting of 18 or more, oblong lance-shaped leaflets. They are smooth and dark green above, paler beneath. The small, greenish flowers of these trees are inconspicuous and are followed by thin, purplish-brown pods growing from 10 to 18 inches long and 1 to 1Â½ inches wide. â€¦

Honeydew Melon
(Cucumis) Cucumis is a large group comprised of Melons and Cucumbers. They are climbing plants found wild in Asia. Just below are some descriptions of the Cucumber family (cucurbitaceae); following will be descriptions of Melonsâ€¦

Honeysuckle
(Lonicera) This group consists of about 180, evergreen and deciduous, woody climbers and shrubs, commonly known as Honeysuckle. They are valued for their pretty flowers, which are sweetly scented, and their decorative fruits, which birds find delectable. The climbing Honeysuckles are suitable for growing over a trellis, arch, or pergola, while the shrubby kind are great for growing in borders and rock gardens, and as hedges. Their trumpet-shaped flowers are borne from late winter or early springâ€¦

Hoop Ash
(Celtis) Celtis is the botanical name for the Hackberry tree, also known as the Sugarberry, Nettle tree and Hoop Ash. This group includes mostly hardy and deciduous trees (sometimes bushes) mainly from the Northern Hemisphere. The Hackberries resemble the Elms, but are smaller trees. C. occidentalis is a medium-sized tree, growing from 25 to 40 feet high. It forms a round head of branches. The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches. They are simple and ovate with long-pointed tips. Theyâ€¦

Hoop Pine
(Araucaria) These evergreen trees are natives of Australia, South America, New Guinea, New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. A. araucana (Monkey Puzzle Tree or Chilean Pine) is native of southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego. In the U.S., it is hardy in mild climates and on the Pacific Coast, though it does better in cooler, coastal regions. In Great Britain and the milder climates of Europe it is a common sight in the landscape. The Monkey Puzzle Tree has spidery branches, which are entirely surroundâ€¦

Hop Hornbeam
(Ostrya) These hardy, deciduous trees are natives of Europe, North America and Asia. These slow growing, pest-resistant trees grow up to 40 feet high with a spread to match. Their trunks are short and are covered with scaling bark. They are topped by a dense crown of ovate or oblong-ovate leaves that taper into a point. The leaves are marked with conspicuous parallel veins and have deeply serrated edges. O. virginiana, the American Hop Hornbeam, is an attractive tree that has simple, alternatelyâ€¦

Hordeum
(Foxtail Barley, Squirreltail Grass) This ornamental Grass is a native of North America, Asia and Europe. Commonly known as Squirreltail Grass and Foxtail Barley, it produces inflorescences somewhat similar to those of Barley, to which it is related. This Grass is an annual or short-lived perennial and is mainly grown for its flowers that are dried and used for winter arrangements. The Foxtail Barley grows 1 to 2 feet high with a spread of 1 foot. It green leaves are linear and from early to midâ€¦

Hornbeam
(Carpinus) Carpinus is the botanical name for a group of hardy, deciduous (leaf-losing) trees or large shrubs native to Europe, the Himalayas, eastern Asia, and North and Central America. The common names of these trees include Hornbeam, Blue Beech, Water Beech, and Ironwood. These trees range in height from 15 to 80 feet. C. caroliniana grows from 20 to 40 feet high. It has simple leaves arranged alternately on the twigs. They are rounded at the base and taper off into a pointed tip; they grow â€¦

Horse Chestnut
(Aesculus) These trees are natives of North America, Europe and Asia and are commonly known as Buckeyes and Horse Chestnuts. These beautiful trees are suitable for planting along roads, in parks and gardens, and near the sea. A. Hippocastanum (Common Horse Chestnut) is a handsome tree that grows from 40 to 60 feet high. It has palmate leaves consisting of 7, oblong leaflets, which are 4 to 6 inches long. They have pointed bases broadening toward the end and toothed edges. In the spring, it produâ€¦

Horse Mint
(Monarda) These are erect clumps of annual and perennial herbaceous plants that grow wild in North America. These plants can grow up to 3 feet high and are usually sold for the beauty of their striking blossoms. M. pectinata (the Lemon Mint) has thin leaves that are lanceolate to oblong and have the scent of lemons. It bears whorls of flowers that are up to 2 inches across and may be white to pink and purplish. The most popular kind is M. didyma (Oswego Tea, Bee Balm, or Bergamot), which has spiâ€¦

Horse Parsley
(Smyrnium) Black Loveage, Horse Parsley and Alexanders; these are all common names for this herb. At one time, Alexanders were grown as a major culinary and medicinal plant, but are now hardly seen in today's herb garden. This biennial is large and resembles celery. They grow from 3 to 5 feet high and their dark stems are topped by glossy, 3-part leaves and bunches of white flowers. The leaves, stems, flowers and seed buds may all be eaten.â€¦

Horseradish
(Armoracia) A. rusticana, the Horseradish, is a hardy, perennial herb, native to southeast Europe. It is such a zealous and stubborn plant that is has escaped from gardens and naturalized in some areas. Horseradish grows 2 to 2Â½ feet high at maturity and has large, coarse foliage resembling the common weed curly dock. The thick, deep root is edible.â€¦

Horsetail Rush
(Equisetum) These hardy perennials are commonly known as Horsetail Rush or Scouring Rush. These plants grow wild in North America and are suited for planted at the edge of the water garden. E. hyemale grows up to 4 feet high. It has hollow, bright green, furrowed stems that are banded with black; they resemble little Bamboo plants. Male plants produce a brownish pollen cone on their tips and female plants bear spikelet-like growths on their tips. E. scorpoides, the Dwarf Horsetail, is a smaller â€¦

Hosta
Hostas, also known as Plantain Lily and Funkia, are grown mainly for their attractive foliage, which comes in a wide range of textures and colors including green, green variegated with white, cream or yellow, blue green, golden yellow and greenish-yellow. Many Hostas produce lovely spikes of tubular-, trumpet- or bell-shaped flowers in different shades of purple or white, some of which are very fragrant. The larger, clump-forming varieties make excellent ground cover. The height ranges between tâ€¦

Houttuynia
These hardy perennials are originally from Japan and are great ground covers for the margins of your water garden. H. cordata has bluish-green, heart-shaped leaves edged with red on red stems. Small flowers, consisting of cone-shaped inflorescences surrounded by white, petal-like bracts, are produced from the tips of the stems, in early summer. This plant grows 6 to 12 inches high and is a vigorous grower. If care is not taken, it can become a nuisance near a natural pond or stream. A variety ofâ€¦

Howea
(Kentia Palm, Paradise Palm, Thatch Leaf Palm) These plants are grown for their decorative foliage and they belong to the Palm family. They are natives of Lord Howe's Island, which is near Australia. The minimum winter temperature required for these plants is 55 degrees. The leaves are large and spreading, dark green, and leathery. They are divided deeply. These Palms can grow 30-60 feet tall outside. Smaller plants are often used for indoor decoration.â€¦

Hoya
(Wax Plant) Commonly known as Wax Plant. Hoya Carnosa is a tough tropical plant native to S. China and Australia. They have a thick waxy leaf and clusters of small star shaped waxy flowers. Water is stored in the waxy leaves and stems of this plant. Hoya flowers release a fragrant scent during the evenings while in bloom. Hoya Carnosa is related to the milkweeds (Asclepias) it exudes a sticky sap if cut or damaged. Often used in hanging baskets the hoya has adapted reâ€¦

Hunnemannia
(Golden Cup, Mexican Tulip Poppy) This herbaceous plant is originally from Mexico. It grows 2 to 3 feet high and has blue-green, finely dissected leaves. Its flowers resemble poppies and grow 2 to 3 inches across; they are bright yellow. In mild climates, this plant can be grown as a perennial outside.â€¦

Hunter'S Robe
(Scindapsus) This small group consists of twenty tropical, climbing plants native to Southeast Asia. These plants are valued for their large, attractively variegated leaves, which may be heart-shaped or ovate. These plants, commonly known as Amapallo Amarillo, Devil's Ivy, Hunter's Robe, Ivy Arum, Pothos Ivy, and Taro Vine, also produce arum-like flowers with greenish-colored spathes. These plants are excellent for growing in a hanging basket, training up a moss pole or wall, or for draping overâ€¦

Huon Pine
(Dacrydium) This group consists of about twenty-five tender, evergreen coniferous shrubs and trees from New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, Borneo, Malaya, New Caledonia, and Chile. These plants are commonly known as Huon Pines. Some varieties are valued in their native countries for their durable wood, which is used for building purposes, making furniture and cabinets, etc... D. franklinii is a large shrub or small, conical tree with thin, pendant branches, which are clothed in bright green, scalâ€¦

Husk Tomato
(Physalis) This is a group of annuals and perennials, which are grown for their fruits and for decoration. They grow wild in Europe, America and Asia and belong to the Potato family, Solanaceae.â€¦

Hyacinth
(Hyacinthus) This is a group of hardy bulbs that bloom in the spring. They are mostly natives of the Mediterranean region and the Orient. A few grow wild in tropical Africa. They have bright green strap-like leaves and long spikes with dense clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers that come in whites, blues, reds, yellows, and pinks. Hyacinths can be grown in gardens, greenhouses, or in pots inside. They can also be grown in glasses of water (preferably rainwater) and a few pieces of charcoal to â€¦

Hyacinthus
(Hyacinth) This is a group of hardy bulbs that bloom in the spring. They are mostly natives of the Mediterranean region and the Orient. A few grow wild in tropical Africa. They have bright green strap-like leaves and long spikes with dense clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers that come in whites, blues, reds, yellows, and pinks. Hyacinths can be grown in gardens, greenhouses, or in pots inside. They can also be grown in glasses of water (preferably rainwater) and a few pieces of charcoal to keâ€¦

Hydrangea
This group consists of hardy and tender shrubs and woody climbers. They are mostly deciduous plants, though a few of the tender species are evergreen. They are natives of the Himalayas, North and South America, and central and eastern Asia. These flowering shrubs have different flower forms - from the large globes of the 'mopheads' to the discs of the 'lacecaps' to the thick cones of oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas. They come in an array of colors from pure white to brilliant crimson, pale lilac â€¦

Hydrocharis
(Frogbit) This hardy, aquatic perennial, commonly known as Frogbit, is native to Asia and Europe. Resembling a miniature Water Lily, Frogbits produce glossy green, kidney-shaped leaves, about an inch across. These grow in rosettes on the surface of the water, from long petioles. The undersides of the leaves are covered with spongy, air-holding tissue. Stolons grow from the leaf axils during the summer to produce new rosettes. Unnoticeable white flowers grow among the leaves. Frogbits aren't as aâ€¦

Hydrocotyle
(Water Pennywort) This is a group of vigorous growing, aquatic perennials, commonly known as Water Pennywort. They are suitable for growing on the perimeter of your water garden. Depending on the variety, Water Pennyworts grow from 4 to 12 inches high. H. vulgaris is a hardy variety from North Africa and Europe; H. americana is a semi-hardy plant found wild in the southern United States; H. verticilata is the most popular. They produce round, penny-shaped, peltate leaves. Unnoticeable umbels of â€¦

Hymenocallis
Hymenocallis, also known as Spider Lily, is a group of tender bulbs that are natives of tropical America, Peru, Africa and the United States. These pretty plants are suitable for growing on the edge of your water garden. H. liriosme (Water Spider Lily) is a native of the southern U.S. from Louisiana west to Texas. This plant produces long, strap-like, deeply grooved leaves that grow up to 18 inches in length. From March to May, strong stems grow up and produce clusters of white, spidery flâ€¦

Hypericum
(Aaronsbeard, Gold Flower, Olympic St. John's Wort, St. John's Wort, Tutsan) This large group consists of about 370 perennials and evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs that grow throughout the temperate regions of the world. These plants are great for the rock garden, herbaceous border and shrubbery. The shrubby kinds are especially pretty as they produce a profusion of bright or golden yellow flowers in the summer and autumn. The blossoms have five petals and numerous, prominent stamens. E.â€¦

Hypoestes
(Freckle Face, Polka-Dot Plant) This group of frost-tender, shrubs and perennials are native to South Africa, Madagascar and southeast Asia. The few plants that are cultivated are grown mainly for their foliage. H. phyllostachya (Freckleface and Polka-Dot Plant) grows up to 30 inches high and wide. It is a bushy plant with dark green, oval, softly downy leaves covered with tiny pink speckles. Small, tubular, lavender flowers are produced intermittently.â€¦

Hyssop
(Hyssopus) This herb has gained notoriety from the Bible, though probably isn`t the same plant. Hyssop is a hardy perennial, which forms compact mounds and are covered with short, plump spikes of blue flowers (rarely, pink or white). When mature, Hyssop reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet. The leaves are opposite and willowlike, have a heavy musty odor and a strong, almost bitter flavor. Hyssop is mainly used for medicinal purposes, but also makes a pretty landscape plant.â€¦

Hyssopus
(Hyssop) This herb has gained notoriety from the Bible, though probably isn`t the same plant. Hyssop is a hardy perennial, which forms compact mounds and are covered with short, plump spikes of blue flowers (rarely, pink or white). When mature, Hyssop reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet. The leaves are opposite and willowlike, have a heavy musty odor and a strong, almost bitter flavor. Hyssop is mainly used for medicinal purposes, but also makes a pretty landscape plant.â€¦

Iberis
(Candytuft) These are perennials, annuals or biennials that grow wild in Spain, southern Europe and western Asia. They form bushy plants, 6 to 18 inches high. Their leaves are lanceolate and 3 to 4 inches long. They produce thick umbels of flowers, 2 to 3 inches across; they may be colored white, rose, lavender or pink. I. Affinis is a dwarf annual, which grows 6 inches or so high and produces honey-scented, white or pale lilac flowers. I. Gibraltarica produces flowers, which open up white and fâ€¦

Ice Plant
(Lampranthus) This group of gorgeous, flowering succulents comes from southern Africa. These plants have various habits of growth; some are creeping and some are bushy; some flower for a short time, while others bloom from spring to fall. These succulents are grown mainly for their pretty, daisy-like flowers and fairly hardy nature. The flowers, which grow at the stem tips and need sun to open, come in an array of colors including yellow, scarlet, magenta, red, and orange. L. haworthii is a beauâ€¦

Ilex
(Holly, Inkberry, Winterberry) This group consists of about 400 evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs as well as numerous hybrids and cultivars. These attractive plants are commonly known as Holly. Hollies range from compact dwarfs to large trees that can reach a height of up to 50 feet. Hollies are valued for their beautiful leaves, which may be glossy green, gold, bluish-green or reddish-purple and are sometimes variegated or edged with cream, yellow, or silvery white. Some leaves are usualâ€¦

Immortelle
(Helichrysum) This is a large group that includes annuals, herbaceous perennials and shrubs. The annuals are the most popular, for their flowers are cut and dried for winter decoration; they are found wild in Australia. They grow 2 to 3 feet high and have oblong or lanceolate leaves up to 5 inches long. Their flowers are 2 to 3 inches across and resemble daisies. The petals are dry and shiny and come in almost every color except blue. They should be cut just before they fully open when they are â€¦

Impala Lily
(Adenium) This group of succulents is mainly from Africa, though one variety is found in Arabia and one on the Isle of Socotra. The gorgeous blossoms of these bushy plants resemble those of the Oleander to which they are closely related. The open-faced flowers are ordinarily crimson, pink, or white and are followed by green seedpods. They grow periodically from spring to fall on new growth. Like the Oleanders, all the species in this group contain poisonous sap. A. obesum (Desert Azalea; Dâ€¦

Impala Star
(Adenium) This group of succulents is mainly from Africa, though one variety is found in Arabia and one on the Isle of Socotra. The gorgeous blossoms of these bushy plants resemble those of the Oleander to which they are closely related. The open-faced flowers are ordinarily crimson, pink, or white and are followed by green seedpods. They grow periodically from spring to fall on new growth. Like the Oleanders, all the species in this group contain poisonous sap. A. obesum (Desert Azalea; Dâ€¦

Impatiens
(Balsam, Busy Lizzie, Impatiens, Jewelweed, Patience Plant, Patient Lucy, Sultana, Touch-Me-Not, Zanzibar Balsam) These are hardy and tender annual and perennial herbs from Asia, North America, and South Africa. The name of these plants refers to the elasticity of the valves of the seedpods, which discharge the seeds when ripe. They are sometimes known as Touch-me-nots. These plants have thick stems and light green leaves. Their flowers come in a wide range of colors including rose, rose-red, roâ€¦

Incarvillea
These hardy and nearly hardy perennials are native to China and Turkestan. I. Mairei forms masses of mid- to dark green leaves that are divided into pairs of oval to oblong leaflets. In early summer, trumpet-shaped flowers grow atop short stems, which elongate after flowering. The flowers are purplish-pink with grayish-white or yellow throats. This plant grows and spreads up to a foot. I. delavayi forms basal clumps of foliage and in early summer, trumpet shaped, pinkish-red flowers at the end oâ€¦

Incense Cedar
(Calocedrus) These three hardy, evergreen conifers are natives of North America and Southeast Asia and are commonly known as Incense Cedars. The branchlets of these trees grow in wide, flattened sprays and the leaves are scale-like, flattened, and densely borne in opposite pairs. C. decurrens (California Incense Cedar) is a large, conical-shaped tree with dark green sprays of leaves. It is suitable for growing alone or with a group of shrubs and trees. C. decurrens Aureovariegata is a medium-sizâ€¦

Indian Beans
(Catalpa) This group of fairly large trees is native to North America, eastern Asia and the West Indies. These fast-growing trees are commonly known as Indian Beans. Most of them are deciduous, but a few keep their leaves throughout the year. These trees have large, heart-shaped leaves and older trees produce panicles of foxglove-like blossoms, which are followed by slender, brown seedpods. C. bignonioides, the Common or Southern Catalpa, grows from 35 to 40 feet high and produces a round head oâ€¦

Indian Comb
(Pachycereus) This group consists of twelve, columnar-shaped cacti native to parts of the southern United States and Mexico. This group contains some of the largest-growing cacti; they range in height from 13 to 42 feet. Some have solitary stems but many branch to form clumps or even trees. Mature plants that are 6 to 15 years old bear flowers. The blossoms are funnel-shaped and tinged with white or pink. They only open at night and are produced at the stem tips in spring to early summer. They aâ€¦

Indian Cress
(Tropaeolum) This is a large group of tender annuals and perennials that are found wild from Mexico to Chile. Some are bushy, self-branching plants that grow 1 to 1Â½ feet high and some are climbing or trailing plants, growing 4 to 6 feet. The rounded, peltate leaves grow up to 2 inches across. They are waxy green and some varieties are splashed with white. The fragrant flowers are shaped irregularly and grow 2 to 3 inches across. They are colored rose, pink, red, orange, or yellow. Plucking off â€¦

Indian Fig
(Opuntia) Opuntia is the largest group of Cacti with over 360 species ranging from Canada to Chile and Argentina. This group also includes several edible kinds. These plants are commonly known as Bunny Ears, Cholla, Prickly Pear, Barbary Fig, Tuna and Indian Fig. Opuntia is usually separated into two groups. The first group is Platyopuntia; those belonging to this group have round flattened joints, called pads. They are commonly known as Prickly Pears because they produce the spiny, usually edibâ€¦

Indian Lilac
(Melia) These tender, deciduous trees are natives of Asia and Australia and are grown for their pretty foliage and flowers. M. azedarach, the most popular kind, has several common names including Chinaberry, Bead Tree, Indian Lilac and Pride of India. This quick-growing tree reaches an ultimate height ranging from 35 to 50 feet. The Chinaberry has thick, feathery, dark green leaves. They grow up to 3 feet long and 1 foot wide and contain numerous 1- to 3-inch leaflets. In the spring, 5- to 8-incâ€¦

Indian Mallow
(Abutilon) These deciduous, tender shrubs and trees are natives of Brazil, tropical Asia and India and are commonly known as Flowering Maples. They have handsome foliage and gorgeous, bell- or saucer-shaped blossoms. A. 'Canary Bird' is a medium-sized shrub with large, apple green leaves and bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers, throughout the summer and into early autumn. A. 'Cannington Peter' is a medium-sized shrub that produces very dark red blossoms during the summer into early fall. Thâ€¦

Indian Pink
(Lobelia) These are hardy and tender, annuals and perennials that grow wild in various parts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. There are over 200 species, but comparatively few are grown in the garden. Those mainly grown range in size from the dwarf, compact annuals, which only grow a few inches high, to the perennials, which grow 3 feet or more high. The popular Lobelias that are used for summer bedding, have been raised from L. Erinus, a blue-flowered variety. The wild plant is stragglâ€¦

Indian Spinach
(Basella) B. alba is known by many common names. These are Malabar Spinach, Indian Spinach, Malabar Nightshade, Pasali and Pu-tin-choi. Malabar Spinach is one of the best hot-weather greens for cooking. This plant is a regular food item in tropical Africa and southeast Asia, where it originated. Its glutinous texture when cooked takes some getting use to, but the strong flavor is pleasant. These plants are low growing and send out runners, which are clothed with good sized, tasty, thick, dark grâ€¦

Indian Tobacco
(Nicotiana) These are annual, perennial and tender shrubby plants that are mainly natives of America; a few are found on the islands of the Pacific Ocean. This is a large group of plants and one, which is N. Tabacum, is grown commercially as a source of tobacco. These plants form tidy bunches, 1 to 2 feet high. N. alata, N. rustica and N. sylvestris are taller, at 3 to 5 feet high. Their leaves are oval to heart-shaped to elliptic; more grow toward the base. They are 5 to 12 inches long. The tubâ€¦

Inkberry
(Ilex) This group consists of about 400 evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs as well as numerous hybrids and cultivars. These attractive plants are commonly known as Holly. Hollies range from compact dwarfs to large trees that can reach a height of up to 50 feet. Hollies are valued for their beautiful leaves, which may be glossy green, gold, bluish-green or reddish-purple and are sometimes variegated or edged with cream, yellow, or silvery white. Some leaves are usually prickly while others â€¦

Inula
These herbaceous perennials are natives of Europe, Asia and Africa and belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. The height of the different types varies considerably from 1 to 6 feet. I. magnifica grows up to 6 feet and has dark green, lance shaped leaves, which are smooth above and hairy beneath with serrated edges. Its large, rich yellow flowers have very thin petals; they are borne in clusters atop long, leafy stems in late summer. I. Hookeri only grows up to 30 inches high and forms clumps ofâ€¦

Ipheion
(Spring Starflower) This is a small group of bulbs native to South America. They are great to use as ground covers in moist, shaded sites or as an edging in beds and borders. These plants produce their star-shaped, pale blue, dark blue or white flowers mainly in the spring and intermittently throughout the year. The long, slender leaves of these plants smell of onion when crushed. I. uniflorum (Spring Starflower) is a hardy plant that grows from 4 to 8 inches high. In the spring, it bears white â€¦

Ipomea
(Water Spinach) This tropical, aquatic, creeping perennial is commonly known as Water Spinach. I. batatas spreads by means of runners. It produces spreading clumps of pointed, green leaves and occasionally, beautiful pink Morning Glory-like flowers. This plant is grown in the Far East for its edible stems, young leaves and shoots.â€¦

Ipomoea
(Blue Dawn Flower, Bush Morning Glory, Cardinal Climber, Moonflower, Morning Glory, Sweet Potato, Wild Sweet Potato Vine, Wood Rose) These perennial or annual climbing plants come from North America, Asia, South Africa and the West Indies and have several common names, one of which is Morning Glory. This group includes the Sweet Potato, I. Batatas. Most of these plants, however, are grown for their pretty flowers. The twining, climbers grow from 10 to 30 feet high and the bushy Morning Glory forâ€¦

Iresine
(Blood Leaf) These plants are grown for their richly colored leaves. They are natives to tropical America. There are between 20 and 25 species, but only a few are cultivated. I. Herbstii has purplish-red stems and leaves and will stay 12-20 inches tall if the shoots are pinched. Its variety aureoreticulata has oval, waxy leaves that are mid-green with bright to pale yellow or red veins. They grow on fleshy, red stems. I. Wallisii has smaller leaves that are bronze-red above and dark red underneaâ€¦

Iris
This is a large group of mostly hardy perennials, some of which are bulbous, and others rhizomatous. Some varieties may be grown in bog gardens and shallow water. These beautiful plants grow wild in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Their name is taken from Iris, a rainbow, and refers to the beauty and variety of the flowers. The rhizomatous Irises have sword-shaped leaves arranged in a basal fan, while those growing from bulbs have slender leaves. Irises vary in height frâ€¦

Copy of `Botany - Flower terms`

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