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

Spinacia
(Spinach) This plant is a very popular vegetable known as Spinach. Its tender, dark green leaves are great in salads and cooked. Described below is the common garden Spinach (S. oleracea). There are two other plants often grown in place of Spinach. These are Malabar Spinach and New Zealand Spinach (Basella Alba and Tetragonia tetragonioides, respectively.). Spinach grows quickly and loves cool weather. This annual forms clumps of long-stemmed leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long and 18 inch…

Spindletree
(Euonymus) This group consists of 170 evergreen and deciduous shrubs, small trees, creepers and climbers. Euonymus (Spindletree) are found wild throughout North and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. These plants make great hedges, edging, and ground covers. The deciduous varieties are valued for their vividly colored fruits and gorgeous autumn colors. The evergreen types are valued for their handsome foliage, which is usually multicolored, as well as their tolerance to the sa…

Spinulose Wood Fern
(Dryopteris) This is a large group of ferns, which are all pretty easy to cultivate, whether they are hardy or tender. D. Filix-mas (the Male fern) has fronds up to 2 feet long and a foot wide. They are great for placing in open woodland or for shady spots. D. erythrosora, a native of Japan, grows fronds up to 18 inches long. It makes a very lovely houseplant. D. Linnaeana (the Oak Fern) has broad fronds, 6 to 10 inches long.…

Spleenwort
(Asplenium) These Ferns are natives of North America, Africa, India and other countries. With long, broad, bright green leaves that can grow up to 18 inches high, this plant doesn't really look like the typical fern. The tougher plants come from North America and they are good for growing outdoors in gardens as long as they have well-drained soil. A. platyneuron (Ebony Spleenwort), A. viride (Green Spleenwort), A. Bradleyi and A. Trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) are all hardy Aspleniums. They…

Spoon Lily
(Alocasia) This group consists of seventy, tender plants, which grow from rhizomes in the tropical forests of Borneo, Ceylon, Malaysia and Asia. These plants (commonly known as African Masks and Elephant's Ears) are mainly valued for their gorgeous leaves, which are very large, heart- or spade-shaped and beautifully colored and variegated in gleaming shades of green, purple, bluish-green, red and bronze. They also produce small, calla-like flower spathes. A. cuprea produces erect clumps of…

Spoon-Leaf Sundew
(Drosera) These tender perennials (Sundew) are very interesting, insectivorous plants found wild in bogs from southern Japan to eastern China and south to New Zealand. Sundews may grow up to 8 inches high and from May to August, produce thin, leafless stalks, 6 to 12 inches long, of white, crimson, or pink flowers. One flower opens each day, starting with the lowest flower, and can pollinate itself by the afternoon. D. spathulata, the Spoon-leaf Sundew, grows up to 3 inches high. It forms rosett…

Spring Starflower
(Ipheion) 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 and blue f…

Spring Vetch
(Lathyrus) These hardy annuals and perennials may be climbing or bushy. The climbing vines grow up to 6 feet high and the dwarf bushy kinds, 1 to 2 feet high. They are mostly from southern and eastern Europe. These plants are clothed with medium- or blue-green, paired leaflets that grow up to 2 inches. The flowers grow up to 2 inches across, 1 to 4 per stem. They may be rose, red, maroon, pink, white, yellow or blue and some are bicolored; they are also fragrant. The Perennial or Everlasting Pea…

Spruce Tree
(Picea) Picea is thebotanical name for the Spruce tree. These are evergreen trees that are grown for their ornamental and commercial value. They are found in temperate countries of the Northern Hemisphere. They are hardy trees, except when young they are susceptible to injury, especially if they grow at lower altitudes. Spruce trees can be distinguished from Pine and Fir trees by inspecting their shoots. The needles of Pine trees (See, Pinus) are arranged in groups of two, three, or five, and ar…

Spurge
(Euphorbia) These plants come in a wide assortment of shapes. Some resemble Cacti, forming almost leafless, green, spindly stems with small flowers at the ends, some are boring weeds, a few would accent the herbaceous border, some are lovely flowering shrubs and some have tree-like growth. Euphorbias contain a milky-looking poisonous sap that the stems and leaves secrete after any injury. It may cause blisters on sensitive skin; therefore, care should be taken when handling these plants. The act…

Squash
(Cucurbita) This is a group of popular, annual climbing or trailing plants that belong to the Cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae.…

Squaw Carpet
(Ceanothus) This group consists of about 55 evergreen and deciduous creepers, shrubs and small trees that grow wild throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico south to Guatemala. Ceanothus are commonly known as California Lilacs, as many species are native of that state. Most Ceanothus are tender and need a mild climate in which to grow, though there are a few hardy varieties. These beautiful plants are mainly grown for their fluffy clusters of white, pink, or blue flowers. C. arboreus var. Trewith…

Squirreltail Grass
(Hordeum) 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 mid-summer, tiny, silky-bristl…

St. Dabeoc'S Heath
(Daboecia) This group consists of only two evergreen shrubs from western Europe and the Azores. This group belongs to the Heath family and is related to the group, Erica. These shrubs are commonly known as Irish Heath and St. Daboec's Heath. D. cantabrica is a hardy, erect-growing shrub that can reach a height of up to 2 feet. Its thin stems are covered with small ovate or oblong, dark green leaves that are white beneath. Long spikes of rosy purple, bell-shaped flowers are borne from early summe…

St. John'S Wort
(Hypericum) 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. calycinum (Aaronsbeard; St. John's Wort) is a dwarf, evergreen s…

St. Thomas-Tree
(Bauhinia) These beautiful, tender trees and shrubs are natives of India, Malaya, China and tropical Africa. These plants are popular in warm regions for their gorgeous, Orchid-like blossoms. The flowers are 2 to 3 inches across, may be white, pink or purple, and are borne in the winter and early spring; they are followed by 6- to 8-inch, flat, brown seedpods. The young foliage and blossoms are stewed and eaten as vegetables in their native countries. B. monandra, commonly known as Butterfly Flo…

St.-Patrick'S-Cabbage
(Saxifraga) Saxifraga is a large group of hardy perennial plants. Only a few are annuals or biennials. They are mostly natives of North and South Temperate and Arctic regions. A few are found in Asia and they are rare in South America. The name is an old Latin name derived from saxum, a rock and frangor, to break; the plant was thought to break stones in the bladder. Rockfoil is a common name given to Saxifrages. The Saxifrages are a varied group of plants and botanists have divide…

St.-Thomas-Tree
(Bauhinia) These beautiful, tender trees and shrubs are natives of India, Malaya, China and tropical Africa. These plants are popular in warm regions for their gorgeous, Orchid-like blossoms. The flowers are 2 to 3 inches across, may be white, pink or purple, and are borne in the winter and early spring; they are followed by 6- to 8-inch, flat, brown seedpods. The young foliage and blossoms are stewed and eaten as vegetables in their native countries. B. monandra, commonly known as Butterfly Flo…

Stachys
(Betony, Bunnies' Ears, Chinese Artichoke, Hedge Nettle, Lamb's Ears, Lamb's Tongue, Woundwort) 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, Bunnie…

Star Cactus
(Astrophytum) This popular group of cacti consists of only four wild species and maybe a dozen hybrids. These natives to Mexico are suitable for growing in greenhouses, windowsills and outdoors where climates permit. Most of these cacti form short, spherical plants that may or may not have spines. They are usually flecked with small, white scales. In spring to late summer, numerous, large, daisy-like, yellow flowers grow at the plant's crown. Each long-lasting flower opens completely in bright l…

Star Duckweed
(Lemna) These aquatic plants are found all over the world. L. minor, known as Duckweed, is a tiny plant that floats on top of the water. It produces light green leaves, which have only a single root. Duckweed spreads rapidly and if not controlled will become a nuisance. This plant is eaten by fish and waterfowl, which help to keep its rapid growth in check. Duckweed prefers cooler temperatures and may disappear over hot summer months, but return when temperatures cool down again. L. trisulca, St…

Star Grass
(Dichromena) This tender, aquatic Sedge is commonly known as Star Grass. It grows from 12 to 18 inches high and produces tufts of bright green stems, which are topped with white, star-shaped flower bracts.…

Star Of The Veldt
(Dimorphotheca) These are hardy annuals or tender perennials that produce large, vividly colored flowers on top of long, slender stems. The flowers resemble daisies and they belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. They are natives of South Africa and many varieties have been raised from the original wild types. D. aurantiaca produces blooms in pale and dark yellows, salmons and apricots, or white. D. Ecklonis can grow up to 2 feet high and bears large, white flowers tinted with purple in the sum…

Star-Leaved Gum
(Liquidambar) Liquidambar is the botanical name for the Sweet Gum trees. L. styraciflua is a native of eastern North America. It can grow up to a height of 100 to 130 feet. The leaves of this tree are arranged alternately on the branches. They are star-shaped with usually five (sometimes seven), pointed lobes, which are finely toothed. When crushed, the leaves emit a pleasant scent. The tops of the leaves are bright green and smooth and the undersides are paler. They grow from 4 to 7 inches long…

Statice
(Limonium) These annuals or perennials are found wild on the seacoasts and in salt marshes and are widely distributed over the Northern Hemisphere. The Limoniums, along with the Armerias (Thrifts), were once included in the group Statice and are still often known by that name in gardens. They form upright clumps, 1 to 3 feet high. The coarse foliage grows mainly from the base and is 4 to 6 inches long. They resemble the foliage of the Dandelion. The flowers of many kinds are in loose panicles an…

Staunton Elsholtzia
(Elsholtzia) This group consists of about thirty aromatic herbs and deciduous sub-shrubs from Europe, Asia and Ethiopia. E. stauntonii (Staunton Elsholtzia) is a small, hardy sub-shrub that grows from 3 to 6 feet high. Its rounded stems are covered with lance-shaped leaves that smell minty when crushed. From late summer to mid-fall, inflorescences of lilac-purple flowers are produced. This shrub may die down to the ground in the winter, especially at the limit of its range, but it usually regrow…

Stem Lettuce
(Lactuca) This is a large group of hardy annuals and perennials found wild in various parts of Europe. They are very popular salad plants commonly known as Lettuce. The most commonly grown kinds of Lettuce are derived from L. sativa. These varieties fall into 4 classes, based on their shape and growth. Minor's Lettuce is a different species (see Montia perfoliata), but is also used as a salad green or potherb.…

Stenotaphrum
Stenotaphrum belongs to the grass family, Gramineae. Stenotaphrum secundatumis commonly known as St. Augustine Grass as well as Carpet Grass, Crabgrass, Wiregrass and Buffalo grass. St. Augustine grass is a vigorous-growing perennial that can only survive in mild climates, withstanding temperatures as high as 105º F. It is widely used as a lawn grass in the South where other grasses won't survive the extreme temperatures. St. Augustine Grass grows naturally on the sandy beaches, salty and…

Stinging Nettle
(Urtica) The Stinging Nettle has been popular in Europe for quite some time and are becoming more so in the U.S. These unwieldy perennials grow up to 22 feet high. These plants are irritating to handle and don't belong in the kitchen garden, but they can be placed out of the way in a lightly shaded position in moist soil. The edible, young leaves are used like spinach, are oval to heart-shaped and deeply toothed.…

Stock
(Matthiola) These perennial, annual and biennial plants come from Europe and Asia Minor. They grow in erect, neat clumps; the dwarfs are 8 to 12 inches high and the standards, 2 to 2½ feet high. The leaves are gray green, oblong to oblanceolate and up to 4 inches long. They produce tons of pretty, fragrant flowers, which may be single or double and up to an inch across. They grow in terminal racemes and may be colored pink, red, purple, or white. Picking off the dead flowers will increase their …

Stone Plant
(Argyroderma) This group of succulent plants is originally from South Africa. Commonly known as Stone Plants, these chubby, stem-less leaves resemble pebbles with a silvery sheen. They consist of a pair of fleshy leaves, either in clusters or singly, up to an inch high. They produce small, yellow or purple flowers. A. ringens is a clustering variety that can tolerate low, but not freezing, temperatures, as long as they are kept dry. In late summer, 1/4-inch, purple flowers are produced.…

Stonecrop
(Sedum) This is a large group of hardy and tender succulent annuals and perennials. Only one of the annual kinds, S. caeruleum, is of any garden importance, however. Sedums, commonly called Stonecrop, are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. S. 'Ruby Glow' is a pretty plant that forms clumps of plump, oval, purple gray leaves. From late summer to fall, a profusion of tiny, ruby red flowers are borne in compact, flattened heads atop leafy stems. This plant grows 12 to 18 inches …

Storax
(Styrax) This group of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs are natives of North America, Europe and Asia. They are commonly known as Snowbells or Storax. S. japonica (Japanese Snowbell) is an attractive, slow-growing, flowering shrub or tree that eventually reaches a height of up to 30 feet. It produces a round head of wide-spreading branches covered with narrow, glossy green leaves, 1½ to 3 inches long. The foliage is remarkably pest-free and turns red and yellow colors in autumn. In early…

Stratiotes
(Crab's Claw, Water Aloe, Water Soldier) S. aloides, commonly known as Crab's Claw, Water Aloe and Water Soldier, is a hardy, aquatic perennial found wild in various parts of Europe. This plant has small, fleshy, sword-shaped leaves that resemble a floating Pineapple or Aloe plant. Greenish-white, male and female flowers grow on separate plants. When the flowers of this plant die, the plant sinks beneath the water's surface and forms axillary shoots that grow into winter buds. The plant will rea…

Strawberry
(Fragaria) This small group contains a few species of ornamental and edible plants, which may form clumps or runners. F. chiloensis and F. indica are two decorative, low-growing plants, which produce white flowers during the summer. F. ananassa is the species that produces the delicious, edible fruits we commonly know as the garden Strawberry. Strawberries are members of the Rose family. They are herbaceous perennials, although they tend to decline a bit faster in the Deep South, where they are…

Strawberry Begonia
(Saxifraga) Saxifraga is a large group of hardy perennial plants. Only a few are annuals or biennials. They are mostly natives of North and South Temperate and Arctic regions. A few are found in Asia and they are rare in South America. The name is an old Latin name derived from saxum, a rock and frangor, to break; the plant was thought to break stones in the bladder. Rockfoil is a common name given to Saxifrages. The Saxifrages are a varied group of plants and botanists have divide…

Strawberry Bush
(Euonymus) This group consists of 170 evergreen and deciduous shrubs, small trees, creepers and climbers. Euonymus (Spindletree) are found wild throughout North and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. These plants make great hedges, edging, and ground covers. The deciduous varieties are valued for their vividly colored fruits and gorgeous autumn colors. The evergreen types are valued for their handsome foliage, which is usually multicolored, as well as their tolerance to the sa…

Strawberry Cactus
(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, pi…

Strawberry Geranium
(Saxifraga) Saxifraga is a large group of hardy perennial plants. Only a few are annuals or biennials. They are mostly natives of North and South Temperate and Arctic regions. A few are found in Asia and they are rare in South America. The name is an old Latin name derived from saxum, a rock and frangor, to break; the plant was thought to break stones in the bladder. Rockfoil is a common name given to Saxifrages. The Saxifrages are a varied group of plants and botanists have divide…

Strawberry 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.…

Strawberry Tree
(Arbutus) This group consists of beautiful, evergreen trees or shrubs. They grow wild in North, South and Central America, Mexico, Asia Minor, southern Europe and the Canary Islands. They only grow from 10 to 20 feet high. A. andrachnoides is a hybrid small tree with attractive cinnamon-red branches that are covered with green leaves slightly edged with red. In late fall and early winter, waxy white, bell-shaped flowers are produced. A. menziesii (Madrone or Oregon Laurel) is a medium-sized tree…

Strawflower
(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 …

Strelitzia
(Bird-Of-Paradise, Crane Flower, Crane Lily) This group consists of four, tender perennials originally from South Africa. The most commonly grown is S. reginae, commonly known as the Bird-of-Paradise, Crane Flower or Crane Lily. This plant forms clumps of long-stalked leaves up to 3 feet long. The evergreen, bluish- or gray-green leaves have an oblong shape and leathery texture. The beautiful flowers are produced atop long stalks, mainly in the spring. The orange and blue or purple flowers are e…

Streptocarpus
This group consists of 132 species of annuals and frost-tender perennials, which are close relatives to African Violets (Saintpaulia) and belong to the same family, Gesneriaceae. Cape Primrose, as they are commonly called, are natives of the wooded mountains of South Africa. They make excellent houseplants in cooler regions. These plants have been widely hybridized and there are numerous interesting and attractive varieties available. These plants produce attractive leaves, which ma…

String Of Buttons
(Crassula) This large group consists of succulent plants that are natives of South Africa and Madagascar. The succulents in this group vary greatly in shape and size. Some varieties only grow an inch high at maturity, while others become 15-foot trees. C. ovata (Jade Plant; Chinese Rubber Tree; Money Plant) is an evergreen succulent that forms a large bush or small tree. Its shiny green, fleshy leaves are round or lance shaped and sometimes edged with red. In the spring, its old leaves fall; at …

String Of Hearts
(Ceropegia) These plants are natives of South Africa and other tropical countries. Their flowers have a waxy appearance and they resemble small lanterns. These plants need a minimum winter temperature of 60 degrees. Ceropegia debilis is a threadlike vine with slender pointed foliage. Ceropegia radicans is a succulent vine with spadelike leaves and small green and white (with a touch of purple) flowers. Ceropegia woodii is also a threadlike vine with heart-shaped, silver marked leaves. It will gr…

String-Of-Buttons
(Crassula) This large group consists of succulent plants that are natives of South Africa and Madagascar. The succulents in this group vary greatly in shape and size. Some varieties only grow an inch high at maturity, while others become 15-foot trees. C. ovata (Jade Plant; Chinese Rubber Tree; Money Plant) is an evergreen succulent that forms a large bush or small tree. Its shiny green, fleshy leaves are round or lance shaped and sometimes edged with red. In the spring, its old leaves fall; at …

Striped Inch Plant
(Callisia) These plants are natives of Mexico. Callisia elegans is a low growing plant that has olive-green, velvety, leaves that are striped on top and have white and purple underneath. This is a good groundcover for mild, moderately dry climates. Callisia fragrans has shiny, green leaves that will turn purplish at the edges when placed in strong light. They both have small, white fragrant flowers.…

Styrax
(Snowbell, Storax) This group of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs are natives of North America, Europe and Asia. They are commonly known as Snowbells or Storax. S. japonica (Japanese Snowbell) is an attractive, slow-growing, flowering shrub or tree that eventually reaches a height of up to 30 feet. It produces a round head of wide-spreading branches covered with narrow, glossy green leaves, 1½ to 3 inches long. The foliage is remarkably pest-free and turns red and yellow colors in autumn…

Suendermann Dryad
(Dryas) This group consists of two hardy, creeping plants native to North America, Europe and Asia. Commonly known as Mountain Avens, these dwarf perennials are suitable for growing in the rock garden, scree, over paving, and the top of stone walls. They have crinkled, evergreen, oak-like, glossy dark green leaves that are grayish-green underneath. D. octopetala (Mount Washington Dryad) is a mat-forming variety that produces tons of cup-shaped, white flowers centered with golden yellow stamens. …

Sugar Berry
(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. They…

Sultana
(Impatiens) 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, rose-purple, white, pink, and salmon. A minimum winter temperature of 55 degrees is required. A beautifu…

Summer Fir
(Artemisia) These hardy, shrubby or herbaceous plants are from Asia, Europe and North America. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Some Artemisias are grown for their ornamental or fragrant leaves and others, for their flowers. A. tridentata (Sage Brush) is a shrubby native of desert and semi-desert regions in the West. A. vulgaris (Common Mugwort) is a perennial, herbaceous kind that is often a pestiferous weed. A. Abrotanum (Southernwood, Lad's Love or Old Man) grows 2 to3 feet …

Summersweet
(Clethra) This group consists of about sixty evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees found wild in the southern U.S., Central and South America, Madeira, and Southeast Asia. Clethra, commonly known as White Alders, produces clusters of tiny, fragrant, white or pale pink flowers, in the summer. Some varieties have attractive, peeling bark. C. alnifolia (commonly known as Summersweet and Sweet Pepper Bush) is a hardy, deciduous shrub that rarely grows over 6 feet high. Its dark green, ovate-shape…

Summit Cedar
(Athrotaxis) This group consists of three, evergreen conifers from Tasmania. They are commonly known as King William Pines or Summit Cedars. A. laxifolia is a small- to medium-sized tree that forms a domed crown. The leaves are only ¼-inch long, partly adpressed to the branches and partly spreading. The bark of this tree is brown and furrowed. Small, bright green cones that turn orange then brown are produced abundantly.…

Sun Plant
(Portulaca) Portulaca is a small group of trailing annuals. P. grandiflora, Sun Plant, is a popular kind native of Brazil. The sprawling stems grow 4 or 5 inches long and are clothed with somewhat succulent, cylindrical leaves. Several large flowers, up to an inch in diameter, grow at the ends of the stems. They come in an array of bright, beautiful colors; purple, scarlet, yellow and pink are just a few. There are both single- and double-flowered varieties. P. oleracea, the common Purslane, can…

Sunberry
(Solanum) This is a large group of tender and hardy, herbaceous, shrubby, or climbing plants. They are found wild in many countries, but mainly in Costa Rica, Chile, tropical Africa and Europe. Several kinds are found in North America. Many are grown for decoration, but two are grown as vegetables. These vegetables are S. melongena variety esculentum, the Eggplant, and S. tuberosum, the Potato. The Solanums can be distinguished by their flowers, which are rotate (wheel-shaped), five petaled, whi…

Sunchoke
(Helianthus) 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 yellow blooms. All of the perennial kinds have yellow blossoms. H. argyro…

Sundew
(Drosera) These tender perennials (Sundew) are very interesting, insectivorous plants found wild in bogs from southern Japan to eastern China and south to New Zealand. Sundews may grow up to 8 inches high and from May to August, produce thin, leafless stalks, 6 to 12 inches long, of white, crimson, or pink flowers. One flower opens each day, starting with the lowest flower, and can pollinate itself by the afternoon. D. spathulata, the Spoon-leaf Sundew, grows up to 3 inches high. It forms rosett…

Sunflower
(Helianthus) 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 yellow blooms. All of the perennial kinds have yellow blossoms. H. argyro…

Swamp Cedar
(Thuja) These evergreen trees are found wild in North America, Korea, Japan and China. They are very pretty trees and are hardy in most parts of North America where the soil is suitable and atmospheric conditions are fairly clean. The leaves of this tree, also known as Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, and Swamp Cedar, are scale-like and overlap each other tightly against the twig. They are yellowish-green, one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch long and ovate with a pointed or blunt tip. The branc…

Swamp Hibiscus
(Hibiscis) 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 feet tall. They have evergreen leaves, sometimes marked with cream or rose and bear large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pink, yellow, scarlet, or crimson in the spring and…

Swan Plant
(Asclepias) Most of these perennials are from North America, but at least one is from South Africa and one is found in tropical America. Nearly all of these erect plants grow 2 or 3 feet high, but one, A. physocarpa (also known as Gomphocarpus physocarpus and commonly known as the Swan Plant), grows up to 6 feet high with a spread of 2 feet. This plant has lance-shaped, medium green, hairy leaves. During the summer, umbels of creamy or greenish-white flowers are produced; these are followed by i…

Swan River Daisy
(Brachycome) This is a beautiful annual from Australia, which belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. It grows about a foot high. The leaves are bright green, delicate and feathery looking, much like a fern. The flowers resemble daisies, are the size of a nickel and may be blue, rose, white or mauve. The centers are black, or nearly so. These are produced during the summer. Brachycome are pretty plants for edging, rock gardens and pots in the greenhouse.…

Sweet Alyssum
(Lobularia) Lobularia, Sweet Alyssum, is a pretty annual. It grows mounded or trailing, from 4 to 12 inches. The foliage is linear or lanceolate, gray green and grows up to an inch long. The flowers are tiny, growing only ¼- to ½-inch across. They are formed on thin stalks and are so profuse they hide the leaves. They may be white, rose, purple or violet. Light shearing will increase the blooms.…

Sweet Bay
(Magnolia) These evergreen and deciduous (leaf-losing) trees and shrubs have beautiful, large flowers. Some kinds bloom very early in the spring before the leaves, some bloom later in the spring and still others during the summer and early fall. Some kinds produce pretty fruits, which are usually shaped like a cone and brightly colored. When the seeds are ripe, they are expelled from the fruit, but are held for a few days by short silky strands before falling to the ground. The hardy kinds grow …

Sweet Chervil
(Myrrhis) Common names for M. odorata include Sweet Cicely, British Myrrh and Sweet Chervil. This lovely perennial has fernlike foliage and produces many bunches of white flowers atop 2- to 3-foot, hollow stems. The flowers and leaves smell and taste like Anise. This plant grows wild in many parts of Europe.…

Sweet Cicely
(Myrrhis) Common names for M. odorata include Sweet Cicely, British Myrrh and Sweet Chervil. This lovely perennial has fernlike foliage and produces many bunches of white flowers atop 2- to 3-foot, hollow stems. The flowers and leaves smell and taste like Anise. This plant grows wild in many parts of Europe.…

Sweet Corn
(Zea) This is a very popular vegetable known as Corn. Corn is actually a tall annual grass and all kinds, including the three described below, are varieties of a single species, Zea mays. Corn has been a valuable food at least since the Incas cultivated it.…

Sweet False Chamomile
(Matricaria) These hardy annuals and perennials are natives of the Mediterranean region, South Africa and the Orient, and are naturalized in North America. They grow from 1 to 2 feet high and have feathery foliage. They produce terminal clusters of small flowers, which resemble daisies. M. inodora is an annual that has white flowers. M. Tchihatchewii, the Turfing Daisy, is a mat-forming plant that grows 6 to 12 inches high. M. recutita, Sweet False Chamomile or German Chamomile, is an annual tha…

Sweet Fennel
(Foeniculum) F. vulgare variety dulce is the botanical name for this half-hardy or biennial, Sweet Fennel. This herb resembles Dill, but its finely divided, anise-scented foliage is light green instead of blue green and its stems are solid, not hollow like Dill's. Sweet Fennel can grow 4 to 6 feet high in flower. The yellow clusters of flowers aren't abundant until the second season, when the plants are sturdy enough to support good seed yields. F. vulgare variety azoricum is the botanical name …

Sweet Flag
(Acorus) These are attractive, herbaceous, aquatic and bog plants. They are great for planting in shallow water and wet places near the edges of a garden pool or pond. A. Calamus has long, sword-shaped leaves, which, when bruised, emit a strong scent. It produces small, yellow flowers in summer and can grow up to 3 feet high. A. gramineus is a dwarf Japanese kind that has slender, grass-like leaves. The word Acorus is derived from kore, a pupil and refers to the alleged ophthalmic v…

Sweet Gale
(Myrica) This group consists of fifty deciduous or evergreen, shrubs and trees that grow throughout the Northern Hemisphere, some of which are natives of North America. These aromatic plants range in height from five to sixty feet. They have simple, shiny, dark green leaves and unnoticeable flowers, which are followed by sometimes edible, waxy, gray or purple fruits. M. gale (Sweet Gale) is a small, compact, deciduous shrub. In mid- to late spring, golden brown male and female catkins are produc…

Sweet Galingale
(Cyperus) These tender, aquatic perennials are grown for their decorative foliage. They are natives of Palestine, Brazil, S. Africa, Europe and North America. C. alternifolius (Umbrella Plant; Nile Grass) produces clumps of long stems, 1 to 3 feet normally, but up to 5 feet in excellent conditions; these are crowned with long, slender, radiating, dark green leaves like an umbrella, thus the common name. Its variety, variegatus, has green and white leaves. Small, brown or green, fuzzy flowers are…

Sweet Gum
(Liquidambar) Liquidambar is the botanical name for the Sweet Gum trees. L. styraciflua is a native of eastern North America. It can grow up to a height of 100 to 130 feet. The leaves of this tree are arranged alternately on the branches. They are star-shaped with usually five (sometimes seven), pointed lobes, which are finely toothed. When crushed, the leaves emit a pleasant scent. The tops of the leaves are bright green and smooth and the undersides are paler. They grow from 4 to 7 inches long…

Sweet Laurel
(Laurus) This slow growing, evergreen tree is often grown as a shrub; it is commonly called Bay, Bay Laurel, and Sweet Laurel. Bay can live as a woody houseplant for many years. It is a native of the Mediterranean region and isn't hardy in the North. Its shiny, dark green, fragrant leaves were once twined into wreaths by the ancient Romans and Greeks and were used to crown the champions in their sports and wars. This tree may grow 30 feet or more high, where temperatures stay above 20 degrees in…

Sweet Mary
(Chrysanthemum) These hardy plants are natives of China, Japan, northern Africa, and southern Europe. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Their flowers come in every color except blue. Their blooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Some are spherical in shape and have incurved petals at the center. Some have tubular-shaped petals of unequal length with little hooks at the end. Spoon Chrysanthemums have rather flat petals that are spoon-shaped at the end. Anemone Chrysanthemums…

Sweet Pea
(Lathyrus) These hardy annuals and perennials may be climbing or bushy. The climbing vines grow up to 6 feet high and the dwarf bushy kinds, 1 to 2 feet high. They are mostly from southern and eastern Europe. These plants are clothed with medium- or blue-green, paired leaflets that grow up to 2 inches. The flowers grow up to 2 inches across, 1 to 4 per stem. They may be rose, red, maroon, pink, white, yellow or blue and some are bicolored; they are also fragrant. The Perennial or Everlasting Pea…

Sweet Pepper Bush
(Clethra) This group consists of about sixty evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees found wild in the southern U.S., Central and South America, Madeira, and Southeast Asia. Clethra, commonly known as White Alders, produces clusters of tiny, fragrant, white or pale pink flowers, in the summer. Some varieties have attractive, peeling bark. C. alnifolia (commonly known as Summersweet and Sweet Pepper Bush) is a hardy, deciduous shrub that rarely grows over 6 feet high. Its dark green, ovate-shape…

Sweet Potato
(Ipomoea) 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 forms a mound, 3 to 4 feet high. The leaves are green or variegated silvery white, ovate or heart-shaped and up to 6 inches ac…

Sweet Rocket
(Hesperis) 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 alternate, ovate, serrated leaves. Swe…

Sweet Scabious
(Scabiosa) These are hardy perennial and annual herbaceous plants that are used for cut flowers as well as garden decoration. The name Scabiosa is derived from scabies, itch; in regard to the plant's supposed properties of curing irritation of the skin. These plants have upright growth, 2 to 3 feet in height. Their leaves are lanceolate and coarsely toothed, growing up to 4 inches long. They grow mostly at the base of the plant. The fragrant flowers are 2 to 3 inches across and are domed …

Sweet Shrub
(Calycanthus) These hardy, vigorous-growing, deciduous shrubs are found wild in the United States. Commonly known as Allspice or Sweet Shrub, these plants are grown for their fragrant bark and blossoms. C. floridus (Carolina Allspice) is a medium-sized shrub with aromatic, shiny, dark green foliage. Its brownish-red flowers consist of numerous, strap-shaped petals and are produced over a long period in the summer.…

Sweet Sultan
(Centaurea) These are hardy, herbaceous, perennial and annual plants that are natives of many European countries, in North America and other numerous places. Some of the herbaceous kinds make very nice border plants. Centaureas belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. The annual Cornflower, C. Cyanus, also known as Bachelor's-Button, grows 1 to 11/2 feet high. This plant produces blue, rose or white flowers that may be single or double. They are great for cut flowers. C. americana is a pretty ann…

Sweet William
(Dianthus) This group of hardy plants includes Pinks, Carnations and Sweet Williams. The Carnation is the descendent of D. Caryophyllus; it grows wild in southern Europe. D. barbatus, the Sweet William, is found wild in the Mediterranean region. The Pinks have mainly come from D. plumarius. The Chinese and Indian Pinks have come from D. chinensis and are natives of China.…

Sweet Woodruff
(Galium) This group of plants is includes hardy and tender herbaceous perennials, which are natives of Europe and most of which have been naturalized in North America. The name is derived from gala, milk, and refers to the fact that G. verum has been used to curdle milk. G. odoratum, Sweet Woodruff, is a hardy perennial, which grows 12 to18 inches high. This plant gives off an aroma resembling freshly mown hay and May wine. Sweet Woodruff makes a lovely ground cover. Its rough-edged leave…

Swine'S Snout
(Taraxacum) T. officinale is the common and sometimes pesky, perennial weed in northern yards known as the Dandelion. The Dandelion (Also known as Swine's Snout, Priest's Crown and Telltime.) develops a deep, thick taproot from which a rosette of long, narrow, serrated, shiny dark green or brownish leaves arise. The hollow flower stalks grow directly from the root and each leafless stalk produces a single, golden yellow blossom, which produces an abundance of pollen and nectar. When the flower h…

Switchcane
(Arundinaria) This is a group of Bamboos. They belong to the Grass family, Gramineae. They are natives to the Himalayas, North America and China. A. gigantea, commonly known as Cane, Southern Cane, Cane Reed and Switchcane, grows wild in the bogs, stream and river sides and wet lands of the southern U.S. It is a rigid perennial that grows in thick stands up to 25 feet high. Its leaves are long, slender, flexible and lanceolate. The leaves that grow from the main stems and basal shoots are shorte…

Sydney Red Gum
(Angophora) Seven species of trees and shrubs all Australia.…

Syringa
(Lilac) The hardy, deciduous trees and shrubs belonging to this very popular group are commonly known as Lilacs. They are gorgeous, woody plants that produce clusters of extremely fragrant blossoms in an array of colors. Their heart-shaped leaves are arranged opposite each other on the branches. Lilacs are originally from southeastern Europe and Asia. The wood of the Lilacs is close-grained, hard and yellowish-colored marked with reddish and brown. S. amurensis japonica (Japanese Tree Lilac) is …

Tacamahac
(Populus) Populus is a large group of deciduous (leaf-losing) trees that can attain great heights. These trees, commonly known as Aspen, Poplar and Cottonwood trees, are found in Europe, Asia and North America. Some are found wild in other regions, one being a native of tropical Africa. It is difficult to say how many wild kinds there are, because these trees hybridize very easily. Some of the Poplars are very pretty in bloom, especially the male forms, which may also have reddish leaves when th…

Tacca
(Devil Flower, East Indian Arrowroot, South Sea Arrowroot) These are interesting, evergreen, perennial and herbaceous plants that grow wild in many tropical climates. They can be grown in humid, tropical greenhouses. T. pinnatifida (leontopetaloides) contains a lot of starch in its rhizomes, which, when extracted and prepared for food, is called East Indian Arrowroot or South Sea Arrowroot. The kinds in cultivation have creeping rhizomes or rootstocks and large, oval, crinkly foliage. The purpli…

Tagetes
(Marigold, Tarragon, Winter Tarragon) These ornamental annuals are natives of Mexico and South America and belong to the Daisy family. Tagetes erecta, the African Marigold, can grow 2-4 feet high and will produce large, single or double flowers colored orange or yellow. Tagetes patula, the French Marigold, can reach a height of 9 inches to 2 feet and the blossoms come in yellow or yellow marked with a reddish-brown color. Hybrids that have been raised from the African and French Marigolds come i…

Tail Flower
(Anthurium) These plants are mainly from tropical America. They are grown for their brightly colored flower spathes or their ornamental leaves. Anthurium andraeanum is a native of Columbia that has orange-red spathes and large heart-shaped leaves. Anthurium crystallinum is native to Columbia and also Peru. Its flowers aren't as striking as the others, but it has large, velvety green leaves with contrasting silvery-white veins. The flowers grow during the spring and summer and they last a l…

Tail Grape
(Artabotrys) These are tropical, evergreen climbers that can be planted outdoors in the South and in greenhouses everywhere else. A. odoratissimus produces flowers that are greenish or yellowish and fragrant; A. uncinatus has reddish-brown, fragrant flowers.…

Tallow Shrub
(Myrica) This group consists of fifty deciduous or evergreen, shrubs and trees that grow throughout the Northern Hemisphere, some of which are natives of North America. These aromatic plants range in height from five to sixty feet. They have simple, shiny, dark green leaves and unnoticeable flowers, which are followed by sometimes edible, waxy, gray or purple fruits. M. gale (Sweet Gale) is a small, compact, deciduous shrub. In mid- to late spring, golden brown male and female catkins are produc…

Tamarack
(Larix) Larix, also known as the Larch, Tamarack or Hackmatack, is a coniferous (cone-bearing) tree, which lose their needles in autumn. The Larches grow in northern regions, or at high altitudes in the mountainous parts of temperate countries. They are found throughout central Europe, the Himalayas, China, Korea, Japan, Siberia and North America. They are very beautiful in the spring with their light green, young leaves and female flowers, which are usually pink. The needles are pretty soft, sl…

Tamarillo
(Cyphomandra) This soft-wooded tree or bush is native of South America and belongs to the Potato family, Solanaceae. It is a frost-tender perennial that has large, heart-shaped, fuzzy leaves and fragrant purple flowers, which are followed by dangling orange-red, egg-shaped fruits that are high in pectin. Each fruit is 2 or 3 inches long and 1½ to 2 inches wide. The Tree Tomato, as it's commonly called, isn't really a Tomato; the fruits resemble Tomatoes in color and shape only and they are sweet…

Tampala
(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 flo…

Tanacetum
(Tansy) This hardy perennial, commonly called Tansy, has been used over the centuries for treating various medical ailments and was traditionally used as an insect repellent. The leaves and flowers were once added to Lenten pancakes to give a bitter flavor that was meant to remind diners of suffering and sacrifice. Tansy can be toxic. Never eat it in large amounts or drink strong tisanes made from it. This lanky plant grows wild throughout Europe and has escaped from cultivation in North America…