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

Violet
(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€¦

Viper'S Grass
(Scorzonera) Black Salsify, also known as Viper's Grass and Black Oyster Plant, is a hardy perennial, which belongs to the Daisy family, Compositae. They grow wild in southern and eastern Europe and in northern Africa. They are grown for their edible taproots, which are long, thin and black. These plants grow 2 to 3 feet high and have long, slender leaves, sometimes lobed. In their second season, they will produce yellow flowers that are 2 inches wide and resemble daisies.â€¦

Virginia Snakeroot
(Aristolochia) This group consists of hardy and tender, evergreen and deciduous shrubs, climbing plants, and herbaceous plants, which are mainly from warmer climates. The hardy kinds grow wild in California and other areas in the south. Those that are from Brazil, Guatemala, West Africa and other tropical countries can be cultivated in a greenhouse. Some have huge flowers and some are grown for their ornamental foliage. Some of these plants give off a rather foul odor as a way to attract the insâ€¦

Vitis
(Crimson Glory Vine, Grape) This group consists of about 60, mostly hardy, deciduous, woody vines, commonly known as the Grape. These popular natives of North America, China and Japan are mainly valued for their delicious fruits, which can be eaten fresh or dried, squeezed as juice or fermented as wine. However, not only are these vines valued for their fruit, but also for their large, lobed leaves, which turn gorgeous colors in autumn. Grapes bear inconspicuous, greenish flowers in the spring, â€¦

Wahoo
(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 saâ€¦

Wallflower
(Cheiranthus) These are evergreen, semiwoody plants from the Canary Isles, Madeira, and the Mediterranean region. They belong to the Mustard family, Cruciferae. Cheiranthus (Wallflowers) have vertical, branching stems, 1/2 to 3 feet high. In the spring they bear spikes of beautiful and often fragrant flowers. Though they are perennials, they are often treated as biennials and are raised from seed every year. The named varieties of the English Wallflower (C. kewensis) may be primrose, dark red, yâ€¦

Walnut Tree
(Juglans) These deciduous trees are found wild from southeast Europe to the Himalayas, through China to Manchuria and Japan, and in North and South America. Most of them are hardy. Various species of Juglans are commonly known as Walnut trees. These trees are grown for their beauty, some for their timber and some for their edible nuts. The leaves, sap and husks will definitely stain anything with which it comes in contact. Walnuts are monoecious, that is, male and female flowers are produced on â€¦

Wandering Jew
(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.â€¦

Warty Aloe
(Gasteria) This group of succulent plants is native to South Africa. These plants are commonly known as Ox Tongues, Cow Tongue Cactus and Lawyer's Tongues because of the shape of their leaves. Their long, slender, fleshy leaves form two facing, erect rows when young, with some varieties spiraling into a rosette with age. Their dark green leaves are often spotted, mottled, or striped with white. The name Gasteria is derived from gaster, belly, and refers to the swollen middle of the flowerâ€¦

Washington Plant
(Cabomba) Cabomba Caroliniana, also called Fish Grass, Washington Plant and Water Shield, is an aquatic plant that is found from southern Illinois to Texas and Florida. The submerged, hair-like leaves of this plant are bright green, fan-shaped and coarsely segmented up to 11/2 inched in diameter. The floating leaves are linear, but not hair-like, with pointed tips up to 2 centimeters in length. This plant produces small white flowers with yellow centers that float on the water's surface.â€¦

Watch Chain
(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 â€¦

Water Aloe
(Stratiotes) 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 reappear again in late summer.â€¦

Water Arum
(Calla) C. palustris, the Bog Arum, Water Arum or Wild Calla, is a hardy perennial native to North America, northern Asia and Europe. This plant grows near the water's edge where it grows from a rhizome that creeps along the surface of the soil. The Bog Arum grows from 6 to 12 inches high and from 6 to 12 inches wide. Its leaves are glossy, heart-shaped and leathery. During the summer, flowers growing 2 inches in length, are produced. These consist of a spadix, clothed with tiny, yellow flowers,â€¦

Water Bamboo
(Dulichium) This aquatic plant is commonly known as Water Bamboo. Though it doesn't belong to the Bamboo family, it does resemble the plant. This plant can grow 2 feet high or more. It has slender, green leaves and tiny, unnoticeable flowers during the summer.â€¦

Water Beech
(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€¦

Water Chestnut
(Eleocharis) This is a group of aquatic, rush-like perennials. Some grow naturally along the edges of ponds and others grow completely submerged. E. acicularis, Hair Grass, is a hardy variety native to North America, Asia and Europe. It has pale green, needle-like leaves, up to 8 inches in length. This plant spreads vigorously by means of rhizomes and care must be taken that it doesn't choke out other submerged plants. E. montevidensis, Spike Rush, is a handsome plant that grows from 6 to 12 incâ€¦

Water Clover
(Marsilea) These aquatic perennials are commonly known as Pepperwort or Water Clover. These plants resemble four-leaf clovers. M. mutica var. Variegata produces vigorous-growing rhizomes from which sprout stems topped with greenish-yellow to brown patterned leaves, which often float on the surface of the water. If Water Clovers are planted in several inches of water they may stand a few inches above the water. These plants are great for planting in moist soil or shallow water on the edges of youâ€¦

Water Fern
(Salvinia) This tender, aquatic plant, commonly known as Water Fern, is a native to Central and South America, India, Africa, and northern temperate Europe. It produces thin stems covered with leaves borne in whorls of three. Two leaves float and are covered with fine, whitish hairs and the other grows underneath the water.â€¦

Water Fringe
(Nymphoides) These hardy and tender, aquatic perennials are originally from Asia, Europe, North America and the tropics. N. aquatica, commonly known as Banana Lily, is hardy only in warm climates. Its floating leaves are 4 inches long and have rough undersides. It produces white flowers. N. cristatum, the Variegated Water Snowflake, has round, floating leaves edged with red. It produces a profusion of white flowers. This plant will need to be kept under control. N. geminata, Yellow Fringe, has gâ€¦

Water Hawthorne
(Aponogeton) These hardy and tender aquatic plants are native to Asia, Africa and Australia. A. distachyus, the Water Hawthorne or Cape Pondweed, is the most popular variety. It forms oblong green and red leaves that float on the water's surface. In the spring and fall, inflorescences rise out of the water bearing vanilla-scented, white flowers that are speckled with black. A. fenestralis, the Lace-Leaf or Lattice-Leaf, is a tender plant that sends up long-stemmed leaves. The leaves have a lacy â€¦

Water Hornfern
(Ceratopteris) These interesting tropical, aquatic Ferns are found in ponds and lakes in many parts of the world, including North America. C. pteridoides, the Floating Fern, is an edible plant from South America. It is found growing wild in Florida, along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana. This plant produces rosettes of pale green, floating, sterile fronds that are buoyed up with internal air pockets. Taller, much-divided, larger, fertile fronds stand upright in the center of these. Vâ€¦

Water Hyacinth
(Eichhornia) These tender, aquatic perennials, commonly known as Water Hyacinths are natives of South America. These pretty plants easily reproduce and can become a huge nuisance if care is not taken. In some states they are illegal to sell and it is illegal to transport them from state to state. Water Hyacinths multiply so quickly that they can choke lakes, rivers and canals. E. crassipes has rosettes of shiny green, bulbous leaves. The leaves are kept afloat by air pockets in the bulbous areasâ€¦

Water Lettuce
(Pistia) This tropical, aquatic plant is a native to tropical America and the southern parts of the U.S. The Water Lettuce, as it is commonly called, produces attractive rosettes of bright green, deeply veined, velvety leaves that grow up to 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. Inconspicuous, Arum-like, white flowers grow amidst the lush foliage. Plantlets are produced on slender stems that grow out from the mother plant. Water Lettuce has feathery roots that provide shelter and spawning material fâ€¦

Water Lily
(Nymphaea) This group is commonly known as Water Lilies. These are hardy and tropical, aquatic perennials native to Australia, South Africa and the Northern Hemisphere. There are many hybrids, which have been developed from the wild species. Water Lilies produce handsome, floating foliage and gorgeous blossoms.â€¦

Water Meal
(Wolffia) These plants are the smallest plants in the world. They look like green grains floating in the water. The most common is W. arrhiza, Water Meal or Rootless Duckweed. It is native to Africa, Brazil, Western Asia and Europe. This plant isn't grown in the water garden purposely, but can sometimes be found in portions of other aquatic plants. This plant can become very troublesome in natural ponds; turning the water bright green.â€¦

Water Mint
(Mentha) This is a large group of well-known perennial herbs, which are widely spread over the temperate parts of the world. Mentha includes the Apple Mint, Curly Mint, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pineapple Mint, Spearmint and Water or Bog Mint. Following are descriptions of each variety.â€¦

Water Parsnip
(Sium) This vegetable, the Skirret or Water Parsnip, was once popular in the American colonies, but is rarely grown now. If you enjoy Root Parsley and Salsify, you should try Skirret. This hardy perennial provides a cluster of knobby, sweet tasting roots in the autumn and winter, from which grow rosettes of feathery leaves.â€¦

Water Pennywort
(Hydrocotyle) 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 pinkâ€¦

Water Plantain
(Alisma) This is a group of hardy aquatic plants. The most popular is A. plantago-aquatica, the Water Plantain. This plant grows 2 or 3 feet high and flourishes in shallow water, though it will grow in water up to 18 inches deep. It produces rosettes of long-stalked, rounded to heart-shaped leaves. In June and July, panicles of pinkish-white flowers are borne. Care must be taken in controlling the growth of this plant as it can become a nuisance. The flowers of the Water Plantain may be dried upâ€¦

Water Shield
(Cabomba) Cabomba Caroliniana, also called Fish Grass, Washington Plant and Water Shield, is an aquatic plant that is found from southern Illinois to Texas and Florida. The submerged, hair-like leaves of this plant are bright green, fan-shaped and coarsely segmented up to 11/2 inched in diameter. The floating leaves are linear, but not hair-like, with pointed tips up to 2 centimeters in length. This plant produces small white flowers with yellow centers that float on the water's surface.â€¦

Water Snowflake
(Nymphoides) These hardy and tender, aquatic perennials are originally from Asia, Europe, North America and the tropics. N. aquatica, commonly known as Banana Lily, is hardy only in warm climates. Its floating leaves are 4 inches long and have rough undersides. It produces white flowers. N. cristatum, the Variegated Water Snowflake, has round, floating leaves edged with red. It produces a profusion of white flowers. This plant will need to be kept under control. N. geminata, Yellow Fringe, has gâ€¦

Water Soldier
(Stratiotes) 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 reappear again in late summer.â€¦

Water Spinach
(Ipomea) 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€¦

Water Sprite
(Ceratopteris) These interesting tropical, aquatic Ferns are found in ponds and lakes in many parts of the world, including North America. C. pteridoides, the Floating Fern, is an edible plant from South America. It is found growing wild in Florida, along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Louisiana. This plant produces rosettes of pale green, floating, sterile fronds that are buoyed up with internal air pockets. Taller, much-divided, larger, fertile fronds stand upright in the center of these. Vâ€¦

Water Weed
(Egeria) E. densa, commonly known as Anacharis and Water Weed, is an aquatic perennial native to the warm and temperate regions of South America. It is now naturalized in Central and North America, Europe and Australia. Anacharis is a vigorous growing plant that has many branching stems that are clothed in whorls of sessile, linear leaves. The leaves have pointy tips that ordinarily bend backward and grow an inch in length. In warm water, 73Âº F and higher, the stems become spindly. Tiny, white â€¦

Watercress
(Nasturtium) These hardy, aquatic perennials are natives of Asia and Europe and are naturalized in North America. They are found growing in cool, flowing streams. N. officinale, the Watercress, forms mats of glossy green leaves that are divided into many leaflets and rounded clusters of white, four-petaled flowers from March to November. The leaves of this plant have a peppery taste and are used in salads and as garnishes. Nasturtiums can be grown on the edges of ponds, in streams or waterfalls.â€¦

Watermelon
(Citrullus) C. lanatus is the botanical name of the very popular fruit, Watermelon. C. lanatus of standard size grow into long, rambling vines. There are smaller, hybrid vines, however, that only spread to a diameter of 5 or 6 feet. Watermelon vines are clothed with large leaves and light yellow flowers, which are followed by the juicy fruit. Watermelons are grown for their sweet, juicy interiors and in China, for edible seeds. They range in size from very large and heavy to moderate-size and smâ€¦

Watermelon Begonia
(Pellionia) Pellionias are frost-tender, creeping perennials found from Vietnam to Malaysia and Burma. These plants can be grown in hanging baskets, in pots to form an edging to greenhouse benches, and in terrariums. P. repens, the Watermelon Begonia, is a low growing plant up to 4 inches high with an indefinite spread. This trailing plant has fleshy stems clothed with broad, oval, scalloped leaves that have soft grayish green centers and purplish-brown edges. Its flowers are insignificant, as tâ€¦

Wattle
(Acacia) This group consists of about 1,000 species that are found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Australia and Africa. These evergreens should not be confused with the trees and shrubs commonly known as acacia, which belong to the group Robinia. These tender evergreens are totally different and are commonly known as Mimosas and Wattles. The Australian types are called Wattles because their lumber was used by early settlers in the wattle-and-daub method of building homeâ€¦

Wax Gourd
(Benincasa) The Chinese Preserving Melon is a frost-tender annual that is a native of southeast Asia. It spreads widely and produces yellow flowers. The leaves are 6 to 10 inches across and foul smelling. The fruits may are cylindrical to oblong and grow up to 16 inches long. The rind is waxy-white and covered with fine, silky fuzz. Other popular names include Wax Gourd and White Gourd. This melon is used in China for making sweet preserves, but is usually only grown in the U.S. for interest.â€¦

Wax Myrtle
(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 producâ€¦

Wax Plant
(Hoya) 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 readilyâ€¦

Wax Privet
(Peperomia) These tropical perennials are grown for their ornamental foliage. They are mostly natives of tropical America. They are compact and small and usually do not exceed 12' in height. They vary considerably in appearance. Some have threadlike, trailing stems and some have fleshy, stout stems. The leaves are smooth and fleshy and may be oval with the leafstalk at or near the center of the leaf blade, or they may be heart-shaped or lance-shaped; their size may vary from 1-4 inches long. Theâ€¦

Weeping Broom
(Chordospartium) This group consists of only one tender, deciduous shrub that is a native of New Zealand. C. stevensonii, the Weeping Broom, is an interesting, medium-sized, broom-like, leafless shrub. In the summer, racemes of white flowers tinged with lavender-pink are produced. This bush resembles a tiny, weeping willow. This rare shrub looks brown and dead for the first few years of life.â€¦

Weeping Willow
(Salix) Salix is the botanical name for a group of deciduous (leaf-losing) trees and shrubs, which are mostly hardy. They are found wild throughout Europe, northern Africa, Asia, and North America; a few are found in the Southern Hemisphere. Some grow naturally in the arctic and alpine regions. The common name for this group and also the old Latin name is, Willow. Most Willows grow rapidly and are fairly short-lived. Their young stems are flexible and strong, but the old braâ€¦

Weeping Willow Buddleia
(Buddleia) This group consists of about one hundred evergreen and deciduous, hardy and tender, flowering shrubs. They are originally from Asia, South Africa, North and South America. They are excellent plants for the garden and most blossom from mid-summer to early autumn. Their beauty is best seen when grown in a shrub or mixed border, rather than by themselves. Buddleias, commonly known as Butterfly Bushes, are valued mainly for their clusters of beautiful, fragrant, tubular-shaped flowers. Thâ€¦

West Indian Jasmine
(Ixora) This group consists of 400 species of tropical, evergreen trees and shrubs commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. These plants have leathery, 3- to 6-inch long leaves alternately or spirally arranged on the stems. In the summer, large, terminal clusters of tiny, white, yellow, orange, rose, or scarlet flowers are produced.â€¦

Whisker Cactus
(Lophocereus) These cacti are natives of southern Arizona and Mexico. They form tall, columnar stems, which branch at the base to form a short trunk. L. schottii (Whisker Cactus) forms stems that can grow up to 23 feet high. They have five to nine ribs bearing white woolly areoles out of which grow about five conical spines. When the plant is ready to blossom, the upper part develops larger areoles with about twenty sharp, brush-like bristles. More than one nocturnal flower grows from each areolâ€¦

White Alder
(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-shapeâ€¦

White Ash
(Alphitonia) 20 species of tropical trees there are about six in Australia, mostly native to the coastal rainforests of New South Wales and Queensland.These fast growing trees are popular in tropical gardens.The long ovate leaves with a whitish underside have an attractive silvered new growth. Clusters of tiny white fragrant flowers in the spring and are followed by black berries.â€¦

White Beam
(Sorbus) This is a large group or mostly hardy, deciduous trees and shrubs. They are very easily grown and among the most decorative trees for the yard providing an attractive display for more than one season. There are basically two different types of Sorbus. The plants belonging to the first type are commonly known as Whitebeams. They have simple leaves that often have serrated margins and are sometimes lobed. The leaves are ordinarily white or silvery beneath giving them a shimmering look wheâ€¦

White Cedar
(Chamaecyparis) This is the botanical name for the False Cypress, also known as White Cedars. These evergreen trees are suitable for growing as hedges and for lawn decoration. They are natives of North America and Japan. The branches of the False Cypress are somewhat flattened and they are covered rather closely with flattened, scale-like, bluish-green leaves, which overlap each other. The cones are round, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, with thick shield-shaped scales. They are bluish-pâ€¦

White Forsythia
(Abeliophyllum) This group includes a single deciduous shrub. A. distichum, also known as White Forsythia, is native to Korea. It grows slowly with thin branchesÂ and only grows to a maximum of 3 feet. The branches contain leaves that are opposing and may change color to purple in the fall. In spring it shows a white flower tinted with pink that only reaches about a Â½â€? in diameter. These shrubs grow in small groups and there best growing season is from late winter through eaâ€¦

White Gourd
(Benincasa) The Chinese Preserving Melon is a frost-tender annual that is a native of southeast Asia. It spreads widely and produces yellow flowers. The leaves are 6 to 10 inches across and foul smelling. The fruits may are cylindrical to oblong and grow up to 16 inches long. The rind is waxy-white and covered with fine, silky fuzz. Other popular names include Wax Gourd and White Gourd. This melon is used in China for making sweet preserves, but is usually only grown in the U.S. for interest.â€¦

White Lily Tree
(Crinodendron) This small group of tender trees consists of only two kinds, both of which are found wild in Chile. Commonly known as Lantern Trees, these evergreen trees or shrubs are suitable for growing outdoors in mild climates only; otherwise, they may be grown in greenhouses. Lantern Trees are covered with glossy, dark-green leaves, 2-3 inches long. C. hookerianum (Chilean Lantern Plant) is a large, dense shrub that can sometimes survive unusually low temperatures. In late spring or early sâ€¦

White Manila Yam
(Dioscorea) This is a group of tropical and subtropical vines that can be grown for ornament as well as a food crop.â€¦

White Snakeroot
(Eupatorium) These hardy and frost tender perennials and shrubs are found in North and South America, Europe and Asia and are grown mainly for their flowers, though some are valued for their ornamental foliage. The name commemorates Mithridates Eupator, King of Pontus, who is credited with discovering that one of the varieties could be used as a remedy for poison. E. purpureum (Joe Pye Weed) is a vigorous growing perennial that can reach a height of 7 feet. Its coarse, finely toothed, mid-green â€¦

White-Flowered 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€¦

Whitebeam
(Sorbus) This is a large group or mostly hardy, deciduous trees and shrubs. They are very easily grown and among the most decorative trees for the yard providing an attractive display for more than one season. There are basically two different types of Sorbus. The plants belonging to the first type are commonly known as Whitebeams. They have simple leaves that often have serrated margins and are sometimes lobed. The leaves are ordinarily white or silvery beneath giving them a shimmering look wheâ€¦

Whitewashed Brambles
(Rubus) Rubus belongs to the Rose family. This group consists of erect, arching or trailing, deciduous and evergreen shrubs found wild in Europe, North America and Asia. Some are very ornamental, while most are grown for their edible fruits. Of the varieties, the most popular are R. idaeus vulgatus, commonly known as the European Raspberry, R. idaeus var. strigosus, the American Raspberry, R. occidentalis, the Black Raspberry, Blackcap, or Thimbleberry, and the Raspberry's cousin, the Blackberryâ€¦

Whitewood
(Liriodendron) Liriodendron consists of two deciduous (leaf-losing) trees called Tulip Trees. One, L. Tulipifera, is a native of the eastern U.S. and the other, L. chinense, is from China. The American Tulip Tree is a very attractive tree that can grow up to 100 feet high. The leaves have an interesting square shape; they usually have 4 lobes and look as if they've suddenly been cut off instead of continuing to a point. They are 3 to 8 inches long and 4 to 9 inches wide, accordâ€¦

Wild Calla
(Calla) C. palustris, the Bog Arum, Water Arum or Wild Calla, is a hardy perennial native to North America, northern Asia and Europe. This plant grows near the water's edge where it grows from a rhizome that creeps along the surface of the soil. The Bog Arum grows from 6 to 12 inches high and from 6 to 12 inches wide. Its leaves are glossy, heart-shaped and leathery. During the summer, flowers growing 2 inches in length, are produced. These consist of a spadix, clothed with tiny, yellow flowers,â€¦

Wild Coffee
(Polyscias) This group consists of about 80 tropical shrubs and trees that are native to New Zealand, tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands. They are excellent as houseplants in cold climates and as hedges in very warm ones. These plants are also excellent as Bonsai specimens. These plants are valued for their decorative foliage, which is finely divided and in some species, beautifully variegated. P. fruticosa (Ming Aralia) can grow up to 8 feet high (though it can be kept small by pruning) and â€¦

Wild Parsnip
(Angelica) This herb, also known as Archangel and Wild Parsnip, is a biennial or short-lived perennial. Angelica grows 5 to 6 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. This plant slightly resembles parsnip and has bright green, twice-compound leaves and large umbels of greenish-white to cream colored flowers. Its fragrant leaves are used both fresh and dried.â€¦

Wild Rice
(Zizania) These hardy, aquatic annuals, commonly known as Wild Rice,are native to China, Japan and North America. These beautiful Grasses are great for decorating the margins of lakes, ponds and water gardens. Z. latifolia can grow up to 10 feet high in the wild, but only grows up to 4 feet high when grown in containers, in the water garden. This variety produces greenish-brown flower panicles in the summer and turns yellow in the fall. Zizanias are very vigorous growing plants and will usually â€¦

Wild Sarsaparilla
(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€¦

Wild Spinach
(Chenopodium) These hardy annuals or perennials may be grown for decoration and some kinds are vegetables. They come from various parts of the world such as Europe and China and are naturalized in America.â€¦

Wild Sweet Potato Vine
(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 acâ€¦

Willow
(Salix) Salix is the botanical name for a group of deciduous (leaf-losing) trees and shrubs, which are mostly hardy. They are found wild throughout Europe, northern Africa, Asia, and North America; a few are found in the Southern Hemisphere. Some grow naturally in the arctic and alpine regions. The common name for this group and also the old Latin name is, Willow. Most Willows grow rapidly and are fairly short-lived. Their young stems are flexible and strong, but the old braâ€¦

Willow Myrtle
(Agonis) This genus of some 12 species is found only in Western Australia. They are shrubs and small trees. Leaves small to long, alternate, entire, often densely clustered. Flowers small, clustered white to pale pinkâ€¦

Willow Peppermint
(Agonis) This genus of some 12 species is found only in Western Australia. They are shrubs and small trees. Leaves small to long, alternate, entire, often densely clustered. Flowers small, clustered white to pale pinkâ€¦

Windflower
(Anemone) This group consists of 120 species of perennials, which grow from tubers. These pretty perennials (commonly known as Windflowers) belong to the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. They grow wild in many European countries, in North America, and Japan. The attractive, parsley-like leaves of these plants are lobed or divided and the ornate parts of their poppy- or daisy-like flowers are actually sepals; Anemones have no true petals or else they are greatly reduced. The single or double flowâ€¦

Wineberry
(Rubus) Rubus belongs to the Rose family. This group consists of erect, arching or trailing, deciduous and evergreen shrubs found wild in Europe, North America and Asia. Some are very ornamental, while most are grown for their edible fruits. Of the varieties, the most popular are R. idaeus vulgatus, commonly known as the European Raspberry, R. idaeus var. strigosus, the American Raspberry, R. occidentalis, the Black Raspberry, Blackcap, or Thimbleberry, and the Raspberry's cousin, the Blackberryâ€¦

Winged Bean
(Lotus) These are pretty ornamental plants, one of which is used as a vegetable. These tender and hardy perennials belong to the Pea family, Leguminosae. Some are found growing wild in the Canary Isles, Cape Verde Islands, the Mediterranean region, other parts of Europe and Asia, and some in North America.â€¦

Winged Euonymus
(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 saâ€¦

Winged Pea
(Lotus) These are pretty ornamental plants, one of which is used as a vegetable. These tender and hardy perennials belong to the Pea family, Leguminosae. Some are found growing wild in the Canary Isles, Cape Verde Islands, the Mediterranean region, other parts of Europe and Asia, and some in North America.â€¦

Winter Cherry
(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€¦

Winter Creeper
(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 saâ€¦

Winter Purslane
(Montia) This vegetable is also known as Winter Purslane, Cuban Spinach and Miner's Lettuce. Miner's Lettuce was a blessing to prospectors starved for greens during the 1849 gold rush. It clothes meadows during the spring rainy season and lasts for weeks longer in shaded dells. The small plants have oval to lance-shaped basal leaves on long petioles (leaf stalks) and interesting, disk-shaped leaves that appear to be threaded along the slender stems. They make very pretty garnishes and can be useâ€¦

Winter Sweet
(Chimonanthus) This group consists of six evergreen and deciduous shrubs native to China, though only one, C. praecox, is usually grown. These shrubs, commonly known as Wintersweet, produce very fragrant, waxy flowers in the winter. C. praecox is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that produces waxy, light yellow flowers with purple centers. The blossoms, which aren't produced on young plants, are extremely fragrant; a single spray bearing three or four flowers is sufficient to fill a moderately siâ€¦

Winter Tarragon
(Tagetes) 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 in solid red, some in solid yâ€¦

Winter'S Bark
(Drimys) This is a group of tender, evergreen trees and shrubs originally from eastern Australia, New Guinea, Central and South America, and Malaysia. D. lanceolata (Pepper Tree) is a medium-sized to large, fragrant, erect-growing shrub with purplish-red shoots and dark green leaves that are light green underneath. Its young shoots are tinted with copper. White male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. They are abundantly produced from mid- to late spring. D. winteri (Winter's Barâ€¦

Winterberry
(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€¦

Wintergreen
(Gaultheria) This group consists of 150 fragrant, evergreen shrubs native to the Andes, North America, Australasia, and eastern Asia. These shrubs produce tufts of shiny or leathery, oval leaves and, in late spring or early summer, pendant, white, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by fleshy, red or black fruit. G. procumbens (Checkerberry; Teaberry; Wintergreen) is a hardy, creeping shrub that forms mats of dark green leaves that turn purple in the autumn. The white to pink-tinged flâ€¦

Wishbone Flower
(Torenia) This group of annuals and perennials are originally found in tropical Asia and Africa. Though some are perennials, they are usually grown as annuals. These bushy plants will grow up to a foot high. The ovate leaves are toothed and grow up to 2 inches long. They produce an abundance of pretty pouched flowers, which grow up to an inch across and may be colored white, pink, blue, mauve, lilac, or purple, with a yellow mark.â€¦

Wisteria
This group consists of about ten hardy, deciduous, woody vines that are native to North America and eastern Asia. Wisterias belong to the Pea family, Leguminosae, and are most valued for their pendulous racemes of beautiful blue, purple, rose, mauve or white flowers in late spring and early summer, which are followed by long, flat seedpods. They usually bloom again later in the year. Their compound pinnate leaves are also very pretty. These plants are great for growing on walls, pergolas, and trâ€¦

Wisteria Tree
(Pterostyrax) The deciduous trees or large shrubs are native to China and Japan. P. hispida, commonly known as the Epaulette Tree or Wisteria Tree, can be grown as a bush with a height of up to 12 feet or a tree, growing up to 50 feet high. The Epaulette Tree is covered in oblong leaves up to 8 inches in length. These trees begin to blossom when they are 8 to 10 feet high. In early summer, fragrant, creamy white flowers are borne in suspended clusters 4 to 9 inches long. These are followed by fuâ€¦

Wolf'S Bane
(Aconitum) These fibrous- and tuberous-rooted perennials belong to the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. They are found wild in the meadows of Europe and East Asia. They grow from 3 to 4 feet high, and the roots and plants are poisonous. A. Sparks Variety (Monkshood) is an upright plant with dark green leaves that are deeply divided into 3 or 5 thin, shiny lobes. The large, hooded flowers are rich violet-blue and produced on widely branching stems in mid- to late summer. A. cammarum bicolorâ€¦

Wolffia
(Rootless Duckweed, Water Meal) These plants are the smallest plants in the world. They look like green grains floating in the water. The most common is W. arrhiza, Water Meal or Rootless Duckweed. It is native to Africa, Brazil, Western Asia and Europe. This plant isn't grown in the water garden purposely, but can sometimes be found in portions of other aquatic plants. This plant can become very troublesome in natural ponds; turning the water bright green.â€¦

Wonderberry
(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, whiâ€¦

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.â€¦

Wood Meadow Grass
(Poa) This large group of Grasses is native to most of the temperate regions, including North America, the Himalayas, Europe and Siberia. Some are used to grow in pots and some are grown into lawns. The Wood Meadow Grass, P. nemoralis, the Rough-stalked Meadow Grass, P. trivialis, and the Kentucky Bluegrass, P. pratensis, are all used as lawn grasses. The Kentucky Bluegrass, however, is one of the most popular lawn grasses in our landscape. This grass can grow up to 2Â½ feet high and it has a shaâ€¦

Wood Rose
(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 acâ€¦

Wood Sorrel
(Oxalis) These are hardy and tender plants that are mostly found wild in south Africa and tropical and subtropical America, but can be found in many parts of the world, including North America. Several hardy kinds are gorgeous for the rock garden, a few are showy enough for flower borders and many are great for windows and greenhouses. Oxalis montana (the American Wood Sorrel) is a lovely plant that has green 'Shamrock' leaves and white flowers veined with lilac. Since it's a woodland plant, it â€¦

Woodbine
(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€¦

Woody Nightshade
(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, whiâ€¦

Woollybush
(Adenanthos) A genus of some 30 specises (Shrubs ) , confined to south western, Australiaâ€¦

Wormwood
(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 â€¦

Woundwort
(Anthyllis) This group consists of annual and perennial, evergreen and deciduous shrubs and herbaceous plants. They are natives of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. A. hermanniae is a pretty, dwarf, deciduous shrub that is suitable for growing in the rock garden. It has small, thin leaves consisting of three leaflets. However, since the side leaflets are so small, the leaves seem to consist of only one. From early to mid-summer, clusters of two to eight, pea-like flowers are borne. These aâ€¦

Xeranthemum
(Everlasting, Immortelle) These annuals are found wild in southern Europe. They branch out a lot and grow 1 to 2 feet high. The oblong to lanceolate-shaped, silvery leaves grow up to 2 inches long. The dry, papery flowers are shiny and may be single or double. They grow up to 2 inches across and may be white, rose, or pink. The flowers may be used for drying. They should be cut when the buds begin to open. If they are left to dry on the plant, they turn tan or light brown.â€¦

Copy of `Botany - Flower terms`

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