Latin Names for Plants & Shrubs

• The Latin or scientific name of plants and shrubs identifies the genus and species. Genus refers to the taxonomic rank for classification of the plant, and is always capitalized in the name, while species comprise related types. Knowing the Latin names of plants helps clarify the exact identity, as common names may have regional differences or refer to several distinct plants. However, Latin names are not set in stone. Botanists may re-categorize plants, as identified in the international Nomenclature Guide, if mis-categorized.

Anemone

• Most people refer to this white, woodland flower as the common wood anemone. It boasts two Latin names: Anemone quinquefolia and Thalictrum thalictrodes. Within the Anemone genus are over 150 species, with names based on country of origin, in honor of a person, the plant's discoverer, description or its ancient name.

Passionflowers

• Passionflowers, or Passiflora incarnata, get their name from the passion of Jesus Christ, because of their fringed crown's resemblance to a crown of thorns. Also known as maypops, this edible flower blooms on a vine and prefers sunny sites with well-drained soils.

Hobblebush

• This deciduous shrub, Viburnum alnifolium, is also called witch hobble. Lace-like white flowers bloom in spring, while leaves turn maroon or red in autumn. It does well in sunny or shady areas, but needs well-drained, moist soils.

Rhododendron

• The Latin names of these popular evergreen shrubs may be based on the native habitat, such as Rhododendron carolinianum, also known as the Carolina rhododendron. The flowers of this variety appear as lilac, pink or white each spring. Rhododendron catawbiense, often called Catawba rhododendron or purple rhododendron, boasts purple flowers as the common implies. Rhododendron maximum, known as rosebay or white laurel, has pink flowers with white flecks but includes cultivars with red, white or purple blossoms.

Roses

• Often named in honor of famous or noteworthy people, the Latin names of roses include the hybrid white tea variety Rosa 'John F. Kennedy,' named for the late president. Roses named after places include the pale pink Rosa virginiana, or the Virginia rose.

Bay Laurel

• The name of evergreen shrub Laurus nobilis, also known as bay laurel or bay leaf, comes from Greek myth. Professor John B. Van Sickle recounts that the "nymph Daphne was said to have escaped Apollo bent on rape through turning into the laurel." He notes that components of plants' botanical names often recur in combinations, while others characterize a plant by comparison to others.