Follow Us!
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
| Member | Message |
|---|---|
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 10:30 AM PST
I don't want to sound Anal or Stupid (which I am sure some of you will think so!), but when ID'ing a plant or discussing it, a lot of you use the Botanical and Latin names for these plants and never mention the common names. Could you give the common name, too? I know you are proud of your knowledge (and you should be!), but I'm a commoner and I would have to go into the net to figure out what the heck you're saying!! Please? OKay? Maybe? 
|
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 1:34 PM PST
I think that many of us use the latin names because common names are used for many different plants...I have worked in many horticultural environments and have had to figure out what people are asking for with common names. For example, what is a "spotted dogs tongue". Anyway, I did figure that one out eventually...Pulmonaria, or lungwort. It was always easier for me if people knew the latin names. I will try harder when posting to use a latin name and at least one common name at the time. I still don't know what a snowball bush is. |
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 1:50 PM PST
You do not sound anal or stupid, just full of common sense. And I tend to agree with you (see my blog "What's In a Name"). If you think it's hard to make yourself understood in your own neighborhood, try going from one zone to another where they have a whole NEW common name for something you've know all your life. I find I care less about what something is called than how much the grower can tell me about it. Like I say, if it's free, I will call it whatever you tell me to  .Gardening is a diversified hobby, like many others. One person thinks a pot on the porch is gardening and another needs 10 acres to make a point ~ well, they're both right. As a Master Gardener, I speak to all kinds so I make it MY duty to make sure I'm understood. Yeah, sometimes I have to run through half-a-dozen names to get that bright look of comprehension, but it's worth it. I don't think you will find a garden center who won't sell you a plant (or a gardener that won't share one) if you don't know the botanical name. ETA: Is a snowball bush a viburnum?
|
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 1:53 PM PST
Jade, Google "snowball bush". They have hundreds of images. Here is a link to identify it. http://www.naturehills.com/product/common_snowball _bush.aspx PS - I new this one because my Great-grandma had one. 
|
|
|
Posted: May/07/2009 2:02 PM PST
yep, but some people call Annabelle Hydrangea a snowball bush...see what I mean. I don't think that it is anal or stupid to ask for both a latin and a common name either. |
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 3:14 PM PST
Nope me either. But as you get familiar with looking at tags and talking with people you'll pick up some of both. Some names like coreopsis I learned before I learned tickseed. lol |
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 5:08 PM PST
You bring up a good point. I agree that it would be good to use the latin and the common name. I was recently like you, and got used to the latin names. The gals in the garden club I belong to, explained the problem with common names. Now I know latin names by word, but PLEASE PLEASE don't ask me to pronounce half of them. I will certainly remember to put both in my blogs, since I completely understand where you are coming from. |
|
|
Posted: May/07/2009 7:10 PM PST
Thanks for your consideration. My grandparents didn't have a clue about botanical names, but knew a tomato from a zinnia. I kept seeing coreopsis on here and had no idea what it was. If someone had said "Tickseed" I would have known! At least it's easier to google a common name than to write down a Latin name and try from there-for me anyway! |
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 10:53 PM PST
WoW-had no intention of showcasing my pea brain of knowledge. I may know the botanical name-only because I am forced(design display beds & containers at a local nursery), but prefer the common name. Unfortunately, as KeyWee pointed out, many different names apply to the same botanical-so it's less confusing/time consuming for me to use the botanical....Will do both in my postings from now on.~Andrea P.S. Did pick up a great new vine last week-Eccremocarpus scaber, Chilean Glory Vine...
|
 |
Posted: May/07/2009 11:17 PM PST
As long as you are discussing plant names; does anyone know how "Bear's Breeches" got its common name? |
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
