Latin names are central to plant identification, but the system is not always straightforward. The current naming method, known as binomial nomenclature, was developed about 300 years ago by Swedish biologist and physician Carl Linnaeus. It uses two Latin or Greek names: genus and species. The genus is the main identifier and is always capitalized, while the species refers to individuals within that group and is written in lowercase.
This system allows scientists worldwide to communicate clearly about plants. “Because Latin is considered a dead language, it’s not evolving like English and other languages, so it’s perfect for naming plants. But there’s nothing static about this system because names are constantly changing as research reveals information about where a plant actually should reside in the grander scheme.”
Species names often describe characteristics such as smell or color, origin, or growth habit. For example, words like “foetidis” refer to scent; “rubra” indicates color; “borealis” suggests origin; and “pendulus” describes how a plant grows.
Common names for plants can vary widely and sometimes add confusion. California fuchsia has several common names—hummingbird trumpet, hummingbird-flower, wild fuchsia, firechalice—and its scientific name recently changed from Zauschneria californica to Epilobium canum.
Other plants have also undergone changes due to new research. Some sedums were reclassified into their own genus; Sedum ‘autumn joy’ became Hylotelephium telephium with the cultivar name ‘Herbstfreude’. DNA testing led rosemary’s classification to change from Rosmarinus to Salvia rosmarinus because of its close relation to sage. Pineapple guava was renamed Acca sellowiana but reverted back to Feijoa sellowiana after further analysis.
The variety of common names can make plant identification challenging for gardeners. Still, using Latin ensures clarity regardless of language differences or local traditions.
“The bottom line is that if you want to be sure you’re getting a specific plant, it’s good to know the Latin name and make sure the nursery tag verifies that information,” wrote Diane Lynch on December 13, 2025. “Plant nerds all around the world may speak hundreds of languages, but we’re all on the same page when it comes to plants.”
