To some people, a plant is a plant is a plant. But to the phytophilous (or plant-loving) High Plains gardener, identifying our native flora can often be as fun as tending their beds.
Today's installment of Growing on the High Plains compares two competing conventions.
First, we'll discuss the often-complex botanical naming system used to identify various species of plants. (Sometimes, it's all Latin to me.)
Next, I'll share a few of the delightful "common names" often used as shorthand when describing three of my favorite house plants.
Whether you use Latin or hometown vernacular, plant names are always sweet poetry to any grower's ears.