ABOUT THIS BOOK

Since Latin became the standard language for plant naming in the eighteenth century, it has been intrinsically linked with botany. And while mastery of the classical language may not be a prerequisite for tending perennials, all gardeners stand to benefit from learning a bit of Latin and its conventions in the field. Without it, they might buy a Hellebores foetidus and be unprepared for its fetid smell, or a Potentilla reptans with the expectation that it will stand straight as a sentinel rather than creep along the ground.

An essential addition to the gardener’s library, this colorful, fully illustrated book details the history of naming plants, provides an overview of Latin naming conventions, and offers guidelines for pronunciation. Readers will learn to identify Latin terms that indicate the provenance of a given plant and provide clues to its color, shape, fragrance, taste, behavior, functions, and more.

Full of expert instruction and practical guidance, Latin for Gardeners will allow novices and green thumbs alike to better appreciate the seemingly esoteric names behind the plants they work with, and to expertly converse with fellow enthusiasts. Soon they will realize that having a basic understanding of Latin before trips to the nursery or botanic garden is like possessing some knowledge of French before traveling to Paris; it enriches the whole experience.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Lorraine Harrison is the author of several books, including Inspiring Sussex Gardeners, The Shaker Book of the Garden, How to Read Gardens, and A Potted History of Vegetables: A Kitchen Cornucopia.

REVIEWS

“Latin for Gardeners is useful, surprising, and beautiful—an accessible dictionary for everyone who puzzles over botanical identifications, an opportunity to get better acquainted with the extraordinary discoverers and namers of so many of our favorite plants, and a treat for all who enjoy the art and lore of the garden.”

— Jane S. Smith, author of The Garden of Invention

"I have several books dedicated to Latin plant names but none fall into the category of Lorraine Harrison’s book which is not only informative but entertaining and beautifully illustrated. This is no dull list of Latin plant names—it is a book which begs to be picked up and looked at."

— The Reckless Gardener

"For those who want a better understanding of plant taxonomy, Latin for Gardeners, by Lorraine Harrison, is a treasure."

— Dominique Browning, New York Times

"Comprehensive and beautifully illustrated."

— Martha Stewart Living

“Many gardeners call plants by their common names. But to accurately identify them—and to know exactly what you’re buying at the nursery—you need to understand the botanical Latin names on their tags. Harrison offers definitions for 3,000 common terms that convey important information about plants’ physical attributes and growing habits. Knowing that ‘procerus’ describes a tall plant and ‘prostratus’ one that creeps along the ground can help a beginner put the right plant in the best spot. That said, Harrison writes that her goal is 'to encourage the blossoming of better gardeners, not of Latin scholars.’”

— Michelle Slatalla, Wall Street Journal, "10 Crucial Home and Garden Design Books for Beginners"

“A fine book for people who love plants and enjoy language. . . . If you enjoy learning the meanings and histories of names, you will find Latin for Gardeners to be a diverting and useful book.”

— gardeninacity

“Beautifully illustrated with artistic renderings of plants. . . . [Latin for Gardeners] will help you better understand the botanical names that we often struggle with.”

— The Native Plant Gardener

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

How to Use This Book

A Short History of Botanical Latin

Botanical Latin for Beginners

An Introduction to the A–Z Listings

a

azureus

babylonicus

byzantinus

cacaliifolius

cytisoides

dactyliferus

dyerianum

e

eyriesii

fabaceus

futilis

gaditanus

gymnocarpus

haastii

hystrix

ibericus

ixocarpus

jacobaeus

juvenilis

kamtschaticus

kurdicus

labiatus

ysimachioides

macedonicus

myrtifolius

nanellus

nymphoides

obconicus

oxyphyllus

pachy

pyriformis

quadr

quinquevulnerus

racemiflorus

rutilans

sabatius

szechuanicus

tabularis

typhinus

ulicinus

uvaria

vacciniifolius

vulgatus

wagnerii

wulfenii

xanth

xantholeucus

yakushimanus

yunnanensis

zabeliana

zonatus

Acanthus
Achillea
Alyssum
Digitalis
Eryngium
Eucalyptus
Foeniculum
Geranium
Helianthus
Jasminum
Lycopersicon
Parthenocissus
Passiflora
Plumbago
Pulmonaria
Quercus
Sempervivum
Streptocarpus
Tropaeolum
Vaccinium

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