What’s Behind a Flower Name?

How well do you know your favorite flower? Aside from being able to spot them quickly in a garden, knowing their colors, seasonal availability, and care requirement, are you also familiar with the origin of their name? Now’s the time to get to know them further. By understanding the history, origin, and story behind a bloom’s scientific or common name, you’ll gain a deeper sense of appreciation of the wonder of florals.  Read on and be surprised by the fascinating origins of 15 popular flowers.

Amaryllis

Have you ever seen a flower that sparkles like a star? The amaryllis is one of those blooms! This plant got its name from Carl Linnaeus, a super important scientist who sorted plants into groups. Back in the 1700s, he named it after the Greek word amarysso, which means “to sparkle” or “shine.” And guess what? If you look at its petals, they’re super bright and shiny, almost like they’re glowing!

But there’s also a cool Greek myth about this flower. Legend says a girl named Amaryllis loved a guy named Alteo, who only cared about flowers. To win his heart, she pierced her heart with a golden arrow and walked to his door every day, leaving drops of blood. On the 30th day, gorgeous red flowers grew where her blood fell—the first amaryllis! Now, people say the flower’s bold colors (like red, pink, or white) remind us of her story.

I think it’s awesome how the name matches the flower’s flashy look. Plus, around Christmas, lots of people grow amaryllis bulbs because they bloom big and bright, like nature’s holiday lights! Next time you see one, remember: its name isn’t just fancy—it’s got drama, sparkle, and a little bit of magic

Anemone

Ever seen a flower that dances in the wind? That’s the anemone! People call it the “windflower” because its name comes from the Greek word anemoi, which means “winds.” And guess what? If you look closely, the petals look like they’re fluttering in a breeze, almost like they’re waving at you! 

But here’s the coolest part: There’s a Greek myth about how anemones were created. Legend says the goddess Aphrodite was so heartbroken when her lover died that her tears mixed with his blood and turned into these flowers. That’s why anemones have such delicate, tissue-paper petals—they’re like a reminder of love and sadness.

I think it’s awesome how anemones grow in places where the wind blows hard, like mountains or meadows. Even though they look fragile, they’re tough enough to sway and bounce without breaking! Next time you spot one, imagine it’s whispering secrets to the breeze. Who knew a flower could be so dramatic?

Black Eyed Susan

Ever wondered why this sunny flower has a dark center? Let’s dive into its story! The Black-Eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia hirta, gets its name from a super old British poem by John Gay called Black-Eyed Susan. In the poem, Susan is a girl searching for her sailor boyfriend, William, before he leaves on a voyage. She cries so much that her eyes turn black—hence the “black-eyed” part! People say the flower’s dark center looks like her sad, teary eyes.

But here’s the coolest thing: The poem turned into a legend! Now, gardeners plant Black-Eyed Susans next to Sweet William flowers (Dianthus barbatus) because they bloom together, just like the lovers in the story. Their colors even match—golden yellow for Susan and bright reds/purples for William. Talk about romance!

Oh, and the name Rudbeckia? That’s a shoutout to the Rudbeck family, a Swedish dad-and-son duo who were big-time scientists. Carl Linnaeus, the guy who invented plant names, studied under the younger Rudbeck and named the flower after them.

The “eye” isn’t just poetic—it’s literal! The dark brown or black center looks like a tiny eyeball staring at you, which makes the flower super easy to recognize. Plus, Black-Eyed Susans are tough cookies—they grow everywhere, from gardens to sidewalk cracks, symbolizing resilience and happiness.

Carnation

Did you know carnations were once worn like crowns by ancient Greeks? Yep! Their name comes from the Latin word corona, which means “crown” or “wreath.” Back then, people braided these flowers into garlands for big celebrations or to honor heroes. Imagine wearing a flower crown instead of a metal one—way lighter, right?

But here’s the cool part: There’s a myth that carnations popped up where Zeus’s tears fell during a battle. Others say their ruffled petals look like tiny crowns, which is why they’re still used in bouquets for graduations or weddings. I think it’s awesome how something so pretty has such a royal vibe!

Oh, and carnations aren’t just one color. They come in pink, red, white—you name it! In fact, pink carnations are called the “flower of moms” because they symbolize a mother’s love. Next time you see one, check out the zigzag edges of the petals. They kinda look like wrinkled paper, but in a cool way.

Fun fact: Carnations can live way longer in a vase than most flowers. Maybe that’s why they’ve been around for thousands of years, still shining like the tiny crowns they are! 

Chrysanthemum

Did you know “chrysanthemum” basically means “golden flower” in Greek? Yep! The name comes from chryos (gold) and anthemom (flower), and guess what? The first chrysanthemums were bright yellow, just like sunshine or pirate treasure! People in ancient China and Japan loved them so much, they painted them on art and even used them in medicine.

Here’s the coolest part: In Japan, they call chrysanthemums “kikus” and they’re a symbol of the emperor. There’s even a whole festival called the Festival of Happiness where everyone celebrates these flowers! Plus, some legends say if you put a chrysanthemum petal in your wine, it’ll give you a loooong life. (I’d try it, but maybe ask your parents first!)

Even though they started out gold, now they come in every color—pink, purple, white, even green! But the best part? Their petals look like tiny fireworks exploding in slow motion. How cool is that? Next time you see one, count the petals… if you can keep up!

Cosmos

Ever noticed how cosmos flowers look like tiny, perfect stars? Their name literally means “harmonious universe” because their petals are spaced so evenly, like planets orbiting the sun! Spanish priests in the 1700s thought they looked super organized, so they named them “cosmos” after the idea of a balanced universe.

But here’s the coolest part: These flowers aren’t just pretty—they’re tough! They grow in super dry, rocky places where most plants would give up. I think it’s awesome how something so delicate-looking can survive almost anywhere. Plus, their colors (pink, white, purple) make gardens look like a box of spilled crayons!

Daffodil

Meet the flower that’s way too into itself! The daffodil’s Latin name, Narcissus, comes from a Greek myth about a guy named Narcissus who loved his reflection so much he stared at it in a lake until he turned into this flower. That’s why daffodils bend their heads down—like they’re still checking themselves out!

But here’s the thing: Daffodils aren’t just vain. They’re survivors! They pop up in early spring, even through snow, like nature’s way of saying, “Winter, you’re done!” Their bright yellow petals and trumpet-shaped centers make them look like tiny sunshine megaphones. Oh, and fun fact: All parts of the plant are poisonous, so maybe don’t snack on them… even if they do look like fancy corn chips.

Forget-Me-Not

Who knew a tiny blue flower could have such a wild name? The forget-me-not’s scientific name, Myosotis, comes from Greek words meaning “mouse ear” because its fuzzy leaves look like little rodent ears! But wait—it’s also called “scorpion grass” because the curled-up flower buds resemble a scorpion’s tail. Kinda creepy, but cool!

Here’s the best part: There’s a super sad legend about its name. A medieval knight was picking these flowers for his girlfriend when he fell into a river. As he drowned, he yelled, “Forget me not!” and tossed the bouquet to her. Now, people give these blooms to remember loved ones. I think it’s sweet (and dramatic!) how such a small flower holds big meaning.

Plus, forget-me-nots grow in shady, damp spots, like nature’s secret messages hidden under trees. Their bright blue petals with yellow centers look like mini galaxies! Next time you see one, check if it’s whispering, “Don’t forget me!”

Lupines

Meet the plant version of a wolf! Lupines get their name from the Latin word lupus (wolf) because people used to think they “wolfed down” all the soil’s nutrients, leaving it empty. (Turns out, they actually help the soil—oops!) They’re also poisonous, so farmers blamed them for killing livestock, just like wolves. Drama!

But lupines aren’t villains. Their tall, spiky flowers come in purple, pink, blue, and white, looking like a candy store explosion. They grow wild in mountains and meadows, and their pea-shaped pods snap open when dry, shooting seeds everywhere—like a plant sneeze!

Fun fact: Some lupines can grow as tall as a 4th grader! And even though they’re part of the pea family, don’t eat them. Stick to admiring their wolfy beauty from afar.

Orchid

Did you know orchids have a secret nickname? Their name comes from the Greek word orchis, which means… wait for it… testicle! Yup, ancient Greeks thought the plant’s lumpy roots looked like, um, body parts. Awkward, right? But don’t laugh—they actually used orchids in love potions because they believed the roots could make guys stronger or even decide if a baby was a boy or girl!

But here’s the cool part: Orchids grow everywhere—jungles, deserts, even on trees! Some look like butterflies, bees, or even monkeys. My favorite is the “Dracula orchid” that looks like a vampire’s face. Creepy but awesome! Plus, they’re super picky about where they grow, which makes them like the divas of the flower world.

Petunia

Petunias might look innocent, but they’re part of a sneaky plant family! Their name comes from the French word petun, meaning tobacco, because they’re cousins to actual tobacco plants. Imagine smoking a petunia—yuck! (Don’t try it, though. They’re not that kind of cousin.)

These flowers are like nature’s trumpets, with wide-open blooms that come in neon pink, purple, and even striped patterns. But here’s the drama: Back in the 1800s, French explorers found wild petunias in South America and named them after tobacco because their leaves looked similar. Joke’s on them—petunias can’t be smoked, but they sure make gardens pop!

Fun fact: Some petunias glow in the dark now, thanks to science. Next time you see one, pretend it’s a tiny lantern… or a disco ball for fairies!

Snapdragon

Want see a flower roar? Squeeze a snapdragon’s sides, and its “mouth” pops open like a tiny dragon’s! That’s how it got its name—people thought it looked like a fire-breathing monster. But here’s the funny part: In medieval times, folks believed planting snapdragons would keep witches away. (Spoiler: It didn’t, but they’re still cool)

These flowers come in neon pink, red, and even rainbow colors, and their spiky blooms look like dragon scales. Plus, they’re tough—they grow in rocky soil and survive frost. Next time you see one, give it a gentle pinch… but watch out for dragon breath!

Tulip

PSA: Tulips aren’t actually from Holland! They’re originally from places like Iran and Afghanistan, where they’re called laleh. Their name comes from the Turkish word tülbent (turban) because the petals fold up like the fancy hats worn in the Middle East.

But here’s the wildest story: In the 1600s, tulips were so rare in Europe, people traded them for houses and gold. One bulb could cost as much as a yacht! Talk about flower power. Now, they’re everywhere, but their bold colors (red, yellow, purple) still make gardens look like a rainbow threw up.

Zinnia

Meet the flower named after a total science nerd! Zinnias are called after Johann Gottfried Zinn, a botany professor who first wrote about them in the 1700s. (No myths here—just a dude who loved plants!)

But don’t sleep on zinnias: They’re like the confetti of the garden. Their bright, pom-pom-shaped flowers come in every color except blue, and butterflies LOVE them. Plus, they’re basically indestructible—throw some seeds in dirt, and boom! Instant summer fireworks. Pro tip: They’re perfect for lazy gardeners who want to look like plant geniuses.

This article was first published on 9.29.21. It was published again on 2.4.25 with vastly more details about flowers plus loads of cool graphs and data visualizations!