Types of Flowers: The beauty and diversity of colorful flowersscents and texturesand intriguing scientific properties can feel like a world beyond our own. Howeverit is not just the beauty of flowers that captivates us but also the science behind it.
The APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group) is an international group of systematic botanists dedicated to discovering new angiospermsincluding all types of flowersthat reveal new data about plant relationships identified through phylogenetic studies.
Types of Flowers
Here is a collection of different types of flowers in the plant worldfeaturing a wide range of flower speciesflower types and namesand some of the most common flowers found across regions.
Acacia flowers are one of the most incredible treats of Australiaeye-opening and sensual as they bathe the savannah in color. Commonly known as embersWattlesWattleseedand Pigfacethe tree and flower have spread widely.
Acanthus flowers are well-known for their stylized leaveswhich have been used in architectural decorations for millennia. Acanthus plants have a beautiful classic appearance that is a delightful addition to any home garden.
Achillea is a legendary herb and a treasured part of any arid landscape due to its popularity with pollinators. This wildflower may have originated in Europebut today it has spread widely.
There are three primary flower types: AnnualsPerennialsand Biennials. In additionthe fourth type of flower behaves in annuals and perennials like a hybrid. Also there are two more kinds of flowers namely shrub flowers and tree flowers.
Let’s explore what each of these means:
Annuals
These flowering plants complete their entire life cycle from seed to flower and back to see within a single growing season. Essentiallyrootsstemsleavesand flowers all die at the end of the year. The seeds stay dormant until the following season. A few annual examples are MarigoldGeraniumCornflowerand Impatiens.
Perennials
These plants persist for many growing seasons. The root remains the same; howeverthe top sections of the plant die out in winter and then regrow in the spring. It is observed that many perennial plants tend to keep their leaves year-round. Perennial examples include ConeflowerColumbineCoreopsisDaylilyand more.
Biennials will take two full years from germination to seed to complete an entire biological life cycle. A rosette of leaves appears near the soil surface during the first year (essentially the primary growth of stems and roots). In the second yearthe stem would elongateand flowers and seed formation would occur before the plant eventually died out.
Sweet William Dwarfleekcabbageparsleyfoxgloveand hollyhocks are good examples of Biennials. Some biennial plants in the wild will take longer than two years to mature and complete their cycle fully.
Certain flowering plants exhibit annual or perennial characteristics depending upon where it is grown. For instancethe Black-eyed Susan flower would grow faster in Texas due to warm weather – thusit would behave as annuals. On the other handthe same Black-eyed Susan in Minnesota would grow slower due to cold weather – thusit would behave as a biennial.
Flowering Shrubs
The flowering shrubs are small to medium-sized perennial woody plants with woody stems from the ground. There are two kinds of flowering shrubsnamely deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous shrubs (often also called bushes) shed their leaves and floral parts at the end of each growing season in winter or dry seasons (e.g.Hawthorn). The other types of shrubs are called evergreenwhere foliage remains green for many seasons (e.g.Ilex/Holly).
Unlike flowering treesthey are shorter in heightusually 6 to 10m. The shrub flowers usually appear in clusters on the stems. Some flowering shrubs are HydrangeaAzaleaCamelliaLilacForsythiaQuinceand Deutzia.
Flowering Trees
Trees are perennial plants with elongated trunkssupporting branchesleavesflowersor fruits. Like flowering shrubstrees can also be deciduous and evergreen. It has been documented that trees have existed for 370 million years. Flowering trees help to form a backbone for your garden with lovely flowers. MagnoliaCherry blossomEastern redbudTrumpet treesDogwoodBanksiaand Acacia are good examples of flowering trees.
Types of Flowers By Names
Here is the list of flowers sorted alphabetically.
Here is a list of flowers that start with B to make things easier for you the next time you head out into your backyard to plant your first flower garden.
Flowers are a significant part of human life. They're prettythey decorate our homesand they make our lives more beautiful. Here is a collection of flowers starting with C.
The flowering plants that we know today are the result of an evolutionary process spanning 100s of millions of years. Here is a collection of all flowers starting with D.
In springas the snow melts and the trees budyou can smell flowers blooming from a mile away. You can even see flowers poking their heads out from our neighbors’ gardens. Here is a list of flowers starting with E.
In a wayflowers have always been the perfect example of the beautiful things in life. False spireaFarewell-to-SpringFig MarigoldForget-me-notFour-O-Clockand Foxglove flowers are some of the gorgeous flowers starting with F.
Flowers provide us with so much joy. The bright colorsthe intoxicating scents - it's no wonder they're one of the most popular gifts for all occasions. Flowers starting with G are GardeniasGerberasGladioliGarden Phlox. The list goes on and on!
There are 100s of different types of flowers in different shapessizesand colors. In additiondifferent types of popular annual flowers can thrive in the spring and summer to beautify your garden. Here is a selection of flowers starting with H for your next backyard project.
The joy of gardening is all about adding new flowering species to your gardenas there is always room for one more plant. So to ensure that you keep your garden looking great all year longspice it up with new flower types - be it colorful perennials or flowering bulbs. Here is the group of flowers starting with the letter I.
Flowering plants are one of the best ways to spread colorscentand beauty around your yard for free. Here are some flowering species starting with J that are easy to maintain and are sure to delight!
Beautiful flowers have captivated the hearts of manyas well as their eyes. Flowers are one of nature’s wonders and are essential for life on Earth. Certain flowers make the world feel more aliveand growing flowers is an excellent hobby for those who want to live more naturally. Here are the flowers starting with K.
Lotus and lily flowers are the core symbols of worship in Buddhismrepresenting a symbol of enlightenment as they emerge from the mud. They are used for their beautypurityand meditation purposes. Find all flowers starting with L on this page.
Magnolias are excellent landscaping and attractive ornamentals for any garden. They come in many different varietiesbloom across a wide range of colors and texturesrequire minimal careand tolerate a variety of climates. Besides Magnoliasthere are many other flowers are starting with M in the floral world.
Nemesia flowers are known for their strong garden fragrance. Although these flowers are grown commercially in greenhousesthe plants are suitable for outdoor soil or containers. Available in various color sthey are usually blooming from the end of spring to the end of summer. Many more flowers are starting with Nincluding NerineNettle & more.
Growing flowers in your garden are rewarding both for the satisfaction of seeing your hard work create beautiful blooms and for the pleasure of enjoying their beauty up close. Here is an exhibition of flowers beginning with O.
Turn any garden into fragrant heaven with sweet-scented Persian CandytuftPhloxand Polemonium flowers. Explore the world of all sorts of flowers starting with P.
A home garden is an abode where you can create a space for relaxation with colorful and fragrant flowers. While it is easy to order many types of flowers like rosesdaffodilsand petuniasit is more satisfying to grow them yourself if you put time and effort. Here are flowers starting with Q to express your creativity and get close to nature.
Roses are the most popular single flower you can grow in your garden. They come in a variety of shapes and colors. Roses will flourish in a sunny spot outdoors and even grow in pots. Check out all flowers starting with R.
According to the University of Vermont Saffron projectcultivating Saffron Crocus flowers are a good revenue source for farmers to produce the most expensive spice in the world (Saffrons). Besides the Saffron flowerthere are many other types of flowers in the plant worldstarting with S.
There are many types of flowers starting with T such as Tassel flowerTaresTansyThroatwortTiger lilyand more. Explore all flower names beginning with T and their descriptions here.
Japan is a beautiful country with a wide array of beautiful flowers. These Japanese flowers that bloom in different seasons are great attractions to tourists and even locals. Explore the best flowers endemic to Japan.
Explore the top 26 unique Hawaiian flowers exclusive to Hawaii's archipelago. Dive into the world of these beautiful speciestheir interesting factsand their significance in Hawaii's ecosystem.
Desert Flowers: Approximately 1/3 of the earth's surface is deserts. Despite having prolonged periods without precipitationsevere temperature rangesdry windsand low humiditythe beautiful blooms of the desert have learned to survive the harsh environment and continue to bloom and provide colors to the desert.
Texas is a large state with its own floristic regionhaving more than 5,000 species of native flowering plants. Because of its diverse landformsTexas offers many famous blooms for visitors and residents. Explore the top 25 Texas flowers and their characteristics.
Most fragrant flowers release their scents via Methyl benzoate and Benzaldehyde. These chemical aromatic volatile compounds give off a sweet odor. Explore the top 100 best-scented flower collections here.
Short-lived flowers are a type of flower that only exists for a limited time. Typically short-lived perennials last a 3 to 5 year period before eventually dying out. Howeversome flowers live for a day (Daylilyas the name suggestslives for one day; Morning Glory is another very short-lived flower that lives for a day). Here is a collection of all short-lived flowers.
Exotic plantswhen introduced to a foreign placehave the tendency to overgrow and dominate. Listed are the 25 most known exotic flowering plant species.
Types of Flowers By Shapes
The following pages show various kinds of flowers categorized by their geometrical shapes.
The bell-shaped flowers are trendy because they are known for their beautycolorsand variations. Featuring greenbluepurplewhitepinkand many colorsthese bell-resembling flowers are used for many purposes such as decorationusing it in weddingsmaking wreathsand lovely gifts.
Cone-shaped flowers are three-dimensional blooms that narrow evenly from the bottom to the apex of the flower to form a cone-shaped appearance. These conical flowers come in different colors ranging from trees to shrubs.
Star-shaped flowers are bilaterally symmetrical flowers. Being exotic and funkythey can be an excellent addition to any garden. The starry flowers come in many colorsincluding redyellowpinkwhiteand orange. Here is a collection of all star-shaped flowers.
Thread-like flowers are a relatively new trendand they're coming in droves. From thread-like chrysanthemums to thread-like lavenderthe variety is endless. Thread-shaped flowers are a fantastic way to add flair to your everyday florals without going overboard with color and design.
Types of Flowers By Species
The following pages showcase various flowers categorized by species.
Discover the stunning beauty of different types of lilies. From oriental hybrids to unique lily specieslearn about the diverse world of lily varieties.
Discover the enchanting world of Holly flowers with our comprehensive guide. Explore their vibrant beauty today from 21 notable Holly varieties from history to cultivation.
Explore the mesmerizing world of Narcissus Flowers with our detailed guide. Dive into the top 25 daffodil varietiesfrom the classic Trumpet to the exotic Pheasant's Eye.
This article explores the top 21 black flowersdelving into their unique characteristicsgrowing requirementsand fascinating facts. Each of these varietiesfrom the classic Black Dahlia to the exotic Black Bat Flowerhas a story to tell.
Are you looking for cute purple flowers to plant in your gardenor want to learn about them from a botany perspective? Here are the 50+ top pretty purple flowers and their names.
Discover the hidden secrets of 43 types of blue flowers in our captivating blog post. Explore the rarity of natural blue pigments in flowers and symbolism and meanings of blue flowers.
Discover the captivating world of the top 85+ white flowersfrom the iconic Lily of the Valley to the lesser-known Snowball Viburnum. Explore their enchanting beautyrich symbolismand fascinating scientific facts in this comprehensive guide.
Discover the top 66+ yellow flowers to brighten your garden. From sunflowers to daffodilslearn about their caresymbolismand how to create a stunning display.
Discover 25 stunning bicolor flowersfrom rare orchids to common garden favorites. Learn about their habitatscare tipsand unique features in this guide.
Types of Birth Flowers
Birth flowerseach unique to a specific monthoffer a beautiful and symbolic way to celebrate life’s milestonescapturing the essence of each season and the personalities born within it. Explore all birth month flowers below:
According to APG IV (2016) molecular-based flowering plants classificationthere are currently two major categories – basal angiosperms and core angiosperms.
Basal Angiosperms
The basal angiosperm is a large group of the most primitive flowering plants in the plant kingdom. These flowering plants have many flattened stamens with broad filamentsdiverse tepalsseparate carpelsfragrant oilsand spirally organized leaves.
The most basal angiosperms are called the ANITA gradean acronym of three sub-groups: AmborellalesNymphaealesIlliciaceaesTrimeniaceaeand Austrobaileyales. Howeversome botanists recently abbreviated it further to ANA-grade since Illiciaceaes and Trimeniaceae orders are considered sub-orders of Austrobaileyales.
Amborellales
The Amborellales order has just one species (Amborella)a shrub or small tree growing up to 8m endemic to New Caledonia. The leaves of Amroerall are evergreen in all seasons without stipules and grow beautiful yellow flowers. Being dioecious produces both male and female flowers for a mixed pollination system. Wind and insect pollinators are two main contributors to the reproduction of this species.
Nymphaeales
The Nymphaeales order consists of 3 subfamilies of aquatic plantsnamely Nymphaeaceae (water lilies)Hydatellaceae (aquatic grass/sedges)and Cabombaceae (aquatic herbaceous flowering plants). About 85+ flowering plants have been classified under Nymphaeales.
Austrobaileyales
The Austrobaileyales plant order consists of 100+ woody flowering plants growing as shrubssmall treesor lianas (woody climbing vines) worldwide. The most famous Austrobaileyales plant is the star anise (Illicium verum).
There are three subfamilies under this ordernamely Austrobaileyaceae (1 species only – Austrobaileya scandens – endemic to rainforests of northeastern QueenslandAustralia)Schisandraceae (90+ essential oil-producing shrubstreesand lianas)and Trimeniaceae (6+ essential oil-generating lianas).
Core Angiosperms
The core angiosperms are another group of flowering plants known as mesangiosperms. About 99% of all types of flowers worldwide are classified under mesangiosperms.
Mesangiospermae includes five cladesnamely CeratophyllalesChloranthalesEudicotsMagnoliidaeand Monocots.
Chloranthales
Chloranthales has only one family called Chloranthaceae. There are 77+ species in these woody fragrantherbaceous flowering plantsendemic to AsiaCentral & South Americaand the West Indies. Being void of petalsthe flowers of Chloranthaceae are tiny and seated on the inflorescence axis. These plants produce drupes and berries with just one carpel. Cigarbush is an excellent example of this plant order.
Magnoliids
Magnoliids are another core angiosperm characterized by trimerous flowers with branching-veined leaves. About 9000+ flower species are classified in this plant orderincluding avocadocinnamonblack peppernutmegand tulip trees. Magnoliid flowering plants play an essential role in our economy as fooddrugsperfumesspeciestimberand many other applications.
Monocots
It is short for Monocotyledons order. Monocots are grass-like parallel-veinedtrimerousflowering plants whose seeds contain only one embryonic leaf (cotyledon) and pollen with a single pore. There are about 70,000+ flowering species in this plant order. Monocot diversity includes ornamental flowersincluding orchidscolorful tulipsliliescereal grainswoody tree-like palm treesbambooreedsbromeliadsbananasand ginger. Two-thirds of monocots are zoophilous pollinated by insects.
Ceratophyllales
Ceratophyllum includes flowering plants commonly found in pondsmarshesand streams in tropical regions. These aquatic angiosperms typically grow partially submerged in water and mostly float on the surface. These flowering plants have no rootsbut sometimes they develop modified leaves with a rootlike structurewhich anchor the plant to the bottom. Examples include hornwort species such as spiny hornwortsrigid hornwortsprickly hornwortssoft hornwortsand coontails. There are about 6 extant species of Ceratophyllum in the world.
Eudicots
These core angiosperms have two seed leaves upon germinationalso known as Dicotyledons. The most popular eudicots include sunflowerdandelioncabbageapplemaplemacadamiaforget-me-notpetuniaand oaks. Eudicots are the largest flowering order in the world. About 175,000+ flower species of eudicots are currently characterized by 4 or 5 flowerspollen with three poresand branching-veined leaves.
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