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. "For those who want a better understanding of plant taxonomy,  Latin for Gardeners,  by Lorraine Harrison, is a treasure." -- Dominique Browning ― New York Times “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" "Comprehensive and beautifully illustrated." ― Martha Stewart Living "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 “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 “ 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 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 . Latin for gardeners Over 3,000 Plant Names Explained and Explored By LORRAINE HARRISON The University of Chicago Press Copyright © 2012 Quid Publishing All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-226-00919-3 Contents Preface..........................................................6How to Use This Book.............................................8A Short History of Botanical Latin...............................9Botanical Latin for Beginners....................................10An Introduction to the A–Z Listings........................13A from a- to azureus.............................................14B from babylonicus to byzantinus.................................37C from cacaliifolius to cytisoides...............................45D from dactyliferus to dyerianum.................................69E from e- to eyriesii............................................79F from fabaceus to futilis.......................................85G from gaditanus to gymnocarpus..................................94H from haastii to hystrix........................................102I from ibericus to ixocarpus.....................................109J from jacobaeus to juvenilis....................................115K from kamtschaticus to kurdicus.................................117L from labiatus to lysimachioides..