Any plant can be known by various names: a scientific name in Latin (e.g., Cineraria maritima), possible synonyms in Latin (Senecio cineraria, Senecio maritima), as well as common names (Silver Ragwort) and other vernaculars (Dusty Miller).
This ambiguity may cause confusion for amateur gardeners who would like to grow their own garden or landscape their yard without engaging professional landscape designers or gardeners.
Now, if you know any of the names for a given plant, the free Plants by Names app for mobile phones will help you find out other names of this plant so that you know exactly what to look for in nurseries, garden stores, or among friends who may be amateurs like yourself.
The app also includes a map to help you locate nearby nurseries where you may be able to find the plants you need.
Example 1
You know a common/vernacular name, and you need to find out the plant’s scientific/Latin name.
For instance: A plant was known to you as “Cigar tree”, and using the Plants by Names app you find out that its scientific name is Catalpa bignonioides.
Example 2
You know a scientific/Latin name, and you need to find out a common name of the plant you are looking for.
For instance: A plant was known to you as Ajuga reptans. You checked with the Plants by Names app to find out that it may commonly be referred to as “Bugle” and various derivatives from this word (Blue Bugle, Bugleherb, Bugleweed, and so forth).
Example 3
Sometimes a plant may be known by more than one scientific/Latin name, and you would like to know all of them.
For instance: You were recommended to plant a linden known by its Latin name Tilia grandifolia. Checking with the Plants by Names app will let you know that some nurseries may also feature this tree as Tilia platyphyllos.
Example 4
A plant may have several common names. You may be aware of a certain common name, and need to find out any other common names of the same plant for future references.
For instance: You were recommended to plant some “Wig Tree”. You check with the Plants by Names app and find out that it may also be commonly referred to as “Venetian Sumac”, or “Eurasian Smoketree”, or just as “Smoke Tree” or “Smoke Bush” (while it’s scientific name is “Cotinus coggygria” or “Rhus cotinus”).
Good luck with your gardening and thank you for choosing the Plants application!