Can You Identify More Than 11 of These Common Plants?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify More Than 11 of These Common Plants?
Image: Nenov / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Everything is so alive in the summer. There are trees in full bloom and plants everywhere you look, even in the desert. If you love the great outdoors, or you are just way into gardening, you've probably had a chance to be able to identify a few of the plants you encounter here and there, but you don't consider yourself a botanist ... and that's perfectly fine.

You may think that plants and flowers are super pretty, and getting to know them and identify them can save you from certain tragedy (poison ivy everywhere is definitely considered a tragedy). No, you don't have to be a botanist to learn how to identify flora in the areas that you explore. You simply learn how to examine the shapes of leaves, flowers and buds that come with each unique species of plant. 

If you love the outdoors, we want to test your plant identification skills. We'll start with some common plants found in the United States and around the world. You might be able to spot some of these from a mile away, and others might confuse you a little bit (nature is complex). Take this quiz to see if you can name at least 11 of these common plants — we'll be impressed if you can. 

iris
Pixabay By Fotomanie
They look like orchids but have a different name. What is it?
Cherubs
Woodland iris
Bunkers
Butter flowers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Iris setosa, or the woodland iris, usually blooms in the late spring. Its delicate petals and interesting shape look like a cross between a tiger lily and an orchid. They're delicate flowers, but they are lovely to look at.

Advertisement

Basil
n/a
Do you know the name of this common herb?
Mint
Basil
Tea
Parsley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Basil is a versatile herb grown all around the world. This common plant can be dried to make spices, or it can be an excellent topper for Italian dishes when it's fresh. It comes with many uses and is a main ingredient in Caprese salad.

Advertisement

Pheasant's eye
Pixabay by Peggychoucair
This gorgeous wildflower is native to Eurasia. Do you know what it's called?
Pheasant's eye
Tiger lily
Rose
Virginia creeper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can also call this flower Adonis's flower, but most people know it as a red Morocco or soldiers-in-green. They come in a couple of different colors and typically grow in the wild, in case you're looking for them.

Advertisement

Cranberry
Shutterstock
You may recognize these little red berries, but can you identify the plant that creates them?
Viburnum trilobum
Red houses
Cherry berries
Fillips
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Viburnum trilobum looks very much like poison berries. These plants are found all around the Midwest, and we are often told not to eat the berries, even though these bushes can grow up to 15 feet tall right in our line of sight.

Advertisement

Wisteria
Natalia Ganelin/Moment/Getty Images
Do you know what this hanging flower tree is called?
Weeping willow
California weeper
Japanese wisteria
Sad man
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You've probably seen the images of the Japanese wisteria forest in Japan — it has gone viral after all. This is one of the most beautiful yet common plants known to man. It can grow nearly 30 feet high and is covered in beautiful small flowers.

Advertisement

Purple coneflower
Sandra Clegg/Moment/Getty Images
These wildflowers are spread throughout the United States. Do you know what they're called?
Eurarus
Flow makers
Coneflower
Tribblers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coneflowers look very much like daisies, but they have a larger center that is spiky. Bees absolutely love them, and these flowers can thrive in nearly any environment including high heat and low moisture.

Advertisement

lobelia
Shutterstock
Can you name these low-maintenance plants?
Trippers
Virginia creepers
Lobelia
Viners
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lobelia can grow up to three feet high without much help. It loves moisture, so as long as you live in a wet environment, these little guys can thrive and make some beautiful formations in your garden.

Advertisement

White sage
Wiki Commons by Peripitus
Do you know the name of this plant found in the Southwest?
Yellow corn
Huskers
Fallen Charlies
White sage
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

White sage is also known as bee sage. It is an herb used in both culinary and medicinal environments. This plant is very fragrant, so you probably won't be able to miss it if you see it in the wild.

Advertisement

hydrangea
Couleur
This shrub is very flowery. Do you know what it's called?
Spectacular
Fallen leaf
Hydrangea
Myriad plant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oakleaf hydrangea shrubs are very common on property borders. They are a beautiful way to tell your neighbors not to enter your yard or listen to your conversations. They're also lovely when they're dried and hung as decorations.

Advertisement

Blanket flower
Pixabay by PurpleOwl
Do you know the name of these beautiful flowers?
Pillow flower
Bed flower
Blanket flower
Night stand flower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These flowers are aptly named, as they spread very quickly through your garden, giving it a beautiful blanket of rich colors. However, they can suffocate other flowers, so make sure to plant and prune wisely.

Advertisement

Mint
Shutterstock
Do you know the name of this herb, which is great in a dessert?
Cilantro
Salt
Basil
Mint
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mint is an excellent addition to nearly every type of dish. It gives added freshness to savory meals and can completely change the composition of a dessert. This versatile herb makes its way into most gardens.

Advertisement

Maidenhair fern
Wiki Commons by Schnobby
Ferns are common in the United States. Do you know what kind of fern this is?
Maidenhair fern
Volatile fern
Crab fern
Grass fern
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Maidenhair ferns can only grow in rich soils that collect a lot of moisture. They aren't often seen in desert or mountain landscapes because they require so much moisture to grow properly.

Advertisement

Coral bells
Wiki Commons by Andy Mabbett
Do you know the name of this plant with rich colors?
Orchids
Coral bells
Bluebells
Snapdragons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coral bells can be found in nearly any garden because they are so full of color and life and aren't tricky to keep alive. These guys can grow in pretty much everything, including rock gardens.

Advertisement

Columbine
shutterstock
Do you know this plant which often attracts hummingbirds?
Craver flower
Dipper flower
Wild columbine
Drooper flower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The wild columbine likes the shade. Its delicate leaves are quickly fried in the sun's light, so they prefer to be in shady areas. They are distinctive due to their drooping nature, almost as if they're upside down.

Advertisement

Red twig dogwood
Wiki Commons by SB_Johnny
This shrub is bright red. Do you know what it's called?
Red twig dogwood
Punch munch shrub
Crimson shrub
Terrible
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The red twig dogwood bush is normally found in colder climates, which is cool because in the snow, these bushes stand out by their bright red branches (or twigs). They aren't hard to spot, and they make a beautiful ornamental plant for your front yard.

Advertisement

Tickseed
Annie Otzen/Digital Vision/Getty Images
These bright yellow flowers are perfect for any garden. What are they commonly called?
Tickseed
Beelove
Beehold
Tripseed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The tickseed goes by a much cooler name in some areas, and that name is Sunshine Superman. They are bold yellow flowers that almost look like dandelions, only less weedy, of course.

Advertisement

Virginia sweetspire
Wiki Commons by David J. Stang
Can you name this plant which turns bright red in the autumn and winter?
Florida Myer
Myer flower
Virginia sweetspire
Caper Flap
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Virginia sweetspire plants are very easy to grow, and they are a treat to look at. The dark crimson color that they turn in the winter is almost surreal and looks pretty much like you painted your plant.

Advertisement

Creeping Phlox
Pixabay by LaLaJaye
You can find this weed anywhere east of the Mississippi. Do you know what it's called?
Marigold
Wild blue
Creeping Phlox
Sherper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it comes to creeping plants, you have to be careful as to how you plant and maintain them. These plants can grow very quickly, and they can suffocate the roots of other flowers and even your grass.

Advertisement

Black-eyed Susan
AlpamayoPhoto / E+ / Getty Images
It may look like a daisy, but it has a different name. Do you know it?
Whipplemore
Crateus Phlox
Moreined
Black-eyed Susan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Black-eyed Susans can be found in the grassy plains and gardens across the United States. They are a wildflower that looks very much like a daisy, with yellow leaves and dark brown centers.

Advertisement

Cotton
shutterstock
Do you know the name of this plant, which gives us clothing?
Richter
Cotton
Rudin
Smith
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cotton used to be incredibly expensive, because the small seeds needed to be picked out of it. However, after the cotton gin was invented, the price of cotton tanked because it was easier to produce it.

Advertisement

Corn
shutterstock
What is the name of this crop found throughout the American Midwest?
Corn
Cotton
Soy
Rice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Corn is one of the most versatile crops that man grows. It can create food, sweeteners, fuel and even clothing. There is virtually no limit as to what corn is capable of, but we like it best grilled and covered with butter.

Advertisement

Pussy willow
Moelyn Photos/Moment/Getty Images
This plant is often found in flower arrangements. Can you identify it?
Cheaper
Baby's breath
Dandelion
Pussy willow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pussy willows are small twig-like plants that have tiny white buds on the end of them. This makes them the perfect accent to any vibrant and rich flower that you might want in a bouquet.

Advertisement

Elderberry
2ndLookGraphics/E+/Getty Images
Birds and butterflies love this plant. What is it?
Corn
Blue bells
Elderberry
Snapdragons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it comes to scoping out elderberry bushes, you will probably notice them right away by their dark purple berry clusters. These bad boys are gorgeous to look at, and they attract some handsome beasts like butterflies and birds.

Advertisement

Trumpet vine
Pixabay by PollyDot
Many people grow these up a trellis. Do you know what they are?
Blueberry bush
Trapper vine
Trumpet vine
Tomato plant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Trumpet vines will cover a large area, and if they have enough room, they can reach 30 feet in a single season. They grow fast and like water. They can't keep themselves alive in a drought, so you might need to help them along a little.

Advertisement

Oregano
n/a
This herb smells like pizza while it's growing. Do you know what it is?
hemp
Oregano
Clusters
Garlic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oregano is a common herb found in nearly everyone's spice cabinet. While it's not the most versatile herb someone might own, it's essential for almost every savory Italian dish that you make.

Advertisement

Aloe vera
Wiki Commons By GFDL
Can you name this plant with healing properties?
Aloe vera
Virginia creeper
Stalling grad
Grad weed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aloe plants can help people keep their skin moisturized throughout the year. Additionally, they're great to have around in case of burns or even sunburns, because the cooling effect can help heal your skin.

Advertisement

Soybean
Pixabay by jcesar2015
Which plant can be found in farmers' fields?
Dandelion
Tiger lily
Soy
Virginia creeper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Soy is another versatile crop commonly grown in the United States. It doesn't get as high as corn, so it's easier to drive along their fields as your line of sight goes much further on winding roads.

Advertisement

Cilantro
MmeEmil/E+/Getty Images
When you're looking for something to freshen up your taco, you'd reach for which herb?
Basil
Borage
Cilantro
Dill
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cilantro can be found in many dishes, and you either love it or you hate it. The biggest problem with cilantro is you either get way too much or not enough. It's hard to find good balance with its flavor.

Advertisement

Catnip
Shutterstock
Cats love this plant. Can you name it?
Parsley
Catnip
Oregano
Cilantro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you plant catnip in your garden, you attract all of the cats in the neighborhood. If you like to get the cats a little loopy, simply plant this greenery and grab a seat. You're sure to have a blast.

Advertisement

dill
shutterstock
Do you know this plant, which makes delicious sauces and dips?
Dill
Violet
Borage
Chervil
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you think of dill, you probably think of pickles. However, dill is a versatile herb with a very distinct, mellow flavor. It can give you the best sauces (for poultry, usually) and the best dips for veggies.

Advertisement

lavender
Pixabay
What's the name of this plant which can be found in teas and candles at the same time?
Tiger lily
Boon
Lavender
Troop
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lavender has a distinct smell that is soothing and calming. That's why you can find lavender extract (or essential oil) in everything that has to do with taking a relaxing bath.

Advertisement

rosemary
shutterstock
This plant is a great herb and can grow very big. What is it?
Sage
Thyme
Salad Burnet
Rosemary
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rosemary is an excellent aromatic herb that can be found in a lot of different homemade dishes. These plants grow very big if you allow them to, and (little known fact), they can actually attract spiders, so be careful.

Advertisement

Thyme
Laszlo Podor/Moment/Getty Images
When it comes to making soup, you absolutely need this plant. What is it?
Thyme
Salad Burnet
Scented Geranium
Lavender
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We should have specified: if you want to make GOOD soup, you're going to need some thyme ... and some time. Thyme has a nice savory flavor that is best in slow cooking processes, such as making soup.

Advertisement

Fennel
Image Source/Image Source/Getty Images
You can use nearly every part of this plant for cooking. What is it?
Rhubarb
Fennel
Culture
Soil
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fennel itself can be used in soups, stews and salads. The leaves make a great herb, and the seeds make an intense flavor in Italian foods. Fennel may seem like an upscale food, but it is actually very easy to work with.

Advertisement

Carrot plant
Pixabay by hansbenn
We eat the roots of this plant. Do you know what it is?
Carrot
Iceberg lettuce
Fennel
Chippewa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carrots are sweet and earthy at the same time. Their flavor changes based on how you cook them and what you cook them with. That makes them one heck of a versatile food in your kitchen.

Advertisement

Scarlet beebalm
Pixabay by MabelAmber
Can you name this flower that bees love?
English yew
Daphnes
Scarlet beebalm
Larkspur
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The scarlet beebalm is a large flower that grows all over North America. It has very sharp looking petals and a large center that bees love to collect pollen from. These huge wildflowers are very popular in colder states.

Advertisement

Oleander
Shutterstock
This bush is poisonous but beautiful. What is it?
Cactus
Oleander
Japanese snowball
Daphne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oleander is typically only poisonous if you ingest it. Many people were accidentally poisoned when they believed that they could make tea out of the toxic petals and leaves of this bush. It's very dangerous; we do not recommend ingesting it.

Advertisement

Pilea cadierei
Wiki Commons by David J. Stang
What's the name of this leafy plant?
Sharps
Pilea cadierei
Scarlet beebalm
Daphne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Leafy plants have a lot of value. They can break up the bright colored plants in your garden, and they are great to have around when you're making a bouquet. These plants are robust and versatile and can hold up in various climates.

Advertisement

Daphne
Kimberly Whitaker / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know the name of this flower?
Daphne
Rhubarb
Sage
Basil
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are many different kinds of daphnes all around the world. They are most common in Asia, Europe and North Africa. Their flowers have a beautiful scent and even more beautiful berries.

Advertisement

Evergreen
Pixabay by nathanbporter
What is the name of this plant which lives year round?
Evergreen
Steamer
Femur
Cheeser
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Evergreen plants are always alive. Native to the Northeast portion of the United States, they have beautiful white flowers that eventually become red berries. The berries come out in the wintertime.

Advertisement

You Got:
/40
Nenov / Moment / Getty Images