How Many Types of Flowers Are There? Identify Flowers By Petal, Color & Zone

Kim Williamson, Author 8 Billion TreesWritten by Kim Williamson

Gardening | February 22, 2024

Man floating above a field of flowers asks How Many Types of Flowers Are There and wonders is there a way to identify types of Flowers by Attributes, types of Flowers by shape and color and how does the classification of flowers work?

Throughout the course of natural history, many individuals have set out to answer the question “How many types of flowers are there on the earth?”

This is an ever-evolving area, as new flowers continue to be discovered and classified, and old flowers are reclassified with DNA technology changing how flowers and their interrelationships are viewed.

This article explores the interesting process of the classification of plants (particularly flowers), and looks at how flowers can be identified by structure, color, and zone.

So, just how many flowers are there? Continue reading to uncover the many mysteries of the more than 350,000 known flowering plant species.

How Many Types of Flowers Are There Worldwide?

Luca Ghini’s 16th century development of the first herbarium set the stage for the centuries-long accumulation of botanical knowledge. The National Science Foundation’s current estimates place the number of known plant species at more than 400,000.

Botanical research from around the world was aggregated by the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew to develop their 2016 report on the world’s plants. Of the more than 400,000 identified plant species, the Kew report estimates that 391,000 species are vascular plants (tracheophytes), or those land plants which use xylem and phloem for transporting water and photosynthesis products.

Vascular plants are structurally and genetically more complex than non-vascular plants such as mosses or algae, and include plant types such as trees, ferns, grasses, herbs, and shrubs.

Closeup of fern leaves.

(Image: Nickype37)

But this does not answer the central question: “How many types of flowers are there?” The Angiosperms, or flowering plants, make up the largest proportion of vascular land plants, with approximately 369,000 known species as of 2016.

However, the Kew estimates that approximately 2,000 new species of plants are identified each year, so this number is ever-changing (next Kew report on plants is due October 2023).15, 28, 34

Understanding the Plant Kingdom

Prior to the 16th century, the scientific study of plants was primarily confined to Eastern cultures, such as China and India, where plants had been studied and cataloged for their medicinal use for nearly 2000 years.

It wasn’t until the beginning of the 16th century that European scientists began the process of seriously studying, collecting, and cataloging plant specimens. This intellectual pursuit of botany mirrored other movements occurring throughout Europe, and Italy in particular, as the Renaissance swept across the Western World.14

In the early 1500s, an Italian physician and professor named Luca Ghini is believed to have formed the first herbarium, or “dry garden,” where plant samples could be collected and preserved using the technique of pressing and drying. This was a huge success with his students at the University of Bologna, as the herbarium permitted them to observe details of plant specimens that they could not easily discern from paintings and drawings of the plants.31

Dried and pressed roses on white surface.

(Image: Riza_Ya37)

Several years later (mid-1540s), Luca Ghini began teaching at the University of Pisa, where he created the first botanical garden in Europe, for the purpose of growing native and exotic plants for study (Orto Botanico di Pisa was moved to its permanent location around 1590, where it remains active to this day).31

Within one year of the establishment of the Botanical Garden of Pisa, Ghini’s student Luigi Anguillara developed the Botanical Garden of the University of Padua (still in its original location). Anguillara is also known for having produced a series of books entitled Semplici (~1550s), with descriptions of plants rendered in vivid and precise detail.31

Throughout his career, Luca Ghini had worked toward a botanical publication documenting and describing plants and their uses, but he eventually handed his work off to his student, Pietro Andrea Mattioli who published the work in 1544 (Commentarii in sex libros Pedacii Dioscoridis Anazarbei de Materia Medica). The Commentarii was notable as the first publication to describe plants beyond their medicinal value, and it was hugely successful throughout Europe.31

A third student of Ghini’s, Andrea Cesalpino, is responsible for the 1583 publication of De Plantis Libri, a highly lauded work which was the first to classify plants according to their structural characteristics rather than their functions.31

These discoveries soon spread outward to other areas of Europe, where Dutch inventors would construct a microscope which could be used to study and compare the internal structure of plants during the mid-1600s.

(Image: CaptainNarco47)

By the beginning of the 1700s, European explorers were collecting and preserving dried samples of exotic plants for botanical examination, leading to the expansion of herbaria across Europe. However, it wasn’t until the 1833 invention of the Wardian case – a portable terrarium – that live plant specimens could be successfully transported home and added to botanical gardens.19,31

Arguably the most important and relevant work in the study of botany were the publications of Swedishman, Carl Linnaeus. In his love of nature, Linnaeus published two seminal works in the mid-1700s.

The first, titled Systema Naturae, was a 1735 pamphlet on a systematic classification for living organisms (which he would continue to revise and add to during his lifetime). This system has been expanded and fine-tuned into the taxonomic rank system used today [Kingdom -> Phylum -> Class -> Order -> Family -> Genus -> Species].

Linnaeus’ second work, Species Plantarum of 1753, introduced the Latin two-word naming method (Genus species) still used today.31,35

The following diagram shows the timeline of some of the most significant advances leading to the modern understanding of the plant kingdom.

The centuries-long work of scientists, scholars, botanists and explorers across Europe led to the development of more than 3,000 herbaria worldwide and the discovery and cataloging of nearly 400 million plant specimens.17

How Many Flowering Orders Are There?

Any member of the kingdom Plantae which produces flowers is considered an Angiosperm.

While many flowering plants are herbaceous, or wildflowers, there are plenty of Angiosperms which are not what is commonly considered “flowers.” For example, flowering trees, flowering vines, flowering shrubs, and flowering cacti are all Angiosperms. This raises the question of how many flowering orders are there?

Currently, there are approximately 64 known orders of flowering plants, which can be further divided into 416 flowering families. However, the classification system for plants is constantly evolving and shifting to incorporate new knowledge.34

Classification of Flowers According to APG IV (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group)

Prior to the end of the 20th century, classification of flowers was based on their structural, or morphological, traits and characteristics.

In the 1990s, an international network of scientists was established to investigate how flowering plant species are related at the molecular level, or from an evolutionary standpoint. This collaboration assumed the name Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG), and they published the first classification system using molecular information from DNA sequencing in 1998.34

DNA analysis changed the way that many plant relationships were viewed, and scientists are still working to understand and assimilate this new information. The APG has revised its classification system several times, most recently in 2016 with the release of the APG IV system.3,34

Under the APG IV classification system, flowering plant species are still grouped according to orders, families, and genera, but they are also subdivided into clades based on their shared evolutionary ancestors. The table on the left shows a simplified breakdown of Angiosperm orders.

The first two clades are the Basal Angiosperms (ANA) and Core Angiosperms. The 3 orders in ANA include around 200 unique species which are believed to have diverged from the other Angiosperms earlier in evolutionary history.

The most well-known member of the ANA group is the water lily. (Nymphaea odorata).

Wide shot of White Water Lily with lotus leaf around it in a pond.

(Image: Kimdaejung37)

The Core Angiosperms (Mesangiospermae) are a much larger clade, which comprise over 99% of the 369,000 known flowering species. Mesangiospermae includes two stand alone orders (Chloranthales and Ceratophyllales) and three additional clades: Magnoliids, Monocots, and Eudicots.

The Magnoliids clade contains four orders of angiosperms (more than 10,000 species) which are primarily flowering trees and shrubs, such as the pink magnolia tree and wild cinnamon tree.

Closeup of Pink Magnolia tree blossoms with its pink and white petals.

(Image: Kapa6537)

The other two clades of Mesangiospermae are the Monocots and Eudicots (dicots).

The 11 monocot orders include approximately 60,000 species which make up around 25% of all Angiosperms. Monocot orders are further categorized into 3 separate clades (alismatid, lilioid, and commelinid) according to their shared ancestry.

Alismatid monocots include many aquatic plants. Lilioid monocots are characterized by prominent flowers such as lilies and orchids.

Closeup of Easter Lily flower with its white and tinge of light yellow petals.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

Finally, commelinid monocots include many species such as ginger, grasses, and many types of palm trees.

Monocots are an important food source for humans, including plants such as sugar cane, corn, wheat, and many tropical fruits!18

Eudicots are overwhelmingly the largest group of flowering plants with nearly 200,000 species. This group is composed of 44 orders.

Top shot of two pink poppies with a bee on its stamen.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

Four of the orders are considered basal eudicots (earlier diverging) and include species such as the lotus, buttercup, and poppy.

The later diverging core eudicots include two orders (dilleniales and gunnerales) and two additional clades: superastrids and superrosids. The superastrids comprise 20 distinct orders, including the Asterales, parent of the daisy family (Asteraceae).

The superrosids comprise 17 orders and include the well-loved rose family and fruit trees such as the cherry blossom tree (Rosaceae).

Closeup of Damask rose with its deep pink petals.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

Recognizing the difference between monocots and dicots can be tricky, but there are several things to look for. The following table provides comparative information.10,22

MonocotsEudicots
A single seed leaf (cotyledon)Two seed leaves (cotyledons)
Leaves with parallel veinsLeaves with branching, reticulated veins
Fibrous, spreading root systemStrong, central taproot
Vascular tissue bundles scatteredVascular tissue bundles in ring pattern
Flower parts in groups of 3 or 6 (often)Flower parts in groups of 4 or 5 (often)
Single pollen poreThree pollen pores
No secondary growth (e.g. wood, bark)Regular secondary growth

How Many Types of Flowers Are There Extinct in the Wild?

The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew set out to answer the question: “How many types of flowers are there extinct or at risk of extinction?”

In a 2017 report, Kew researchers expressed concern that many plant species would become extinct or at risk before being discovered and evaluated. They found that certain traits and factors were associated with a higher risk of extinction.

For example, epiphytes, zygomorphic flowers, plants with separate male and female organisms, and plants which rely on insect pollinators are all believed to be at greater risk, particularly when correlated with environmental risk factors.30 Some researchers estimate that as many as 600 plant species have already gone extinct.

The status of many plants can be checked through Plants of the World Online.16

Many types of flowers which are recognizable garden staples and greenhouse cultivars may actually be extinct in the wild. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Environmental Conservation System provides listings of threatened and endangered plant species in the U.S. Wikipedia lists approximately 130 extinct species of eudicots and at least 7 extinct species of monocots, with many more possibly extinct species and subspecies.

Some of the most famous of the presumed extinct or extinct in the wild flowering species include:1, 20, 23, 26, 27, 29, 33

  • Alula (Brighamia insignis) of Hawaii
  • Angel’s Trumpets of South America (all 7 species extinct in the wild)
  • Appalachian Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia grandiflora) of North Carolina, U.S.
  • Argocoffeopsis lemblinii of France
  • Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) of Mexico
  • Cry Violet (Viola cryana) of France
  • Euphorbia mayurnathanii of India
  • Falls-of-the-Ohio Scurfpea (Orbexilum stipulatum) of Kentucky, U.S.
  • Franciscan Manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) of California, U.S.
  • Franklinia Tree (Franklinia alatamaha) of Georgia, U.S.
  • Galapagos Amaranth (Blutaparon rigidum) of Galapagos Islands
  • Lysimachia minoricensis of Spain
  • Oeceoclades seychellarum of the Seychelles
  • Middlemist Red of China
  • St. Helena Mountain Bush (Acalypha rubrinervis) of St. Helena Island
  • St. Helena Olive (Nesiota elliptica) of St. Helena Island
  • Thismia (Thismia americana) of Illinois, U.S.
  • Toromiro Tree (Sophora toromiro) of Easter Island
  • Tulare Saltbush (Atriplex tularensis) of California, U.S.
  • Valerianella affinis of Yemen
  • Wynberg Conebush (Leucadendron grandiflorum) of Britain

Types of Flowers by Attributes

Knowing how to identify types of flowers by attributes is a useful skill, particularly for individuals interested in foraging, herbal medicine, or experimental gardening. An individual can narrow down flower types by life cycle and types of flowers by shapes even!

Some of the most popular ways to identify types of flowers are by looking at their most prominent attributes: petals and color. The following sections explore how flowers can be identified by their petals and their color.

Identifying Types of Flowers by Petals

To identify types of flowers by petals, it is first important to recognize and understand individual flower shapes.

There are between 9 and 13 unique flower shapes, depending on how it’s viewed. The following table expands on some of the most recognizable shapes, with examples.6,12

1. Bell-Shaped (Campanulate)

Campanulate flowers give the appearance of having a single bell-shaped petal. These flowers may be clustered and often droop downward; bluebells are common examples.

Bluebells with its blue bell-shaped flowers.

(Image: LoggaWiggler37)

Tulips with its red cup-shaped flowers.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

2. Cup-Shaped

Cup-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers typically have a deep, hollow center and fairly erect, uniform petals. This is a common flower shape.

Tulips are the most common example.

3. Funnel-Shaped

Flowers that are funnel-shaped typically have a narrow base which widens gradually into an open flower, such as with this Chinese Hibiscus.

Side profile of Chinese hibiscus with its red funnel-shaped flower.

(Image: Hans37)

Top shot of Meadow-Crane's-Bill plant with its saucer-shaped flowers.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

4. Saucer-Shaped

The saucer shape is nearly flat, resembling a dinner plate, and may have flared petals. The geranium family are good examples of this shape.

5. Star-Shaped

Star-shaped flowers come in many shapes and sizes and typically display many slender petals extending from the flower center.

Closeup of Star of Bethlehem plant with its white star-shaped flowers.

(Image: 201734338)

Closeup of Peach Chrysanthemum with its strap-shaped yellow flower.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

6. Strap-Shaped

Strap-shaped flowers can be very tricky. The Asteraceae family (daisies, mums, sunflowers) are the most common example; these inflorescences appear to be a single flower but are actually clusters of tiny flowers, each bearing a single petal.

7. Trumpet-Shaped

The petunia is an excellent example of a trumpet-shaped flower with its narrow, tubular base widening suddenly into an open, flared bloom.

Top shot of Petunia with its trumpet-shaped flowers.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

Closeup of Great Bougainvillea with its white tubular flower and pink bracts.

(Image: Denise Davis36)

8. Tubular

Tubular flowers have a long, thin tube which may flare into a small flower at the tip. In the picture on the left, the small white flower is actually the petals, while the large pink parts surrounding it are bracts (petal-like leaves).

There are several other shapes as well, such as the pea-shape common to the Papilionaceae family and the cross-shape of the Brassicaceae family.

Aside from individual flower shapes, flowers can also be solitary or clustered. The examples above are all solitary flowers (excluding the chrysanthemum), but clustered flowers are also common, such as in the hyacinth or false goat’s beard (Image: Denise Davis36).

These flower clusters are called an inflorescence.6

Hyacinth

False Goat's Beard

Identifying Types of Flowers by Color

Most popular garden flowers used today have many cultivars and come in a wide range of colors, and this makes identifying types of flowers by color rather difficult in many instances and only marginally more helpful than identifying types of flowers by names. However, there are some flowers that are notable for their specific color or combination of colors.

Some of the most prominent flower examples are organized by color in the following table.

White Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Adam’s Needle YuccaYucca filamentosaMonocots
Asparagaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Baby’s BreathGympsophila paniculataEudicots
Caryophyllaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Crimson Eyed RosemallowHibiscus mosheutosEudicots
Malvaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Lily of the Valley (Image: Ganossi38)Convallaria majalisMonocots
Asparagaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Madagascar JasmineStephanotis floribundaEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
MoonflowerIpomoea albaEudicots
Convolvulaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Oakleaf HydrangeaHydrangea quercifoliaEudicots
Hydrangeaceae Family
Deciduous
Spring/Summer
Queen Anne’s Lace (Image: Anandasandra38)Daucus carotaEudicots
Apiaceae Family
Biennial
Summer/Fall
SnowdropGalanthus elwesiiMonocots
Amaryllidaceae Family
Perennial
Winter/Spring
Star of BethlehemOrnithogalum thyrsoidesMonocots
Asparagaceae Family
Perennial
Fall/Winter

Lily of the Valley

Queen Anne’s Lace

Yellow Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Black-eyed Susan VineThunbergia alataEudicots
Acanthaceae Family
Annual
Spring/Fall
Carolina JessamineGelsemium sempervirensEudicots
Gelsemiaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Fall
Dwarf Yellow DaylilyHemerocallis minorMonocots
Asphodelaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Easter TreeForsythia viridissimaEudicots
Oleaceae Family
Deciduous
Early Spring
GoldenrodSolidago altissimaEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Mouse-Ear TickseedCoreopsis auriculataEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Prickly PearOpuntia humifusaEudicots
Caryophyllales Family
Perennial
Summer
Scotch Broom (Image: Armennano38)Cytisus scopariusEudicots
Fabaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
St. John’s WortHypericum calycinumEudicots
Hypericaceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Sunflower (Image Congerdesign38)Helianthus annuusEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Annual
Summer/Fall

Scotch Broom

Sunflower

Orange Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
African Tulip TreeSpathodea campanulataEudicots
Bignoniaceae Family
Evergreen
Spring
Bird of Paradise (Image: Denise Davis36)Strelitzia reginaeMonocots Strelitziaceae FamilyPerennial
Spring
Butterfly WeedAsclepias tuberosaEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
California PoppyEschscholzia californicaEudicots
Papaveraceae Family
Annual
Spring/Summer
Chinese Trumpet Vine (Image: Hans38)Campsis grandifloraEudicots
Bignoniaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
MarigoldCalendula officinalisEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Annual
Spring/Summer
Mexican SunflowerTithonia rotundifoliaEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Annual
Summer/Fall
Orange Butterfly Bush (Chilean Orange Ball Tree)Buddleja globosaEudicots
Scrophulariaceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Orange Fringed OrchidPlatanthera ciliarisMonocots
Orchidaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Tiger LilyLilium lancifoliumMonocots
Liliaceae Family
Perennial
Summer

Bird of Paradise

Chinese Trumpet Vine

Red Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
ArrowrootCanna indicaMonocots
Cannaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Bat-Faced CupheaCuphea llaveaEudicots
Lythraceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Bee Balm (Image: Antranias39)Monarda didymaEudicots
Lamiaceae Family
Perennial
Fall/Summer
Cardinal FlowerLobelia cardinalisEudicots
Campanulaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Coral BeanErythrina herbaceaEudicots
Fabaceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Crimson BottlebrushMelaleuca citrinaEudicots
Myrtaceae Family
Evergreen
Spring/Fall
Crimson River LilyHesperantha coccineaMonocots
Iridaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Fire Pink (Scarlet Catchfly)Silene virginicaEudicots
Caryophyllaceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Poinsettia (Image: Stux39)Euphorbia pulcherrimaEudicots
Euphorbiaceae Family
Semi-Evergreen
Winter/Spring
Scarlet SageSalvia splendensEudicots
Lamiaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Spring – Fall

Bee Balm

Poinsettia

Pink Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Cape Flower (Image: JoeKuis39)Nerine bowdeniiMonocots
Amaryllidaceae Family
Perennial
Fall
Cape MallowAnisodontea capensisEudicots
Malvaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
All year
China PinksDianthus chinensisEudicots
Caryophyllaceae Family
Biennials
Spring/Summer
Coral VineAntigonon leptopusEudicots
Polygonaceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Desert Rose (Image: SandeepHanda39)Adenium obesumEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Downy PhloxPhlox pilosaEudicots
Polemoniaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Dragon’s Mouth OrchidArethusa bulbosaMonocots
Orchidaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Hardy Ice PlantDelosperma cooperiEudicots
Aizoaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Summer/Fall
SedumHylotelephium spectabileEudicots
Crassulaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
WeigelaWeigela floridaEudicots
Caprifoliaceae Family
Deciduous
Late Spring

Cape Flower

Desert Rose

Purple Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
African VioletStreptocarpus ionathusEudicots
Gesneriaceae Family
Perennial
All year
Amethyst FlowerBrowallia speciosaEudicots
Solanaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Spring – Fall
Cardoon (Artichoke Thistle) (Image: WolfBlur39)Cynara cardunculusEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Summer/Fall
Common HedgenettleBetonica officinalisEudicots
Lamiaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Corn CockleAgrostemma githagoEudicots
Caryophyllaceae Family
Annual
Summer
LilacSyringa vulgarisEudicots
Oleaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Ornamental OnionAllium aflatunenseMonocots
Amaryllidaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Princess FlowerTibouchina urvilleanaEudicots
Melastomataceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Purple GerardiaAgalinis purpureaEudicots
Orobanchaceae Family
Annual
Fall
Woodland Crocus (Image: Denise Davis36)Crocus tommasinianusMonocots
Iridaceae Family
Perennial
Winter/Spring

Cardoon (Artichoke Thistle)

Woodland Crocus

Blue Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
AlkanetAnchusa azureaEudicots
Boraginaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Blue Himalayan PoppyPapaver betonicifoliumEudicots
Papaveraceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Bush Morning Glory (Image: Nennieinszweidrei39)Convolvulus tricolorEudicots
Convolvulaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Summer/Fall
Chicory (Image: Manfredrichte40)Cichorium intybusEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Biennial
Summer/Fall
DayflowerCommelina communisMonocots
Commelinaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Downy Blue StarAmsonia ciliataEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Globe GiliaGilia capitataEudicots
Polemoniaceae Family
Annual
Spring/Summer
Narrow-Leaf Blue-Eyed GrassSisyrinchium angustifoliumMonocots
Iridaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
StarflowerBorago officinalisEudicots
Boraginaceae Family
Annual
Summer/Fall
TweediaOxypetalum coeruleumEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Summer

Bush Morning Glory

Chicory

Black Flowers
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Black Bat Flower (Image: Foto-Rabe40)Tacca chantrieriMonocots
Dioscoreaceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Black Calla Lily (Image: D1creations40)Arum palaestinumMonocots
Araceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Chocolate CosmosCosmos atrosanguineusEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Chocolate Tea Tree OrchidDendrobium johannisMonocots
Orchidaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Persian LilyFritillaria persicaMonocots
Liliaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Western ConeflowerRudbeckia occidentalisEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Summer

Note: The “black” flowers category includes flowers that have a dark brown or black tone.

Black Bat Flower

Black Calla Lily

5 Types of White Flowers

White flowers are favorites in U.S. culture and are commonly used to express friendship, purity, sympathy, respect, and hope. They have become staple flowers at weddings, baptisms, and funerals, all of which are significant life events. This section gives a more in-depth look at 5 types of white flowers (Image: Denise Davis36).

1. Easter Orchids

(Earina autumnalis)

Closeup of Easter Orchid with its white with yellow center flowers.
  • Type: Perennial epiphyte
  • Angiosperm Group: Monocots
  • Order: Asparagales
  • Family: Orchidinaceae
  • Genus: Earina
  • Leaf: Dark green, drooping leaves
  • Blossoms: Small, white, fragrant blooms
  • Fruit: Minute seeds
  • Height: 6 Inches
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 11
  • Native Region: New Zealand

The orchid family, Orchidaceae, is the second largest family of vascular plants, with as many as 20,000 species.11

These herbaceous plants are known for their beautiful, unique flower shapes. They are popular greenhouse plants and frequently central to botanical garden exhibits.

Though most people would probably associate the orchid with a potted display, many orchid species are considered wildflowers. The Easter Orchid is one such example.

Grown only in temperate areas of New Zealand, Earina autumnalis is a small, epiphytic perennial. An epiphyte is a plant which grows upon another plant, such as the high branches of trees.11

It flowers in the autumn season in New Zealand and its small white flowers are aromatic, with a vanilla fragrance (Image: Jatiyoshapla40).13

2. Cape Jasmine Gardenia

(Gardenia jasminoides)

Closeup of Cape Jasmine Gardenia with its white flowers.
  • Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub
  • Angiosperm Group: Eudicots
  • Order: Gentianales
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Genus: Gardenia
  • Leaf: 3 - 6 Inches, glossy, evergreen
  • Blossoms: 1 - 3 Inches, white, fragrant flowers
  • Fruit: <1 Inch, orange berry
  • Height: 4 - 8 Feet
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 11
  • Native Region: Southeast Asia

The Cape Jasmine gardenia is a flowering shrub with evergreen leaves, native to southeast Asia. It is known for its delicate and fragrant white blooms.

Its orange berry fruit is used to make yellow dyes and has also been used medicinally in Chinese culture. This perennial shrub can grow to be 8 ft. tall in favorable conditions, and it thrives in warm, temperate climates.

There are many varieties of Gardenia jasminoides (Image: Denise Davis36).

3. Garden Peony

(Paeonia lactiflora)

Closeup of Peony flowers with its white and tinge with red center.
  • Type: Perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Angiosperm Group: Eudicots
  • Order: Saxifragales
  • Family: Paeoniaceae
  • Genus: Paeonia
  • Leaf: Large, glossy, compound leaves groups of 9
  • Blossoms: 3 - 6 Inches, usually pink/white
  • Fruit: Follicles
  • Height: 2 - 3 Feet
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
  • Native Region: Siberia, China

The common peony is an herbaceous perennial, meaning that the flower dies back in the winter and comes back the following year.

Paeonia lactiflora is a peony native to temperate areas of Siberia and China. It blooms in spring and is a garden favorite with the crimson burst at the center of its large white flowers (Image: Soyoung Han45).

4. White Mums

(Chrysanthemum indicum)

Low-angle shot of White Mums Flower with its white petals and round yellow center.
  • Type: Perennial herbaceous plant
  • Angiosperm Group: Eudicots
  • Order: Asterales
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Genus: Chrysanthemum
  • Leaf: Green, lobed leaves
  • Blossoms: White/Yellow, many-petaled, fall flowers
  • Fruit: Small achenes
  • Height: Up to 2 feet
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
  • Native Region: East Asia

Chrysanthemums are members of the Asteraceae family, the largest of all vascular plant families. The chrysanthemum, or “mum,” is a favorite fall flower, and White Mums add a touch of brightness to fall hues of orange, yellow, and red.

Mum cultivars are often planted as an annual herbaceous plant, but are perennial in appropriate climates. This flower has many uses in food and medicine (Image: Denise Davis36).8

5. Snowdrop Anemone

(Anemonoides sylvestris)

Closeup of Snowdrop Anemone flower with its white petals and round yellow center.
  • Type: Perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Angiosperm Group: Eudicots
  • Order: Ranunculales
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Genus: Anemonoides
  • Leaf: Green, deeply-lobed leaves
  • Blossoms: 2 Inches, white, 5-petaled, fragrant blooms
  • Fruit: Wooly seedheads
  • Height: 1 - 1.5 Feet
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
  • Native Region: Europe, Asia

The snowdrop anemone is a perennial member of the buttercup family which includes some 2,000 species.24 It blooms in late spring to early summer and can grow up to 18 inches high.

Interestingly, this flower actually has no petals. Instead, it sports 5 rounded petal-like sepals around the central yellow anthers.2

Identifying Types of Flowers by Zone

To identify types of flowers by regions, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) divides its land into 13 growing zones which span the continental U.S. and extra-continental states and territories. These zones comprise a wide range of temperatures, from the frigid cold of the subarctic region in Zone 1 (minimum temperatures as low as -60 ℉) to the tropical climates of Hawaii and Puerto Rico in Zones 11 – 13.

The USDA provides an interactive Plant Hardiness Zone Map on their website which can be used to identify types of flowers by zone. The following table lists some of the plants which can be grown in each zone.

Zone 1a-1b (-60 to -50 °F): Central and Northern Alaska
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Eastern Columbine (Image: Fietzfotos40)Aquilegia canadensisEudicots
Ranunculaceae Family
Zone 1: Annual
Zone 3+: Perennial
Summer
False SpireaSorbaria sorbifoliaEudicots
Rosaceae Family
Zone 1: Annual
Zone 2+: Perennial
Summer
Philadelphia FleabaneErigeron acrisEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Zone 1: Biennial
Zone 2+: Biennial
Summer
Siberian IrisIris sibiricaMonocots
Iridaceae Family
Zone 1: Annual
Zone 3+: Perennial
Summer
Wild Geranium (Image: Eric_Bright40)Geranium maculatumEudicots
Geraniaceae Family
Zone 1: Annual
Zone 3+: Perennial
Summer

Eastern Columbine

Wild Geranium

Zone 2a-2b (-50 to -40 °F): Central/Southern Alaska, Northern Minnesota
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Annual PhloxPhlox drummondiiEudicots
Polemoniaceae Family
Annual
Spring/Summer
Canadian BunchberryCornus canadensisEudicots
Cornaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Iceland Poppy (Image: Hans41)Papaver nudicauleEudicots
Papaveraceae Family
Annual
Spring/Fall
Plains Coreopsis (Image: JaStra41)Coreopsis tinctoriaEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Annual
Spring – Fall
Saskatoon ServiceberryAmelanchier alnifoliaEudicots
Rosaceae Family
Deciduous
Spring

Iceland Poppy

Plains Coreopsis

Zone 3a-3b (-40 to -30 °F): Southwestern Alaska, North-Central U.S. (MT, ND, MN)
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Bloodroot (Image: YREA41)Sanguinaria canadensisEudicots
Papaveraceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Creeping Phlox (Image: RitaE41)Phlox subulataEudicots
Polemoniaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Foxglove BeardtonguePenstemon digitalisEudicots
Plantaginaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Jacob’s LadderPolemonium reptansEudicots
Polemoniaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Purple ConeflowerEchinacea purpureaEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Summer

Bloodroot

Creeping Phlox

Zone 4a-4b (-30 to -20 °F): Pacific Border of Alaska, North-Central U.S. (MT, WY, ND, SD, MN, WI, MI), Northeast U.S. (Northern ME, VT, NY, NH)
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Dwarf LarkspurDelphinium tricorneEudicots
Ranunculaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Image: Kevindvt41)Arisaema triphyllumMonocots
Araceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Mountain HepaticaHepatica acutilobaEudicots
Ranunculaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Prairie Trillium (Image: Leoleobobeo41)Trillium recurvatumMonocots
Melanthiaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Virginia BluebellsMertensia virginicaEudicots
Boraginaceae Family
Perennial
Spring

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Prairie Trillium

Zone 5a-5b (-20 to -10 °F): Extreme South of Alaska, Central U.S. (NE, IO, WI, MI, CO, ID, IN), Northeast U.S. (NY, ME, NH, VT, PA, MA)
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Anise HyssopAgastache foeniculumEudicots
Lamiaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Appalachian Blue MonkshoodAconitum uncinatumEudicots
Ranunculaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Few-Flower Milkweed (Image: David Levinson46)Asclepias lanceolataEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Indian Blanket Flower (Image: Poldy Chromos42)Gaillardia pulchellaEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Spring – Fall
Tennessee ConeflowerEchinacea tennesseensisEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Summer

Few-Flower Milkweed

Indian Blanket Flower

Zone 6a-6b (-10 to -0 °F): Gulf Coast of Alaska, Midwest (WA, OR, NV, UT, NM), South Central U.S. (KS, OK, MI, KY, OH, VA, WV, PA, NJ, CT, RI, MA)
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Bracted ViburnumViburnum bracteatumEudicots
Adoxaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Dwarf Blazing StarLiatris microcephalaEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Oakleaf HydrangeaHydrangea quercifoliaEudicots
Hydrangeaceae Family
Deciduous
Spring/Summer
Pineland Phlox (Image: Юлианна Осипова46)Phlox nivalisEudicots
Polemoniaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
Red Milkweed (Image: La55i3Girl42)Asclepias rubraEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Perennial
Summer

Pineland Phlox

Red Milkweed

Zone 7a-7b (0 to 10 °F): Western U.S. (NV, UT, NM), Southern U.S. (northern TX, OK, AK, TN), Central Atlantic Coast
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Dixie IrisIris hexagonaMonocots
Iridaceae Family
Perennial
Spring
IronweedVernonanthura nudifloraEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Little Leaf Sage (Image: Nennieinszweidrei42)Salvia microphyllaEudicots
Lamiaceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Scarlet Rose Mallow (Image: Jlewoldsen42)Hibiscus coccineusEudicots
Malvaceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Sickle TickseedCoreopsis gladiataEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer

Little Leaf Sage

Scarlet Rose Mallow

Zone 8a-8b (10 to 20 °F): Western U.S. Border (WA, OR), Southern U.S. (AZ, mid-TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC)
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Florida AzaleaRhododendron austrinumEudicots
Ericaceae Family
Deciduous
Spring
Heart-leaf HibiscusHibiscus martianusEudicots
Malvaceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Lanceleaf Blanket FlowerGaillardia aestivalisEudicots
Asteraceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
Tropical Milkweed (Image: Kimmichele42)Asclepias curassavicaEudicots
Apocynaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Velvet Sage (Image: Ashley Hunt45)Salvia leucanthaEudicots
Lamiaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall

Tropical Milkweed

Velvet Sage

Zone 9a-9b (20 to 30 °F): Western U.S. Border (WA, OR), Southern U.S. (AZ, mid-TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC)
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Cup-and-Saucer Vine (Image: Zoosnow42)Cobaea scandensEudicots
Polemoniaceae Family
Annual
Summer/Fall
Hawaiian White HibiscusHibiscus arnottianusEudicots
Malvaceae Family
Perennial
All year
Louisiana CannaCanna glaucaMonocots
Cannaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
Pride of Barbados (Image: Sujitha43)Caesalpinia pulcherrimaEudicots
Fabaceae Family
Perennial
Summer
Spotted BeebalmMonarda fruticulosaEudicots
Lamiaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer

Cup-and-Saucer Vine

Pride of Barbados

Zone 10a-10b (30 to 40 °F): Southern California, Southern Texas, Southern FL
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Chenille PlantAcalypha poiretiiEudicots
Euphorbiaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Summer
Lily of the Valley OrchidCuitlauzina pulchellaMonocots
Orchidaceae Family
Perennial
Fall/Winter
NaupakaScaevola sericeaEudicots
Goodeniaceae Family
Perennial
All year
Walking Iris (Image: U_c39lmshkqn43)TrimeziaMonocots
Iridaceae Family
Perennial
Spring – Fall
White Mexican Rose (Image: Fragiskos43)Echeveria elegansEudicots
Crassulaceae Family
Perennial
Winter/Spring

Walking Iris

White Mexican Rose

Zone 11a-11b (40 to 50 °F): Hawaii
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Ghost OrchidDendrophylax lindeniiMonocots
Orchidaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Hawaiian LilyDianella sandwicensisMonocots
Asphodelaceae Family
Perennial
All year
Queen of the Night (Image: Ignartonosbg43)Epiphyllum oxypetalumEudicots
Cactaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Spanish DaggerYucca gloriosaMonocots
Asparagaceae Family
Evergreen
Spring – Fall
Three-Leaved Lantana (Image: Engin Akyurt46)Lantana trifoliaEudicots
Verbenaceae Family
Annual/Perennial
Spring – Fall

Queen of the Night

Three-Leaved Lantana

Zone 12a-12b (50 to 60 °F): Hawaii
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Geranium AraliaPolyscias guilfoyleiEudicots
Araliaceae Family
Perennial
Rarely bloom
Iron Cross BegoniaBegonia masonianaEudicots
Begoniaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Moonflower (Image: GSG_0343)Ipomoea albaEudicots
Convolvulaceae Family
Annual
Summer/Fall
Trailing Watermelon BegoniaProcris repensEudicots
Urticaceae Family
Perennial
Summer/Fall
True Cinnamon Tree (Image: Koma Tang46)Cinnamomum verumMagnoliids
Lauraceae Family
Evergreen
Winter

Moonflower

True Cinnamon Tree

Zone 13a-13b (60 to 70 °F): Coastal Borders of Hawaii and Puerto Rico
Flower NameScientific NameClassificationLife Cycle
Avocado TreePersea americanaMagnoliids
Lauraceae Family
Evergreen
Early Spring
Beehive GingerZingiber spectabileMonocots
Zingiberaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Fall
Lobster Claw (Image: Dekanda43)Heliconia rostrataMonocots
Heliconiaceae Family
Perennial
Spring/Summer
Maga TreeThespesia grandifloraEudicots
Malvaceae Family
Evergreen
All year
Mamey SapotePouteria sapotaEudicots
Sapotaceae Family
Evergreen

Avocado Tree

Lobster Claw

Note:
*Colors indicate the U.S. National Arboretum Plant Hardiness Zones.
**Plants listed in Zone 1 are not likely to be hardy to -60 temps, but can be grown annually in the summer.

How Many Types of Flowers Are There in the Desert?

Desert life is often perceived as sparse, even barren. While this may be the case much of the time, there are certain types of plants which can thrive in arid, desert environments.

Plants such as cacti and varieties of succulent which generally require very little water and are resistant to extreme heat are most commonly seen in the desert. The Arizona native, Saguaro (see National Park Service), is a giant cactus species which varies greatly from the neighboring, tiny Desert Star flower.4

However, there are also phenomena known as desert blooms where a desert landscape may burst into life after extremely high levels of seasonal rainfall reach deep-buried, dormant seeds. Due to the rarity of these events, it is difficult to precisely answer the question “How many types of flowers are there in the desert?”

Wide shot of Desert Bloom Phenomenon in a desert with mountains in the background.

(Image: Aiamkay44)

One notable example of the desert bloom phenomenon, the Chilean flowering desert, is home to more than 200 flowering plant species!9

Scientists, explorers, scholars, and lovers of nature throughout history have sought to discover and classify the many varieties of flowering plants.

They have discovered that flowering plants – Angiosperms – are by far the dominant plant group on the earth with astounding diversity. However, the advent of DNA sequencing has changed how many species are grouped and how flower relatedness is measured.

With more plant DNA sequenced daily and 2,000 new plant species discovered yearly, it may be some time yet before the world will truly know the answer to “How many types of flowers are there?”

Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Types of Flowers Are There

What Are the Most Common Types of Flowers? 

Sometimes, the most common types of flowers are those that leave the greatest impression and hold sentimental value.7 Among the most common flowers in the United States are the rose, sunflower, hydrangea, lavender, peony, daisy, orchid, tulip, lily, chrysanthemum, dahlia, daffodil, iris, periwinkle, and azalea.21

How Many Types of Lilies Flowers Are There?

The Lily family is vastly popular and widespread, with varieties growing across the world, and many types of lilies flowers to choose from. It is thought that there are approximately 111 species of “true” lilies.5,25

What Are the Most Popular Types of White Flowers? 

There are many types of flowers which produce white blooms, there are several varieties which are particularly memorable. The most popular types of white flowers include roses, calla lilies, daisies, daffodils, orchids, and hibiscus, to name just a few.32


References

1IUCN. (2023). IUCN Homepage. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.iucnredlist.org/>

2Missouri Botanical Garden. (2023). Anemone sylvestris. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h330>

3Wikipedia. (2022, October 13). APG IV system. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APG_IV_system>

4Bowers, J. E. (2008, January 1). 100 Desert Wildflowers (A. Mogollon, Ed.) [Print]. Western National Parks Association.

5Wikipedia. (2023, January 3). Lilium. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilium>

6The Seed Collection Pty Ltd. (2019, December 16). A Brief Guide to the Different Flower Types, Shapes, and Growing Patterns. The Seed Collection. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.theseedcollection.com.au/blog/Guide-to-the-Different-Flower-Types>

7Carson, R. (2021, May 31). 100 Most Common Types of Flowers (Gardener’s Guide). The Florist Guide. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://thefloristguide.com/most-common-types-of-flowers/>

8Fern, K. (2022, July 20). Chrysanthemum indicum. Useful Tropical Plants. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Chrysanthemum+indicum>

9Wikipedia. (2022, December 29). Desert bloom. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_bloom>

10All My Favourite Flower Names. (2013). All Types Of Flowers Can Be Placed Into Two Main Groups: Monocots or Dicots. All My Favourite Flower Names. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.all-my-favourite-flower-names.com/types-of-flowers.html>

11Fewster, H., Douglass, M., & Gerhard, K. (Eds.). (2018). Flora: Inside the Secret World of Plants (1st ed.) [Print]. DK Publishing.

12The Seed Site. (2023). Flower Shapes. The Seed Site. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <http://theseedsite.co.uk/flowershapes.html>

13New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. (2023). Earina autumnalis. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/earina-autumnalis/>

14Gaudio, A. (2020, August 1). Renaissance Era: A Resource Guide. Library of Congress Research Guides. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://guides.loc.gov/renaissance-era-resources>

15Royal Botanical Garden, Kew & Kew Foundation. (2020). State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2020. Royal Botanical Garden Kew. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.kew.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/State%20of%20the%20Worlds%20Plants%20and%20Fungi%202020.pdf>

16Govaerts, R. H. (2019, June 10). Modern extinction – my journey with the plants we have lost forever. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/modern-extinction-my-journey>

17Horton, D. (2022, July 19). Herbaria & Herbarium Specimens. Florida Museum. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herbarium/methods/herbaria/>

18University of California Museum of Paleontology. (2023). Introduction to the Liliopsida. Berkeley | UCMP. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/monocots/monocot.html>

19Keogh, L. (2017, May 17). The Wardian Case: How a Simple Box Moved the Plant Kingdom. Arnold Arboretum. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://arboretum.harvard.edu/stories/the-wardian-case-how-a-simple-box-moved-the-plant-kingdom/>

20Kuchta, D. M. (2022, January 30). 10 Historic Plants and Why They Went Extinct. Treehugger. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.treehugger.com/extinct-plants-5215777>

21Maffia, N. (2021, April 29). 60 Types of Flowers Common in the U.S. 1-800-Flowers.com | Petal Talk. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.1800flowers.com/blog/flower-facts/flower-types/>

22University of California Museum of Paleontology. (2023). Monocots versus Dicots. Berkeley | UCMP. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss8/monocotdicot.html>

23Wilson, T. V. (2008, March 10). How Extinction Works. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/extinction.htm>

24Thieret, J. W. (2001, April 3). National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers–E: Eastern Region (2nd Revised ed.) [National Audubon Society Field Guides] [Print]. Knopf.

25Noyes, A. (2022, May 2). 30 Different Types Of Lilies (With Pictures) & How To Care For Them. Gardening Chores. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.gardeningchores.com/types-of-lilies/>

26Pimm, S. L., & Joppa, L. N. (2015). How Many Plant Species are There, Where are They, and at What Rate are They Going Extinct? (Issue 100) [Print]. 10.3417/2012018.

27Petruzzello, M. (2017, October 5). Extinct in the Wild but Still Around: 5 Plants and Animals Kept Alive by Humans. Britannica. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.britannica.com/list/extinct-in-the-wild-but-still-around-5-plants-and-animals-kept-alive-by-humans>

28Thorn, J. P. R. (2016). State of the World’s Plants 2016 [Print]. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

29Renault, M. (2020, October 19). How Many Plants Have We Wiped Out? Here Are 5 Extinction Stories. The New York Times. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/science/plants-extinction-north-america.html>

30Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (2023). The State of the World’s Plants report 2017. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.kew.org/about-us/press-media/state-of-the-worlds-plants-2017>

31Thiers, B. M. (2020, December 8). Herbarium: The Quest to Preserve and Classify the World’s Plants [Print]. Timber Press.

32flowerAura. (2022). Top 20 Most Beautiful White Flowers in the World. Floweraura. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://www.floweraura.com/blog/top-20-most-beautiful-white-flowers-world>

33Williams, J. (2019, November 22). Types of Endangered Rainforest Plants. Sciencing. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://sciencing.com/types-endangered-rainforest-plants-4964172.html>

34Allkin, B. (2017). State of the World’s Plants 2017 [Print]. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

35Berkeley | UCMP. (2023). Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778). Berkeley | UCMP. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from <https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/linnaeus.html>

36Easter Orchid, Cape Jasmine Gardenia,  Peony ‘Festiva Maxima’ cultivar, White Mum, White Mum and more flower Images Provided by Denise Davis.

37Fern Leaves by Nickype, Dried Roses by Riza_Ya, Water Lilies by Kimdaejung, Pink Tulip Magnolia by Kapa65, Bluebells by LoggaWiggler, Chinese Hibiscus by Hans. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>

38Ornithogalum Montanum by 2017343, Lily of the Valley by Ganossi, Queen Anne’s Lace by Anandasandra, Scotch Broom by Armennano, Sunflower by Congerdesign, Chinese Trumpet Vine by Hans. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>

39Bee Balm by Antranias, Poinsettia by Stux, Cape Flower by JoeKuis, Desert Rose by SandeepHanda, Cardoon by WolfBlur, Bush Morning Glory by Nennieinszweidrei. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>

40Chicory by Manfredrichte, Black Bat Flower by Foto-Rabe, Black Calla Lily by D1creations, Cape Jasmine Gardenia by Jatiyoshapla, Eastern Columbine by Fietzfotos, Wild Geranium by Eric_Bright. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>

41Iceland Poppy by Hans, Plains Coreopsis by JaStra, Bloodroot by YREA, Creeping Phlox by RitaE, Jack in the Pulpit by Kevindvt, Prairie Trillium by Leoleobobeo. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>

42Indian Blanket Flower by Poldy Chromos, Red Milkweed by La55i3Girl, Little Leaf Sage by Nennieinszweidrei, Scarlet Rose Mallow by Jlewoldsen, Tropical Milkweed by Kimmichele, Cup and Saucer Vine by Zoosnow. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>

43Pride of Barbados by Sujitha, Walking Iris by U_c39lmshkqn, White Mexican Rose by Fragiskos, Queen of the Night by Ignartonosbg, Moonflower by GSG_03, Lobster Claw by Dekanda. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/>

44Aiamkay. Pixabay. Retrieved from <https://pixabay.com/photos/cactus-flowers-nature-botanical-5127539/>

45White Mums by Soyoung Han, Velvet Sage by Ashley Hunt. Retrieved from <https://unsplash.com/>

46Few-Flower Milkweed by  David Levinson, Pineland Phlox by Юлианна Осипова, Three-Leaved Lantana by Engin Akyurt, True Cinnamon Tree by Koma Tang. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/>

47Photo by CaptainNarco. Cropped, Resized, Changed Format. Pixabay. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from <https://pixabay.com/photos/microscope-cell-structure-science-497570/>