Plants With Animal Names
Plants don’t just sprout beauty—they can tickle your imagination with their animal-themed names. Put these quirky botanical treasures in your garden, and you’ll have both conversation starters and delightful eye candy.
Introduction to Whimsical Garden Plants
Gardeners with a hint of whimsy appreciate the playful allure of plants that wear the names of critters. Sometimes these plants look like their animal counterparts, other times they mimic some critter-like trait or carry tales from yore. Bring these plants into your patch, and you’ve got yourself a garden that’s a bit like a fairy tale.
Exploring Plants Named After Animals
Wonder why some plants flaunt such funky names? They’re often named because they mimic an animal in looks or resonate with myths and traditions. You might find these green fellows a charming addition to your slice of Eden. Check these out:
| Plant Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Elephant’s Ear Plant | Flaunts massive leaves that remind ya of an elephant’s ear. |
| Snake Plant | Stands tall with leaves that slither upwards like a snake. |
| Foxglove Plant | Its striking bell-shaped flowers might remind you of foxes ringing forest bells. |
| Lamb’s Ear Plant | Soft, fuzzy leaves as cozy as a lamb’s peacoat. |
| Bunny Tail Grass | Known for heads of fluff that bounce like a hoppin’ bunny’s tail. |
| Bird of Paradise Plant | Crowns itself with blooms resembling the plumage of an exotic bird. |
| Partridge Berry Plant | Dotted with bright red berries, a nod to those famous partridges. |
| Fishbone Cactus | Branches zigzag like a fish’s skeletal frame. |
| Dolphin Succulent | Leaves leap joyfully like little green dolphins. |
Playing with these wild-named plants can weave a tale within your garden bed. For more ideas on different plant styles to include, take a peek at our guides on plants with big leaves, plants with pink flowers, and plants with fuzzy leaves.
Flora Kingdom
Take a peek into the Flora Kingdom, where you’ll discover some plants with animal-inspired names that pack a visual punch. Here’s a look at two standout examples: the ever-striking Elephant’s Ear Plant and the hardy Snake Plant.
Elephant’s Ear Plant
With leaves that look like, well, an elephant’s ear, this plant makes a bold garden statement. Known in the science circles as Alocasia or Colocasia, it’s the foliage that gets all the attention.
Elephant’s Ear Plant Details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alocasia, Colocasia |
| Leaf Size | Up to 3 feet long |
| Light Needs | Partial shade |
| H2O Needs | High (Keep soil moist) |
Those massive leaves don’t just look cool—they’re great for lounging under on a sunny day. Perfect for a tropical vibe, the Elephant’s Ear Plant thrives where it’s warm but needs regular watering to keep that lushness going strong. For all you big-leafed plant enthusiasts, check out our write-up on plants with big leaves.
Snake Plant
Also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue—for reasons best left to the imagination—this plant draws the eye with its tall, sword-like stature. Sansevieria, its science-y alias, is a favorite for its ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ nature.
Snake Plant Insights:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sansevieria |
| Leaf Form | Tall, erect |
| Light Needs | Low to bright, indirect light |
| H2O Needs | Low (Let soil dry out) |
The Snake Plant doesn’t play hard to get; it’s a survivor under almost any light conditions. And if you’re not big on watering, this one’s got your back—it practically thrives on neglect. Dive into our piece on plants with low maintenance for more.
Adding in plants with animal names can sprinkle a bit of whimsy into your garden space, offering up both charm and nature’s own sense of humor. Want to go deeper into plant fun? Sneak a peek at our articles on plants with colorful leaves and plants with thick leaves.
Fauna Foliage
Step into a world where plants have animal-inspired personalities. These plants don’t just sit there, they add character and curiosity to your garden.
Foxglove Plant
Ever heard of a fox that’s into fashion? Meet the Foxglove, scientifically known as Digitalis purpurea. This plant’s got some serious style with its trumpet-like blossoms in purple, pink, and white hues. Legend has it, foxes slipped these flowers over their paws—talk about making a paw-sitive impression!
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Digitalis purpurea |
| Flower Color | Purple, Pink, White |
| Bloom Season | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Height | 2 to 5 feet |
Foxgloves dig well-drained soil and partial shade. And let’s not forget, they’re medicinal stars too. Curious about more pink blooms? Check out our piece on plants with pink flowers.
Lamb’s Ear Plant
Who knew gardening could be this soft? Lamb’s Ear, or the fancy Stachys byzantina, boasts the kind of fuzziness that rivals a lamb’s ear. This puffy plant isn’t just about aesthetics; it brings a whole new feel to your greenspace.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stachys byzantina |
| Leaf Color | Silvery-Green |
| Foliage Type | Fuzzy, Soft |
| Height | 6 to 12 inches |
Low drama and drought-friendly, Lamb’s Ear fits just about anywhere. Want to discover more about fuzzy plants? Peek at our guide on plants with fuzzy leaves.
Bunny Tail Grass
Bunny Tail Grass is like bringing a piece of cartoon magic into your garden. Officially known as Lagurus ovatus, this grass resembles fluffy bunny tails that sway with every breeze, making it a perfect whimsical addition.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lagurus ovatus |
| Seed Head Color | Creamy White |
| Bloom Season | Late Spring to Summer |
| Height | 12 to 24 inches |
This grass is a cinch to grow, loves the sun, and looks amazing even when dried. Pair it with bold flowers for a striking contrast. For more eye-catching plants, hop over to our article on plants with colorful leaves.
These animal-named plants aren’t just about looks; they bring a unique feel and imaginative touch to your space. Want more inspiration? See our take on plants with animal names.
Avian Arboretum
Plants with names that make you think of our feathered friends bring a splash of color and creativity to any garden. Let’s peek into the fascinating world of two particular plant buddies: the Bird of Paradise Plant and the Partridge Berry Plant.
Bird of Paradise Plant
The Bird of Paradise Plant (Strelitzia reginae) is famous for flowers that look like winged creatures. Hailing from South Africa, this charismatic plant brings a bit of the tropics directly to your backyard or cozy indoor jungle. Its loud orange and blue bloom seems to be taking off mid-flight, which is why plant aficionados adore it.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Strelitzia reginae |
| Native Region | South Africa |
| Light Needs | Full sun to some shade |
| Soil Preference | Well-drained soil |
| Watering Needs | Not too much, not too little |
| Grows Up To | 4-6 feet |
| Flower Colors | Orange and blue |
If you’re feeling orange, hop over to our write-up on plants with orange blooms.
Partridge Berry Plant
The Partridge Berry Plant (Mitchella repens) has its roots in North America and grows as a tiny, evergreen spread. With petite white flowers that transform into cheerful red berries, often in pairs that mimic bird eyes, it’s a delightful ground companion for those shadowy garden corners.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mitchella repens |
| Native Region | North America |
| Light Needs | Loves some shade |
| Soil Preference | Moist, well-draining |
| Watering Needs | Sips only when needed |
| Grows Up To | 2-4 inches |
| Berry Colors | Red |
Got a thing for berries? Don’t miss out on our guide about plants rocking red berries.
These magically bird-themed plants add a special charm with their standout looks and fun vibes, making them favorites for any green-thumbed enthusiast.
Aquatic Allure
Plants that sound more like zoo exhibits? Welcome to the quirky corner of greenery featuring the Fishbone Cactus and Dolphin Succulent. These botanical wonders pack a punch with their cool names and even cooler features.
Fishbone Cactus
Meet the Fishbone Cactus, a.k.a. the Ric Rac or Zig Zag Cactus—this one’s a crowd-pleaser with its eye-catching, wavy stems that look like a fish skeleton. Originating from Mexico’s rainforests, this cactus prefers hanging out on trees, sipping water and munching on nutrients it finds in the air and nearby fluff.
What’s Special About Fishbone Cactus:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epiphyllum anguliger |
| Home Turf | Mexico |
| Lifestyle | Epiphyte extraordinaire |
| Sunbathing Needs | Loves bright light, but indirect please! |
| Drink Schedule | Go easy on the water; let it dry out a bit |
| Flower Tones | Mostly white with a hint of yellow |
Got a thing for laid-back, out-of-the-box plants? The Fishbone Cactus has your back. It’s no fuss when it comes to bright, indirect sunlight and doesn’t demand constant attention with its watering needs. And those blooms? A sweet little addition to any plant-fanatic’s abode.
Dolphin Succulent
Next up, the Dolphin Succulent. Picture leaves that look suspiciously like dolphins jumping through the ocean! Officially dubbed Senecio peregrinus, this succulent’s got its genes from the String of Pearls and Candle Plant, combining all the best features.
What’s Special About Dolphin Succulent:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Senecio peregrinus |
| Home Turf | South Africa |
| Lifestyle | Trailing trails |
| Sunbathing Needs | Bright but not direct light isn’t too much to ask |
| Drink Schedule | Quite minimal; loves being dry |
| Flower Tones | Pure, crisp white |
Perfect for those who enjoy swinging plants in their baskets or pots, this one thrives when it has space to drape. It flourishes in bright, indirect light and doesn’t need much water—a dream for folks who like to relax instead of watering every other day. Its main act? That playful leafage, although a sprinkle of white flowers is always welcome.
Adding these playful, animal-named plants can give your space a lively, fun vibe. Whether it’s the Fishbone Cactus with its funky angles or the Dolphin Succulent with those vibrant little leaves, you’re in for an indoor garden that stands apart. Fresher plant picks also await in our posts about plants with large leaves and plants with fuzzy leaves.
