Plants that start with W

Wis forWandering Jew

Scientific name: tradescantia zebrina

Wandering Jew, also known as spiderworts, is the common name given to several closely related plants commonly kept as houseplants. They come in both purple and plain green forms, and are very easy to grow. They take root easily and form new roots where the plant touches the ground. They can get invasive if they are left alone, and some people and pets like dogs can get allergic reactions to their sap.

Plants

Photo by Melissa Sanders

Wis forWaterlily

Scientific name: family: nymphaeaceae

Water lilies are flowering plants that live in shallow water. They grow their roots in soil at the bottom of the water, and their leaves and flowers both float on top of the water.

Plants

Photo by {just jennifer}

Wis forWatermelon

Scientific name: citrullus lanatus

The watermelon is the fruit of a vine originally from South Africa. The fruit can be very big, and has a hard green rind with very juicy, sweet red flesh inside, full of black seeds. Watermelons are wonderful to eat fresh on a hot summer's day.

Fruit, Plants

Photo by Chris Brown

Wis forWillow

Scientific name: salix alba

The willow is a deciduous tree that likes to grow in moist soil, and is often found on the banks of rivers. Willow bark has salicylic acid in it, which used to be used by primitive people to help with aches and pains. Today, salicylic acid is made into aspirin.

Plants

Photo by Neosnaps

Wis forWisteria

Scientific name: wisteria sinensis

Wisteria is a deciduous woody climbing vine, related to the pea. It grows big droopy bundles of purple flowers in spring. Wisteria is a very hardy plant and can tolerate dry conditions, frost and neglect.

Plants

Photo by Macinate

Wis forWormwood

Scientific name: artemisia absinthium

Wormwood is a perennial shrub that grows to about 1 metre high. It has silvery grey leaves and small yellow flowers. It is native to parts of Asia and Africa. It grows well in drier climates and will tolerate poor soil. It is very easy to grow from hardened cuttings. Wormwood is an ingredient in the drink absinthe and is used to flavor some other drinks and some dishes.

Plants