The world of botany offers a vast spectrum of flowering plants, and those whose names begin with the letter E represent a diverse collection. These species range from tiny, hardy blooms that cling to high mountain cliffs to large, showy varieties cultivated in gardens around the globe. This exploration delves into the unique characteristics, popular recognition, and practical applications of these flora.
Recognizable Flowers Beginning with E
One of the most instantly recognizable flowers is the Edelweiss, whose name translates from German as “noble white.” This small, perennial alpine plant (Leontopodium nivale) thrives in rocky, high-altitude environments, typically between 5,900 and 11,200 feet. Its star-shaped flower head is a cluster of tiny yellow florets surrounded by thick, woolly, white bracts. These bracts help the plant survive intense cold and ultraviolet light, and the Edelweiss has become a cultural symbol in Europe, representing courage, purity, and devotion.
Another familiar plant is the Evening Primrose (Oenothera genus), notable for its flowers opening dramatically at dusk. These biennial or perennial plants often feature bright yellow petals and are frequently seen growing wild in fields and along roadsides. In contrast, the English Daisy (Bellis perennis) is a low-growing perennial with white or pink-tipped flowers and a central yellow disk. It is widely recognized as a tenacious lawn weed or a component of cottage gardens, often associated with the symbolism of innocence and purity.
Ornamental and Garden Favorites Starting with E
Many flowers starting with E are sought after for their aesthetic appeal in horticulture. The genus Echeveria is a group of popular succulents native to Central America and Mexico, prized for their fleshy, geometrically arranged leaves that form tight rosettes. Their leaves display a wide palette of colors, including glaucous blue, gray-green, and often pink or purple hues, accentuated by drought stress or bright light. The plants produce small, bell-shaped flowers, typically in yellow or pink shades, which emerge on tall, slender stalks in the summer.
Gardeners prize the striking height of Eremurus, commonly known as the Foxtail Lily or Desert Candle. These perennial plants, native to Central Asia, are admired for their towering, dense spikes of small flowers in yellow, white, or orange, which can reach heights of several feet. The Epiphyllum, or Orchid Cactus, is a more unusual ornamental. This epiphytic cactus from the tropical rainforests produces large, showy, and often fragrant blooms, with certain varieties famous for their nocturnal flowering habit, opening only after sunset.
Flowers Starting with E Valued for Practical Uses
A number of E-starting flowers are valued not just for beauty but also for their functional applications in medicine or cuisine. Echinacea, often called the purple coneflower, is a prominent genus native to North America used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern supplements derived from the flower, leaf, and root are promoted for their potential to stimulate the immune system and reduce the incidence of the common cold. These daisy-like flowers are identifiable by their characteristic spiky central cone and drooping purple or pink ray petals.
Another plant with significant culinary use is the Elderflower, the fragrant, creamy-white blossom of the Sambucus tree. These small, clustered flowers are traditionally harvested in late spring for use in syrups, cordials, and sparkling wines, providing a delicate, musky-sweet, floral flavor. For a savory application, the herb Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is a staple in southern Mexican cuisine. Its strong, pungent leaves are added to bean dishes and the herb is traditionally used as a carminative, helping reduce the flatulence and indigestion associated with eating beans.