18 Amazing Plants That Start With C

Written by Alanna Davis
Published: March 31, 2024
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For many, the natural world is one of the best parts of life. While some people are interested in plants that are medicinally significant or nutritious, others are more drawn to aesthetically pleasing ones. Luckily, there are an almost countless amount of plants across the globe, many of which still remain undiscovered. In fact, Mother Nature is home to a nearly endless variety of flora and fauna. Let’s explore 18 of the most popular, unique, and interesting plants that have common names that begin with the letter C.

Flowers That Start With C

Countless flowers across the globe have common names that begin with the letter C. Let’s discuss a handful of interesting ones.

Coneflower: These vibrant purple blossoms grow nearly everywhere in the United States. Many people enjoy planting these fall-blooming flowers in their gardens to keep their yards colorful late into the year. Their name stems from their cone-like appearance.

Field of purple coneflowers

Coneflowers are related to daisies.

©Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock.com

California Poppy: Many people associate these golden flowers with California super blooms, which typically take place during March and April.

Calla Lily: Few flowers are as elegant and beautiful as calla lilies. These flowers belong to the family Araceae, and they are a popular choice for use in wedding bouquets.

Chrysanthemum: Sometimes nicknamed “mums,” these large and showy flowers are thought to symbolize devotion, rebirth, and hope.

Vegetables That Start With C

While some people love vegetables, others try to avoid them at all costs. However you feel, it’s hard to deny that vegetables offer a wealth of health benefits to those who consume them. Let’s discuss a few of the most popular among them that have common names that begin with the letter C.

Carrot: When you think of vegetables that start with the letter C, carrots are likely one of the first ones that come to mind. This vegetable is very nutritious, and it provides a wonderful source of Vitamin A.

Cassava: Also sometimes referred to as “yucca,” or “tapioca,” cassava is a wonderful vegetable that is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and Vitamin C.

Cauliflower is a wonderful source of Vitamin C.

©iStock.com/Baloncici

Cauliflower: Although it might not be as popular as its cousin broccoli, cauliflower is a diverse vegetable that can be used in a variety of different ways in the kitchen.

Capers: Believe it or not, the capers that we see in grocery stores are actually the young flower buds of the caper bush. This pickled vegetable is famous for its strong flavor.

Fruits That Start With C

Consuming fruit is associated with a variety of health benefits such as improved digestion and increased energy. Let’s explore several fruits that have C names.

Cherries: Cherries are one of the most popular fruits of all, and it’s for a very good reason. They are high in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and potassium. However, their best feature is their sweet, tart taste.

Cantaloupe: This orange melon belongs to the genus Cucumis. This fruit is most often cut up and consumed raw, but it has also become popular in the culinary world as well.

Among all plants that begin with the letter C, coconuts are among the most diverse.

©santhosh_varghese/ via Getty Images

Coconut: It’s no secret that coconuts offer a wealth of health benefits to those who consume them. According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, ” Coconut contains a variety of minerals, including manganese, selenium, copper, and iron. Coconut is particularly high in manganese, a mineral that is crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates, cholesterol, and proteins.”

Clementine: These sweet, tiny citruses are a popular snack throughout countless households across the world. It’s easy to see why they’re so popular, as they offer convenience, delicious flavor, and health benefits rolled into one small package.

Trees That Start With C

Trees are one of the most vital parts of our ecosystem, and sadly, they often get overlooked compared to flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Here are a handful of unique and interesting trees that begin with the letter C.

California Black Walnut: As its name suggests, this tree is native to California. They typically grow to be about 30 feet tall, and they have found popularity in landscaping.

Cassia: This tree has many nicknames, such as the “pudding pipe tree,” and the “scrambled egg tree,” but none are as fitting as the nickname “the golden shower.” This beautiful tree blossoms vibrant yellow flowers during the spring that enhance the appearance of any garden or yard.

An empty wood bench with beautiful flowering pink cherry blossom trees along the East River during spring on Roosevelt Island of New York City with a view of a power plant in the background

Cherry blossom season is beautiful but fleeting. On average, this time lasts for about two to three weeks at maximum.

©iStock.com/James Andrews

Cherry Blossom: When it comes to trees that start with the letter C, few are as popular as the beautiful cherry blossom tree. These trees bloom hundreds of tiny pink flowers each spring that people travel far and wide to observe. Cherry blossom season is popular in many countries across the globe. However, Japan famously explodes with tourism during this time of year.

Other Plants That Start With The Letter C

Here are some plants that don’t quite fit into the categories of flowers, fruit, vegetables, or trees that start with the letter C.

California Barrel Cactus: This slow-growing cactus belongs to the family Cactaceae. They are easily identified by their stocky, cylindrical shape and bright red spines, which is where it got its name.

Barrel cactus in Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Barrel cactuses can live for dozens of years.

©Marc Venema/Shutterstock.com

Chihuahua Pineapple Cactus: The only thing more quirky than the name of this cactus is its appearance. This cactus has unique yellow and white flowers that spring from its crown.

Cream-Flowered Hedgehog: Although many cacti blossom with vibrant flowers, the cream-flowered hedgehog is one of the most impressive. This plant was named after this beautiful flower and fierce spikes.

Summary Table of 18 Plants That Start With C

Common NameScientific Name
ConeflowerEchinacea purpurea
California PoppyEschscholzia californica
Calla LilyZantedeschia
ChrysanthemumChrysanthemum
CarrotDaucus carota
CassavaManihot esculenta
CauliflowerBrassica oleracea var. botrytis
CapersCapparis spinosa
CherriesPrunus avium
CantaloupeCucumis melo var. cantalupensis
CoconutCocos nucifera 
ClementineCitrus reticulata
California Black WalnutJuglans californica
CassiaCassia fistula
Cherry BlossomPrunus serrulata
California Barrel CactusFerocactus cylindraceus
Chihuahua Pineapple CactusCoryphantha robustispina
Cream-Flowered HedgehogEchinocereus viridiflorus

The photo featured at the top of this post is © veeterzy/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Alanna is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering insects, animals, and travel. In addition to writing, she spends her time tutoring English and exploring the east end of Long Island. Prior to receiving her Bachelor's in Economics from Stony Brook University, Alanna spent much of her time studying entomology and insect biology.

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