From Charlotte to Cindy, Chloe, Cruz, etc… the letter C has inspired numerous baby names. It turns out that there are equally hundreds of amazing flower species that begin with this letter.
Check out the list below for the most exquisite flowers that start with the letter C and some fun facts to learn about each one of them.
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula officinalis is arguably the most popular species in the Calendula genus, which comprises 15 – 20 other species. Also known as the pot marigold, Calendula officinalis is an annual or short-lived perennial herb beloved for its yellow or orange mum-like flowers which bloom from spring through fall.
Calendula officinalis flowers have been used in folk medicine from time immemorial. The flowers are also a common ingredient in the production of various food supplements and cosmetic products.
2. Cape Daisy (Dimorphotheca ecklonis)
Cape Daisy is known by many other monikers, including Cape marguerite, Van Staden’s river daisy, Sundays river daisy, and African daisy.
Native to South Africa, this flower stands out for its star-shaped white flowers that feature shades of blue around their bases.
3. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Calla lily is a rhizomatous perennial flower whose native range spans much of southern Africa.
The plant typically grows to 2 – 3 feet tall and spreads 1.5 – 2 feet wide. It gives forth curly white petals that create a magical contrast with its thick green stem.
4. Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)
Columbine is a bushy perennial flower that blooms from spring to early summer. The tree is unmissable when in full bloom, thanks to its delicate violet, blue, or white blossoms.
Columbine is also one of the few deer-resistant species on this list.
5. Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum)
If you ever lose your bearing while exploring the wild outdoors, pray that you stumble upon a patch covered in the compass plant. That’s because the deeply-incised leaves of the Silphium laciniatum are usually oriented in a north-south direction.
The compass plant is also renowned for its tall stalks and bright yellow flowers that resemble sunflowers.
6. Carpet bugle (Ajuga reptans)
You most probably know it as bugleweed. However, this flowering plant is known by many other common names, such as carpet bugle, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and blue bugle.
Native to Europe, the plant grows to a modest height of 4 – 8 inches and produces deep blue flowers.
7. Cabega (Austrocephalocereus dybowskii)
Despite what the name suggests, this flowering plant bears little resemblance to the highly-nutritious vegetable – cabbage.
Instead, cabega is a cactus known for its distinctive large oval stature and white or yellow blossoms.
8. Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)
If you’re looking for a short-lived perennial flower that will keep pollinators in your yard throughout its blooming season, then look no further than the cow parsley.
The plant’s reputation for being a pollinator magnet is mainly due to its elegant white flowers and ferny leaves.
9. Camellia (Camellia)
Camellia is not an individual plant but a genus comprising 100 – 300 fully described flowering species and up to 3,000 cultivars. These plants grow natively throughout much of southeastern and eastern Asia.
Most plants in the Camellia genus share the same blooming pattern. They typically come to bloom in autumn, during which they make themselves conspicuous with their brilliant red, pink, white, or yellow blossoms.
10. Cosmos (Cosmos)
Cosmos, just like Camellia, isn’t a distinct species but a genus of flowering plants.
Species in the cosmos genus are noted for their fern-like foliage which comes in a wide array of brilliant colors.
11. California Flannelbush (Fremontodendron californicum)
California flannelbush is one of California’s most iconic flowers.
The fast-growing, evergreen shrub gets its name from its flannel-shaped leaves. It blooms large yellow blossoms which start to emerge around spring.
12. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
California poppy is another gorgeous flower species on this list that’s native to California. The plant is also known as the flame flower due to the stunning shape and color of its blossoms.
Bright orange is the predominant color of its blooms, although some varieties may feature shades of other colors.
13. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
If flowers have been around from the beginning of time, carnations have probably existed much longer.
These flowers come in various lovely colors, including pink, white, scarlet, and yellow.
14. Canary Island Daisy (Senecio cruentus)
This cute flowering plant thrives naturally in Canary Island as well as Madeira and Western Sahara.
When in bloom (usually in spring and summer), the plant can easily transform the adjacent landscape into an idyllic setting with its daisy-like white flowers that feature yellow centers.
15. Cape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Cape myrtle is a deciduous shrub noted for its dense clusters of colorful blossoms that emerge from summer and continue throughout fall.
Flower colors range from pink to red, with shades of purple or white in between.
16. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The cardinal flower lives up to its name. The plant gives forth bright red flowers that resemble the robes worn by the Roman Catholic cardinals.
In addition to its religious connotations, the cardinal flower is also a timeless symbol of love and romance.
Remember…
Flowering plants differ considerably in their growth rate and overall maintenance requirements.
Therefore, remember to research a flower extensively before adding it to your backyard garden.
