5 Common Plant Families Flashcards
What are the five most common plant families? (Common and Scientific names)
- Rose (Roseaceae)
- Carrot (Apiaceae)
- Mint (Lamiaceae)
- Bean (Fabaceae)
- Aster (Asteraceae)
The suffix -aceae denotes the scientific name for the _____ family.
Plant
What family has a high concentration of essential oils in their tissues?
Mint (Lamiaceae)
Name five culinary herbs found in the mint family
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sage
- Mint
Bonus: Basil, Marjoram, Savory, Chia, Lavender
Name five medicinal herbs found in the mint family
- Bee balm (Bergamot)
- Catnip
- Horehound
- Lemon Balm
- Salvia
Bonus: Lamb’s Ears, Hyssop, Self-Heal (Prunella), skullcap
Name four medicinal characteristics found in many of the herbs in the mint family
- Antioxidants
- Anti-Inflammatories
- Digestive Aides (Carminatives/gas relievers)
- Gentle sedatives
Name five culinary plants found in the carrot family
- Queen Anne’s Lace (wild carrot)
- Parsley
- Parsnip
- Cumin
- Dill
Bonus: Parsley, Celery, Anise, Cilantro/Coriander, Chervil, Caraway, Asafoetida
Name five medicinal plants found in the carrot family
- Angelica
- Lovage
- Osha Root
- Fennel
- Smallage
Bonus: Asafoetida, Anise, Cumin, Dill, Gotu Kola, Lomatium, Khella seed
Name three poisonous plants found in the carrot family.
- Poison Hemlock
- Water Hemlock
- Hogweed
What are the main characteristics of the carrot family?
- Herbaceous
- Alternate leaves that clasp the stem
- Hollow stems
- Umbrella-like inflorescence (often double inflorescence)
Name three medicinal uses for the carrot family
- Carminatives (Anise, Dill, Fennel, Angelica, Coriander, Cumin)
- Diaphoretic
- Warming/Stimulating/increase circulation (Angelica)
Name five medicinal plants found in the rose family
- Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
- Agrimony (Agrimonia)
- Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
- Rose (Rose spp.)
- Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Bonus: Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina), Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), Blackberry leaf & root (Rubus [various])
What are the main characteristics of the rose family? (7)
- Five separate petals
- Five separate sepals
- Many stamens
- Variable pistil expressions
- Alternate leaves
- Leaves are typically serrated
- Stipules growing at the base of the leaf stem (petiole,) typically in pairs.
What does YARFA mean, and why is it relevant?
Yet Another Rose Family Astringent, remembered because most of the rose family are astringents used for constricting mucous membranes and exposed tissue - and can also help with diarrhea, as astringents “dry you out.”
Name five medicinal plants of the aster family
- Spilanthes (toothache plant)
- Echinacea (cone flower)
- Calendula
- Burdock
- Milk Thistle
Bonus: Artemesia, Wormwood, Mugwort, Sagebrush, Elecampane, Arnica, Feverfew, Chamomile, Goldenrod, Bidens, Ragweed
What are the main characteristics of the aster family?
- Herbaceous
- Small, individual flowers grouped into a florette (flower head) either discflorettes or ray florettes. (sunflower v dandelion)
- Involucre (bracts in place of sepals)
What does DYC mean?
Darn Yellow Compsitae - because there are so many members of the aster family that very closely resemble one another.
Name three medicinal uses for the aster family
- Immune Stimulants (Echinacea)
- Mouth numbing/increase in salivation (Spilanthes)
- Probiotic (Burdock/Dandelion/Chickory/Elecampane Root)
Name five medicinal plants of the pea family
- Licorice
- Red Clover
- Alfalfa
- Mimosa
- Fenugreek
Bonus: Astragulus, Soy
Name a poisonous plants of the pea family
Lathyrus (wild pea)
What are the main characteristics of the pea family?
- Banner, Wings, & Keel (Two attached petals)
- Sepals are fused
- Alternate Compound Leaves
Name five medicinal uses for the pea family.
- Phytoestrogenic (red clover, licorice, soy)
- Antibacterial
- Antioxidant
- Antifeedant
- Insecticidal
What is the bean family’s superpower?
Over 90% of all Fabaceae species have the ability to fix nitrogen, which is why they are often planted as a cover crop - giving the opportunity to enrich the soil and provide for neighboring plants.
