We much prefer using Latin names. Why? Because then we know exactly which plant is being referred to. Common names vary according to regions, countries, continents and sometimes even from one garden to another.

Sorting out Miscanthus sinensis is very challenging. For instance we have seen it referred to as Eulalia grass, Maiden grass, Silver grass, Japanese plume grass, Japanese silver grass and Chinese silver grass. Chasmanthium latifolium is also known as Northern sea oats, Spangle grass, Inland sea oats and Wild oats. See the problem?

Then there is a single common name that is given to two different grasses, such as Bunchgrass (Schizachyrium scoparium and Sporobolus heterolepis). So common names are not very useful to nurseries! Can you imagine ordering bunchgrass, thinking you were getting a tall plant, but ending up with a short one?

Nonetheless we have compiled a list of common names, along with the Latin equivalent.