Hesperaloe

[txbeyer]

OK, here is a problem with common names. This plant (Hesperaloe parviflora) is called the "red yucca". Not only is it not a yucca, but this variety is not red.

This is the yellow flowering form. So, do we call it the "yellow red yucca" ?

How about Hesperaloe parviflora "yellow flowering form"

[kancheta]

Pretty though!

[PlantSwap]

If the lay person could remember all the scientific names, there wouldn't be any reason to use common names. Could you imagine a garden center selling plants that are only labeled by their scientific names?

[txbeyer]

I wanted to show this unique plant, not criticize the use of common names - just pointing out the irony of this particular common name. Any common name that has a distinctive identifying meaning to anyone else is fine in my book. Hope I'm not offending or annoying anyone on this forum by quoting botanical names in all my posts.

I wish more nurseries would label their plants using botanical names. Then I would know what I was really looking at. Perhaps they could use both :-)

[PlantSwap]

Sorry Bob! The plant is georgeous. I like the leaves/foliage better than the flowers.

I understand that common names are far from useful in many cases and that can be frustrating to anyone with more than a casual interest. I wish nurseries used both names too. It would really help a layman like me start learning the scientific names (I don't plan to study them from a book).

[txbeyer]

My wife doesn't like the yellow one either - but if there is something odd or unusual about a plant, it gets my attention and I feel I gotta have it. Mixed with the traditional red blooms might be a nice combination. What I like about Hesperaloe is the durability and toughness of this plant and as you said, the foliage offers a different textural blend to the garden.