This list includes 64 Plants that start with C, from “Cabbage” to “Cypress”. They include vegetables, common ornamentals, trees, succulents and vines useful in gardens, landscapes and habitat restoration.
Plants that start with C are common garden and wild species whose everyday names begin with the letter C. Many have deep cultural ties, such as cabbage’s long role in global diets.
Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, USDA hardiness zones and Type.
Common name: The everyday name you know, so you can quickly find and recognize plants by familiar terms.
Scientific name: The Latin binomial provides precise species identification and helps you find reliable, detailed plant information.
USDA hardiness zones: Lists typical cold-tolerance ranges so you can judge outdoor survival in your region.
Type: A concise label like tree, shrub, perennial or annual that helps you plan placement and care.
Plants that start with C
| Common name | Scientific name | USDA zones | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabbage | Brassica oleracea | 2–11 | annual |
| Cacao | Theobroma cacao | tropical | tree |
| Calendula | Calendula officinalis | 2–11 | annual |
| Camellia | Camellia japonica | 7–9 | shrub |
| Candytuft | Iberis sempervirens | 3–9 | perennial |
| Canna | Canna indica | 7–11 | perennial |
| Canary Island date palm | Phoenix canariensis | 9–11 | tree |
| Cardoon | Cynara cardunculus | 7–10 | perennial |
| Carnation | Dianthus caryophyllus | 5–9 | perennial |
| Carrot | Daucus carota | 3–11 | herb |
| Castor bean | Ricinus communis | 8–11 | annual |
| Catnip | Nepeta cataria | 3–9 | perennial |
| Ceanothus | Ceanothus thyrsiflorus | 7–10 | shrub |
| Cedar | Cedrus libani | 6–9 | tree |
| Celandine | Chelidonium majus | 4–9 | herb |
| Celosia | Celosia argentea | 10–11 | annual |
| Cornflower | Centaurea cyanus | 3–10 | annual |
| Chaste tree | Vitex agnus-castus | 6–9 | shrub |
| Chinese elm | Ulmus parvifolia | 5–10 | tree |
| Chinese evergreen | Aglaonema commutatum | houseplant | perennial |
| Chives | Allium schoenoprasum | 3–9 | perennial |
| Chrysanthemum | Chrysanthemum morifolium | 5–9 | perennial |
| Clematis | Clematis montana | 5–9 | vine |
| Clover | Trifolium repens | 3–8 | perennial |
| Coral tree | Erythrina crista-galli | 9–11 | tree |
| Coffee | Coffea arabica | tropical | shrub |
| Coleus | Plectranthus scutellarioides | 10–11 | perennial |
| Columbine | Aquilegia vulgaris | 3–8 | perennial |
| Common yarrow | Achillea millefolium | 3–9 | perennial |
| Corn | Zea mays | 3–11 | annual |
| Cotoneaster | Cotoneaster horizontalis | 5–8 | shrub |
| Cotton | Gossypium hirsutum | 7–10 | annual |
| Crape myrtle | Lagerstroemia indica | 7–10 | tree |
| Crocus | Crocus vernus | 3–8 | bulb |
| Crown vetch | Securigera varia | 3–9 | perennial |
| Cuphea | Cuphea ignea | 10–11 | perennial |
| Currant | Ribes rubrum | 3–7 | shrub |
| Cyclamen | Cyclamen persicum | houseplant | bulb |
| Cypress | Cupressus sempervirens | 7–10 | tree |
| Cucumber | Cucumis sativus | 3–11 | vine |
| Coneflower | Echinacea purpurea | 3–9 | perennial |
| Coral bells | Heuchera sanguinea | 4–9 | perennial |
| Coriander | Coriandrum sativum | 2–11 | herb |
| Cornelian cherry | Cornus mas | 4–8 | shrub |
| Caper | Capparis spinosa | 8–10 | perennial |
| Cape leadwort | Plumbago auriculata | 9–11 | shrub |
| California poppy | Eschscholzia californica | 5–10 | perennial |
| Candle bush | Senna alata | 10–11 | shrub |
| Canary grass | Phalaris canariensis | 6–10 | grass |
| Cape honeysuckle | Tecomaria capensis | 9–11 | shrub |
| Caragana | Caragana arborescens | 2–7 | shrub |
| Cardamom | Elettaria cardamomum | tropical | herb |
| Carissa | Carissa macrocarpa | 8–11 | shrub |
| Chestnut | Castanea sativa | 4–8 | tree |
| Chaya | Cnidoscolus aconitifolius | tropical | shrub |
| Chicory | Cichorium intybus | 3–9 | perennial |
| Chinese lantern | Physalis alkekengi | 3–8 | perennial |
| Chinese hibiscus | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | tropical | shrub |
| Chocolate vine | Akebia quinata | 4–9 | vine |
| Chocolate cosmos | Cosmos atrosanguineus | 7–9 | perennial |
| Cucumber tree | Magnolia acuminata | 4–8 | tree |
| Cowpea | Vigna unguiculata | 8–11 | annual |
| Cow parsley | Anthriscus sylvestris | 4–8 | herb |
| Crane’s-bill | Geranium pratense | 4–8 | perennial |
Descriptions
Cabbage
Cool-season leafy vegetable from Europe, grown for edible heads to about 30–60 cm. Widely cultivated, nutritious; prefers fertile, moist soil and cool temperatures to prevent bolting.
Cacao
Tropical tree native to Central and South America; source of cocoa and chocolate. Small evergreen tree, 4–8 m, needs shade, high humidity and consistent warmth.
Calendula
Bright, daisy-like annual originally from Eurasia, used ornamentally and medicinally. Grows 30–60 cm; tolerates poor soils and prefers full sun to light shade.
Camellia
Evergreen shrub from eastern Asia prized for glossy leaves and rose-like winter–spring flowers. Grows 2–6 m; acidic soil, shade to part shade, shelter from harsh sun.
Candytuft
Low evergreen perennial groundcover native to Mediterranean regions; white flower clusters in spring. Reaches 15–30 cm; prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Canna
Tropical to warm-climate perennial with bold foliage and torch-like flowers, used in borders and containers. Grows 0.5–2 m; needs moisture and fertile soil; dig rhizomes in cold zones.
Canary Island date palm
Large ornamental palm from the Canary Islands; pinnate fronds to 5–10 m. Drought-tolerant once established, prefers full sun and warm climates.
Cardoon
Mediterranean thistle-like perennial grown for edible leaf stalks and architectural silvery foliage up to 1.5–2 m; needs full sun and rich soil.
Carnation
Fragrant garden flower of Mediterranean origin with frilled blooms, used as a cut flower. Compact perennial 30–60 cm; prefers well-drained alkaline soil and full sun.
Carrot
Root vegetable native to Europe/Asia, tapered orange roots to 20–30 cm. Grown for fresh eating and storage; likes loose, deep soil and consistent moisture.
Castor bean
Tall, dramatic tropical annual or perennial shrub with large palmate leaves and toxic seeds. Grows 1–3 m; fast-growing, prefers full sun and rich soil.
Catnip
Aromatic perennial herb from Europe and Asia attractive to cats and pollinators. Grows 30–90 cm; tolerant of poor soils and drought, thrives in full sun.
Ceanothus
California native evergreen shrub with masses of blue flowers in spring; attracts pollinators. Typically 1–5 m; prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
Cedar
Large evergreen conifer from the eastern Mediterranean with flat-topped crown and aromatic wood. Reaches 20–40 m; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Celandine
Perennial herb native to Europe with yellow sap and small yellow flowers; historically medicinal but potentially toxic. Grows 30–60 cm; tolerates shade and richer soils.
Celosia
Tropical annual grown for striking plume or crested flowers in bright colors. Usually 30–90 cm; loves heat and sun, sensitive to frost.
Cornflower
Classic blue annual (bachelor’s button) native to Europe, used in borders and cut flowers. 30–90 cm tall; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Chaste tree
Fragrant Mediterranean shrub with pinnate leaves and lavender flower spikes, used ornamentally and medicinally. Reaches 2–5 m; drought-tolerant and sun-loving.
Chinese elm
Small to medium deciduous/semievergreen elm from Asia with attractive bark and vase shape; used as street tree and bonsai. Hardy and adaptable to soils.
Chinese evergreen
Tropical evergreen houseplant with patterned foliage, tolerant of low light. Grows 30–60 cm; prefers warm, humid conditions and indirect light.
Chives
Mild onion-flavored herb with edible leaves and purple flower heads. Clumping perennial 20–40 cm; prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil.
Chrysanthemum
Autumn-flowering garden favorite with showy, varied blooms; used as cut and potted flowers. Typically 30–90 cm; full sun and regular deadheading extend bloom.
Clematis
Vigorous climbing vine with abundant spring flowers; covers fences and arbors. Grows 3–10 m; needs cool roots, good drainage and sunny crowns.
Clover
Low-growing forage and lawn-friendly legume with trifoliate leaves and white flowers; fixes nitrogen. Spreads by stolons; tolerates grazing and compacted soils.
Coral tree
Tropical ornamental with showy red pea-like flowers and thorny branches; attracts hummingbirds. Small tree 3–6 m; frost-sensitive, prefers full sun.
Coffee
Shade-tolerant tropical shrub producing coffee beans; small tree 2–6 m. Grown under canopy, needs warm humid climates and consistent moisture.
Coleus
Colorful foliage plant prized for vibrant leaf patterns; used in shade gardens and containers. Typically 30–60 cm; tender, often grown as annual in cool climates.
Columbine
Old-fashioned perennial with nodding, spurred flowers in spring; attracts bees and hummingbirds. 30–90 cm; tolerates partial shade and well-drained soil.
Common yarrow
Hardy perennial with flat clusters of tiny white to pink flowers and ferny foliage; drought-tolerant and useful in meadows. 30–80 cm; prefers full sun.
Corn
Warm-season annual cereal crop native to the Americas, grown for fresh eating or grain. Tall stalks to 2–3 m; needs fertile soil, full sun and consistent moisture.
Cotoneaster
Deciduous or evergreen ornamental shrub with arching branches and bright berries used in hedges. Often 1–3 m; prefers well-drained soil and sun to part shade.
Cotton
Warm-season fiber crop with fluffy seed capsules; also ornamental in gardens. Annual in temperate climates; needs long, warm season and full sun.
Crape myrtle
Summer-blooming deciduous tree with exfoliating bark and long-lasting flower clusters. Grows 2–8 m; full sun and well-drained soil for best flowering.
Crocus
Spring-blooming bulb native to Europe, producing cup-shaped flowers in early spring. 5–15 cm tall; plant in well-drained soil and full to part sun.
Crown vetch
Low, spreading perennial groundcover with pea-like pink-and-white flowers; used for erosion control. Vigorous and invasive in some areas; prefers full sun.
Cuphea
Tender ornamental shrub (cigar plant) with tubular red-orange flowers that attract hummingbirds. 30–60 cm; likes heat, sun and well-drained soil.
Currant
Deciduous shrub of Europe producing tart edible red berries used in jams and baking. 1–2 m tall; prefers cool summers and moist, fertile soil.
Cyclamen
Popular houseplant with upswept petals and variegated leaves; native to Mediterranean. Tubers produce 10–30 cm rosettes; likes cool, bright, indirect light.
Cypress
Tall, columnar evergreen tree (Italian cypress) used in formal landscapes. Reaches 10–20 m; prefers full sun and well-drained soils.
Cucumber
Warm-season vine grown for edible fruits; fast-growing with tendrils and large leaves. Fruits vary in size; needs nutrient-rich soil, heat and consistent water.
Coneflower
North American native perennial with daisy-like purple flowers and medicinal roots. 60–120 cm; drought-tolerant once established and loves full sun.
Coral bells
Clumping perennial with colorful basal foliage and airy flower spikes; great for borders and shade. 20–60 cm; prefers part shade and well-drained soil.
Coriander
Aromatic annual herb (cilantro seeds are coriander) used in cooking worldwide. Grows 30–60 cm; prefers cool weather and well-drained soil.
Cornelian cherry
Early-flowering dogwood shrub producing tart edible red fruits; attractive yellow spring flowers. 2–6 m; hardy and adaptable to soils.
Caper
Mediterranean shrub with edible, pickled flower buds (capers) and succulent foliage. Low-growing to 1 m; drought-tolerant and prefers alkaline, well-drained soils.
Cape leadwort
Tender shrub with sky-blue clusters of flowers used on fences and containers. 1–2 m; requires full sun and shelter from frost.
California poppy
Native to western North America with bright orange poppy flowers; used in meadows and low-water gardens. 15–45 cm; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Candle bush
Tropical shrub with huge pinnate leaves and bright yellow flower spikes; used ornamentally and medicinally. Can reach 3–6 m; frost-sensitive.
Canary grass
Annual/short-lived grass grown for birdseed and as a cover crop; tufted habit to 60 cm. Prefers full sun and fertile soil.
Cape honeysuckle
Tropical semi-evergreen shrub with bright orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. 1–3 m; tolerates pruning and prefers full sun.
Caragana
Hardy Siberian peashrub used for windbreaks and nitrogen-fixing; small pinnate leaves and yellow pea-flowers. 2–5 m; very cold-hardy and drought-tolerant.
Cardamom
Aromatic tropical perennial producing spice pods used in cooking; tall, clumping herb 1–2 m. Prefers shaded, humid conditions and rich soil.
Carissa
Evergreen ornamental (Natal plum) with glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers and edible red fruits. 1–3 m; salt-tolerant, good for hedges in warm climates.
Chestnut
Large deciduous tree producing edible nuts; historically important in Europe. Can reach 20–35 m; prefers deep, well-drained soils and full sun.
Chaya
Fast-growing tropical leafy green (tree spinach) used as a cooked vegetable. Reaches 2–4 m; leaves must be cooked to remove toxins.
Chicory
Blue-flowered perennial used as a salad green, coffee substitute and forage. 30–90 cm; tolerates poor soils and prefers full sun.
Chinese lantern
Perennial with orange, papery calyces enclosing fruits that resemble lanterns. 30–60 cm; spreads by rhizomes and prefers sun to part shade.
Chinese hibiscus
Tropical evergreen shrub with large, showy flowers in many colors; used as container or landscape shrub in warm areas. Needs full sun and protection from cold.
Chocolate vine
Fast-growing deciduous twining vine with chocolate-scented flowers; used on fences and pergolas. 3–10 m; tolerates poor soils and part shade.
Chocolate cosmos
Tuberous perennial with dark maroon, chocolate-scented blooms; often grown as a tender perennial. 30–60 cm; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Cucumber tree
Large native magnolia with cone-like fruit and tulip-shaped flowers; ornamental timber tree. Reaches 20–30 m; prefers moist, rich soils and sun to light shade.
Cowpea
Warm-season legume grown for pods, leaves and grain in tropical and subtropical regions. Vining or bush habit; fixes nitrogen and tolerates heat and drought.
Cow parsley
Umbelliferous perennial native to Europe with lacy leaves and white spring flowers; used in cottage gardens. 50–150 cm; prefers moist, fertile soils.
Crane’s-bill
Hardy geranium (meadow crane’s-bill) with mounds of foliage and blue to purple flowers. 30–80 cm; tolerant of sun to part shade and a range of soils.