This list includes 12 Plants that start with X that start with X, from “Xanthium” to “Xylosma”. Many are shrubs, small trees or herbaceous plants used ornamentally, for hedging, soil stabilisation and traditional remedies.
Plants that start with X are species whose common names begin with the letter X, often including shrubs, vines and herbaceous species. A notable example is Xanthium, whose sticky burs historically clung to clothing and animals, aiding seed spread.
Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, USDA zones and Type.
Common name: The familiar name you likely use, helping you recognize plants in catalogs, garden centers and informal guides.
Scientific name: The Latin binomial gives precise identification, so you can match species across regions and authoritative resources.
USDA zones: A simple hardiness range (1–13) that helps you judge winter survival and choose plants suitable for your climate.
Type: A concise label like tree, shrub, perennial, annual, succulent or vine to help you plan planting and care.
Plants that start with X
Common name
Scientific name
USDA hardiness zones
Type
Xanthoceras
Xanthoceras sorbifolium
4–8
tree
Xanthium
Xanthium strumarium
3–10
annual
Xanthosoma
Xanthosoma sagittifolium
9–11
perennial
Xanthorrhoea
Xanthorrhoea preissii
9–11
tree
Xerochrysum
Xerochrysum bracteatum
8–11
perennial
Xerophyllum
Xerophyllum tenax
3–7
perennial
Xylosma
Xylosma congesta
9–11
shrub
Xylocarpus
Xylocarpus granatum
N/A
tree
Ximenia
Ximenia americana
10–12
shrub
Xerophyta
Xerophyta viscosa
N/A
perennial
Xylopia
Xylopia aethiopica
10–12
tree
Xeranthemum
Xeranthemum annuum
3–8
annual
Descriptions
Xanthoceras
Showy white-pink flowers and edible nuts; native to northern China and used ornamentally and for oilseed; drought-tolerant once established, prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Xanthium
Common cocklebur weed with spiny burs that cling to fur; native to Eurasia, now widespread; problematic in crops, grows in disturbed soils and is easiest to control when pulled young.
Xanthosoma
Tropical aroid grown for starchy corms (tannia/cocoyam) and large arrow-shaped leaves; native to the Americas; needs warm, humid conditions and rich, consistently moist soil.
Xanthorrhoea
Australian grasstree with a stout trunk and long grass-like leaves, fire-adapted and slow-growing; iconic landscape feature that prefers well-drained, sandy soils in Mediterranean climates.
Xerochrysum
Strawflower prized for papery, long-lasting blooms used fresh or dried; native to Australia, easy in sunny, well-drained beds and tolerates drought once established.
Xerophyllum
Bear grass with tufted, tough leaves and tall white flower spikes; native to western North America, excellent for naturalistic plantings and cutting, prefers acidic, well-drained soils and sun.
Xylosma
Evergreen hedge or specimen with glossy, toothed leaves; native to Asia, tolerant of pruning, coastal and urban conditions, prefers full sun to light shade and moderate moisture.
Xylocarpus
Cannonball mangrove with large round seed capsules, native to tropical tidal coasts; important in mangrove ecosystems, cannot tolerate freezing and requires saline, waterlogged conditions.
Ximenia
Small tropical shrub with tart, edible fruit and oil-rich seeds; native to Africa, Asia and the Americas, used in traditional medicine and adapted to dry, sandy soils and drought.
Xerophyta
Resurrection plant that tolerates extreme dehydration and revives after rain; native to southern Africa, grown as a novelty; keep warm, bright and with minimal water.
Xylopia
West African tree producing aromatic seeds (“grains of Selim”) used as a spice; tropical understory species needing warm, humid conditions and not frost-hardy.
Xeranthemum
European “everlasting” with silvery foliage and papery blooms ideal for dried arrangements; easy-to-grow in full sun on well-drained soils, tolerates poor soils and drought.
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