Looking for plants that start with C? There are many flowers that start with C, but if you're looking specifically for plants, we've got you covered. The botanical world is incredibly diverse.
And that’s not counting the species growing in far-off regions that have yet to be named and classified! It would be impossible for us to list every notable plant in one place.
What we can do, however, is introduce you to some of the most interesting plants beginning with C! Some of these plants you’ll recognize (they might be growing in your garden as you read this).
Others may be brand new. Either way, here are the 25 must-know plants that start with C:
Quick Look
- Caladium
- Calamint
- Calathea
- Canna
- Carrion Cactus
- Cast-Iron Plant
- Catnip
- Chain Fern
- Chinese Evergreen
- Chokecherry
- Citronella Grass
- Cobra Lily
- Coleus
- Columbine
- Coral Bells
- Cordyline
- Creeping Jenny
- Creosote Bush
- Crepe Myrtle
- Crocodile Fern
- Crocus
- Croton
- Cryptanthus
- Culver’s Root
- Cucumber Tree
25 Plants That Start With C
1. Caladium
- Scientific Name: Caladium spp.
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
Caladium is a genus of vibrant tropical plants that are prized for their foliage rather than their flowers. Some of the most interesting varieties boast pink leaves.
These tender perennials work perfectly in annual beds and container arrangements outdoors. You can also keep caladiums as houseplants!
2. Calamint
- Scientific Name: Calamintha nepeta
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 5 to 7
Unlike its relatives, calamint is grown as an ornamental rather than an herb. But its foliage can still add a touch of fragrance to your cottage garden! This perennial produces itty-bitty flowers, making it perfect for use as filler around larger plantings.
3. Calathea
- Scientific Name: Calathea spp.
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 11 to 12
Calathea is a popular genus of houseplants that also go by names like zebra plant and peacock plant. The variegated foliage comes in many colors and is beloved by collectors.
4. Canna
- Scientific Name: Canna spp.
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
Canna lilies are must-haves in any tropical floral arrangement. They grow as perennials in warm climates. But you can find canna lilies growing in annual beds and containers almost anywhere.
5. Carrion Cactus
- Scientific Name: Orbea variegata
- Type: Succulent
- Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
Despite its common name, Orbea variegata is a succulent rather than a true cactus. The fleshy leaves are easy to overlook. But the carrion cactus flower’s alien-like appearance and foul odor are sure to turn heads.
6. Cast-Iron Plant
- Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior
- Type: Evergreen
- Hardiness Zone: 8 to 10
The cast-iron plant is one of the most ubiquitous houseplants because it is so easy to care for. Few plants can tolerate as little light as Aspidistra elatior. It’s an excellent choice for anyone just getting into the world of plant care!
7. Catnip
- Scientific Name: Nepeta cataria
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
Most people are familiar with the dried catnip sold at pet stores. But this aromatic perennial also makes a wonderful ornamental shrub. Just know that planting catnip might draw neighborhood felines to your garden!
8. Chain Fern
- Scientific Name: Woodwardia spp.
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 8 to 10
There are several species of chain fern, but Woodwardia fimbriata, or the giant chain fern, is the most famous. The giant chain fern is the largest fern species native to North America.
Its clumping, non-invasive nature makes it an ideal option for shaded landscapes.
9. Chinese Evergreen
- Scientific Name: Aglaonema commutatum
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 10 to 12
Chinese evergreen is a staple of many houseplant collections. This foliage-heavy species comes in a variety of colors — many feature beautiful variegation — and tolerates hands-off care.
10. Chokecherry
- Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana
- Type: Woody perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
Chokecherry, also known as bitter-berry, is a large shrub or tree native to the United States. This perennial puts out delicate white flowers in early summer followed by vibrant red berries.
Birds, in particular, love chokecherry fruit! While chokecherries are popular landscape shrubs, they are considered invasive in some areas. Be sure to check your local guidelines before planting.
11. Citronella Grass
- Scientific Name: Cymbopogon nardus
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 10 to 12
Citronella grass is famous for its natural insect-repelling abilities. The leaves have a citrusy scent when crushed; citronella oil is a common ingredient in mosquito deterrents.
Most people plant citronella grass as an annual, but it thrives year-round in warmer climates.
12. Cobra Lily
- Scientific Name: Darlingtonia californica
- Type: Carnivorous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
Cobra lilies are not lilies at all! This bog-dwelling species is a pitcher-shaped carnivorous plant native to California and Oregon. Like other carnivorous plants, the cobra lily “digests” insects and other small animals that get trapped inside its pitchers.
13. Coleus
- Scientific Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 10 to 11
Coleus is an extremely versatile ornamental foliage plant. It can be used in annual beds, ornate containers, or even kept as a houseplant. Coleus comes in many unique colors and is most popular as a filler or ground cover.
14. Columbine
- Scientific Name: Aquilegia spp.
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
Available in many colors, columbine flowers are frequently mistaken for honeysuckle (the two have no relation). These perennials only survive a few years before dying off.
Fortunately, columbine readily self-seeds and will produce a recurring clump of plants if left to flourish.
15. Coral Bells
- Scientific Name: Heuchera spp.
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Coral bells are low-growing perennials that bring color and texture to any garden bed. Standard foliage is green but purple, red, and orange varieties are the most popular.
The delicate flower stalks are also oft-visited pollinators.
16. Cordyline
- Scientific Name: Cordyline spp.
- Type: Woody perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 9 to 12
Cordyline is the ideal houseplant for any bright, sunny window in your home. These small, tree-like tropicals offer colorful foliage with a modern structure. Though cordylines are almost exclusively grown indoors, they are perennials in warm climates.
17. Creeping Jenny
- Scientific Name: Lysimachia nummularia
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Creeping Jenny shines as a fast-growing ground cover or trailing container filler. While not as aggressive as creeping Charlie, this plant toes the line between invasive and ornamental.
Be sure to plant it somewhere it can easily be controlled.
18. Creosote Bush
- Scientific Name: Larrea tridentata
- Type: Evergreen
- Hardiness Zone: 8 to 10
Creosote bush is a hardy evergreen shrub found in many North American deserts. While there’s no shortage of this bush in the wild, it’s also used in xeriscaping. Its name comes from the unique creosote-like scent given off after rain.
19. Crepe Myrtle
- Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia indica
- Type: Woody perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
These flowering trees are native to Asia but can be found in nearly every landscape in the southern United States. Crepe myrtles are largely grown for their stunning flowers which can be white, pink, red, or purple.
20. Crocodile Fern
- Scientific Name: Microsorum musifolium
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 10 to 11
The crocodile fern is an intriguing specimen that can be planted indoors or in the subtropical landscape. It gets its colloquial name from the distinctive pattern on its leaves that resembles crocodile skin.
21. Crocus
- Scientific Name: Crocus spp.
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
Crocuses are tiny members of the iris family that are often the first flowers to emerge after winter. In some climates, you’ll even spot crocus buds growing through the snow!
You can plant crocus bulbs throughout your lawn for a charming but short-lived flush of spring color.
22. Croton
- Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatum
- Type: Evergreen
- Hardiness Zone: 11 to 12
Croton plants take many forms, though the most popular variety features broad, rainbow-colored foliage. They make excellent houseplants but require consistent temperatures of at least 70°F.
Crotons are outdoor perennials in particularly warm climates.
23. Cryptanthus
- Scientific Name: Cryptanthus spp.
- Type: Bromeliad
- Hardiness Zone: 10 to 11
Cryptanthus is a large genus of bromeliads, also known as earth stars. While foliage varies by species, the most popular varieties boast striped or spotted leaves.
24. Culver’s Root
- Scientific Name: Veronicastrum virginicum
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
Culver’s root is a native prairie plant found throughout most of eastern and central North America. It was historically used for medicinal teas and other treatments.
In fact, it’s believed the name “Culver” was taken from a pioneering doctor who used the plant.
25. Cucumber Tree
- Scientific Name: Magnolia acuminata
- Type: Deciduous tree
- Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Also known as a cucumber magnolia, the cucumber tree is far less showy than its close relatives. The flowers of this magnolia species are pale yellow and small — many say they resemble tulips.
However, Magnolia acuminata still makes a lovely landscape tree in the right setting!