Using botanical names more often?

Brent

jg

I think i can clear this up for you. As for the junipers, they are both cultivars, Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' and J. procumbens 'Green Mound'. I believe the latter was introduced by Hines Nursery and it is patented. It probably was a sport of 'Nana', but that's only a guess. They are very similar and are undoubtedly mixed up in the trade.

Carpinus coreana and C. turczaninovii are two distinct species and not much alike. Unfortunately, they both have the common name of Korean Hornbeam. From what I can see, C. turczaninovii was originally the species called Korean Hornbeam, but as C. coreana became more popular, it became the current Korean Hornbeam (the species name coreana undoubtedly helps too). This is precisely why it is important to use botanical names. C. coreana is a small shrubby tree with small, more rounded leaves. C. turczaninovii is a large hornbeam with larger, more lance shaped leaves with a very distinct bronze color to the new growth. If you see them when the new growth is emerging, there is no doubt which is which.

There is no need to use botanical names ALL the time as long as it is clear what you are talking about. It is my practice to use both the common name and the botanical name at the outset and then just use the common name thereafter in the same post or article (as long as I don't mention another species with the same common name of course) , if for no other reason than it is easier to type!

Brent
EvergreenGardenworks.com
bonsai@pacific.net

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