The letter A represents a wide variety of plants around the world.

Below are 12 different varieties. If you notice throughout the list of plants section, there are many native plants grown in different climates and countries.

1. Abelia - There are about 30 different deciduous to evergreen species. It is native to eastern Asia to Mexico, the United States, and many European countries.
   
   In the United States, different varieties will grow in zone seven through ten. They will do well in full sun to partial shade, and like well-drained soil.
   
   The flowers are trumpet shaped and come in white and mauve colors. The Abelia and Spirea is considered an ornamental shrub.







2. Abies - There are about forty different specimens in this tree family. It is sometimes identified as a Silver Fir, and is an evergreen conifer.
   
   Some varieties originated in the mountains of central and southern Europe. They love the colder mountain climates and grow well in parts of China, and western North America.
   
   There are a few species that can survive in the high mountains of Central America and southeast Asia. This family likes moist soil, and can take sun and partial shade. Different varieties grow in zones three through ten in the United States.





3. Abutilon - Chinese Lantern - There are more than 100 species and most are evergreen varieties. This plant family does well in warmer climates and native to South America and cooler parts of Chile.
   
   The Chinese Lantern loves well drained soil and can take full sun or partial shade. Abutilon varieties will grow well in zones eight through eleven in the United States.



4. Acacia - This plant family contains over 1200 species of different trees and shrubs. Over 700 of these species are native to Australia.
   
   This family is considered warm climate specimens, and will grow in the United States in zones seven through eleven.
   
   They love full sun and their fragrant, globular flowers range in color from a rich yellow tone to a creamy off white. Acacia is also native in tropical and sub-tropical Africa.



5. Acer - Maple - One of the most popular deciduous tree family that grows in many different geographic locations.
   
   Most of the species come from China, Japan, and the eastern Himalayas. There are some native species in North America and Europe.
   
   In the United States, the different varieties of Maple will grow well in zones four through ten. Maples love cool- moist soil and ample amount of rainfall. This specie is known for its brilliant autumn colors.



6. Allamanda - This is a wonderful evergreen climbing shrub in the American tropics. The specie is also grown in many Caribbean locations, as well as South and Central America.
   
   In the tropics, it does well in a sunny and sheltered location. It loves rich soil and thrives on fences or decorative wall. In the tropics section, there is a page on Allamanda and Plumbago species.
   
   The Allamanda shows its beauty with trumpet shaped yellow flowers. In cooler climates, this specie they need to be in a container and protected from the outside elements. The Allamanda grows well in zones eleven and twelve in the United States.




Are you looking for more identification of different geographic plant specimens? Look more further. The The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides) is a fantastic addition to your resource books. Great for students, teachers, non-profit organizations, and families. Learn more about the wonders of plants around the globe. Great gift any time of the year.


7. Amelanchier - Serviceberry - These are a group of trees that actually belong to the pome - fruit group and rose family. The Serviceberry is also related to apple, pear, and quinces and other berry trees.
   
   They thrive in the eastern United States and will grow well in zones six through nine. They are deciduous and produce white flowers and purple to black berries that can be eaten. They do need some shelter from the outside elements, but also some hours of sunshine.



8. Aphelandra - There are around 170 species and native to tropical America. A common variety is known as the Zebra plant.
   
   The plant family is noted for its beautiful foliage of vibrant green and yellow color tones. The Aphelandra cannot take cold temperatures below 60 degrees.
   
   This is a fantastic evergreen in the tropics and will do well in part shade and rich - moist soil. The height of some varieties can reach six feet. A wonderful specimen for a tropical ground or container garden.
   
   This is one of the letter A plants that would work in the tropics.



9. Aronia - Chokeberry - Grows in North America, especially in the eastern section. The Chokeberry does well in zones five through nine. This is another member of the pome - fruit family.
   
   Even though there are only three deciduous members, this tree is still a popular choice. It does like partial shade but has been known to survive in sunny locations. The Chokeberry will adapt to most soil types.
   
   The highlight of this little family, is in late summer and fall when shiny, rich colored red berries appear. In spring, tiny flowers emerge that have a similarity to apple blossoms. A great specie as an accent.



10. Artemisia - Wormwood - A large genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs that do well in the northern hemisphere. They are also native in Europe and temperate Asia. In the United States the Wormwood will grow well in zones four through ten. The Wormwood is used in gardens and landscapes for its soft foliage, and many varieties are fragrant. They prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. This is a great family to create a border in a garden.



11. Ascalepias - Milkweed - Native to South, Central, and North America. The Milkweed does well in zones nine through twelve. The leaves are long and narrow and produce a milky sap. Some varieties blossom with bright orange and yellow flowers. They are either deciduous or evergreen in the tropical regions. The Milkweed loves full sun and needs well-drained soil. Looks stunning in mass planting.



12. Aurinia - This family has seven species of biennials and evergreens. It is native to southern Europe, Ukraine and Turkey. It will grow in zones four through nine in the United States. The Aurinina is a small, spreading, and mound forming plant. In the springtime it produces clumps of yellow or white flowers. Aurinia prefers full sun and light well-drained soil. Some varieties are Tom Thumb, Argentea, Citrina, and Gold Dust. The species are frost hardy and look sensational around dry-stone walls, and planted throughout decorative rocks.

The letter A plants page gives you a few varieties of different specimens. The letter A plants is just the beginning of the list of plants section. Go ahead and start with the letter A plants and learn more about unique and popular plants throughout the world.



The flowering shrubs section our Outside In Garden Store, has a many different specimens for you to choose. Check out the rest of the store for all your landscape and garden needs. Be sure and browse through the container section as well.