Plants That Start With S

Last Updated on December 14, 2022 by Derek

Learning about plants is often something many gardeners who are just starting out find quite difficult. After all, there are thousands of different plant species, and it’s almost impossible to remember the varying different subspecies within them.

Here is a list of the plants discussed in this article that start with S:

• Snowdrop
• Sycamore
• Sunflower
• Snapdragon
• Sage
• Shallot
• Sorrel
• Squash
• Sweet Gum
• Strawberry
• Spruce
• Spinach
• Sedge

One of the best ways to learn about anything is to find strategies to make things easier, and one of the best strategies is to break things down into manageable chunks. This allows us to learn about things step by step and helps with retention, and when dealing with plants this is important, as there is a lot of specific information to learn about each different species.

Not all plants will thrive in different environments, and there are all sorts of interesting quirks that each species possess which may make them suitable for various ornamental purposes, as well as for food.

In this guide we’re going to look at plants that start with S, to help you learn about some of the most interesting and unique plants in the world and build a better understanding of what plants are suitable for gardening, and which aren’t. 

Snowdrop

Also known as Galanthus, the snowdrop is a small genus of around 20 species of small herbaceous plants. Typically the plants have two or three leaves that grow beside the stalk and a sort of drooping flower. 

Snowdrops tend to flower in the winter, and are native to Europe and the Middle East, however, it has been widely naturalized all over the world and is a popular ornamental. In the wild, the flower thrives in woodland, as well as grassland and mountains depending on the specific species.

Snowdrops take their name from their white delicate petals, and this small flower can bring a wonderful flash of light to your garden. They can survive both acid and alkaline soils and will often form a carpet of white flowers in the wild so they do require proper care in order to prevent them from spreading too far.

Sycamore

Sycamore trees are large trees with big, bright green leaves, and a signature sculptural branch growth pattern. As a deciduous tree, the leaves turn yellowish-brown in the fall, with the brown seed clusters remaining on the branches throughout the winter, and are often seen in winter ornaments.

These trees tend to thrive in rich soil which is moist and well-drained. They can grow to 30 or 40 feet tall in around 20 years, and may even get to 70 or 100 feet before they start to stop growing.

The trunk is known for its off-white coloration and is often seen as ornamental in parks, public gardens and along avenues and streets.

Sunflower

Sunflower, also known as Helianthus, is a genus with around 70 species and is one of the most famous and beautiful flowers in the world known for its vivid yellow petals, sturdy, thick stalk, and green leaves.

The name of the flower naturally comes from the resemblance of the flower to the sun and has been a popular ornamental plant for thousands of years. They were domesticated first by the Native Americans who used them as a source of edible seeds which they relied on as a source of food.

Since then they have spread all over the world and are cultivated very widely.

They are perennial and spread very rapidly, which is one of the reasons why they are found so widely and are so popular.

Snapdragon

The snapdragon is a very popular plant prized for its colorful blossoms. The two most popular species are the Spanish Snapdragon and the Snapdragon Antirrhinum Majus. 

These flowers range from 6 inches in height and are native to the rocky areas of Europe, Canada and North Africa. 

It makes a great flower to mark out borders due to its relatively low height and width, as well as its colorful blossoms that can be found in yellow, red and purple.

The flower works well in almost all ornamental gardens due to the many blossoms each individual flower produces, making it very vivid and beautiful, as well as attracting many insects and bees.

The water requirements of the flower vary by species but it requires a lot of sunlight to grow well.

Sage

Sage, also known as Salvia, is the largest genus within the mint family, which contains many of the aromatic plants and herbs utilized in essential oils, aromas, perfumes and other remedies. As such these plants are grown and cultivated widely for their medicinal and commercial purposes, but they are also used ornamentally in some gardens as a perennial shrub that grows well in full sunlight.

Sage requires regular watering, however, there are some 900 species meaning there are many different quirks in size and coloration.

Shallot

Shallots are a close relative of the onion and are believed to have originated in Asia. It is prized for its use in various culinary traditions and is grown widely as a result of this, with many cultivars and variants.

Like the onion it is known for its strong aroma and taste, however, it is much smaller than a traditional onion, although it has a similar thick brown skin.

Sorrel

Sorrel is grown for its edible leaves which are popularly used in salads, soups, and sauces, as they have a sharp flavor similar to young spinach.

Sorrel is native to northern temperate regions and is a sprawling plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

It requires a lot of sunlight and regular watering but will make a great addition to any vegetable patch, especially as a perennial.

Squash

Native to the Americas, squash is a very popular vegetable due to the fact that it is bountiful and rewards your effort very well. Again it requires a lot of sun and water, but the plant grows to prodigious sizes if well cared for and can be used in all kinds of foods from soups and pasta to sauces. It can even be baked and served on its own due to its delicious flavor.

There are many cultivars and varieties of squash that all come in various sizes and colors, and these can all have different growing times, but most fall within the 70 to 100-day bracket which considering the size they grow to is very impressive.

Sweet Gum

Sweet gum trees are an incredibly popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens, known for their maple-like leaves, beautiful vivid fall colors, and lush greens in the summer. 

They need fertile well-drained soil to thrive, ideally which is neutral or only slightly acidic, as alkaline soils can cause disease such as chlorosis which can be very difficult to solve.

They do require quite a bit of space, but they are a great tree for shading under. They can grow up to 60 feet tall and are native to China but are widespread across the world now due to their popularity.

Strawberry

Strawberries are one of the world’s most iconic berries and plants, known for their lush red coloration, external seeds, and deliciously sweet flesh which makes them a feature in a great many desserts and culinary delights.

They are quite hardy and can grow in almost any garden quite well, growing to around 70 inches in height and 1 foot across.

They can bear fruit at different times of the year depending on the specific species, but most start in the summer and end before the fall.

If you’re after larger strawberries make sure to trim the runners and ensure that the main plant is well watered and cared for.

Spruce

Spruce trees are evergreen trees known for their sharp, stiff, lush needles which often drop to the forest floor.

These trees grow very quickly and some species can reach 60 feet in height and 20 feet in width. They are a very hardy tree and are a popular choice as a windbreak due to their strength.

They are valued for their timber and will tend to lose their lower branches as they mature, and the canopies will thin out as they grow too.

Spinach

Another popular garden vegetable is spinach, a warm-season plant that is grown for its delicious edible leaves which can be eaten raw or cooked.

The plant tends to do well in rich, well-drained soil however there are several different species that have slightly different characteristics and will grow better in slightly different climates.

They require regular watering and full sunlight. If cared for well they will provide you with a great addition to your salads and other dishes and can even be harvested all year-round.

Sedge

Often mistaken for ornamental grasses, sedge actually comes from a different plant family to most grasses.

They are known for their narrow leaves more than their flowers which are insignificant.

They grow best in moist soils but are able to grow in drier soils should they have to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sedge Invasive?

Yes, sedge can be invasive, especially if the seeds are placed on top of regular turf. As it grows fairly quickly, this can become an issue, and many people do tend to struggle with keeping it under control.

This is especially true when it comes to states in the south of America, and some in the north. You will need to be aware of this when considering sedge.

How Do You Identify a Sycamore Tree?

When it comes to sycamore trees, they are fairly easy to spot and recognize. This is due to them being fairly unique in their appearance.

Sycamore trees have bark that feels on their trunk. This causes the trees to look almost scabby. During the winter months, the tree sheds its leaves, and brown balls are left on the stems of the branches.

What Month is Best to Plant Strawberries?

Strawberry plants are best planted in March or April as this is the correct temperature and growing conditions for them to thrive. You can choose to grow a strawberry plant both inside and outside, depending on your personal preference.