Plants That Start With T

Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by Derek

Do you want to breathe new life into your garden border? Or rejuvenate your living space with a flamboyant floral display? 

Whether you’re here to satisfy your curiosity or dive headfirst into some extensive research, we’ve compiled this list of some of the most common plants that begin with the letter T, so you don’t have to. This list includes perennials, wildflowers, indoor plants, and more. 

List of plants that begin with T

Ready to expand your plant dictionary? Let’s get started!

Tulip

Originally native to Turkey, the Tulip is one of the most iconic spring-blooming perennials in the world. Tulips are a diverse flower – some flowers may be single, doubled, lily-shaped, fringed, or ruffled, and they vary widely in height. Some Tulips can grow anywhere between three to eight inches in height. 

Tulips are a popular addition to any garden, thanks to their varied color palette. You can source Tulips in almost any color of the rainbow, from white and black, to purple and yellow. These flowers are a member of the lily family, and their flower buds are known for being almost perfectly symmetrical, 

Tulip

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tulip	Tulipa spp.	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	3-8

If you’ve got green fingers, then we have good news for you – the Tulip is also one of the easiest plants you can grow! If you want your Tulips to bloom in the Spring, simply plant the bulbs in the fall, and watch your garden burst to life when the seasons change. 

USDA – Tulips

Video – Flowers that begin with T – How to grow Tulips

Thyme

Thyme isn’t just a kitchen staple. This low-growing earthy herb is a member of the mint family, and it boasts an incredible range of health benefits. 

There are many varieties of thyme,  including lemon thyme, mother-of-thyme, garden thyme, and Breckland thyme. Each type will look a little different, however, most thyme plants are characterized by their low-creeping appearance and largely green flowers. 

Thyme is originally from the Mediterranean, however, it thrives in low nutrient, well-drained soil. Thyme loves the sun and the heat, however, it can be planted indoors and outdoors in the right conditions. 

Thyme

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Thyme	Thymus vulgaris	6.0 – 8.0	Well-draining	Full sun	4-9

Herb Society of America – Thyme

What is thyme good for?

It’s commonly used as a seasoning, however, Thyme can be used to treat a number of ailments, including:

• Arthritis
• Skin disorders
• Stomach pain
• Coughs
• Sore throats

Thimbleweed

Thimbleweed is a name used to describe any of the several plants resembling a thimble. Some species of thimbleweed include:

• Anemone Cylindrica
• Anemone hupehensis
• Anemone Virginiana
• Rudbeckia Laciniata

Thimbleweeds are native to North America, and although there are many species, most Thimbleweeds are tall, boast long-lasting, off-white flowers, and may feature yellow stamens. The center of the Thimbleweed is the part that most closely resembles a thimble. 

The thimble-like center will mature after frost and change to resemble a cotton-looking tuft for many thimbleweeds. 

Thimbleweed

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Thimbleweed	Anemone cylindrica	5.5 – 7.0	Well-draining, loamy	Full sun to partial shade	3-8

National Park Service

Thimbleweed is commonly found on the edges of forests, savannahs and nestled between other native plants. Most thimbleweeds never grow taller than two feet, with a cone that’s one and a half inches long. 

Thimbleweed grows best in dry to moderately moist soil, and it can grow in partial shade or full sunlight. It tends to prefer acid soils over neutral ones, and once well established, the thimbleweed can tolerate cold and drought exceptionally well. 

Tobacco Plant

The Tobacco plant, also known as Nicotiana, are annuals, perennials, biennials, and shrubs. They feature large, hairy stems and large plain leaves that are oval. The tobacco plant also produces flowers, which can be pink, white, cream, or red. These tend to grow in large clusters and feature a tubular appearance.

Nicotiana is usually grown for commercial tobacco production, but other species make beautiful garden plants. The tobacco plant is native to Australia, Namibia, the Pacific Islands, and America (mostly the tropics). 

Pennsylvania State

Tobacco plants grow best in dry and warm climates (between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), and they can grow weak and thin if they’re overwatered or exposed to heavy and prolonged rainfall. 

You can grow your own tobacco with Nicotiana. However, you’ll have to grow it indoors and keep transferring it between pots for the best results. 

Tobacco Plant

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tobacco Plant	Nicotiana tabacum	5.5 – 7.0	Loam, sandy loam	Full sun	4-9

Tickseed

Tickseed is the common name for Coreopsis, a group of annuals and perennials that are native to North America. These flowering plants have around 115 species, and they boast a stunning display of bright, daisy-type flowers in the summertime. 

Most perennial tickseeds have yellow or pink flowers, with some varieties yielding a bicolored display. The name ‘tickseed’ was given to the Coreopsis because its tiny, dark seeds are said to resemble ticks. You may also have heard of the phrase ‘pot of gold’ used to describe some varieties of tickseed. 

Tickseed Coreopsis – Missouri

Coreopsis plants usually grow in upright clumps, and they vary in shape from lobed shape to thin, spindly, and thread-like. Although these plants are native to North and Central America, they can be grown easily in most gardens.

Tickseed plants prefer full sunlight to partial light, and they prefer well-drained, fertile soil. However, some species may do well in partial shade. However, you should aim to provide your tickseed with as much sunlight as possible to yield the best results. 

Tickseed

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tickseed	Coreopsis grandiflora	5.5 – 7.0	Well-draining	Full sun	3-9

Tarragon

USDA

Like Thyme, Tarragon is another leafy green herb with an aromatic, licorice-like flavor. Tarragon is a species of perennial herb that’s a part of the sunflower family, and it grows wild across North America and Eurasia. 

Tarragon is usually cultivated for medicinal and culinary uses. Tarragon is a popular seasoning that complements dishes such as chicken, beef, and fish beautifully.

Tarragon

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tarragon	Artemisia dracunculus	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, fertile	Full sun to partial shade	4-8

Tarragon plant care

The Tarragon plant often features a selection of light green leaves with small green or yellow-white flowers. French tarragon does not set seeds and rarely flowers, so if you want this in your garden, you’ll have to plant young plants in the spring. 

Tarragon is a popular choice for herb borders, and its upright growth pattern and slender leaves mean it pairs well with many varieties of plants.

Tropical Fern

The tropical fern comes in many varieties. However, they don’t grow well outside.

How many varieties of fern are there?

Tropical ferns come in many varieties, each of which can add a stunning display to your selection of house plants. Some species of tropical fern include:

• Boston fern
• Rabbit’s foot fern
• Mother fern
• Holly fern
• Asparagus Ferns
• Maidenhair Staghorn ferns

Tropical Fern

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tropical Fern	Nephrolepis exaltata	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, high organic matter	Partial to full shade	9-11

Most tropical ferns are delicate and require specific care and watering methods. When you water a tropical fern, you should only use lukewarm water or room temperature water. Water until any excess moisture begins to drip through the holes of the container. You should wait until the soil surface becomes dry to the touch until you water again. 

Tawny Sedge

Tawny sedge (or Carex Hostiana) is a perennial that grows wild and well in wet areas, such as marshes and damp flushes. The tawny sedge can grow anywhere between 15-50cm in height, and these flowering plants are native to Europe and northeast Canada. They’re now extinct in Massachusetts. 

Tawny sedge grows well in alkaline soils or alkaline flushes, and their appearance can vary.  Female glumes are dark brown with a green midrib, and they may have pale brown edges. These plants look somewhat reedy or even weedy, and their fruits can look spikey or hairy. Tawny sedge is usually found wild rather than in a garden. 

Tawny Sedge

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tawny Sedge	Carex stricta	5.0 – 7.5	Moist to wet	Full sun to partial shade	3-9

Tall Bearded Iris

The bearded iris is one of the most popular irises in the world. These plants flower in mid to late spring, and their cascading petals and flamboyant foliage make them an excellent addition to any garden. 

The bearded iris grows wild in almost every continent, and it comes in many varieties, including the tall bearded iris, giving gardeners a stunning selection to choose from. These perennials are easy to care for and can grow in either sun or shade, and they do best when planted in the fall for beautiful spring bloom.

Tall Bearded Iris

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tall Bearded Iris	Iris germanica	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining	Full sun	3-9

The iris has one of the most varied color palettes of all plants. You can buy a bearded iris in almost any color, from tan and white, to red, chocolate, mauve and almost teal. The bearded iris tends to grow anywhere between 50 to 90cm. Tall bearded irises (as the name suggests) can grow much taller. 

Toad Rush

The Toad Rush, formally known as Juncus Bufonius, is a flowering plant species from the rush family. The toad rush boasts a slender stemmed appearance, and it only reaches a maximum of 10cm in height. 

These flowers have small, narrow-leaved heads and thin, straight leaves. They usually have between one to eight light-brown flowers in a cluster at their heads. However, their appearance can vary slightly. The toad rush flowers between September and March, and they thrive in a range of soils, including sand and clay. 

Toad Rush

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Toad Rush	Juncus bufonius	6.0 – 7.0	Moist, well-drained	Full sun to partial shade	3-8

However, the toad rush prefers moist soil, so you’re most likely to find this plant near water, such as swamps, ditches, or drainage lines. Turf also holds moisture well, so you may find it growing on or near fine turf facilities. 

Other Plants Starting With T

We’ve now explored some of the most common plants, beginning with T. However, there are plenty of other varieties across the world. Here are the names of some other common plants that start with T:

• Tomato
• Toothpick Plant
• Tubular Corn Lily
• Tropical Tea Tree
• Turnip 
• Two Rowed Barley
• Turkish Iris
• Texas Creeping Ox-Eye
• Terrestrial Orchids
• Torenia (or ‘Wishbone Flower’
• Tea Rose
• Texas Mountain Laurel 

FAQ’s

What are some plants that start with T?

Some plants that start with T include tomatoes, tulips, thyme, tiger lilies, and trailing succulents such as Tradescantia and Trailing Jade. These plants have unique characteristics and are often grown for their beauty, flavor, or other uses.

How do I care for tomato plants?

Tomato plants thrive in full sunlight and well-draining soil. They require regular watering, particularly during hot and dry periods, but be sure to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Tomatoes also benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Pruning can help improve airflow and prevent disease.

Tomato Plants

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tomato	Solanum lycopersicum	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, fertile	Full sun	3-10

When is the best time to plant tulips?

The best time to plant tulips is in the fall, typically from late September to mid-November depending on your climate. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the ground freezes, and they will bloom in the spring. Tulips prefer well-draining soil and full sunlight.

What is the best way to propagate thyme plants?

Thyme can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing an established plant. To propagate from stem cuttings, take a cutting that is 4-6 inches long, remove the leaves from the bottom half, and place it in a container of well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the container in a warm, sunny location until roots develop. To divide an established plant, carefully separate the plant into smaller sections and replant them in well-draining soil.

How do I care for trailing succulents?

Trailing succulents such as Tradescantia and Trailing Jade thrive in well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. They can be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, but be sure to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Trailing succulents can also benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. They are often grown in hanging baskets or as trailing accents in mixed planters.

Tradescantia

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Spiderwort	Tradescantia	6.0 – 7.5	Moist, well-draining	Partial to full sun	4-9

How Do You Take Care of Tall Bearded Iris?

Taking care of tall bearded iris plants is fairly easy to do, and there are only a handful of steps you need to take into consideration.

Ideally, they will need to be planted toward the end of the summer. The soil needs to be an average moistness. They need a good amount of sunlight, and you will not need to mulch this plant.

Always ensure you are pruning the plant, as this will allow it to grow correctly, and you will want to divide it when needed too.

What Is a Tropical Fern?

Tropical ferns are a specific type of fern that will not survive in cold or winter climates. As a result of this, you need to ensure that you live in the correct climates if you want to ensure that this plant can survive.

Does Thyme Come Back Every Year?

Yes, thyme does come back every year as it is a perennial. This is useful if you are looking to grow your own herbs and spices in your garden.

Indoor plants that start with T

• Ti Plant (Cordyline terminalis)
• Triangle Ficus (Ficus triangularis)
• Tillandsia Caput Medusae

Shrubs beginning with T

1. Thymus
2. Taxus
3. Trachelospermum
4. Tamarix

Resources relating to Plants That Start With T:

Perennials that start with the letter T | Plant Delights Nursery

Plants beginning with ‘T’ – Burncoose Nurseries

40 Flowers that Start with “T” – Home Stratosphere