Nowadays, there are many Italian plants used as decorative and ornamental plants and for some medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
However, the most popular plants are the Mediterranean plants, which thrive in Mediterranean climates. These conditions in the Mediterranean are characterized by a hot and dry summer, with mild winters and sunshine.
Most Italian plants require a lot of sunshine and warm temperatures, so they are excellent plants to grow in hot and humid climates. However, they are not very tolerant of cold, so they need to be protected during the winter. They can also be grown in a greenhouse if you don’t have a garden in Italy.
The great thing about growing species from this country is that most aren’t very susceptible to disease or pests because they are usually produced in a well-balanced environment. However, some plants are prone to attack by aphids and scale insects.
And, Italian plants are easily propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds! Seeds are often sown directly in the garden in the spring. Most Italian plants have a long blooming period, too! Want to know more? Read on!
Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens)
The Mediterranean Cypress is also known as the Italian Cypress, which flowers in the spring and summer, followed by brown cones with seeds.
It is a coniferous evergreen tree that has a triangular shape and an incredible lifespan of approximately 150 years, which means many generations in your family can enjoy it!
Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
Sage is an herb with a powerful and pleasant aroma, whose leaves have a silvery-green color and a fragile texture. It is used fresh or dried in cooking and teas, making it one of the most popular herbs in the world.
Myrtles (Myrtus Communis)
The myrtle tree is a small tree with a height of up to 4 meters, which grows in sunny places, and is quite resistant to cold weather. It has gray-green leaves and white flowers, which sit on branches to make furniture and construct buildings.
Juniper (Juniperus Communis)
Juniper is a conical shape and green leaves, with a strong fragrance and a bitter taste. It is used in the making of gin and can be used as a medicinal plant and an ornamental feature in gardens.
Carrubo
Carrubo is a plant with a fascinating appearance, which can be used in the kitchen as a culinary herb and for its beautiful appearance. It grows in warm and sunny areas and can reach a height of about 1 meter.
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Lavender is a trendy plant in Europe, which is where it’s used as a culinary herb and as a fragrance and for its healing properties. It has small flowers that can be either white or purple, but the most common is the purple variety.
Cork Oak (Quercus Suber)
The Cork Oak is an oak tree with bark that can be harvested and used to create cork, which is commonly found in stoppering wine bottles. It has a prolonged growth rate and an incredible lifespan, thriving in Mediterranean climates.
Olive (Olea Europaea)
The Olive tree is one of the most popular trees globally and is a symbol of wisdom and peace. It is an evergreen tree with an average lifespan of about 150 years.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)
The Eucalyptus tree is native to Australia, which is also suited to be grown in Italy and is used for many things, including creating oil used for medicinal purposes. The Eucalyptus tree can grow to a height of about 50 meters, and the foliage has an excellent texture.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary is an evergreen tree that originates from the Mediterranean area and symbolizes remembrance and fidelity in many cultures. It has a very unique appearance, with blue-green leaves and white flowers, which are commonly used in cooking and teas.
Maritime Pine
The Maritime Pine is a coniferous evergreen tree that can grow to a height of about 20 meters and can thrive in very harsh conditions, including in cold weather. It is also known as the “Tree of Life” because of its incredible longevity and ability to withstand extreme conditions.
Sweet Chestnut (Castanea Sativa)
The Castanea sativa is a tree that can grow to a height of about 20 meters and is a symbol of longevity in many cultures. It’s a very resistant tree that grows in warm and sunny areas and can live up to 1000 years!
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Bay Laurel
The Bay Laurel is a tree with a powerful aroma and a wonderful texture, sometimes confused with the bay leaf. It is used as a spice and a fragrance for its healing properties.
Agrumes
Agrumes is the name used to describe the citrus plants of Italy, which are mainly used to create essential oils that are used in cooking, perfumes, and medicines. Some of the most popular plants are lemons, oranges, and tangerines.
Lemon Tree
The Lemon Tree is a citrus tree with a fragrant aroma, which is very popular worldwide. It’s used for the creation of essential oils and cooking and is also used as a decorative plant in gardens or as a houseplant.
Orange Tree
The Orange Tree is a citrus tree that has a very distinctive smell and is used for the creation of essential oils and cooking. If you’re not looking to make something with the fruit, you can also use this as a decorative plant in gardens or your home.
Cinnamon Tree
The cinnamon tree is a popular species used in the creation of essential oils and cooking. In addition, it’s a very aromatic tree that can be used in many dishes, making it a beloved favorite for chefs who want to create warming food.
Pinus Nigra
The Pinus nigra is a coniferous evergreen tree known as the Italian Black Pine. It’s a slow-growing tree that thrives in rocky areas and can live up to a thousand years in many other countries besides Italy.
Pinus Cembra
The Pinus cembra is another stunning evergreen tree that can grow to about 20 meters and is otherwise known as the Italian Stone Pine. The Italian Stone Pine is a very popular species in many areas, including the Mediterranean, because it’s used to create essential oils.
Strawberry Tree
The Strawberry Tree is a very popular species in the Mediterranean, where it’s also known as the Arbutus unedo. It’s a plant with a beautiful texture and a distinctive appearance, which is also very popular in many gardens due to its incredible beauty.
Gentiana Nivalis
Gentiana nivallis is a species of flowering plant that grows in the mountains of Italy. This wildflower is blue and reaches skywards towards the warm Mediterranean sun, meaning it’s an ideal delicate space-filler for suitable planting beds.
Saxifraga Oppositifolia
Saxifraga oppositifolia is a white-pink flowering plant thriving in Italy’s mountains, most commonly found in the alpine regions. It’s hardy and requires little maintenance for an attractive and long-lasting display, which means it’s perfect for beginner gardeners.
Common Alder (Alnus Glutinosa)
Alnus glutinosa is a species of fast-growing tree that flourishes in the Italian alpine regions. It’s used as a food source for the indigenous wildlife and for humans as it’s often used for smoking food, furniture making, and adding bushy foliage to woodland.
White Willow (Salix Alba)
Salix alba is a willow tree that grows in Italy and central Asia, commonly used for weaving baskets and other traditional uses. It can grow to an impressive height and adds a beautiful, delicate touch to any garden.
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Umbelliferae
Umbelliferae is a plant that grows in Italy and can be used for cooking and traditional medicine. It has a fine texture and is a hardy and undemanding plant that will flourish in any climate.
Common Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus)
Carpinus betulus is a tree that grows in the Italian alpine regions and is commonly used for woodworking and timber. This tree can grow to a height of about 20 meters and is hardy and easy to care for, making it perfect for beginner landscapers.
European Oak (Quercus Robur)
Quercus robur is a species of oak that originates from Europe, often cut down for timber in furniture making, such as flooring and constructing homes. It can reach a height of about 20 meters, and its acorns are beloved by wildlife such as squirrels.
Conclusion
Italy is a beautifully rich country filled with gorgeous natural species. The advantage to choosing many Mediterranean plants is that most can survive and often thrive in different climates.
If you’re a chef looking for plants that you can use in your cooking, we recommend getting yourself some herbs, an olive tree, and an orange bush!
We hope you enjoyed us taking you through some brilliant Italian plants. For more informative content on plants, check out our other articles.
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The majority of people who have no interest in the subject, and aren’t green fingered assume that all plants and vegetables require the same growing conditions. This is not the case at all. Each plant has its own unique and interesting history and growing process.
I hope you will find The Natural List useful, and that it will help educate you on the wide variety of different flower and plant species there are across the globe.
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