There are loads of weird and wonderful things to discover in the natural world. And, in all of nature, no territory is stranger than the plant world! Keep reading for trees that start with L.
With millions of different species and cultivars, you might think it’s nearly impossible to learn them all.
But, if you’ve made it your mission to cram as many different types of trees and plants into your memory as possible, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’re concentrating on trees that start with the letter L. Some of these you’ll have heard of before, while others will be brand new to you. Either way, you’re guaranteed to learn something interesting!Are you ready? Let’s dive straight in!
1. Lime Tree
Lime trees are native to the Mediterranean region and were introduced into North America in the early 1800s by European settlers.
The lime tree is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall with a spread of 30-50 feet.
It has an oval shape with smooth gray bark and glossy green leaves. The flowers are white or yellowish-white and appear from spring through summer.
2. Lemon Tree
Lemon trees are native to India and Southeast Asia. They have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now grown around the world as a food crop and ornamental plant.
Lemons are used in cooking and baking and their juice is used to make beverages. The fruit is also used in medicine and perfumes.
In some countries, lemons are considered sacred because they symbolize rebirth and resurrection.
3. Linden Tree
Linden Trees are native to Europe and parts of Asia. They are deciduous trees that grow to about 50 feet high. Their light green foliage turns orange in autumn.
The linden tree is often seen at parks and along streets where it provides shade and beauty during warm weather. The wood of the linden tree is soft and easily worked.
4. Lily Tree
Lily Trees are native to China and Japan. They are deciduous trees that reach heights of 60 feet and have dark green foliage.
The flower buds are shaped like tulips and open into large fragrant blooms. The flowers last several weeks and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The seeds are eaten by birds and provide good nutrition for them.
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5. Lilac
The lilac is one of the most popular garden plants. There are many different varieties of this shrub including the hybrid ‘Double’ which produces double blossoms on each branch.
This variety was developed in France over 100 years ago. Lilacs are easy to grow and require little maintenance.
They do best when planted in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They bloom in the spring and produce attractive clusters of small white or purple flowers.
6. Locust Tree
The locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) is native to eastern North America. It grows quickly and reaches heights of 80 feet. Its leaves are compound and its branches are covered with thorns.
The flowers are produced in late spring and are followed by round pods containing winged seeds. These pods resemble locusts and give the tree its common name.
7. Longan Tree
Longans are native to southern China and northern Vietnam. They are evergreen trees that grow to 20 feet tall. The longan tree is widely cultivated in tropical areas and is known for its edible fruits.
The fruit resembles lychees and tastes similar, too. When ripe, the fruit splits open to reveal two sections that contain a single seed.
Each section contains a sweet pulp surrounded by a bitter aril. The longan tree does well in both dry and moist soil types.
8. Loquat Tree
Loquat Trees are native to China. They are deciduous trees that grow to a height of 15 feet and bear red or yellow fruit throughout the year.
The loquat tree is very hardy and tolerates poor soil conditions. It is commonly found in subtropical regions and thrives in hot climates.
9. Lotus Tree
Lotus Trees are native to South Asia. They are aquatic plants that grow in ponds and lakes. The lotus tree has thick fleshy roots that allow it to float on water.
The lotus tree’s large heart-shaped leaves can be up to 6 feet wide and grow from the trunk. Flowers appear in early summer and are pollinated by bees.
The seeds ripen after flowering and sink to the bottom of the pond. The seeds then germinate and sprout new shoots.
10. Lychee Tree
Lychees are native to Southeast Asia. They are deciduous trees that grow to 30 feet tall. The fruit matures in late fall and is harvested by hand.
The lychee tree is widely grown in tropical countries because of its delicious fruit.
11. Larch
Larch trees are deciduous conifers that grow as far north as Canada and as far south as Chile. They prefer cold temperatures and thrive in wet locations.
Larch trees are used commercially for their wood and paper products. The needles of the larch tree have been used historically as an insecticide.
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12. Loblolly Pine
The loblolly pine tree is native to the southeastern United States. It is often called the American Beech due to its smooth gray bark.
The loblolly pine prefers warm weather and grows rapidly. It is also highly adaptable and tolerant of saltwater. The cones of the loblolly pine are eaten by turkeys.
13. Longleaf Pine
The longleaf pine is native to the southeastern states of the USA. It is a slow-growing tree that requires ample sunlight. It is often seen along coastal beaches and dunes where the sand provides protection from strong winds.
Longleaf pines can live for hundreds of years and more than 1,000 years have been documented.
14. Linnet
Linnet trees are native to Europe and western Asia. They are deciduous trees that reach a maximum height of 50 feet.
The linnet tree produces small white flowers in spring and orange berries in autumn. The fruit is not edible but makes good bird food.
15. Lobelia
Lobelias are herbaceous perennials that grow wild in many parts of the world. They produce trumpet-shaped blooms with colorful petals.
There are about 400 different species of lobelia. Many species have medicinal properties.
16. Leucadendron
Leucadendrons are trees that belong to the heath family (Ericaceae). They are native to North America and Europe.
The leucadendron tree is one of the largest trees in the world. It is common in mountainous regions and forests of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada.
17. Ligustrum
Ligustrums are shrubs that belong to the privet family (Oleaceae). They are native primarily to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Some ligustrum varieties are ornamental plants while others are considered weeds. The fruits of the ligustrum plant are edible and contain vitamin C.
18. Liriope
Liriopes are perennial herbs that belong to the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). They originated in tropical areas around the globe and are commonly known as Jerusalem artichokes.
These plants are used as vegetables or are cultivated as ornamentals. The tubers of the liriope plant resemble ginger root.
19. Lycium
Lyciums are shrubs that belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). They are native mainly to China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia.
Lyciums are used medicinally and in Chinese cooking. The fruit of the lycium plant is used to make wine.
20. Lythrum
Lythrums are shrubs that belong to the mint family (Labiatae). They are native to Europe and Asia. The leaves of the lythrum plant are used to flavor foods such as tea and cheese.
The seeds of the lythrum are poisonous if ingested.
21. Lacewing Tree
The lacewing tree is native to Africa. It has large glossy green leaves and fragrant red flowers. The wood of the lacewing tree is hard and durable making it useful for construction projects.
22. Lacebark Maple
The lacebark maple is native to eastern North America. Its sap is collected and boiled into sugar. This type of maple is most abundant in the Appalachian Mountains.
23. Lamb’s Quarter
Lamb’s quarters are annual herbs that belong to the cabbage family (Brassicaceae). They are native mostly to Eurasia and North America.
Lamb’s quarter is also called pigweed because its leaves look like those of a pig. The young leaves and stems of lamb’s quarter are eaten by humans and livestock.
The flower buds of the lamb’s quarters can be pickled.
24. Lady Fern
The lady fern is a perennial herb that belongs to the fern family (Polypodiaceae). It is native to eastern North America and Eurasia.
The fronds of the lady fern are used as an herbal remedy for coughs and colds.
RELATED: 19 Different Types Of Mulberry Trees (With Pictures)
25. Lantana
Lantanas are shrubs that belong primarily to the verbena family (Verbenaceae). They are native throughout much of South America. Lantanas are popular garden plants.
Their small white flowers bloom from spring through summer. The leaves of the plant have insect-repelling properties.
26. Laurel
Laurels are deciduous trees that belong to the laurel family (Lauraceae). They are native to western North America. Lauras are widely planted as street trees.
The leaves of the laurel tree are used to flavor foodstuffs including coffee and chocolate. The berries of the laurel are edible and contain high levels of antioxidants.
Conclusion
There you have it – a complete list of trees and plants that begin with the letter L.
If you’re curious about what trees and plants start with other letters of the alphabet, be sure to check out the rest of our 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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