Top 20 Most Common Plants in France

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in France

In France, you can find English ivy, European ash, Stinging nettle, Sycamore, Tomato, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

English ivy

English ivy is the most common climber of European forests. It is a perennial woody vine with evergreen, dark, shiny lobed leaves. It utilizes aerial rootlets to attach to the tree bark with exceptional strength, helping the english ivy creep more than 15 m up a tree. Hedera helix also grows as a forest groundcover and is invasive outside its native range.

European ash

2. European ash

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a large deciduous tree featured in Norse mythology and Scottish folklore. European ash is native to mainland Europe. This species is susceptible to the disease Ash dieback which is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. European ash often grows in basic soils on calcareous substrates.

Stinging nettle

3. Stinging nettle

Although the stinging nettle has a variety of uses it is best known for its eponymous sting. It has sharp defensive hairs on its leaves and stems which will release pain-inducing chemicals when touched. Nevertheless, Dorset, England hosts an annual World Nettle Eating Championship, which started with a debate between two farmers over the severity of their nettle infestations. To consume them more safely, stinging nettles must be thoroughly boiled.

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Sycamore

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a tree native to Europe and Asia. Sycamore is tolerant of wind and coastal exposure. This species is known as the sycamore maple in the United States. Sycamore wood is commercially used to make musical instruments, furniture, joinery, wood flooring and kitchen utensils.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Common hazel

6. Common hazel

Common hazel (Corylus avellana) is a deciduous shrub species that is cultivated for its edible nuts. Hazelnuts can refer to the nut from any Corylus species, but it most often refers to Corylus avellana. The nuts from common hazel are eaten straight or used in making confectionary. Common hazel is native to Europe and western Asia.

Common hawthorn

7. Common hawthorn

Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a flowering tree that is actually part of the rose family. It is not unusual in garden settings and arranged as hedges. Examples of famous common hawthorn trees include the apocryphal oldest tree in France, and a well-known hawthorn in England that stood out for flowering three times a year.

Elder

Elder is a malodorous shrub whose berries nevertheless act as an important food source for birds. To humans, except for its flowers and ripen fruits, other parts are poisonous. Ripen fruits can be cooked and made into jams, jellies and chutneys, while flowers could be made into syrups, but it is recommended to be guided by a professional before picking.

Ribwort plantain

9. Ribwort plantain

Ribwort plantain grows in a number of different habitats as long as it has enough sunlight. Its leaves have characteristic parallel veins that make it easy to identify. The heads of ribwort plantains get popped off in some common British children's games. Its seeds are critical food sources for songbirds, and its leaves are eaten by rabbits and deer.

Sweet cherry

10. Sweet cherry

Sweet cherry is a well-known species to fruit lovers worldwide. This stone fruit varies in flavor from sweet to tart, depending on the specific cultivar. Sweet cherry is also used for lumber and is a preferred wood type for furniture.

Swiss cheese plant

11. Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Common yarrow

12. Common yarrow

Common yarrow is a wildflower that has feathery leaves and flowers in white, yellow or pink. In China, the plant is considered to be good luck while for some time in Scotland it was believed to have magical properties. It has been brewed into beer, tea, and liquors, but it has low toxicity. Do not consume in large quantities. Common yarrow's bitter leaves are toxic to pets and horses. Other livestock can eat it, though it gives cow milk an unpleasant flavor.

Common dogwood

13. Common dogwood

The common dogwood tree contains some of the toughest wood of any tree. As a result, it is said that the cross used to crucify Jesus Christ was built from this. The pollen in the blossoms of this plant attracts butterflies, and the berries attract birds. It is typically planted as an aesthetic plant and is utilized for borders, hedges, or screens.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Golden pothos

15. Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Madagascar dragon tree

16. Madagascar dragon tree

Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia) is an evergreen tree often cultivated as an ornamental or houseplant. It is no wonder why madagascar dragon tree is one of the most popular houseplants - its richly colored, olive-green leaves and thick stems are very aesthetic. Aside from the attractive looks, madagascar dragon tree is said to have good air-purifying qualities (as many indoor plants).

Common hornbeam

17. Common hornbeam

Common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a deciduous small to medium-size tree that commonly grows in scree forests on mountainside cliffs. Common hornbeam often has a fluted and crooked trunk. The bark is smooth and greenish-grey, even in old trees. Common hornbeam is commonly planted as an ornamental tree in parks in northwestern Europe.

Orchard grass

18. Orchard grass

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) is native to Eurasia and was introduced to North America around the 18th century as a forage grass. Now it is widely naturalized in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. It is also called "cat grass" because our feline friends love to chew on it.

Florist kalanchoe

19. Florist kalanchoe

Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) originates from Madagascar and has been a popular houseplant since the 1930s. Unlike most other succulents that are grown for their interesting leaves, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is valued for the colorful flowerheads it produces in autumn and winter. This is the reason it is commonly gifted during holidays, earning it another name - Christmas kalanchoe. It is toxic to pets.

Creeping thistle

20. Creeping thistle

This aggressive weed spreads across grasslands and fields via underground roots that creep horizontally, some for more than 5 m. It can cause major problems to agriculture if its growth is left unchecked. Its seeds feed many birds as well as pest insects. Creeping thistle is generally considered a noxious weed even in its native territory.

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Europe > France

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte

Centre-Val de Loire

Hauts-de-France

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Pays de la Loire

Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

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More Plants in France

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Most Common Toxic Plants

France, with its diverse climates ranging from oceanic in the northwest to Mediterranean in the southeast, possesses varied environments that can sustain different types of vegetation, including toxic plants. Concerns regarding the proliferation of , , and illuminate the broader issue of potentially harmful flora thriving across France's favorable habitats. Vigilance and education on these toxic species are increasingly important for public safety and ecosystem management.

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Most Common Flowers

France's diverse climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers. Among them, , , and bloom resplendently, adding visual beauty, symbolic significance, and ecological value to the region. Precise information and trustworthy sources validate the importance of these flowers, making them an integral part of France's natural landscape.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring breathes new warmth into France’s landscapes, myriad flowers awaken. Among them, unfurls delicate petals, a testament to nature's resilience. The iconic bursts forth, embodying the vibrancy of the season. Lastly, dots the French scenery, heralding Spring's full swing with their symbolic presence.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In France, Spring unfurls in a gentle crescendo of warmth, nurturing the rebirth of nature. The season's soft sunlight and fertile soils give rise to a bountiful harvest of local fruit plants. Among these, , , and exemplify the freshness and rebirth that the season ushers in. These spring-harvested fruits are a treasured presence in local markets, embodying the vibrancy of the French countryside.

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Most Common Fruits

France's temperate climate and diverse soils—from the fertile valleys of the Loire to the sun-drenched fields of Provence—provide an ideal setting for cultivating a range of local fruit plants. Esteemed varieties such as , , and thrive here, each deeply ingrained in the nation's gastronomic heritage. These fruits are celebrated for their unique flavors and are pivotal to local economies, with many regions hosting festivals and markets dedicated to their harvest and culinary uses.

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Most Common Trees

France, with its diverse climatic and soil conditions, provides an ideal environment for the growth of native trees. Among the most emblematic species, , , and stand tall. These trees hold immense cultural and ecological value within the region. They are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of France, providing habitat for wildlife, contributing to the beauty of the landscape, and serving as an integral part of the local identity.

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Most Common Weeds

France's temperate climate, with its mild winters and warm summers, creates a fertile breeding ground for garden weeds. Amongst the most common offenders, , , and stand out for their resilience and rapid proliferation, often outcompeting cultivated plants for resources. Gardeners across the country grapple with these invasive greens, which require consistent efforts to manage and contain, lest they overrun cherished plants and disrupt ecosystem balance.

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Most Common Tall Trees

France's temperate climate and varying landscapes, from mountainous regions to fertile plains, offer an ideal habitat for numerous tall tree species. Among these, , , and stand as silent sentinels, skyward bound. These trees not only contribute to the majestic beauty of French forests but are also pivotal to ecological balance and historical legacy, witnessed by generations and providing sanctuary to diverse wildlife.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in France brings a serene cold that surprisingly becomes a haven for certain flowers. Despite the chill, , , and boldly blossom, displaying their resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth. These winter blooms add a touch of vibrancy to the frosty environment, creating a stunning contrast between the frozen landscape and the colorful flowers.

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