European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a large deciduous tree often used for ornamental purposes. European beech tends to out-compete other tree species, due to its dense canopy and tolerance to shade. Its wood is highly valued and has a very diverse use, including making furniture, musical instruments, for construction, as firewood, charcoal, and plywood.

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.

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Looking like a miniature fairy tale tree, jade plant is one of the world's most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, Crassula ovata is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.

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.

“Sempervivum” means “always living” in Latin. Adapted to droughts, baking sun, and cold winters of their native south European mountains, the common houseleek can truly live through almost anything. It has been grown for centuries on roofs of European houses as it was believed to deter lightning strikes. Young houseleeks grow around the mother plant, earning it the alternative name “Hens and Chicks.”

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.

The zanzibar gem is a flowering green plant native to eastern Africa. It also gets the name emerald palm because of its bright, glossy color. Today, the zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is grown around the world as a houseplant, in part because it is easy to grow and care for. Though this plant is mildly toxic if ingested, its danger level is often overstated.

The china rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy to see why the china rose was chosen as the basis for many rose hybrids.

False christmas cactus gets its name from its flowering season; producing red purple pink or white flowers from fall to winter. Native to a small coastal strip on the east of Brazil this cactus prefers the shade and humidity of jungle conditions. In the wild hummingbirds pollinate the flowers.

Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) is a chestnut tree native to the southern region of Europe. The seeds of sweet chestnut are one of the most ancient foods. Sweet chestnut grows well in weathered soil at an acidic pH.

Aegopodium podagraria, commonly known as ground elder, is a herbaceous perennial native to Eurasia. Origin of its common name lies in the shape of its leaves and flowers, somewhat similar to elderberry. Ground elder is often cultivated as an ornamental plant. Due to its fast spread via rhizomes, it is considered an invasive species in certain countries.

Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta) has become naturalized around the world ever since Spanish colonization. It needs full sun to flourish, and planting it around your garden will resist deer, yet attract butterflies and hummingbirds for you. People with sensitive skin should avoid touching it as its irritant sap can cause contact dermatitis.

Blue fescue (*Festuca glauca*) is a clump-forming ornamental grass that is an evergreen perennial. Blue fescue is often planted for ornamental groundcover, but can become a weed if not carefully controlled. The Latin name Festuca glauca means "pale blue-grey."

Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is a flowering plant native to Southern Europe. The Latin name Iberis sempervirens refers to the plant's appearance and means 'always green.' evergreen candytuft is popular in gardens due to the aesthetic value of its blossoms.

As its common name suggests, meadowsweet is a sweet-smelling herb that often grows in meadows. It is a perennial in the rose family and is native to Europe, the British Isles, and western Asia, and has also been naturalized in parts of North America. Filipendula ulmaria has been used to create potpourris and to add flavor to beers, wines, and stews.

Lychee is a tall evergreen tree native to southeastern China. It bears pink fruits with a rough skin. The juicy fruit is a very popular food, and the trees are cultivated widely in many parts of Asia.

Pink-sorrel (Oxalis articulata) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in temperate climates throughout its native South America. Pink-sorrel is popular for ornamental ground cover growth in China and Turkey. It is susceptible to fungal disease.