Vegetable Family Names

List of Vegetable Common Names, Scientific & Botanical Names – Vegetable Family Names

Swedish botanist Charles Linnaeus devised a system for classifying vegetable family names in the 1770s using Latin names to describe groups with similar traits. Two of the most important classifications are vegetable family and genus and you can sort and filter for each our table.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetable Names

FAQs About Scientific / Botanical / Latin Plant Names

How are plants named?
- Common names for plants:
  Plants are given common names on an ad-hoc basis in different localities, regions and languages around the world so a single plant may have dozens of different common names.
- Scientific / Botanical names for plants:
  The botanical binomial system was devised to assign a unique botanical name to each plant and it works like family names. Start with the surname (the plant Genus), followed by the forename (the specific epithet) to create a unique plant species name for every plant. Latin is used because the system has been in use since the 18th century. Etiquette insists italics are used for the Genus, starting with a capital letter, followed by the species in lowercase.
What is the “Genus” of a plant?
A genus is a group of plants which share a unique set of common characteristics so they have been given the same first name.
What is the “specific epithet” of a plant?
The specific epithet is the second name which, added to the genus, completes the binomial. The specific epithet may have prefixes, suffixes and other components which scholars admit is a mess! The important thing is each plant ends up with a unique name, even if it gets re-classified or sub-species are added.
What is a plant “species”? (abbreviated sp.)
The species name for any plant is the binomial name formed by the first name (the genus) followed by the second name (the specific epithet) which may have variety and subspecies suffixes.
What is a plant “variety”? (abbreviated var.)
In botany a plant variety is a plant with a slightly different natural botanical structure which ranks below subspecies but above subvariety (abbreviated to .subvar) and form. Written in the form: Genus species var. variety.
What is a plant “cultivar”? (abbreviated cv.)
A cultivar, short for “cultivated variety” has been propagated by human intervention and would not occur naturally. Written in the form: Genus species cv. Cultivated Variety or Genus species ‘Cultivated Variety’.
What’s the difference between a variety and a cultivar?
Plant varieties occur naturally in the wild and their seeds retain the parent characteristics. Cultivars propagated by human intervention only retain the parent characteristics for one generation, their seeds may well not return the parent characteristics.
What is a plant “form”? (abbreviated f. and often omitted)
The form of a plant indicates a minor difference to the species which could be the color of the leaf, fruit or flower etc. Written in the form: Genus species f. form or Genus species form.
Pulses or Legumes – what’s the difference?
This is a British/American difference. In the UK, Canada, Australia & NZ etc. pulses refer to the dried edible seeds of some plants in the legume family, for example beans, lentils, chickpeas and split peas. In the US these are commonly referred to as legumes. Officially a legume is ANY plant of the Fabaceae/Leguminosae family and some leguminous plants are not edible.

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A-Z List of Vegetable Common Names	Vegetable Scientific Name / Botanical Name / Species	Genus	Family	Common Vegetable Family Names	Vegetable Info, Trivia & Key Facts
Alfalfa / Lucerne	Medicago sativa	Medicago	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Pea family	1 cup of Alfafa sprouts contains just 8 calories with 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of fiber.
Amaranth	Amaranthus	Amaranthus	Amaranthaceae	Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family	Originally grown in South American by the Aztecs over 5000 years ago. Protein rich plant.
Artichoke	Cynara scolymus	Cynara	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Artichoke leaves can be used to make tea.
Arugula	Eruca sativa	Eruca	Brassicaceae	Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family	Also see Rocket. Known as rocket because it grows fast!
Asparagus	Asparagus officinalis	Asparagus	Asparagaceae	Asparagus family	Doesn’t keep long once harvested because it has a high respiration rate. Rich in saponins offering many health benefits.
Aubergine	Solanum melongena	Solanum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Low in fat and calories, rich in soluble fibre. Called Aubergine in British English. See Eggplant for rest of world.
Bamboo shoots / Bamboo sprouts / Moso bamboo	Phyllostachys edulis	Phyllostachys	Poaceae	Grass family vegetables	Bamboo shoots must be boiled or cooked to remove natural toxins.
Bean / Wild bean	Phaseolus	Fabaceae	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Bean family	Beans and bean products (tofu, tempeh etc.) yield between 6-11% protein, the most concentrated plant-based protein in the world. See also Green bean.

Beet / Beetroot	Beta vulgaris	Beta	Amaranthaceae	Amaranth vegetable family names: Beetroot family	Beetroot can help cure a hangover. Its red color from the Betacyanin pigment speeds up liver detoxification.
Bell pepper / Sweet pepper	Capsicum annuum	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Capsicum is one of the vegetable family names that has many varieties and common names. Bell peppers change color and get sweeter the longer they are left on the vine. All peppers are initially green and ripen to yellow, red, purple, brown, black and ivory depending on the variety.
Bok choy / Bok choi	Brassica rapa subspecies chinensis	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Mild flavor. Fast growing with white stalks and dark green leaves. Can be eaten raw or cooked. See also Pak Choi
Broccoli	Brassica oleracea variety italica	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Broccoli is packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals, more vitamin C than an orange with protein and fiber.
Brussels sprout	Brassica oleracea variety gemmifera	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Winter crop with edible buds that look like mini Cabbages. Low GI food rich in protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Buckwheat	Fagopyrum esculentum	Fagopyrum	Polygonaceae	Buckwheat family	Pseudocereal eaten as cereal grain but do not grow in grasses. Gluten-free despite the name. Nutty flavor. Rice substitute.
Burdock / Greater Burdock / Niúbàng (牛蒡)	Arctium lappa	Arctium	Asteraceae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Edible root vegetable up to 1 metre (3 feet) long and 2cm diameter (3/4″) popular across Asia but out of favor in elsewhere. Considered a weed in Australia, North America and some other parts of the world. The tiny hooks of Burdock seed pods were the inspiration for the invention of Velcro.
Buttercup Squash	Cucurbita maxima	Cucurbita	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	High in carbs and antioxidants. Good source of potassium and fiber. See also Squash.
Cabbage	Brassica oleracea variety capitata	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Can be eaten raw or cooked. Low in fat and cholesterol, high in fiber, vitamins, potassium, iron and magnesium.
Cacao/Cocoa	heobroma cacao	Theobroma	Malvaceae	Mallow family	Cacao is the bean. Cocoa is the product made from the bean. Addictive alkaloids, delicious flavor, stimulant, purest form of chocolate. Three main varieties of cocoa are Forastero, Criollo and Trinatorio.
Canola (oil)	Brassica napus	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	See also Rapeseed oil.
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon	Cucumis melo variety cantalupensis	Cucumis	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Cantaloupe melons are rich in vitamin A and packed with antioxidants including lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene to defend against cancers. See also Melon and Honeydew melon.

Caraway seeds / Meridian fennel / Persian cumin	Carum carvi	Carum	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Caraway seeds are a popular spice with a sweet peppery aroma, essential oils, rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins.
Carob / Locust bean / St. John’s bread	Ceratonia siliqua	Ceratonia	Leguminosae / Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Bean family	The fruit of the Carob tree is an edible pod rich in sucrose and proteins, A and B vitamins and minerals. Carob flour can be used as a Cocoa substitute.
Carrot	Daucus carota subspecies sativus	Daucus	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Carrots are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene (which makes carrots orange). 40% beta-carotene is released when cooked compared to just 3% when eating raw carrots.
Cauliflower	Brassica oleracea variety botrytis	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Cauliflower contains sulforaphane which attacks cancer cells but only when you eat it raw. Cauliflower is also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cayenne pepper	Capsicum annuum	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Cayenne peppers are hotter in their ripe red color than green. 30,000-50,000 SHU on Scoville scale.
Celery	Apium graveolens	Apium	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Celery is 95% water, low in calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol and fat. Good source of vitamin K. Anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac.
Chamomile	Matricaria chamomilla	Matricaria	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Anti-inflammatory and other medical, cosmetic and aromatherapy uses. Popular tea.
Chayote / Choko / Christophene	Sechium edule	Sechium	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Chayote fruit, root, stem, seeds, shoots and leaves are all edible and provide vitamin C, folate and amino acids.
Chickpea / Chick pea / Garbanzo beans	Cicer arietinum	Cicer	Leguminosae / Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Pea family	Edible hot or cold. High in protien, soluble and dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. Low glycemic index (GI). Ground caffeine-free coffee substitute.
Chicory	Cichorium intybus	Cichorium	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Bitter leaves, closely related to Endive.
Chili pepper	Capsicum annuum	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Seeds are not the hottest part – where the seed attaches to the inside is the hottest part.
Chinese cabbage / Napa cabbage	Brassica rapa subspecies pekinensis	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Low in saturated fat and cholestrol, high in dietery fiber, vitamins and minerals, including iron.
Chives	Allium schoenoprasum	Allium	Amarylidaceae	Allium family, Cultivated garlic	Chives, along with chervil, parsley and tarragon are the classic French “fines herbs”.
Cilantro / Coriander / Chinese parsley	Coriandrum sativum	Coriandrum	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Cilantro is both a spice (seeds) and a herb (leaves).
Collard greens	Brassica oleracea variety acephala	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Cultivar of the Acephala Group which includes Spring greens and Kale.
Coriander / Cilantro / Chinese parsley	Coriandrum sativum	Coriandrum	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Coriander is both a herb (leaves) and a spice (seeds).
Corn / Sweet corn	Zea mays	Zea	Poaceae	Grass family	See also Maize cereal grain.
Cucumber	Cucumis sativus	Cucumis	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Slicing, pickling and seedless varieties.
Cucurbita / Field pumpkin	Cucurbita	Cucurbita	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	See also Squash.
Cumin	Cuminum cyminum	Cuminum	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Second most popular spice (black pepper is the most popular).
Daikon radish	Raphanus sativus variety Longipinnatus	Raphanus	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family	Fast growing long white root.
Dandelion	Taraxacum	Taraxacum	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Part of the daisy family.

Dill	Anethum graveolens	Anethum	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Dill is the only species in the Anethum genus. Should not be planted alongside carrots or tomatoes.
Eggplant / Brinjal	Solanum melongena	Solanum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Low calorie and fat rich in soluble fiber. Called Eggplant in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Brinjal in South Africa, South Asia. See also Aubergine.
Endive	Cichorium endivia	Cichorium	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Bitter leaves, closely related to Chicory.
Fennel	Foeniculum vulgare	Foeniculum	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Fennel bulbs have white flesh. Minty dried fennel seeds used as a spice. Part of carrot family. Should not be planted alongside other vegetables.
Garden sorrel / Spinach Dock	Rumex acetosa	Rumex	Polygonaceae	Buckwheat family	Often just called Sorrel.
Garlic	Allium sativum	Allium	Amarylidaceae	Allium family, Cultivated garlic	Allium is the Latin word for garlic. Garlic contains phytonutrients with proven health benefits.
Goji berry / Wolfberry	Lycium barbarum	Lycium	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Packed with nutrients, anti-oxidants (zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein and cryptoxanthin), minerals and vitamins. Widely used in Chinese medicine.
Goldenberry / Cape gooseberry	Physalis peruviana	Physalis	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Physalis is one of the vegetable family names that has many other common names. See also Peruvian groundcherry.
Green beans / Common bean	Phaseolus vulgaris	Phaseolus	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Bean family	Beans are high in fiber and protein, low in fat. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants. See also bean.
Guajillo chili pepper	Capsicum annuum ‘Guajillo’	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Medium heat 2500-5000 SHU on Schoville scale.
Habañero chili pepper / Bonnet pepper	Capsicum chinense Habanero Group	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Very hot heat 100,000-350,000 SHU on Schoville scale.
Honeydew melon / Honeymelon	Cucumis melo Linnaeus (Inodorus Group) ‘Honey Dew’	Cucumis	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Sweet pale flesh. See also Melon and Cantaloupe
Horseradish	Armoracia rusticana	Armoracia	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family	sharp flavor and strong smelling root vegetable. Related to Wasabi.
Italian pepper / Frigitello / Golden creek pepper	Capsicum annuum ‘Friggitello’	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Mild heat 0-500 SHU on the Schoville scale.
Jalapeño chili pepper	Capsicum annuum ‘Jalapeño’	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshade family	Medium heat 2500-8000 SHU on Schoville scale.
Jerusalem artichoke / Sunroot / Earth apple / Topinambour	Helianthus tuberosus	Helianthus	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Helianthus from the Greek god Helios, meaning sun.
Jicama / Mexican yam bean / Mexican turnip / Yacon	Pachyrhizus erosus	Pachyrhizus	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Bean family	Low calorie fruity tasting root vegetable. Good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Kale / Borecole	Brassica oleracea variety sabellica	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Leaf cabbage (doen’t form a head) with green or purple leaves. Cultivar of the Acephala Group which includes spring greens and Collard greens.
Kohlrabi	Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Can be eaten raw or cooked.
Lamb’s-Quarters / Melde / Goosefoot / Fat-Hen	Chenopodium album	Chenopodium	Amaranthaceae	Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family	Considered a weed in some parts of the world.
Leek	Allium ampeloprasum ‘Leek Group’	Allium	Amarylidaceae	Allium family, Cultivated garlic	“Leek” evolved from the Old English word “leac”.
Lentil / Egyptian lentil / Red lentil / Le Puy lentils	Lens culinaris	Fabaceae	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Lentil family	Cholesterol and gluten free, low fat edible pulse. 2 main groups; large lentils called macrospermae and small lentils called microspermae.
Lettuce / Butterhead / Chinese lettuce	Lactuca sativa	Lactuca	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Low calorie green leaves (15 calories per 100g) good source of antioxidants (esp. zeaxanthin), vitamins C & K and minerals.
Lima Beans / Butter beans (UK) / Sieva beans	Phaseolus lunatus	Phaseolus	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Bean family	Good source of soluble fiber (helps lower cholestrol and regulate blood sugar levels) and insoluble fiber, which helps prevent IBS and constipation.
Luffa	Luffa aegyptiaca	Luffa	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Excellent source of vitamin A and carbohydrates.
Maca / Maka	Lepidium meyenii	Lepidium	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family	Rich malty flavor. Protein containing all the essential amino acids your body needs along with vitamins and minerals.
Maize	Zea mays	Zea	Poaceae	Grass family vegetables	See also Corn cereal grain.
Melon	Cucumis melo variety cantalupensis	Cucumis	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	See also Cantaloupe.
Mustard greens	Brassica juncea	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Pungent smell and peppery flavor.
Napa cabbage / Chinese cabbage / Pe-Tsai / Won Bok	Brassica rapa subspecies pekinensis	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Low in calories, packed with anti-oxidants, fiber, vitamins etc. Can be eaten raw or steamed.
Okra / Okro / Ochro / Ladies’ fingers	Abelmoschus esculentus	Abelmoschus	Malvaceae	Mallow family	Okra seeds can be used to make a caffeine-free coffee substitute.
Onion	Allium cepa	Allium	Amarylidaceae	Allium family, Cultivated garlic	Originated in Middle-Asia.
Pak choi / Pak choy	Brassica rapa subspecies chinensis	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Fast growing with white stalks and dark green leaves. Mild flavor. Can be eaten cooked or raw. See also Bok Choy.
Paprika	Capsicum annuum	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Paprika is chilli powder.
Parsley	Petroselinum crispum	Petroselinum	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Curly parsley has less flavor and is often used as garnish.
Parsnip	Pastinaca sativa	Pastinaca	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Root vegetable, closely related to carrot and parsley.
Pasilla chili pepper	Capsicum annuum	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	dark, wrinkly skin. Mild to medium heat 2500-5000 SHU on Schoville scale.
Pea / Field pea / Snap pea / Snow pea / Split pea	Pisum sativum	Vicia	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Pea family	Edible seeds of legume crop.
Peanut / Groundnut / Earthnuts	Arachis hypogaea	Arachis	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Pea family	Rich in energy (100g = 567 calories) and antioxidants (including p-coumaric acid and resveratrol), nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Peruvian groundcherry / Physalis	Physalis peruviana	Physalis	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Physalis is one of the vegetable family names that has many other common names. See also Goldenberry.
Pepino melon	Solanum muricatum	Solanum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	edible skin but also easy to peel.
Pimiento / Pimiento / Cherry chili pepper	Capsicum annuum	Capsicum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Spanish mild 100-500 SHU on the Scoville scale.
Potato	Solanum tuberosum	Solanum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Potatoes contain lots of starch (carbs) so they are used like rice, pasta and bread.
Pumpkin	Cucurbita	Cucurbita	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Scientifically pumpkins are fruit because they contain seeds. Also see Squash.
Quinoa	Chenopodium quinoa	Chenopodium	Amaranthaceae	Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family	Mainly grown as grain crop for its edible white, red and black seeds.
Radish	Raphanus raphanistrum subspecies sativus	Raphanus	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family	edible root vegetable popular in salads.
Rapeseed (oil)	Brassica napus	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	See also Canola oil.
Rapini / Broccoli Rabe	Brassica ruvo	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Resembles Brocolli but does not form large head. Hypoallergenic and great source of vitamin C, A, K.
Rhubarb	Rheum rhabarbarum	Rheum	Polygonaceae	Buckwheat family	Vegetable often believed to be a fruit.
Rocket / Rucoli / Rugala	Eruca sativa	Eruca	Brassicaceae	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Also see Arugula. Popular salad leaves.
Romaine / Cos lettuce	Lactuca sativa variety longifolia	Lactuca	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Tall head with sturdy leaves.
Rutabaga / Swede / Yellow turnip / Neep	Brassica napobrassica	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Cross between cabbage and turnip. Edible leaves.
Safflower	Carthamus tinctorius	Carthamus	Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Thistle-like commercially grown for oil from seeds.
Salsify	Tragopogon porrifolius	Tragopogon	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	Light skinned edible root and herbal use.
Shallot	Allium cepa variety aggregatum	Allium	Amarylidaceae	Allium family, Cultivated garlic	Type of onion, not a separate species.
Soybean / Soya bean	Glycine max	Glycine	Leguminosae/ Fabaceae (US)	Legumes, Bean family	Soybeans can be used as a coffee substitute.
Spinach / Persian green	Spinacia oleracea	Spinacia	Amaranthaceae	Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family	Edible tender crispy dark green leaves. Only 23 calories per 100g, rich in iron, vitamin A, C & K, antioxidants and minerals.
Squash	Cucurbita	Cucurbita	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	High in vitamin A and good source of vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, B9 and minerals.
Sugar beet	Beta vulgaris subspecies vulgaris convariety vulgaris variety altissima	Beta	Amaranthaceae	Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family	Grown commercially for high concentration of sucrose in the root.
Sunflower	Helianthus	Helianthus	Asteraceae / Compositae	Aster vegetable family names: Composite family, Daisy family, sunflower family	From Helios the personification of the sun in Greek mythology
Sweet potato	Ipomoea batatas	Ipomoea	Convolvulaceae	Morning glory family	Sweet tasting root vegetable with edible young leaves and shoots.
Chard / White beet / Silverbeet / Strawberry spinach	Beta vulgaris subspecies vulgaris	Beta	Amaranthaceae	Amaranth vegetable family names: Goosefoot family, Beetroot family	Leafy green vegetable with inedible rootes. Low in calories, high in vitamin A, C, K with minerals and fiber.
Tamarillo	Solanum betaceum	Solanum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Can be yellow, orange, red or purple with or without darker stripes.
Tomatillo / Mexican husk tomato	Physalis philadelphica	Physalis	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	Small spherical green or green-purple fruit.
Tomato	Solanum lycopersicum	Solanum	Solanaceae	Nightshades family, potato family	State vegetable of New Jersey. State fruit of Ohio. Cooked tomatoes better than raw as benificial chemicals released.
Turnip	Brassica rapa subspecies rapa	Brassica	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer vegetable family names: Mustard family, Cabbage family, Brassica family	Low calorie root vegetable rich in antioxidents, vitamins and minerals.
Virginia pepperweed / Pepperwort	Lepidium virginicum	Lepidium	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer family, Mustard family	Young leaves edible raw or as a herb. Young seeds substitute for black pepper.
Wasabi / Japanese horseradish	Eutrema japonicum	Wasabia	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer family, Cabbage family, Mustard family	Related to Horseradish and Mustard.
Watercress	Nasturtium officinale	Rorippa	Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)	Crucifer family, Mustard family	Peppery green leaves richer in Vitamin C than Orange. Anti-cancer and immune system boosting properties.
Watermelon	Citrullus lanatus	Citrullus	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Originally from Africa. State vegetable of Oklahoma.
Wax gourd / Winter melon / Pai Gua	Benincasa hispida	Benincasa	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Widely grown across Asia. White juicy sweet flesh. Good source of vitamin B1, B3, vitamin C and minerals. 96% water, ideal for low fat diets.
Wheatgrass / Wild triga	Thinopyrum intermedium	Agropyron	Poaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Wheat sprouting leaves are gluten-free because wheat seed has not formed. Popular as juice.
Wild Carrot / Bird’s nest / Bishop’s lace	Daucus carota	Daucus	Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)	Umbellifers family, Celery family, Carrot family, parsley family	Ancestor of all cultivated carrots. The roots and leaves before flowering are edible, after which the white flower head can be eaten raw or fried. Warning: Wild carrot looks similar to poisonous hemlock so be certain! Considered a weed in some parts of the world.
Zucchini / Courgette / Marrow	Cucurbita pepo variety cylindrica	Cucurbita	Cucurbitaceae	Cucurbits family, Gourd family	Edible flowers. Anti-cancer and heart disease properties, higher Potassium than bananas.

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Vegetable family names in German: Kräuter und Gewürze
Spotted a mistake? Do you have any suggestions to improve our vegetable family names list please add your comments below…

8 responses to “Vegetable Family Names”

JC says:
February 22, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Hi Katie, enter “Capsicum” into the vegetable family names filter box and to see all the common names for vegetables in the list.
JC says:
April 17, 2017 at 11:50 am
Thanks for your kind remark and comment. Photos would look good and could be useful. If enough people ask for them we’ll consider adding them. ADDucation’s primary focus is creating clear sortable lists which load fast, photos would slow this down – it would be a trade off.
Ali Ismail Jama says:
April 17, 2017 at 7:49 am
It’s a very good vegetable list – especially with the scientific name along with the genus and family name, It would be even better if photos were added to make it further identification easier.
.
JC says:
November 2, 2016 at 8:54 am
Thanks for your comments Samantha, it looks like it’s UK/US/rest of world thing – I’ve added both for now.
Samantha Coronado says:
November 2, 2016 at 8:32 am
Rodney, All beans are part of the Fabaceae family or legume family. Definitely not gourds 🙂
Samantha Coronado says:
November 2, 2016 at 8:31 am
I noticed you are still using Leguminosae as a family name. This is now outdated!! The legume family is now officially Fabaceae – it would be useful if you updated your table to reflect this. Thanks so much.
Rodney says:
September 26, 2016 at 8:06 am
I want a full complete list of all gourd vegetables and fruits.
As we are Buddhists and cannot eat them and if you know if certain drinks and juices and if any beans are a part of this family
Katie says:
September 16, 2016 at 6:33 am
Hi, so I have an acute allergy to capsaicin and am trying to research all of the foods and medications that contain it. It is a big problem for me not knowing what all they are, especially as food ingredients. I can’t find a list of the common names anywhere, I can find the latin names for each but that doesn’t help me as not many people know latin. Can you perhaps aid me in my search?