A Few Words About Plant Families

Did you know that most of the vegetables and herbs we grow belong to only 11 plant families? Understanding who is related to who will help you rotate your crops to better avoid pest and disease problems in your garden.

Carrot Family, Apiaceae: Think Queen Anne's Lace type flowers and delicate foliage.

• carrot
• anise
• celery
• chervil
• cilantro
• dill
• fennel
• lovage
• parsley
• parsnip

Goosefoot Family, Chenopodiaceae: Yes, these are the same chenopods that you hear about on the allergy report on the news - several common weeds are in this family too!

• amaranth
• beets
• chard
• spinach

Gourd Family, Cucurbitaceae: Also known as the cucurbits.

• cucumber
• melons
• pumpkins
• squash
• watermelon

Grass Family, Poaceae: These plants are monocots - when they first come up, there will only be one little leaf (cotyledon) instead of the two you see with most plants.

• corn
• other grains

Lily Family, Liliaceae: Makes you think about asparagus in a different light!

• asparagus

Mint Family, Lamiaceae: Feel the stems, they are squarish instead of perfectly round. Also, give them a sniff. This is a very fragrant family!

• basil
• lemon balm
• marjoram
• mint
• oregano
• rosemary
• sage
• thyme

Mustard Family, Brassicaceae: These relatives are very smelly. Their flowers have four petals, like a cross; that's why these are also called crucifers.

• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbage
• radishes
• cauliflower
• collards
• horseradish
• kale
• kohlrabi
• rutabaga
• turnip
• watercress

Onion Family, Alliaceae: Pretty easy to identify by their scent and leaves.

• onions
• garlic
• leek
• shallot

Nightshade Family, Solanaceae: Many plants in this family are poisonous. Don't go experimenting with eating other parts of these plants!

• eggplant
• potato
• tomato
• pepper
• garden huckleberries
  

Pea Family, Fabaceae: Legumes that can actually fix nitrogen in the soil. Good to plant the year before a crop that uses lots of nitrogen.

• peas
• beans
• peanuts

Sunflower Family, Asteraceae: Daisy type blossoms.

• endive
• globe artichoke
• Jerusalem artichoke
• lettuce
• tarragon
• sunflowers
• chicory