Nothing in life would be the same without flowers, right? Flowers are a special part of our environment and come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colours, and aromas!
Flowers are popular with everyone. Florals adorn our gardens and tables as centrepiece decorations, and they’re both beautiful and elegant. Floral hairpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, and other floral customs can be found in wedding and prom traditions.
Flowers have their own allure, yet there are so many distinct types! There’s undoubtedly one we’ve never encountered before. Are you looking for flower names to assist you? If that’s the case, the following alphabetical list of flower names may be useful.
This article will explore different types of flowers that start with the letter D. From, Dusty Miller to Daffodil, you’ll be sure to find the perfect flower.
Table of Contents
Daffodil (Narcissus)
Daffodil, the national flower of Wales. The daffodil is a perennial plant native to Great Britain and Ireland. Daffodils are part of the genus Narcissus. The base of the petals is dark in colour with distinctive orange-tipped lobes shaped like cups or trumpets, which distinguishes it from the other native species.
The name Daffodil was first recorded in English during the 14th century when it referred to the narcissus. The origin of this word comes from the Latin ‘narcissus’ or Greek ‘ναρκισσος’, which in turn is formed from “narke”, meaning “numbness” or “sleep”, and “Narcissus”, the name of a fair, beautiful young man who fell in love with his own image.
Dahlia (Aster Family)
Dahlia is a perennial plant native to Mexico. The dahlia belongs to the sunflower family of plants, which consists of over 22,300 different species. It’s probably best known for its spectacular flowers that are available in an array of bright colours or pastel hues. The origin of the name dahlia is considered to be unknown.
Daisy (Aster Family)
Daisy is a common name for flowers in the daisy family (Asteraceae), as well as those related to the chrysanthemum. There are two main types of daisies: Shasta Daisy and ox-eye daisy.
The origin of this word comes from ‘day’s eye’, referring to the blooming flower’s resemblance to the sun, whose rays appear as a ‘circle’ of petals around a yellow disk. The genus name “Bellis” is from the Greek for ‘little star’.
Daphne (Daphne odora, Winter Daphne)
Daphne is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Thymelaeaceae. The name comes from the Greek name Δαφνη, meaning “laurel”.
There are shrubby species growing up to 1.5 metres tall and large herbaceous perennial species reaching similar heights. They all have slender evergreen leaves and clusters of small sweetly scented, pendant cream or white flowers in early summer. The fruit is a dry capsule that splits explosively at the slightest touch, dispersing the minute seeds over the ground.
Day Lily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are perennial plants native to eastern and southeastern Asia but naturalized throughout the North American continent. The genus Hemerocallis comes from the Greek words “ημερα” meaning day and “καλος/καλια” meaning beauty.
There are two types of daylilies: one has spotted leaves and blooms once a year while another type has variegated leaves and blooms twice a year.
Delphinium (Larkspur) Ranunculus Family
Delphiniums are perennial flowers that contain toxic substances. They’re native to Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. The generic name Delphinium derives from the Greek word delphis meaning “a dolphin”.
The term ‘delphinium’ was first used by Dutch botanist Pieter Baster in 1738 where he noted the plant’s resemblance to a dolphin. Later it became known as Stellaria which means star-shaped (referring to its flower).
Desert Rose (Dogbane)
The Desert Rose is a shrub that originates from the deserts of North Africa. It belongs to the genus Adenium (from Greek aden meaning ‘gland’ and bios meaning ‘life’). Adenium obesum, also called Desert Rose, is closely related to the oleander.
There are over 100 species of desert roses but they all have large thick leaves on top with smaller leaves on the bottom. Also, these plants contain an acrid milk-like juice which helps protect them against pests, humans included! The desert rose flower has petals – some can be very big while others are small or even non-existent!
Dianella (Flax Lily)
Dianella is a small genus of about 5-10 species that originate from New Zealand, Australia and the nearby Pacific Islands. They’re closely related to the sword lily. The name ‘flax lily’ comes from these plants’ use as a source for fibre in various parts of its range.
The origin of this word comes from “dien” from the Greek name Διανελλη meaning “laurel”, plus “ela” which means “shrub”. It was first recorded by Joseph Banks during Captain Cook’s first voyage to New Holland (now Australia).
Dianthus (Pinks, Sweet William) Carnation Family
Dianthus is a genus containing about 300 species that are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. The word ‘pink’ comes from the flowers’ delicate shape and vivid colour (one of the earliest flower colours to appear in spring).
The genus name Dianthus derives from the Greek words Dios meaning “heavenly” or “divine” and anthos meaning “flower”.
Diascia (Twin Spur)
Diascia is a genus of about 200 species that are native to Africa and proximate parts of the Mediterranean. The name ‘twin spur’ comes from these plants’ ability to produce two stamens (male reproductive part) at each anther node (the place where the pollen is stored) instead of one like other flowers.
The origin of this word derives from “di” meaning “two” and “ascus” which means “spur”. It’s also known as Twincreeper or Two-birds because its tubular flowers resemble two birds drinking water together!
Dichondra (Morning Glory Family, Convolvulus) Pink
Dichondra is a genus of about 100 species that are native to Proximate Africa, Asia and Australia. These plants have small green leaves that tend to be clustered together in tufts at ground level. They can spread rapidly in suitable conditions by their thick horizontal stolons (modified stems).
The origin of the word ‘dichondra’ comes from Greek words di meaning “two” and -chondros meaning “cartilage”, referring to its two cotyledons or seed shells when it first sprouts!
Clarkia (Farewell to Spring)
Clarkia is a pretty little flower that’s often used in bouquets for weddings. They are very low-maintenance and have lovely, delicate purple petals!
Dutch Iris (Iris Hollandia, Iridaceae Family)
The Dutch Iris belongs to the genus Iris (Iridaceae family). It was named after the 17th-century Flemish botanist Anthonius de Chateau.
The name Iris derives from ‘iris’ – symbolic of an eye because its markings resemble one. This species is also known as Dwarf Flag, Blue flag, White Dutch Flag and White Flag.
