Can You Identify These Popular Flower Types From an Image?

By: Beth Hendricks
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These Popular Flower Types From an Image?
Image: Pixabay by Foto-Rabe

About This Quiz

For some of us, our knowledge of flowers stops at the Valentine's Day bouquet we receive each year at work. For others, the idea of having a green thumb is as ingrained in our lives as eating, sleeping or breathing. Apart from their undeniable beauty and enchanting fragrances, flowers have medicinal properties, significance in historical and mythological circles and modern-day symbolism of ideas like love, grace and purity.

Consider the rose, for example; it's perhaps the most popular flower in any garden or bouquet. A red rose symbolizes love, while its yellow counterpart represents friendship. It's used for providing scent in lotions and perfumes, to add flavor in teas and recipes and as an herbal remedy in folk medicine to relieve pain and treat cancer. And here you thought it was just a beautiful addition to a floral arrangement! This multipurpose flower isn't alone, though; many of its floral friends bear similar roles and responsibilities.

This quiz is like a walk through a well-tended garden with flower facts and photos from 40 popular species. See how many of these flowers you've received ... or maybe grown! Test your bloomin' brain power by matching clues to the appropriate flower. We'll give you two big (green) thumbs up if you know a bunch!

Iris
MakiEni's photo / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these blooms that serves as Tennessee's state flower sounds like a part of the eye?
Iris
Dahlia
Pansy
Crocus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The iris is where you'll notice an individual's eye color, and the plant version of the iris is similarly colorful, appearing in shades of purple, blue, white, yellow, red and more. The iris is a hardy spring flower.

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Daffodil
All Majdfar / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these trumpet-shaped flowers symbolize friendship?
Hollyhock
Daffodil
Sunflower
Primrose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The brilliant daffodil comes from the narcissus family, and although it's most common in bright yellow, it may also appear in white. This flower represents friendship or chivalry.

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Rose
I love Photot and Apple. / Moment / Getty Images
According to William Shakespeare, which of these "by any other name would smell as sweet?"
Tulip
Rose
Lily
Peony
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shakespeare's quote about the rose is one of the more memorable lines from his play "Romeo and Juliet." Roses today are one of the most popular for gifting for Valentine's Day and anniversaries.

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Carnation
Shene / Moment Open / Getty Images
Which of these flowers, which comes in a multitude of colors, is known as "the flowers of god"?
Columbine
Lily of the valley
Marigold
Carnation
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The scientific name for the carnation is "dianthus," a combination of Greek words "dios," which references Zeus, and "anthos," which means "flower." Carnations come in many colors, each with its own special meaning.

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Sunflower
Zeynep Thomas / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these blooms is well-known for its behavior of heliotropism?
Hydrangea
Sunflower
Honeysuckle
Daisy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The sunflower is appropriately named for sure! Its behavior of heliotropism means that it turns its face toward the sun, which allows it to make the best use of sunlight for its growth.

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Hyacinth
Caroline Gauvin / Moment / Getty Images
Spring has sprung! Which of these blooms is one of the first signs that the weather is starting to warm?
Hyacinth
Snowdrop
Rose
Violet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The hyacinth, native to the Mediterranean, is one of the first flowers to bloom when springtime is upon us. Typically planted in the fall, it's a nice sight to see when they pop out of the ground in March or April.

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Dahlia
Fotolinchen / E+ / Getty Images
Despite being named for a Swedish botanist, which of these flowers actually originated in Mexico?
Alyssum
Wisteria
Cosmos
Dahlia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Named for the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, the dahlia was first discovered in the mountains of Mexico. The official flower of Seattle, these blooms are best suited to a temperate climate.

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Buttercup
© Santiago Urquijo / Moment / Getty Images
With 2,000 different species, which of these flowers is most commonly found near bodies of water?
Buttercup
Lantana
Sage
Snapdragon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Buttercups, with the scientific name "ranunculus," are mostly found near bodies of water. The word "ranunculus" is Latin for "little frog." Since frogs are also found near water, the flower's name is a perfect fit.

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Lily
Photo by Ubo Pakes / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these large blooms that represents purity shares its name with a woman's name?
Begonia
Primrose
Lily
Canna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The lily, which symbolizes purity and beauty, is a large, fragrant flower that shares its name with the female name "Lily." The lily family contains more than a hundred different species.

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Gardenia
Jayron / Moment Open / Getty Images
These flowers are known for their beautiful fragrance and delicate nature. What are they?
Gardenia
Anemone
Cyclamen
Camellia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gardenias are both beautifully fragrant as well as incredibly delicate. They are noticeable for their white blooms and dark leaves and prefer tropical climates. They are found growing in the wild in places like Africa and Hawaii.

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Orchid
Susan Gary / Moment / Getty Images
In the Middle Ages, this flower was used to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments. What is it?
Sweet pea
Pincushions
Orchid
Passion flowers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Historically, the orchid was used to treat illnesses due to its various antibacterial properties. The orchid was also believed to be an aphrodisiac of sorts, making it a common addition to love potions of the day as well.

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Hydrangea
Somnuk krobkum / Moment / Getty Images
It's all about pH! Which of these large flowering blooms can change colors all on its own?
Hydrangea
Daffodil
Hollyhock
Lavender
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Impacted by the pH levels in the soil, the hydrangea is one of a unique class of flowers that can change colors automatically thanks to its environment. The colors tend to shift between pink, purple and blue.

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Daisy
Pobytov / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these flowers that closes at night is made up of disk petals and ray petals?
Chrysanthemum
Delphinium
Daisy
Columbine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The daisy, which might have been initially "day's eye," is so named for its petals that close at night and re-open during the day. Daisies' disk petals are the ones in the center, while the ray petals are the ones that surround the center.

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Tulip
Dong Wenjie / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these has been used as a substitute for onions in various recipes and is Holland's most popular flower?
Larkspur
Pansy
Tulip
Marigold
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bulbs of the tulip plant were used historically during periods of famine, being fairly similar to onions. They have also made a suitable replacement in some recipes. The flowering part of the tulip is cup-shaped and can come in a variety of colors.

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Poinsettia
Pierre-Yves Babelon / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these flowers has its own day of celebration in December and is traditionally associated with Christmas?
Poinsettia
Iris
Tulip
Honeysuckle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The poinsettia is a top seller in the United States; according to some sources, it outsells all other potted plants combined! It's associated with Christmas and the holiday season and has December 12th named "National Poinsettia Day."

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Chrysanthemum
Nik Taylor / Moment Open / Getty Images
If you want to enjoy this flower frequently associated with fall, you need to plant in the spring. Which bloom is it?
Hyacinth
Chrysanthemum
Scarlet beebalm
Ipomoea
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The chrysanthemum, more commonly known as just "mums," is frequently associated with pumpkins and fall. Most growers, however, would tell you that the right time to plant them is in the spring, for the next fall.

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Snapdragon
AYImages / E+ / Getty Images
They don't bite! Which of these flowering blooms is so-named for its beastly-shaped head?
Rosemallow
Crown imperial
Snapdragon
Dahlia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The snapdragon's unique appearance has led to it having many names, including "rabbit's lips" and "lion's lips." Those names, along with its "snapdragon" designation, reference the flower's mouth-shaped bloom.

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Peony
Gerard Hermand / Moment / Getty Images
If you don't have much of a green thumb, this low-maintenance bloom that can live a long time might be your best bet. What is it?
Peony
Daffodil
Rose
Iris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite its delicate-sounding name, the peony is a relatively robust plant that requires little maintenance and can bloom year after year once planted. They're resistant to drought-like conditions and are the floral symbol of China.

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Violet
Jfairone / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these is considered February's flower, also a perfect color match for February's birthstone?
Rose
Violet
Amethyst
Pansy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aptly named for its purple hue, the violet is a perfect accompaniment to February and its purple-tinted birthstone, the amethyst. Violets are a small flower, and some people even consider them to be a weed.

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Lilac
Ilona Nagy / Moment / Getty Images
These blooms don't stick around long, but their fragrance alone is well worth the wait. Which flower are we talking about?
Iris
Tulip
Lilac
Chrysanthemum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The lilac is a beautifully aromatic flower, but its life is short-lived. They bloom for only a few weeks in the spring, but their sizable bush will stay with you much longer. You'll have to wait a while for them to bloom again, however.

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Lotus
MOAImage / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these blooms actually thrives in muddy water and blooms above the surface?
Lotus
Crane's bill
Passion flower
Cyclamen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The lotus is unique in that it performs best in muddy water, with its bloom emerging above the surface. This flower is a sacred element in religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism.

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Goldenrod
Solidago / E+ / Getty Images
It may be the Bluegrass State, but this state flower of Kentucky is yellow in color. What is it?
Daylily
Daffodil
Goldenrod
Scotch broom
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The goldenrod is a tall plant that replaced bluegrass as the official flower of Kentucky in the 1920s. Goldenrod blooms in bright yellow and the Solidago Gigantea species can grow to be eight feet tall.

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Sweet pea
Pauline Lewis / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these climbing flowers can grow to be as tall as former NBA star Kobe Bryant?
Sweet pea
Hyacinth
Poppy
Gladiolus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you think of a climbing plant, look no further than the sweet pea which can grow to reach Kobe Bryant height (that's 6'6") in just one season of planting. The sweet pea offers a delicate, fragrant bloom.

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Lily of the Valley
Akira Kaede / Photodisc / Getty Images
Which of these flowers has Biblical significance, believed to represent the tears Mary cried at Jesus' cross?
Foxglove
Lily of the Valley
Lobelia
Nasturtium
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Lily of the Valley was believed to have sprung up from the tears Mary cried at Jesus' cross, earning is the name "Our Lady's Tears." Today, these bell-shaped flowers bear dozens of blooms but have only a week-long life cycle.

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Cornflower
Schnuddel / E+ / Getty Images
At one time, this flower was a weed that grew in crop fields, and the flowering part of this bloom is edible. Which flower is it?
Wisteria
Carnation
Cornflower
Pincushion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The cornflower earned its name for natural appearing in crop fields (not limited to just corn). Its edible leaves are said to taste a lot like cucumbers, and it is sometimes referred to as "bachelor's button," stemming from a time when men would wear a flower in their suit's buttonhole.

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Magnolia
Earleliason / E+ / Getty Images
Patience is a virtue when dealing with this bloom. Which of these, once planted, may take up to a decade to start flowering?
Magnolia
Touch-me-not
Canna
Coneflower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The magnolia bloom can test your patience if you try to grow one from seeds. Using that method, it can take upward of a decade for the plant to start blooming. The magnolia is believed to have pre-historic origins.

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Iris1
Loridambrosio / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these flowers' appearance is believed to be where humans derived the scepter from?
Peace lily
Phlox
Iris
Amaryllis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The iris' tall stem with a flowering head is believed to be where ancient rulers derived the concept of the scepter (or staff) from. The iris' three petals are believed to represent wisdom, courage and faith.

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Rhododendron
Simon McGill / Moment / Getty Images
This bloom is not only the state flower of West Virginia, it actually appears on the state's flag. What is it?
Cornflower
Rhododendron
Stonecrop
Begonia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The rhododendron usually appears in the form of a large, flowering shrub and is populous in the Appalachian Mountains, which probably explains its state flower designation for West Virginia. Don't eat from the plant, though. Most parts of its are considered toxic.

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Bird of Paradise
Jenny Dettrick / Moment / Getty Images
This exotic flower is named for its appearance similar to an animal in flight. What is it?
Bird of Paradise
Snapdragon
Bellflower
Foxglove
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The "Bird of Paradise" flower shares its name with the actual colorful bird. Its brightly colored leaves of yellow and blue resemble a tropical bird in flight when it is in bloom. It's native to South Africa.

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Wisteria
I love Photot and Apple. / Moment / Getty Images
This bloom can grow to 65 feet in height and is a vining flower that's part of the pea family. What is it?
Snowdrop
Scilla
Peony
Wisteria
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wisteria is a beautiful vining plant that produces flowers in shades of white, blue, pink or purple. It grows rapidly and can even grow around nearby structures such as trees and even houses.

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Freesia
Lya_Cattel / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these flowers' fragrance is a common scent added to cosmetic products such as lotions?
Tulip
Freesia
Violet
Camellia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The sweet fragrance of freesia makes it a popular addition to cosmetics products ranging from lotions to shampoos. A flower that blooms in different colors, the pink and red varieties are believed to produce the most fragrance.

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Gladiolus
Nathan Blaney / Moment Open / Getty Images
This bloom used to be called "xiphium," which means "sword" in Latin. Which of these flowers' shapes likely contributed to that moniker?
Primrose
Crocus
Gladiolus
Columbine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The gladiolus boasts a tall, sword-like shape that probably helped it earn the ancient name "xiphium," which is from the Greek word "xiphos." These flowers come in a spike shape with blooms up and down the stalk.

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Queen Anne's lace
Federica Grassi / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these flat-topped flowers earned its name from its the pattern present among its white blooms?
Queen Anne's lace
Anemone
Hollyhock
Alyssum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A frequent addition to floral arrangements, Queen Anne's lace produces a lace-like appearance among its flat-topped white blooms. It's named after Queen Anne of England who was said to be a skilled lace maker.

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Ginger
Karl Weatherly / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images
Which of these flowers that shares its name with a popular spice are frequently used when assembling Hawaiian leis?
Rosemary
Tumeric
Ginger
Salt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you think about ginger, you probably think first of the spice that frequently appears in spice racks. The ginger flower is both colorful and fragrant, making it a popular addition to Hawaiian leis.

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Heather
R.Tsubin / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these flowers has served multiple purposes ranging from flavoring beer to painting wool?
Heather
Sweet pea
Carnation
Lantana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Heather has been useful for many purposes throughout the years, including as a flavoring component for beer and wine, to paint wool and as a fragrance for shampoo, lotion and perfume.

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Gerbera
Manoa / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these flowers represents modesty, derived from a legend surrounding it involving a beautiful, mythical nymph?
Lantana
Gerbera
Sage
Lupine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gerberas come in many bright colors. The legend behind these flowers explains that they are derived from a beautiful nymph who sought to get away unwanted attention. She transformed herself into the gerbera flower.

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Aster
G.N. van der Zee / Moment / Getty Images
The shape of this flower is also represented in its name. Which flower is it?
Rose
Lily
Orchid
Aster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The aster flower takes on a star-like shape, and its name stems from the Greek word for "star." The bloom has mythological meaning, believed to have been created from stardust scattered on the Earth by the goddess Virgo.

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Bells of Ireland
Photo credit John Dreyer / Moment Open / Getty Images
This flower's name is a little misleading. Which of these blooms is not from the place represented in its name?
Scotch broom
Bells of Ireland
Scarlet beebalm
Kentucky bluegrass
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bells of Ireland might lead you to believe this bloom originated in Ireland, but it's actually native to areas in Asia. Some people believe it is named for its bright-green appearance, a color frequently associated with all things Irish.

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Bleeding heart
Terje HÃ¥heim / Moment / Getty Images
It sounds a bit morbid, but it's not. Which of these flowers looks like it's drip, drip, dripping into your garden?
Devil's claw
Corpse flower
Bleeding heart
Witch hazel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bleeding hearts are an easily recognizable flower with its heart-shaped bloom. It also appears to be "dripping" into a garden where it's present — a nod to the "bleeding" reference in its name.

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Delphinium
Brytta / E+ / Getty Images
Do you see a "dolphin" hiding in this flower? The Greeks, which is how it earned its name. What is it?
Delphinium
Hydrangea
Daylily
Wisteria
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Delphinium translates to "little dolphin," a name earned by the flower for the tiny dolphin shape the Greeks believed they saw in its blooms. Delphinium is poisonous if ingested, although it has been used previously in medicinal treatments.

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