Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) Practice Exam

When is knowledge of common plant names more useful than the scientific names?

1. When ordering from suppliers

2. When explaining certain characteristics

3. When dealing with people outside the USDA zone

4. When working with beginning gardeners

The correct answer is: When working with beginning gardeners

Knowledge of common plant names can be particularly useful when working with beginning gardeners because most newcomers are generally more familiar with these names than with scientific nomenclature. Common names often reflect local usage and cultural familiarity, making them more accessible for individuals who may not have extensive training in botany or horticulture. For beginning gardeners, using common names can help bridge the gap between technical understanding and practical gardening tasks, such as selecting plants for their gardens or discussing plants with friends and family. This approach fosters communication and encourages engagement, as gardeners are more likely to recognize and remember plants by their common names. While there are circumstances where scientific names are essential—for instance, when specificity is needed in ordering from suppliers or when discussing plant characteristics in detail—common names serve as an effective tool for guiding novice gardeners through their initial experiences in plant care.