Types of Flowers That Have Thorns
- Roses. When you think of plants with thorns, the rose (Rosa sp.) may be the first to come to mind. There are many...
- Vines. Several types of blooming vines use thorns as a climbing aid. Bougainvillea plants (Bougainvillea sp.) make up a...
- Shrubs. A number of flowering shrubs also have thorns on their branches. The flowering quince...
Are roses the only flowers with thorns?
Roses aren’t the only plants that can prick you with thorns or sharp edges. As mentioned earlier, rose thorns are really just prickles. Anatomically, a prickle is similar to a hair, but can be quite sharp such as with roses. Spines are found on plants like cacti, and are essentially an extension of the plant’s leaves.
What type of flowers are without thorns?
Which Raspberries Are Thornless?
- Canby. This thornless raspberry variety is cold hardy and able to grow in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.
- Cascade Delight. This nearly thornless raspberry variety is cold hardy and able to grow in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
- Encore. ...
- Glencoe. ...
- Itsaul. ...
- Joan J. ...
- Latham. ...
- Mammoth Red. ...
- Nova. ...
- Polka. ...
Which are flowering plants have thorns?
What Flower Bushes Have Thorns? Bougainvillea. The Bougainvillea plant is a thorny bush with a long vine that grows beautiful leaves that sprout into... Roses. Roses are one of the most well-known and popular flowers in the world. This is a perennial flowering bush with... Flowering Quince. The ...
Do all rose bushes/plants have thorns?
Technically speaking, roses do not have thorns, but they do have prickles. A prickle is a superficial spine-like outgrowth from the stem. On the other hand, thorns are a branch of a plant that has become hard, woody, and pointed. Locust trees and cactus plants have thorns, but roses do not have thorns.
What is the name of a flower that has thorns on it?
Bougainvillea. Bougainvillea is known for its colorful flower bracts, but its thorny stems make it an excellent species to consider for making a fence line more secure.
What is a plant with thorns?
Thistles (Cirsium spp.), are annual or perennial plants with spiny leaves. Some have flowers that resemble those of snapdragons. Thorns are present on perennials such as the prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) and sea holly (Eryngium planum, zones 5-9).
Do all flowers thorns?
Most do, but there are a very few varieties of completely thornless roses. There are also several varieties of “nearly thornless" roses, which just have fewer thorns spaced farther apart than typical roses.
What pink flowers have thorns?
The flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) has showy pink, red or white flowers in spring and grows 2 to 5 feet tall, depending on the cultivar, with many thorns along its branches. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.
Does a rose have thorns?
Roses come with sharp spikes or thorns. Botanists call them 'prickles'. These are small outgrowths from a plant's epidermis or the outer layer. Prickles are similar to thorns but unlike thorns, prickles are easier to remove.
Why do flowers have thorns?
Thorns make it easy for a rose tree to protect itself from being eaten by animals like rabbits and other predators that are attracted to their sweet and fresh smell. Thorns, spines, and prickles are hard, rigid, pointy projections attached to the branch of the plant and to its stem.
Does hibiscus have thorns?
Leaves are dentate, with upper leaves lobed into three, five, or seven parts. Leaves are mistaken as marijuana, but radiatus' stems have small thorns. It is frequently grown as a vegetable or medicinal herb....Hibiscus radiatus.Monarch rosemallowClade:EudicotsClade:RosidsOrder:MalvalesFamily:Malvaceae10 more rows
Do sunflowers have thorns?
Many members of the sunflower family have prickles although thorns and spines can also be present. Perhaps it is because thistles are often annual plants that need to protect themselves even at the youngest stages that they have prickles. Developing a thorn means investing energy in a primordial branch or leaf.
Does yellow rose have thorns?
History of Yellow Rose Rosa foetida is a larger yellow rose with brown stems and black thorns while Rosa hemispherica or the 'sulfur rose' is known for the sulphur-smelling double yellow petals and gray-green leaves.
What plant has small thorns?
Japanese barberry is a spiky hedge plant with tiny oval leaves, yellow flowers, small sharp spines, and red berries. Also called Thunberg's barberry or red barberry, this prickly plant has spines growing at leaf nodes.
What plant has the biggest thorns?
The honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), also known as the thorny locust or thorny honeylocust, is a deciduous tree in the family Fabaceae, native to central North America where it is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys.
What plants have thorns like roses?
Rose. It's almost impossible to discuss thorny flowering plants without the iconic rose flower coming to mind. ... Flowering Quince. Flowering quince is a shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall, famous for its rose-like bloom. ... Bougainvillea. ... Crown of Thorns. ... Thorn Acacias. ... Aloe vera. ... Creepy Juniper Bushes. ... Sea Buckthorn.More items...•
Where To Place Flower Bushes That Have Thorns
The best place to put your flower bushes with thorns is in your garden area where you can allow them to grow properly. However, they are versatile and can be placed in different areas assuming you allow 2-8 feet of space for them to grow.
Benefits of Thorny Flower Bushes in Your Garden
There are many benefits of thorny bushes in your garden. They can be used for privacy and fences and can be colorful and lively too. We will take a look at the various benefits of thorny bushes in your garden.
Should You Plant a Flower Bush With Thorns?
With all the benefits of having a flower bush with thorns, the decision on whether to plant one is not as easy as it seems. It depends on how much maintenance you are willing to do for your garden.
About THE AUTHOR
As an experienced gardener & landscaper on my own property over the last 20 years, I'm excited to share the things I've learned along the way, as I continue to learn.
What color are crown of thorns?
The crown of thorns produces flowers that range in color, from deep red to pale pink, yellow, peach, cream, etc. The flowers typically develop in four-petal pinwheels.
What is the top thorn producing tree?
Acacia also happens to be one of the top thorn-producing flowering trees out there. The shrubs have sharp spines and thorns that mostly appear in pairs.
What bushes grow outwards?
Creepy juniper bushes aptly live up to their name. These relatively invasive plants have a reputation for growing more outwards than upwards, which makes them another perfect thorny plant to have around garden edges, fences, and in front of house windows.
How tall does a quince grow?
Flowering quince is a shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall, famous for its rose-like bloom. The plant produces dark-green shiny leaves which are known for their high affinity for sunshine.
What is a common holly?
Common holly is also identifiable by its thorny wavy-edged leaves and prolific clusters of small white blossoms. The plant also produces glossy red berries which can be visible until winter.
What is the best thing about quince?
The best part about flowering quince is that it produces edible apple-like fruits. The shrub is also fairly resilient and can thrive in various climatic conditions.
Why do roses have prickles?
And according to botanists, these plants produce prickles as a way of protecting themselves from being eaten by animals that may be drawn to their sweet aroma.
What are thorns on a vine?
Several types of blooming vines use thorns as a climbing aid . Bougainvillea plants (Bougainvillea sp.) make up a South American group with many species, all with thorns along their 15- to 40-foot vines. They have inconspicuous white flowers surrounded by colorful bracts, with many available colors depending on the cultivar. Bougainvillea is suitable for USDA zones 9 through 11. Some vining plants combine showy flowers, edible fruit and thorns on their long, thick vines. The black raspberry cultivar "Bristol" (Rubus "Bristol") is a good example, with vines that reach a length of 4 or 5 feet and attach to fences or arbors. It has clusters of white flowers that attract butterflies, followed by edible raspberries in summer. This raspberry grows in USDA zones 4 through 8.
Why do some plants have thorns?
But some of these versatile plants also have thorns, designed by nature to protect them from predators that might otherwise decimate their flowers, fruit or foliage.
What are the thorns on succulents?
Many plants classified as succulents are covered in thorns but also have attractive flowers. Aloe plants (Aloe vera) are in this group, with thick, sword-like leaves edged in sharp thorns, often called "teeth." Mature plants bloom in summer, forming long stalks covered with yellow to orange flowers. Aloes can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 through 12, and they do well elsewhere as houseplants. Several members of the genus Euphorbia are notable for their flowers and pointy spines or thorns. The crown of thorns plant (E. milii) is a bushy example that can reach a height of about 3 feet and has slender, fleshy branches covered in sharp, black, 1/2-inch-long thorns. It has attractive flowers in pink, yellow, white or orange, depending on the variety. The plant does well outdoors in USDA zones 8 through 11 and makes a good houseplant elsewhere.
What are the leaves on an aloe plant called?
Aloe plants (Aloe vera) are in this group, with thick, sword-like leaves edged in sharp thorns, often called "teeth.". Mature plants bloom in summer, forming long stalks covered with yellow to orange flowers. Aloes can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 ...
What are some examples of roses?
There are many different types, but most grow with thorns along their stems. Examples include the Japanese shrub rose (R. rugosa), a bushy, 4- to 6-foot-tall, thorny plant with many fragrant, single flowers in various colors. Some cultivated roses are old varieties called European or heirloom roses (R.
What zones are roses grown in?
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, depending on the variety, although they can be grown as annuals in colder areas .
How tall is the crown of thorns?
The crown of thorns plant (E. milii) is a bushy example that can reach a height of about 3 feet and has slender, fleshy branches covered in sharp, black, 1/2-inch-long thorns. It has attractive flowers in pink, yellow, white or orange, depending on the variety.
Which plants have thorns?
Annuals such as the spider flower of South America and the prickly poppy from the western United States have thorns. Broadleaf evergreen species such as the pigeon berry and citrus lemon are other thorny plants landscapers value for their foliage, flowers and fruiting ability.
What is the purpose of thorns?
Thorns are sharp pointy projections from the branch of a plant. The purpose of the thorns is to protect the plant from being eaten by a local herbivore. Species with thorns often have showy flowers or bright berries on them, so they look attractive while packing a painful punch. Advertisement.
Why are thorny plants important?
Thorny plants grow the sharp and often painful spikes for their own protection, but they can also protect your home. Strategically placing plants that grow thorns in your landscaping can discourage would-be burglars from reaching your home without some serious scratches. But if you have kids or pets, knowing which plants have thorns is also important for safety reasons to prevent injuries.
What is a thorny perennial?
Thorny Perennial Plants. Mountain thistle, a shrubby perennial plant, grows in zones 7 through 10. Its leaves have spines and its flowers, resembling those of snapdragons, are pinkish red. Mountain thistle grows in many soil types but not in waterlogged areas. Advertisement.
What shrubs are good for security?
Deciduous Shrubs With Thorns. Thorny shrubs make a good barrier around your home as a security feature. Many types of thorny bushes can be trimmed into a hedge. They often bloom with pretty flowers to add curb appeal to your home, making this security component attractive and functional. Advertisement.
How tall do shrub roses grow?
The Lutea cultivar of the banksia rose, for example, grows to 20 feet high, while the Chewground type of shrub rose can be 12 inches tall.
Do hawthorn trees have thorns?
Hawthorn trees have a reputation for possessing sharp thorns on their branches. Species such as the Ontario hawthorn feature horizontal limbs armed with 2-inch spines. Pruning these trees becomes difficult due to the thorns, but hawthorns offer spring flowers and excellent fall color as a rule, making them worth the effort.
What is the name of the plant with orange thorns?
Also called the Devil’s thorn, the porcupine tomato shrub has evergreen leaves with menacing-looking orange thorns providing protection. The attractive feature of the porcupine tomato plant is the fuzzy gray, narrow lobed leaves, and straight bright orange thorns. Lavender-colored flowers bloom in spring, adding to the defensive plant’s ornamental appeal.
What is crown of thorn?
The crown of thorn plant is a medium-sized flowering shrub with spines. The woody shrub is identified by its long-lasting round red or pink bract flowers and bright green leaves. As a security bush, the shrub has sharp spines growing up to 1” (2.5 cm) long on thick stems.
How tall do firethorns grow?
Firethorn shrubs grow 6 to 16 ft. (1.8 – 5 m) tall.
How to identify a shrub?
Shrub identification is often done by looking to see if the plant has thorns or spines on the stem. However, if you want to accurately identify a shrub, you will need to check other identifying features, such as looking at the leaves, growth habits, size, flowers, and fruit.
What does a firethorn look like?
The firethorn looks like a cotoneaster plant due to its clusters of red berries. However, unlike the ground cover cotoneaster shrub, firethorn has numerous thorns along its stems. Suitable for growing in USDA zones 6 through 9 in full sun to partial shade.
How tall do holly shrubs get?
Holly shrubs typically grow 7 to 10 ft. (2.1 – 3 m) tall and wide.
What is a good hedge for a shade garden?
The Oregon grape-holly bush is perfect for growing as a decorative security hedge in shade gardens. You can also use the jaggy shrub as a foundation planting or border shrub to protect your property.
Why do plants have thorns?
Plants with thorns grow these sharp and often painful protrusions as a way to protect themselves against local herbivores, but thorny plants can also be a good way to keep unwelcome humans and animals off your property. Conversely, knowing which plants have thorns can be important in protecting yourself and your children and pets from danger. Knowing if a plant will grow to have thorns, prickles or spines can reduce maintenance and pruning headaches down the road.
What flowers attract hummingbirds?
To attract hummingbirds, consider fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum). Red, pendulous flowers have a high-sugar-content nectar. Branches are well-supplied with thorns on this 4- to 6-foot-tall drought-tolerant California native that grows in USDA zones 6 through 10.
What are some good plants for birds?
Some thorny plants provide both good protection and benefits to humans or local wildlife. Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum, zones 7 to 9) has numerous thorns but also bright flowers with high sugar content that attract birds. Of course, roses are another famously spiky plant, making for beautiful and aromatic border shrubs or climbing vines.
What is a spiky tree?
A particularly spiky tree is the floss silk tree (Ceiba speciosa, zones 10 to 11), which is commonly grown for its shade and showy flowers. It sports a trunk and branches studded with thorns and grows up to 50 feet. Spiky trees in general are often grown for their other qualities rather than as a form of protection.
How tall is a floss silk tree?
Growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, the tree can reach 50 feet tall and has large, showy red to pink flowers and deciduous medium-green compound leaves. Tree bark starts out green and changes to gray with age.
How tall is a coral tree?
The coral tree reaches 20 feet high with a rounded or umbrella-shaped canopy. Curved thorns appear on the leaf petioles and along the underside of the leaf veins. To pick Lisbon lemons, (Citrus x limon "Lisbon"), you have to avoid the large, plentiful green thorns on the branches.
How tall do orange shrubs grow?
Shrubs. For an impenetrable barrier hedge, closely plant a row of trifoliate orange (Choisya trifoliata), a large shrub growing 8 to 15 feet tall in USDA zones 5 through 9. Fragrant, showy clusters of white flowers appear in spring, followed by small yellow, fragrant fruits in fall.
What is the name of the plant that has spines on its stems?
You also might come across a closely related plant called spiny cocklebur. It’s a very similar weed, but it has spines on its stems as well as the fruit.
What is the most unpleasant weed to grow in your garden?
Spiky weeds are some of the most unpleasant weeds to find growing in your garden.
What is the most recognizable weed?
Of all the spiky weeds, thistles are probably the most recognizable. Bull thistles have spines that cover the leaves and stems of the weed up to the pink-purple flowers. They also have spiny bracts that grow beneath the flower head.
How tall does Jimson weed grow?
Jimson weed is a big weed that grows up to 6.5 ft. tall. The plant has green stems that are sometimes purple-tinged. And alternating leaves with toothed edges.
What is Jimson weed?
Jimson weed is an invasive weed that’s a member of the nightshade family. It’s also known as thorn apple and devil’s snare.
When does goat head weed flower?
Goat head weed is a fast-growing noxious weed. It germinates in the spring and starts flowering within 3 weeks. Producing purple flowers from April through to October. After the flowers bloom, the weed produces the small spiky fruit.
How tall is a horsenettle?
Horsenettle emerges in the spring. And when fully grown, it reaches 3 ft. tall. Horsenettle weeds develop large thorns on the leaves and stems as the plant grows. The leaves are covered in hairs and have lobed margins. And they’re arranged alternately on the stems.
How to tell if a weed has thorns?
Weeds with thorns are easily distinguished from other types of weeds by examining the location of the thorns, spines or prickles. Some weeds bear thorns only on their fruit or only on the stem at the leaf base, while others are covered on all or most plant parts.
What weeds have spines on their fruits?
Sometimes, you can identify weeds that bear thorns or spines on their fruits when they are still seedlings. An example is the common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 11. The mature plant bears yellowish-green, egg-shaped fruits covered with thorns with two on the tip ending in hooks. Each fruit, called a bur, contains two seeds. When the common cocklebur develops from the seed, the bur often remains attached to the bottom of the plant. The common cocklebur is a widespread, annual plant and in in fields, along roadsides and wastelands.
How tall do bull thistle leaves get?
During the second year, bull thistle grows 2- to 6-foot-tall stems that bear pink-magenta flowers.
Do weeds have spines?
Some weeds only have thorns or spines at leaf nodes. Prickly sida or teaweed (Sida spinosa), growing in USDA zones 4 through 11, has thorns at the base of each leaf. You can identify the weed easily at an early growth stage by the spines at leaf bases and the characteristic heart-shaped seed leaves or cotyledons.
