Native Plants of Germany

Germany has a diverse terrain with inland forests, mountain ranges and coastal areas. Many plants are native to Germany, including a popular tea herb, a member of the aster family and many forest trees. Located in northern Europe, Germany has cold winters and cool summers, particularly in the mountains.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an annual plant whose flowers are dried and used to make a popular, fragrant tea. This herb has a history of being used as an anti-inflammatory, ulcer remedy and anti-spasmodic, according to the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange website. Chamomile grows to 2-1/2 feet, has fern-like leaves and produces a white and yellow flower that resembles daisies. Chamomile may be planted in full sun and likes moderate water.

Cornflower

Also known as knapweed or bachelor's buttons, cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is the national flower of Germany. A member of the Asteraceae family, this plant has a striking flower that comes in blues, pinks, reds and white and measures up to 1-1/2 inches across. Cornflower grows to 2-1/2 feet, has gray-green leaves, requires full sun and prefers moderate water. The plant is called bachelor's button because it was often used in boutonnieres, according to the 1997 Sunset National Garden Book. Cornflower also earned its name because it often grew wild in grain fields, according to SpecialtyProduce.com.

Silver Birch

Also known as white or weeping birch, the silver birch (Betula pendula) is a delicate, lacy tree with weeping branches that can grow to 40 feet. Prevalent in forests throughout Germany, the bark on this tree is golden brown on young trees but becomes white and then grey with black clefts as it ages. Leaves are diamond-shaped and glossy. Weeping birch thrive in full sun with ample water in climates with cool summers, and they are prevalent in the New England region of the U.S.