From Seed to Seed:
Plant Science for K-8 Educators

Digging Deeper

Where Do They Come From?

Here are the origins of some common vegetables and ornamental crops.

Africa: watermelon, gazania, cockscomb, impatiens, basil, sesame, leek, asparagus, coriander, statice, narcissus, English ivy.

Australia: strawflower, New Zealand spinach, winged everlasting, swan river daisy, blue lace flower.

South America: tomato, potato, nasturtium, fuchsia, some types of winter squash, begonia, cleome, petunia, portulaca, heliotrope.

Central America: marigold, Mexican sunflower, some types of winter squash, ageratum.

Mexico: tomatillo, cosmos, dahlia, zinnia.

Japan: chrysanthemum, balloon flower, wisteria.

Russia: delphinium, globe thistle, speedwell, baby's breath, yarrow, centaurea, scabiosa.

Turkey: lamb's ear, hollyhock, bells of Ireland.

East Asia: rhubarb, sweet potato.

Asia Minor: apple.

Southern Europe: artichoke, Florence fennel, larkspur, burning bush, stock, candytuft, rosemary, sage, snapdragon.

North America: sunflower, maize, blue flag iris, cardinal flower, California poppy, harebell.

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