plant names

**J* E* M* S* <h*@sbcglobal.net>**

I have a question about common names. Think print, in newspapers and magazines, most of which have an aversion to too much fancy stuff in text:

Should common names be capitalized, such as Lilac or Sweet Potato Vine? I say no, because these are not proper names.

Next, what if you are writing about Hosta or other plants, where the scientific and a common name are the same. Should all hosta, petunia, impatiens, etc., references as a common names be cap or cap and Italics or can they be lower case?

jems
____________________
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Director, Garden Writers Association
hoosiergardener@sbcglobal.net
http://hoosiergardener.com
Phone: (317) 251.3261
P.O. Box 20310
Indianapolis, IN 46220-0310
Co-author, Indiana Gardener's Guide
Author, The Visitor's Guide to American Gardens
Great Garden Speakers

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