URBANA, Ill. – While common names are easy to remember and helpful in describing plants, they often lead to confusion. 

University of Illinois Extension educator Erin Garrett will lead a free online webinar explaining the Latin structure for naming plants. Latin names are assigned to a single species and follow a naming convention.

"Common names can also be misleading when they include the word 'weed' in them since people’s perceptions of weeds vary greatly," Garrett says. "For gardeners and plant enthusiasts, understanding Latin names is a very useful skill."

The webinar begins at 1 p.m. June 9. Register in advance at go.illinois.edu/EverydayEnvironment. Make requests for reasonable accommodation to Garrett at emedvecz@illinois.edu as early as possible to meet access needs.

This webinar is part of Extension's Everyday Environment series. These webinars provide new information on natural resources, inspiring small changes in daily lifestyle choices that have a positive impact on the environment.

"There is never a shortage of new things to learn about your everyday environment," says Garrett. 

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager
SOURCE: Erin Garrett, Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator