Misnomers

[Gary Fewless]

I'm not aware of a book cataloging misnomers, but I suspect that they are
fairly numerous. The following misnomers in my part of the world come
quickly to mind:

Asclepias syriaca, implies an origin in Syria, but gray's manual says it
was native to North America, moved quickly to Europe and was mistaken by
Linnaeus to come from Syria

Rubus parviflorus, implies small flowers. but the flowers are notably
large--I believe they are the largest of our Rubus species

Dirca palustris, implies a swamp habitat, but it is  strictly a rich mesic
species


gary fewless