Although some species are very distinctive, many are variable, 

making it hard to know where to draw the line between one 

species and a close relative

•

Species with consistent variations (flower size, habitat, flower color) are 
often subdivided into 

varieties

or 

subspecies

•

Unfortunately, the distinction between these two categories are now 
blurred, so either one can apply to what I’m describing here

•

These 

botanical 

varieties are not the same as varietal names used in most 

nurseries—their varieties are actually more accurately called 

cultivars

(short for cultivated variety), and most major groups are loaded with them

•

Cultivars are genetic variations that appear in the wild, in a nursery, or 
someone’s garden that have at least one trait different from its sisters and 
brothers. Examples include flower color, double petals, resistance to frost, 
height of plant, and more