Scientific names can be difficult to pronounce and remember.  So over the years, people have come up with common names for the plants and animals around us.  Sometimes two or more names are used for the same thing.  For example, Monarda spp. is variously known as bee balm, bergamot, and Oswego tea.  There are even common names that have nothing to do with the plant or animal they are describing.  Here are a few examples of these misnomers.

  Flying squirrel (Glaucomys spp.):  This diminutive nocturnal squirrel does not actually fly; it glides.  Thin folds of fur-covered skin extending on both sides of the body from front to hind paws and a flat, rudder-like tail help the squirrel to glide from tree to tree.  Flying squirrels are cavity-nesters so be sure to leave a few dead trees up on your property if possible. 

  Sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina): Although it does resemble a fern, this plant with fragrant leaves is actually a member of the bayberry family of plants and is generally found in dry sites with acidic soil.

  High-bush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum):  This medium sized shrub is not related to the true cranberry at all.  The high-bush cranberry gets its confusing name from the early pioneers who used the shrub’s bright red berries as a substitute for the real cranberry.  Birds also love viburnum berries so plant a few shrubs in your garden.

  Snow fleas: Yes, they do jump around like fleas, but these tiny insects actually belong to the springtail family, a group of insects found by the millions in the soil.  And no, the “snow flea” does not bite, unlike the common and bothersome cat and dog flea.

  Seagull: Although there are many species of gulls, there is no such thing as a “seagull”.  More than likely it is the very common herring gull that people are referring to when they spot a “seagull”.

  Puff adder: Not related to true adders at all, this mottled snake with a turned-up nose is more correctly referred to as an eastern hognose snake (Heterdon platyrhines).  The hognose snake can put on quite a display when it feels threatened.  It will hiss, raise its head and puff itself up somewhat like a cobra.  But this display is just an act; the snake is not venomous and not a threat to anything.  In fact, the hognose snake will even roll over and play dead as a last defense.  Unfortunately, too many people still believe this snake to be dangerous and needlessly destroy them. 

  The more we know about the natural world around us, the more we can appreciate its intricacies and splendor.