Prehistoric Plants are great for bringing vintage vibes to gardens and homes with their evergreen charm and appearance!
These ancient green wonders, having thrived millions of years ago, offer a unique and awe-inspiring glimpse into our planet’s lush past. As garden enthusiasts, you will absolutely love this list of Prehistoric Plants 🌿🦕
Prehistoric Plants
1. Allspice
Botanical Name: Calycanthus occidentalis
Age: 66 million years
Allspice, a fragrant shrub, is a survivor from over 66 million years ago. Its aromatic leaves and flowers have been cherished for centuries. You can also use it as a spice in the kitchen.
2. Dutchman’s Pipe
Botanical Name: Aristolochia gigantea
Age: 65-145 million years
With its large, heart-shaped leaves, Dutchman’s Pipe is like a living fossil, dating back millions of years. It is from the Cretaceous period, which makes it 65-145 million years old.
3. Giant Hare’s Foot Fern
Botanical Name: Davallia solid
Age: 300 million years
This ancient plant, more than 300 million years old, showcases delicate fronds resembling a hare’s foot. Its ability to adapt and endure makes it a remarkable choice for your garden.
Fun Fact: The fern gets its name as it has a furry “feet,” like appearance at the ends of its stems.
Transplanting Ferns the Right Way: Top Tips and Tricks
4. King Protea
Botanical Name: Protea cynaroides
Age: 300 million years
The King Protea, a magnificent flowering prehistoric plant, traces its roots back around 300 million years ago. The plant has impressive, crown-like blooms.
5. Horsetail Restio
Botanical Name: Elegia capensis
Age: 146 million years
Horsetail dates back to the time of dinosaurs, around 146 million years ago. This hardy plant is native to South Africa and has slender, reed-like stems.
6. Black Pepper
Botanical Name: Piper nigrum
Age: 100 million years
Black peppers have been growing for 100 million years, making them prehistoric. This spice-bearing vine from India has a rich culinary history.
7. Staghorn Fern
Botanical Name: Platycerium bifurcatum
Age:300 million years
Staghorn Ferns have unique antler-like fronds and have existed for over 300 million years. Coming from the tropical regions, these ferns have adapted to diverse environments.
15 Spectacular Staghorn Fern Varieties
8. Magnolia
Botanical Name: Magnolia
Age: 20 million years
Magnolia, known for its large, fragrant blooms, is a glimpse into the prehistoric age while beautifying your garden. It dates back over 20 million years.
9. Horsetails
Botanical Name: Equisetum
Age: 50 million years
Horsetails are one of the oldest plants in the world and have been around for over 350 million years. These prehistoric plants have beautiful bamboo-like stalks.
10. Dawn Redwood
Botanical Name: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Age: 50 million years
Dawn Redwoods, dating back around 50 million years, were once considered extinct until living specimens of these prehistoric trees were discovered in China.
11. Cooksonia
Botanical Name: Cooksonia spp.
Age: 430 million years
Though small in size, Cooksonia plants are one of the oldest we have on our list. The Cooksonia genus existed around 430 million years ago during the Silurian period.
12. Tree Fern
Botanical Name: Dicksonia antarctica
Age: 360 million years
Tree ferns, belonging to the Cyatheales order, have a history dating back approximately 360 million years. It can be a great addition to any garden.
Dicksonia Antarctica Care | Growing Soft Tree Fern
13. Wollemi Pine
Botanical Name: Wollemia nobilis
Age: 200 million years
Wollemi Pine is a rare and pre-historic tree species discovered in Australia in 1994. The plant is also called a “living fossil” and provides a direct link to the age of dinosaurs.
14. Cycads
Botanical Name: Cycadophyta
Age: 280 million years
Ancient seed plants resembling palm trees, Cycads are prehistoric plants you can still grow in the garden. They have been around for approximately 280 million years.
15. Gingko
Botanical Name: Gingko biloba
Age: 270 million years
Gingko trees, also known as maidenhair trees, have a history spanning more than 270 million years. Native to China, their fan-shaped leaves have remained relatively unchanged.
Ginkgo Biloba Tree Facts
16. Ferns
Botanical Name: Filicopsida
Age: 360 million years
With their feathery fronds and ability to thrive in various environments, ferns have adapted over millennia. Many beautiful ferns have existed for over 360 million years.
17. Mosses
Botanical Name: Bryophyta
Age:470 million years
Mosses, simple yet prehistoric plants, have been part of Earth’s ecosystems for approximately 470 million years. These plants play essential roles in various habitats.
How to Grow Spanish Moss | Spanish Moss Care and Growing
18. Lycopods
Botanical Name: Lycopodiopsida
Age: 400 million years
Lycopods are prehistoric species that look like miniature trees, reaching only 1 foot tall. These plants have grown for nearly 400 million years.
