Nature green refers to the various shades of green found in the natural world. From lush forests to rolling hills, the color green is intrinsically linked to plant life and the environment. But what are the specific names used to describe the myriad greens found in nature? Here we explore some of the most common terms used for shades of nature green.
Green Names Based on Plants and Vegetation
Many nature greens are named after the plants and vegetation that exhibit those colors. Here are some of the most popular:
Forest Green
Forest green refers to the deep, rich green tone of pine needles and coniferous trees. It’s a very dark green that can almost appear black in low light. Forest green is associated with the dense, shadowy look of woodlands.
Eucalyptus Green
Named after the leaves of eucalyptus trees, this green has a cool, grayish-blue tone. Eucalyptus leaves have a pale, frosted look that translates into a refreshing cool green shade.
Mint Green
As its name suggests, this light, bright green takes its cue from the leaves of mint plants. Mint green has a vibrant, cool tone that pops against other colors.
Moss Green
This rich, deep green mimics the look of moss growing on trees or rocks. Moss green is darker and more yellow-toned than forest green.
Artichoke Green
Artichoke green captures the tones of an artichoke’s flesh and leaves. It’s a soft yellow-green with lower saturation than other greens.
Fern Green
The delicate, feathery leaves of ferns inspire this light, bright green. Fern green has a yellow, cheerful vibe.
Salal Green
Salal is an evergreen shrub with glossy oval leaves. Those leaves contribute a rich green color with hints of blue. Salal green is on the darker end of nature greens.
Palm Green
Palm green refers to the waxy, tropical tones of palm fronds and leaves. This green is intensely vibrant and yellow-based.
Seaweed Green
Just as its name denotes, this green replicates the color of different seaweed species. It has a very deep, dark green tone with hints of brown.
Greens Based on Fruit and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are also common inspirations for shades of nature green:
Avocado Green
Avocado green reflects the dark, rich green color of avocado fruit inside the skin. This deep green has earthy, natural-looking tones.
Pistachio Green
The pale green shells and nuts of pistachios give rise to this pretty pastel green. Pistachio green is very soft and muted.
Pear Green
This crisp, vibrant green imitates the exterior color of pears. It’s a light, fresh-looking color.
Artichoke Green
As mentioned above, artichoke green comes from the leaves and flesh of the artichoke vegetable. It sits between yellow and true greens on the color wheel.
Pea Green
Pea green has the vivid look of freshly shelled peas. This bright green ticks up into yellow territory.
Nature Greens Related to Landscapes and Terrain
The following green names are derived from different landscapes and geographical formations:
Meadow Green
The lush green grass of meadows gives this color its name. Meadow green is soft and pale, without the vividness of pure greens.
Lake Green
Certain lakes and ponds appear in shades of light green, especially around the edges. This cool, tranquil green reflects those watery landscapes.
Steppes Green
The steppes are vast grassy plains full of shrubs and scrub vegetation. Steppes green comes from this landscape and is medium-toned and grayish.
Reef Green
Coral reefs can impart green tones to the surrounding waters. Reef green is a tropical-looking medium green.
Alpine Green
This gray-toned green tries to capture the look of alpine forests and meadows. It’s a cool mid-tone green popular for outdoorsy color palettes.
Unique Nature Greens
Here are a few other interesting green color names drawn from natural motifs:
Reptile Green
Green isn’t the most common reptile color, but some snakes, lizards, and turtles do display green tones. This is a dark, muted green, almost like forest green.
Algae Green
Green algae can form large, visible colonies in lakes or ponds. This murky green color reflects algae’s dark, olive-like tones.
Cicada Green
While cicadas aren’t green, their shells can take on mossy, earthy green hues. Cicada green sits somewhere between green and brown.
Turtle Green
Though not all turtles are green, “turtle green” is meant to capture their traditional green color. This is a very dark green with prominent yellow/brown undertones.
Gekko Green
Many species of gecko lizards exhibit bright shades of lime green. Gekko green tries to recreate the vivid green tones of these reptiles.
Green Color Names Based on Material Objects
In addition to natural motifs, some green color names come from manmade objects that commonly appear in green:
Military Green
Military green refers to the olive drab color used on military uniforms and gear. This is a dusky yellow-green color.
Tennis Ball Green
The fuzzy felt on tennis balls yields a very bright, vivid light green. Tennis ball green offers a punchy lime tone.
Billiards Table Green
Billiards table green mimics the color of traditional billiard table felt. This is a cool, gray-toned dark green.
Green Roof Green
Also known as garden roof green, this tries to capture the assortment of greens on roof gardens and patios. It’s a pleasant natural-looking green.
Verdigris Green
This gray-blue toned green comes from the patina formed on aged copper. Verdigris green inspired color names like jade and sage green.
Caterpillar Green
Some species of caterpillar display very intense shades of green. Caterpillar green tries to copy these vivid, concentrated green tones.
Greens Named After Minerals
Different green minerals lend their hues to these color names:
Emerald Green
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl that naturally grows in a rich green color. Emerald green is very vivid and cool-toned.
Malachite Green
Malachite is a vibrantly green copper mineral. Malachite green has an intense, saturated color.
Serpentine Green
Serpentine is an olive drab colored metamorphic rock. Serpentine green has subtle yellow undertones.
Jade Green
Jade refers to two different green minerals: nephrite and jadeite. Jade green captures their vibrant green shades.
Chrysoprase Green
Chrysoprase is a translucent apple-green variety of chalcedony. Its green inspired this fresh, yellow-toned color name.
Moss Agate Green
Moss agate is a semi-precious stone with mossy green inclusions. Moss agate green reflects its natural tones.
Conclusion
There are dozens if not hundreds of shades of nature green derived from the natural world and manmade objects. From minty pastels to rich forest tones, green is incredibly varied. Knowing the stories behind nature green names allows for more thoughtful and evocative use of these verdant colors.
