What is the difference between Dianthus and carnations?

I. Dianthus

It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is a perennial plant that can grow to 30 to 50 cm tall. The entire plant is very smooth, without hairs, and somewhat powdery green. The stems emerge from the neck of the root, relatively sparse, and the leaves are generally linear or broadly needle-shaped, with relatively sharp tips, narrower bases, and fine serrations along the edges.

The flowers are solitary, growing at the tops of the branches, or many flowers cluster together in an umbel-like shape. The flower colors include purple, pink, red, white, and so on. The fruit is round, and the seeds are black and somewhat flat. It generally blooms in May and June, and produces fruit from July to September.

II. Carnation

It belongs to the same family as the former and is also perennial. It can grow taller than the former, reaching 40 to 70 cm. The branches and stems are also very smooth, without hairs, and also tend toward powdery green. The stems are clustered, relatively upright, woody at the base, with relatively few branches above. The leaves are the same as the former, also linear or broadly needle-shaped, with relatively long, pointed tips, a relatively obvious midrib, somewhat sunken on top and somewhat raised underneath.

The flowers are also often solitary, growing at the tops of the branches, in colors such as pink, purple, and white. The pedicel is somewhat shorter than the calyx, and the fruit is oval. It generally blooms from May to August and bears fruit from August to September.

III. Differences

1. The former has a very large range and more species, while the latter is one species within the former's family. Generally speaking, the latter is double-flowered, and the flower diameter of the latter is somewhat larger than that of the former. The latter represents Mother's Day and was introduced from Europe.

2. The former has many species, very vibrant flower colors, very fresh green leaves, and stems that stand very upright like bamboo. In addition to being ornamental, it can also freshen the air and can remove SO2 and chlorine gas from the air. The latter has relatively fewer species, but is used very widely and is deeply loved by people all over the world.

3. The two are close relatives. Farmers in many regions call the latter "Dianthus flower," but more people call all the other flowers in the Dianthus family except the latter "Dianthus flower," while the latter is separately called carnation.