Many cultures and traditions have symbolic meanings to flowers, herbs, and plants. Below is a representative list.

Aloe—Healing, protection, affection

Angelica—Inspiration

Arbor vitae—Unchanging friendship

Bachelor’s buttons—Single blessedness

Basil—Good wishes, love

Bay—Glory

Carnation—Alas for my poor heart

Chamomile—Patience

Chives—Usefulness

Clover, White—Think of me

Coriander—Hidden worth

Cumin—Fidelity

Fennel—Flattery

Fern—Sincerity

Geranium, Oak-leaved—True friendship

Goldenrod—Encouragement

Heliotrope—Eternal love

Holly—Hope

Hollyhock—Ambition

Honeysuckle—Bonds of love

Horehound—Health

Hyssop—Sacrifice, cleanliness

Ivy—Friendship, continuity

Lady’s mantle—Comforting

Lavender—Devotion, virtue

Lemon balm—Sympathy

Marjoram—Joy, happiness

Mints—Eternal refreshment

Morning glory—Affectation

Nasturtium—Patriotism

Oak—Strength

Oregano—Substance

Pansy—Thoughts

Parsley—Festivity

Pine—Humility

Poppy, Red—Consolation

Rose—Love

Rosemary—Remembrance

Rudbeckia—Justice

Rue—Grace, clear vision

Sage—Wisdom, immortality

Salvia, Blue—I think of you

Salvia, Red—Forever mine

Savory—Spice, interest

Sorrel—Affection

Southernwood—Constancy, jest

Sweet-pea—Pleasures

Sweet woodruff—Humility

Tansy—Hostile thoughts

Tarragon—Lasting interest

Thyme—Courage, strength

Valerian—Readiness

Violet—Loyalty, devotion

Violet, Blue—Faithfulness

Violet, Yellow—Rural happiness

Willow—Sadness

Zinnia—Thoughts of absent friends