Plant WorldFlowers and Unusual Plants |
What are the symbolic meanings of flowers, herbs, and other plants? |
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