Right now, I have six sources for Victorian-era flower language. In the tables that follow, they are referred to by their print dates (1853, 1883(I), 1883(II), 1885, 1892, and 1899). They are:
As it happened, the 1885 and 1892 lists proved to be absolutely identical except for some spelling variations. Thus, in the index by flower name, I've combined them into one column.
Since the names used for some flowers are obscure to modern readers, I've used the Oxford English Dictionary to try to find more recognizable equivalents for the unfamiliar names. I'd appreciate any suggestions for the ones I haven't identified. I'm also always on the lookout for more sources -- ideally ones actually published in the nineteenth century, rather than modern versions. Comments and suggestions are always welcome -- please send me mail!
See also the index by meaning.
| Flower | Meaning | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1853 | 1883(I) | 1883(II) | 1885/1892 | 1899 | |
| Abecedary | Volubility | ||||
| Abatina | Fickleness | ||||
| Acacia (1853: A shrub with elegant foliage and flowers; native of warm climates.) |
Chaste love | Concealed love | Friendship | ||
| Acacia, Rose | Friendship | Friendship | Friendship | ||
| Acacia, Rose or White | Elegance | ||||
| Acacia, Yellow | Secret love | ||||
| Acalia | Temperance | ||||
| Acanthus | Arts | Art | The fine arts. Artifice. | Arts | |
| Achillea Millefolia | War | ||||
| Achimeness | Such worth is rare | ||||
| Aconite (Wolfsbane) | Misanthropy | Treachery | |||
| Aconite, Crowfoot | Lustre | ||||
| Adonis, Flos | Painful recollections. | Painful recollections. | |||
| Adonis Vernalis | Bitter memories | ||||
| African Marigold | Vulgar minds. | Vulgar minded | |||
| Agnus Casus (or Castus)
(OED: Chaste-tree, Abraham's Balm) |
Coldness | Coldness; life without love. | Coldness. Indifference. | ||
| Agrimony | Thankfulness | Gratitude | Thankfulness. Gratitude. | Thankfulness | |
| Allspice | Compassion | ||||
| Almond | Hope | Giddiness; heedlessness | |||
| Almond (Common) | Stupidity. Indiscretion. | ||||
| Almond (Flowering) | Hope | ||||
| Almond, Laurel | Perfidy | ||||
| Almond Tree | Stupidity, thoughtlessness | ||||
| Aloe (1853: A medicinal plant, and a native of Egypt.) |
Sorrow--Dejection | Superstition | Bitterness | Grief. Religious superstition. | Bitterness |
| Althaea Frutes (Syrian Mallow) | Persuasion | ||||
| Althea
(OED: Family including marsh mallow and hollyhock) |
Consumed by love. | ||||
| Alyssum, Sweet | Worth beyond beauty. | Worth beyond beauty. | Worth beyond beauty | ||
| Amaranth (1853: A coarse and rather tall plant, a native of India.) |
Immortality | Immortality | Immortality; Unfading. | Immortality | |
| Amaranth (Globe) | Immortality. Unfading love. | ||||
| Amaranth (Cockscomb) | Foppery. Affectation. | ||||
| Amaryllis | Splendid beauty. | Beautiful but timid. | Pride. Timidity. Splendid beauty. | Splendid beauty | |
| Ambrosia
(OED: plants related to wormwood) |
Love returned. | Love returned. | |||
| American Cowslip | Divine beauty. | Beauty divine | |||
| American Elm | Patriotism | ||||
| American Linden (1853: The well-known Buttonwood: so agreeable for its shade.) |
Matrimony | Matrimony | |||
| American Star Wort
(1853: A delicate plant, with white starry blossoms) |
Welcome to a stranger | Welcome to a stranger. Cheerfulness in old age. | |||
| Amethys (or Amethyst) | Admiration | Admiration | Admiration | ||
| Anemone (1853: A beautiful and delicate wild flower blossoming very early.) |
Anticipation | Expectation | |||
| Anemone, Field | Sickness, illness | ||||
| Anemone, Garden | Forsaken | Forsaken; Withered hopes; Illness. | Forsaken | ||
| Anemone, Windflower | Desertion | ||||
| Anemone (Zephyr Flower) | Sickness. Expectation. | ||||
| Angelica/Angelica Herb | Inspiration | Inspiration | Inspiration | Inspiration, inspre me | |
| Angrec | Royalty | ||||
| Apocynum (Dogbane) | Inspiration | Deceit | |||
| Apple | Temptation | Temptation | |||
| Apple Blossom (1853: The flower of a well-known fruit.) |
Preference | Preference | Preference | Preference. Fame speaks him great and good. | Preference |
| Apple, Thorn | Deceitful charms. | ||||
| Apricot Flower | Doubt, distrust | ||||
| Arbor vitae | Unchanging friendship | Unchanging Friendship. | Unchanging friendship. Live for me. | Unchanging affection | |
| Arbutus | Thee only do I love. | Thee only do I love | |||
| Arbutus, Trailing
(OED: ground laurel, mayflower) |
Welcome | ||||
| Arkansas Coreopsis | Love at first sight | ||||
| Arum 1885: Wake Robin |
Ardor | Ardour/Ardor | Ferocity and deceit | ||
| Ash/Ash Tree | Grandeur | Grandeur | Grandeur | Grandeur | |
| Ash-leaved Trumpet Flower | Separation | ||||
| Ash, Mountain | Prudence | ||||
| Aspen Leaf | Lamentation, sighing | ||||
| Aspen Tree (1853: A small American tree, whose leaves have such long stems that they are easily moved by the slightest wind.) |
Lamentation | Lamentation | Sighing | Lamentation | |
| Asphodel | Regrets beyond the grave. | Remembered beyond the tomb. | My regrets follow you to the grave. | My regrets follow you to the grave | |
| Aster (China) | Variety. Afterthought. | ||||
| Aster, Double German | Variety | ||||
| Aster, Large flowered | Afterthought; Love of variety. | ||||
| Auricula | Painting | ||||
| Auricula, Scarlet | Avarice | Avarice | |||
| Aurilica | Avarice | ||||
| Austurtium | Splendour | ||||
| Autumn Leaves | Melancholy | ||||
| Azalea | Romance | Temperance | Temperance | ||
| Bachelor's Button (1853: Highly ornamental garden plants, with crimson, white, and striped red and white flowers; native of the East Indies.) |
Hope and love | Hope; Single Blessedness. | Celibacy | Hope in love | |
| Balm (1853: A fragrant garden herb, brought from the south of Europe.) |
A cure. | Sympathy | Sympathy | ||
| Balm, Gentle | Pleasantry | ||||
| Balm, Mint | Pleasantry | ||||
| Balm of Gilead | Healing | Healing; I am cured. | Cure. Relief. | Cure, relief | |
| Balsam | Impatience | ||||
| Balsam, Red | Touch me not. Impatient resolves. | ||||
| Balsam, Yellow | Impatience | Impatience | |||
| Balsamine | Impatience | ||||
| Barberry | Sharpness, satire. | Petulance; Ill temper. | Sourness of temper. | Sourness | |
| Barberry Tree | Sharpness | ||||
| Basil | Hatred | Give me your good wishes. | Hatred | ||
| Bay Leaf (1853: An ornamental evergreen, from Italy.) |
I change but in dying. | No change till death. | I change but in death. | I change but in death. | I change but in death |
| Bay (Rose) Rhododendron | Danger. Beware. | ||||
| Bay Tree | Glory | ||||
| Bay Wreath | Reward of merit. | Reward of merit | |||
| Bearded Crepis | Protection | ||||
| Beech | Prosperity | Lovers' tryst; Prosperity. | Prosperity | ||
| Bee Ophrys (OED: a member of the orchid family) |
Error | Error | Error | ||
| Bee Orchis
(OED: puts this with Bee Ophrys, above?) |
Industry | Industry | Industry | ||
| Begonia | Deformed | ||||
| Belladonna | Silence | Silence | |||
| Bell Flower (1853: A delicate drooping flower, pale yellow, found in the woods of North America.) |
Constancy | Gratitude | |||
| Bell Flower, Pyramidal | Constancy | ||||
| Bell Flower (small white) | Gratitude | ||||
| Belvedere | I declare against you. | ||||
| Belvidere, Wild (Licorice) | I declare against you. | ||||
| Betony | Surprise | ||||
| Bilberry (OED: aka whortleberry) |
Treachery | Treachery | |||
| Bindweed | Humility; Night. | ||||
| Bindweed, Great | Insinuation | Insinuation | |||
| Bindweed, Small | Humility | ||||
| Birch Tree (1853: An ornamental tree of temperate climates.) |
Gracefulness | Meekness | Grace; Elegance. | Meekness | |
| Birdsfoot Trefoil | Revenge | ||||
| Bittersweet; Nightshade | Truth | Truth | |||
| Black Bryony (OED: aka Lady's Seal) |
Be my support. | Be my support. | Be my support | ||
| Black Poplar | Courage | Affliction | |||
| Black Thorn (1853: A shrub, with dark glossy leaves, and bearing very black berries; a native of England. 1883(II): aka Sloe) |
Difficulty | Difficulties | Difficulty | Difficulty | |
| Bladder Tree | Frivolous amusement. | ||||
| Bladder-Nut Tree | Frivolous amusements. | Frivolity. Amusement. | |||
| Bluebell | Constancy | Constancy | Kindness | ||
| Blue Bottle (OED: Blue cornflower; 1885: Centaury) |
Delicacy | Delicacy | Delicacy | ||
| Blue-flowered Greek Valerian | Rupture | ||||
| Borage | Bluntness | Abruptness | Bluntness | Rudeness | |
| Bonus Henricus | Goodness | ||||
| Borus Henricus | Goodness | ||||
| Box/Box Tree (1853: Dwarf evergreen shrubs, from Europe.) |
Indifference | Constancy | Stoicism | Stoicism | Constancy in friendship |
| Bramble (1853: Prickly-stemmed plants, with fragrant, showy flowers, of which the "Bridal rose" is an example.) |
Remorse | Lowliness. Envy. Remorse. | Lowliness | ||
| Branch of Currants | You please all. | ||||
| Branch of Thorns | Severity. Rigour. | ||||
| Bridal Rose | Happy love. | ||||
| Briers | Envy | Envy | |||
| Broken Straw | Constancy | ||||
| Broom | Neatness | Neatness; Humility. | Humility. Neatness. | Neatness | |
| Browallia Jamisonii | Could you bear poverty | ||||
| Buckbean | Calm repose | Calmness; Repose. | Calm repose | Calmness | |
| Bud of White Rose | Heart ignorant of love. | ||||
| Bugloss | Falsehood | Falsehood | Falsehood | ||
| Bulrush | Docility | Docility | |||
| Bundle of Reeds, with their Panicles | Music | ||||
| Burdock | Importunity | Touch me not; Importunity. | Importunity. Touch me not. | Touch me not | |
| Buttercup (1853: Brilliant golden flowers, found in wet meadows; common both in America and Europe. 1885: Kingcup) |
Childishness | Riches | Riches; Memories of childhood. | Ingratitude. Childishness. | |
| Butterfly Orchis | Gaiety | ||||
| Butterfly Weed | Let me go. | Let me go | |||
| Cabbage | Profit | Profit | |||
| Cacalia | Adulation | ||||
| Cactus | Thou leavest me. | Warmth | |||
| Calla AEthiopica | Magnificent Beauty | ||||
| Calla Lilly | Feminine beauty | Delicacy; Modesty. | |||
| Calycanthus (OED: One kind is Carolina Allspice) |
Benevolence | Benevolence | Benevolence | ||
| Camelia (1899: Camellia) | Pity | Gratitude | |||
| Camellia Japonica, Red | Unpretending excellence. | ||||
| Camellia Japonica, White | Perfected loveliness. | ||||
| Camillia | Gratitude; Perfect Loveliness. | ||||
| Camomile/Chamomile (1853: A garden herb of fragrant bitter odor, flowers very pretty, and possessing valuable medicinal qualities.) |
Energy in adversity. | Energy in action. | Energy in Adversity. | Energy in adversity. | Energy in adversity |
| Canary Grass | Perseverance | Perseverance, determination | |||
| Candytuft | Indifference | Indifference; Architecture. | Indifference | Indifference | |
| Canterbury Bell (OED: like a bluebell; 1853: A showy garden biennial, with large deep blue, and bell shaped flowers.) |
Gratitude | Gratitude | Constancy | Acknowledgement | |
| Cape Jasmine | I'm too happy. | I am too happy | |||
| Cape Jasmine Gardenia | Transport, ecstasy. | ||||
| Cardamine | Paternal error. | ||||
| Cardinal Flower
(OED: Scarlet Lobelia) |
Distinction | Distinction; Preferment. | Distinction | Distinction | |
| Carnation (1853: A magnificent and very fragrant garden flower.) |
Pride | Pure and deep love. | Pride and beauty | ||
| Carnation, Deep Red | Alas! for my poor heart. | ||||
| Carnation, Striped | Refusal | ||||
| Carnation, Yellow (1853: A magnificent and highly-scented garden flower.) |
Disdain | Disdain | Disdain | Disdain | |
| Carrot Flower | Do not refuse me | ||||
| Catalpa Flower (1853: The blossom of a rich-looking, broad-leaved tree, of North America; white, and very showy.) |
Beware of the coquette. | ||||
| Catchfly | Snare | Caught at last | |||
| Catchfly (Silene), Red | Youthful love. | Youthful love. | |||
| Catchfly, White | I fall a victim. | Betrayed | |||
| Cedar (1853: A well-known evergreen tree, with dark red and very fragrant wood.) |
Think of me. | I live for thee. | Strength | ||
| Cedar Leaf | I live for thee. | I live for thee. | |||
| Cedar of Lebanon | Incorruptible | Incorruptible | |||
| Cedar Sprig | Constancy in love; I live for thee | ||||
| Celandine (OED: swallow-wort, pilewort, figwort) |
Future joy. | Joys to come. | Joys to come | ||
| Cereus (Creeping) | Modest genius. | ||||
| Cereus, Night Blooming | Transient Beauty. | ||||
| Centaury | Delicacy | ||||
| Champignon | Suspicion | ||||
| Chequered Fritillary | Persecution | ||||
| Cherry | A good education. | ||||
| Cherry Blossom (1853: The flower of a rich fruit brought originally from Asia.) |
Spiritual beauty | ||||
| Cherry Tree | Good education | Good education | Education | ||
| Cherry Tree, White | Deception | ||||
| Chestnut | Do me justice | ||||
| Chestnut Tree | Do me justice. | Do me justice. Luxury. | |||
| Chickweed | I cling to thee. | Rendezvous | |||
| Chickory (1883(II): Chiccory) | Frugality | Frugality; Economy. | Frugality | ||
| China Aster (1853: A splendid garden annual, with single and double flowers, of various hues; a native of China.) |
Love of variety | I will think of thee. | Love of variety. | Variety | |
| China Aster, Double | I partake your sentiments. | I partake your sentiments | |||
| China Aster, Single | I will think of it. | I will think of it, deliberation | |||
| China, Pink (OED: a perennial flowering pink) |
Aversion | ||||
| China or Indian Pink | Adversion | ||||
| China Rose | Beauty always new. | ||||
| Chinese Chrysanthemum | Cheerfulness under adversity. | ||||
| Chorozema Varium | You have many lovers | ||||
| Christmas Rose | Relieve my anxiety. | ||||
| Chrysanthemum | A heart left to desolation. | ||||
| Chrysanthemum, Red | I love. | ||||
| Chrysanthemum, Rose | In love | ||||
| Chrysanthemum, White | Truth | Truth | Truth, veracity | ||
| Chrysanthemum, Yellow | Slighted love | Slighted love | Slighted love | ||
| Cinnamon Tree | Forgiveness of injuries. | Forgiveness of injuries | |||
| Cinquefoil | Beloved child | A beloved daughter. | Maternal affection | Beloved daughter | |
| Circaea | Spell | ||||
| Cistus, or Rock Rose | Surety | Popular favour. | |||
| Cistus, Gum | I shall die to-morrow. | ||||
| Citron | Ill-natured beauty. | ||||
| Clarkia | The variety of your conversation delights me | ||||
| Clematis | Artifice | Mental Beauty; Artifice. | Mental beauty. | ||
| Clematis, Evergreen | Poverty | ||||
| Clinging Woodbine (1853: Flowers white and pale red; very fragrant.) |
Fraternal love | ||||
| Clotbur | Rudeness. Pertinacity. | ||||
| Clover, Four-leaved | Be mine. | Be mine. | Be mine | ||
| Clover, Red | Industry | Industry | Industry | ||
| Clover, White | I promise. | Think of me. | |||
| Cloves | Dignity | ||||
| Clyanthus | Worldliness | ||||
| Coboea | Gossip | Gossip | Gossip | ||
| Cockle | Vain is beauty without merit. | Vain is beauty without merit | |||
| Cockscomb Amaranth | Foppery. Affectation. Singularity. | ||||
| Colchium/Colchicum, or Meadow Saffron | My best days fled. | My best days are past. | |||
| Coltsfoot | Justice shall be done you. | Justice shall be done you. | Justice shall be done. | Justice shall be done | |
| Columbine (1853: Hardy and pretty flowers, of purple, crimson, blue, or white colors, and growing in every temperate climate.) |
Desertion | Folly | Folly | ||
| Columbine, Purple | Resolved to win. | Resolved to win. | Resolved to win | ||
| Columbine, Red | Anxious | Anxious and trembling. | Anxious and trembling. | Great anxiety | |
| Convolvulus | Bonds | Bonds | |||
| Convolvulus, Blue (Minor) | Repose. Night. | ||||
| Convolvulus Major
(OED: bindweed) |
Dead hope | Extinguished hopes. | Extinguished hope | ||
| Convolvulus Minor (OED: bindweed) |
Uncertainty | ||||
| Convolvulus, Pink | Worth sustained by judicious and tender affection. | ||||
| Corchorus | Impatience of happiness. | Impatient of absence. | |||
| Corcopsis | Love at first sight. | ||||
| Coreopsis | Always cheerful. | Always cheerful. | Always cheerful | ||
| Coreopsis Arkansa | Love at first sight. | ||||
| Coriander | Hidden merit | Hidden merit. | Hidden worth. | Hidden merit; Merit Concealed | |
| Corn | Riches | Riches; Abundance. | Riches | ||
| Corn, Broken | Quarrel | ||||
| Corn Bottle | Delicacy | Delicacy | |||
| Corn Buttercup | Riches, wealth | ||||
| Corn Cockle | Gentility | ||||
| Corn Straw | Agreement | ||||
| Cornel Tree | Duration | ||||
| Cornelian Cherry Tree | Durability | Continuance; Duration. | |||
| Coronella | Success crown your wishes. | Success crown your wishes | |||
| Coronilla | Success to you. | ||||
| Cowslip (1853: An early yellow flower, native of England, but cultivated in gardens.) |
Pensiveness | Pensiveness | Native grace; Pensiveness. | Pensiveness. Winning grace. | |
| Cowslip, American | My divinity. | Divine beauty. You are my divinity. | |||
| Coxcomb | Foppery | Foppery> | Foppery | ||
| Crab Blossom | Ill-tempered | ||||
| Cranberry | Cure for heartache. | ||||
| Crane's Bill | Envy | ||||
| Creeping Cereus | Horror | ||||
| Cress (1899: Cresses) | Stability | Stability. Power. | Stability, always reliable | ||
| Crocus (1853: Lovely little early flowers, with purple, white, blue, and yellow blossoms; a native of Europe.) |
Cheerfulness | Cheerfulness | Cheerfulness | Abuse not. | Abuse not |
| Crocus, Spring | Youthful gladness. | ||||
| Crocus, Saffron | Mirth | ||||
| Crowfoot | Ingratitude | Ingratitude | |||
| Crowfoot (Aconite-leaved) | Lustre | ||||
| Crown Imperial (OED: fritillary) |
Majesty | Power; Pride of birth | Majesty. Power. | Pride of birth | |
| Crowsbill | Envy | ||||
| Cuckoo Plant | Ardour | ||||
| Cucumber | Criticism | Criticism | |||
| Cudweed, American | Unceasing remembrance. | ||||
| Currants | You please me. | Thy frown will kill me | Thy frown will kill me. | Thy frown will kill me | |
| Cuscuta | Meanness | ||||
| Cyclamen | Diffidence | ||||
| Cypress (1853: A tree from the island of Cyprus.) |
Death | Mourning | Despair; Mourning. | Death. Mourning. | Death |
| Cypress and Marigold | Despair | Despair | |||
| Daffodil | Chivalry | Unrequited love. | Regard | Regard | |
| Dahlia (1853: A gorgeous plant with flowers of every variety of hue, and highly prized.---Mexico) |
Eloquence and dignity | Forever thine. | Dignity and elegance. | Instability | Elegance and dignity |
| Daisy | Innocence | Beauty and innocence | |||
| Daisy, Garden | I share your feelings. | I share your feelings. | I share your sentiments. | ||
| Daisy, Michaelmas | Farewell | Farewell | |||
| Daisy, Party-coloured | Beauty | ||||
| Daisy, Red | Beauty unknown to possessor. | ||||
| Daisy, Single Field | I will think of it. | ||||
| Daisy, White | Innocence | ||||
| Daisy, Wild | I will think of it. | I will think of it. | |||
| Damask Rose (1853: A delightful scented variety of the rose, with pale red, and double flowers.) |
Bashful love | Brilliant complexion. | |||
| Dandelion (1853: A naturalized weed, from England; yellow, flowers, which open a little after sunrise, and close before sunset.) |
Coquetry | Coquetry | Oracle; Coquetry. | Rustic oracle. | Coquetry; Lover's oracle |
| Dandelion Ball | Depart | ||||
| Daphne Mezereon
(OED: a member of the laurel family) |
I desire to please. | ||||
| Daphne Odora
(OED: a member of the laurel family) |
I would not have you otherwise. | Painting the lily. | |||
| Darnel (Ray grass) | Vice | ||||
| Datura | Deceitful charms. | ||||
| Deadleaves | Sadness | Sadness | Sadness | ||
| Dew Plant (1853: A bright glossy, succulent leaved plant, with small crimson blossoms.--Cape of Good Hope) |
Serenade | Serenade | A Serenade. | A serenade | |
| Dianthus | Make haste | ||||
| Diosma (OED: an African heath) |
Usefulness | ||||
| Dittany | Birth | ||||
| Dittany of Crete | Birth | Birth | |||
| Dittany of Crete, White | Passion | ||||
| Dittany, White | Passion | ||||
| Dock | Patience | Patience | Patience | ||
| Dodder | Meanness | Meanness; Baseness. | |||
| Dodder of Thyme | Baseness | Baseness, meanness | |||
| Dogsbane | Deceit. Falsehood. | Deceit | |||
| Dogwood, Flowering (Cornus) | Am I indifferent to you? | Durability | |||
| Double Daisy (1853: A humble garden plant, with light crimson blossoms brought from England.) |
Participation | Participation, enjoyment | |||
| Dragon Plant (1853: A grotesque blossom, with a long pointed body protruding from its centre, like a serpent's tongue.--N. America) |
A snare. | Snare | |||
| Dragonwort (1899: Dragon's-wort) | Horror | Astonishment | |||
| Dried Flax | Utility. | ||||
| Dyplidinia Brassinoda | You are too bold | ||||
| Ebony | Hypocrisy | Blackness | Blackness | Blackness | |
| Echites Atro-purporea | Be warned in time | ||||
| Eglantine (OED and 1885: sweet-briar) |
I wound to heal. | Poetry; I wound to heal. | Poetry. I wound to heal. | I wound to heal; Poetry | |
| Elder | Compassion | Compassion | Zealousness | Compassion | |
| Elecampane | Tears | Tears | |||
| Elm (1853: The finest of all our ornamental trees, native of Europe and America.) |
Dignity and grace | Dignity | Dignity | Dignity | |
| Enchanter's Nightshade | Witchcraft. Sorcery. | ||||
| Endine | Frugality | ||||
| Endive | Frugality | ||||
| Epigaea, Repens (Mayflower) | Budding beauty | ||||
| Eupatorium | Delay | Delay | |||
| Evening Primrose | Inconstancy | ||||
| Everflowering Candytuft | Indifference | ||||
| Evergreen (1853: Trailing plants, in woods, keeping green all the year.) |
Poverty and worth | Poverty | |||
| Evergreen Clematis | Poverty | Poverty, want | |||
| Evergreen Thorn | Solace in adversity. | ||||
| Everlasting (Graphalium) (1853: Dry pearly-headed, blossoming plants, growing wild in the fields; flowers unfading.) |
I think of thee. | Never ceasing memory | Always remembered. | Never-ceasing remembrance. | Never-ceasing remembrance |
| Everlasting Pea | Wilt thou go with me? | Lasting pleasure. | Go not away | ||
| Fennel | Force; Strength. | Worthy all praise. Strength. | Force | ||
| Fern (1853: A dwarfish shrub, growing in crevices of sturdy rocks, and bearing its seeds on its leaf; North America.) |
Fascination | Sincerity | Fascination | Fascinating | |
| Fever Root | Delay | ||||
| Ficoides, Ice Plant | Your looks freeze me. | Addresses rejected | |||
| Fig | Argument | Longevity, long-lived | |||
| Fig Marigold | Idleness | ||||
| Fig Tree | Prolific | ||||
| Filbert | Reconciliation | Reconciliation | Reconciliation | ||
| Fir | Elevation | Time | |||
| Fir Tree | Elevation | Elevation | |||
| Flax | I feel your kindness. | I feel your benefits. | Domestic Industry. Fate. I feel your kindness. | I am sensible of your kindness | |
| Flax-leaved Goldy-locks (1899: Golden Locks) | Tardiness | Tardiness | |||
| Fleur-de-lis | Flame. I burn. | ||||
| Fleur-de-Luce | Fire. | ||||
| Flora's Bell | Without pretension | ||||
| Flos, Adonis | Painful recollections. | Painful recollections | |||
| Flowering Fern | Reverie | ||||
| Flowering Reed (1853: A tropical plant, with broad leaves, and a spike of scarlet flowers; East Indies.) |
Confidence in Heaven. | Confide in heaven. | Confidence in Heaven. | ||
| Flowering Rush | Confidence in Heaven | ||||
| Flower-of-an-Hour | Delicate beauty | Delicate Beauty | |||
| Fly Orchis | Error | ||||
| Flytrap | Deceit | Artifice | |||
| Fools' Parsley | Silliness | ||||
| Forget-me-not (1853: A delicate pale-blue flower.--England) |
True love | True love. | Do not forget. | True love. Forget me not. | Forget me not |
| Fox Glove (1853: A tall, graceful plant, with very long stems, with are covered with purple or white flowers.--Great Britain.) |
I am ambitious only for you. | Insincerity; Occupation. | Insincerity | A wish | |
| Foxtail Grass | Sporting | Sport, fun | |||
| Francisca Latifolia | Beware of a false friend | ||||
| Fraxinella (OED: Cultivated dittany) |
Fire | Fire | |||
| French Honeysuckle | Rustic beauty. | ||||
| French Marigold | Jealousy | ||||
| French Willow | Bravery and humanity. | ||||
| Fritilaria (Guinea-hen Flower) | Persecution | ||||
| Frog Ophrys | Disgust | Disgust | |||
| Fuchsia (1853: A small shrubby plant, with crimson and purple blossoms; resembling a pendant ear-ring; Chili.) |
Humble love | The ambition of my love thus plagues itself. | Taste; Frugality. | ||
| Fuchsia, Scarlet | Taste | Taste | Taste | ||
| Fuller's Teasel | Misanthropy | ||||
| Fumitory | Spleen | Hatred | |||
| Furze | Anger | Love for all seasons | |||
| Garden Anemone | Forsaken | ||||
| Garden Chervil | Sincerity | Sincerity | |||
| Garden Daisy | I partake your sentiments. | ||||
| Gardenia | Transport, ecstasy | ||||
| Garden Marigold (1853: A yellow flower, among the ancients it was sacred to Venus.) |
Sacred affection | Uneasiness | |||
| Garden Ranunculus | You are rich in attractions. | ||||
| Garden Sage | Esteem | ||||
| Garland of Roses | Reward of virtue. | ||||
| Gentian | Intrinsic worth. | Integrity | |||
| Gentian, Fringed | Intrinsic worth | ||||
| Geranium, Apple | Present preference | Facility | |||
| Geranium, Dark | Melancholy | ||||
| Geranium, Ivy | Your hand for next dance. | I engage you for the next dance. | Bridal favour. | I engage you for the next dance | |
| Geranium, Lemon | Unexpected meeting. | Unexpected meeting | |||
| Geranium, Nutmeg | I expect a meeting. | Expected meeting. | Expected meeting | ||
| Geranium, Oak | Lady, deign to smile. | A melancholy mind. | |||
| Geranium, Oak-leaf (1853: Umbels sub-many flowered.--Flowers, pale blue.) |
True friendship | True friendship. | |||
| Geranium, Pencilled | Ingenuity | ||||
| Geranium, Rose | Preference | I prefer you. | Preference | I prefer you | |
| Geranium, Scarlet | Silliness | Comforting. Stupidity. | Silliness, silly | ||
| Geranium, Silver-leaf | Recall | Recall | |||
| Geranium, Wild | Steadfast piety. | Steadfast piety | |||
| Germander Speedwell | Facility | ||||
| Gillyflower
(OED: wallflower or pink) |
Lasting beauty | Bonds of affection.Lasting beauty | |||
| Gillyflower, Common | Lasting Beauty. | ||||
| Gillyflower, Stock | Promptness | ||||
| Gladiolus (1899: Gladiola) | Ready armed | Ready armed. | Ready armed | ||
| Glory Flower | Glorious beauty. | Glory | |||
| Glycine | Your friendship is agreeable to me | ||||
| Goat's Rue | Reason | Reason | Reason | ||
| Gold Basket | Tranquility | ||||
| Golden Rod | Encouragement | Encouragement | Precaution | Encouragement; Precaution | |
| Gooseberry | Anticipation | Anticipation | Anticipation | Anticipation | |
| Goosefoot | Goodness | ||||
| Gorse (1883(II): or Turze) | Endearing affection | Anger | Anger | ||
| Gourd | Extend, Bulk. | Bulkiness | |||
| Grammanthes | Your temper is too hasty | ||||
| Grape | Charity | Charity | Intemperance | ||
| Grape Vine | Intemperance | ||||
| Grass | Utility | Utility; Submission | Submission. Utility. | Usefulness, utility | |
| Great Yellow Daffodil | Chivalry | ||||
| Greek Valerian | Rupture | ||||
| Guelder Rose (Snowball) (OED: snowball-tree) |
Winter | Winter. Age. | Good news | ||
| Gum Cistus | I shall die to-morrow | ||||
| Hand Flower Tree | Warning | ||||
| Harebell | Grief | Retirement; Grief. | Submission. Grief. | Retirement, submission | |
| Hawkweed | Quicksightedness | Quicksightedness | |||
| Hawthorn (1853: Stout, spiny shrubs, with heads of elegant white or rosy, blossoms, sometimes double.---England) |
Hope | Hope | Hope | Hope | Hope |
| Hazel (1853: A slender North American shrub, blossoming very early.) |
Reconciliation | Reconciliation | Reconciliation | Reconciliation | |
| Heart's Ease (OED: pansy) |
Think of me. | ||||
| Heart's Ease, Purple | You occupy my thoughts. | ||||
| Heath (1853: Low straggling shrubs, with delicate flowers, and mostly natives of the Cape of Good Hope.) |
Solitude | Solitude | Solitude | Solitude | Solitude |
| Helenium (OED: a sneezeweed) |
Tears | Tears | |||
| Heliotrope | I adore you; Devotion. | ||||
| Heliotrope, Peruvian | I love; devotion. | Devotion. Faithfulness. | Infatuation, adoration | ||
| Hellebore (1853: A plant first introduced from the south of Europe; bears a greenish-colored flower.) |
Calumny | Scandal | Scandal. Calumny. | Calumny, scandal | |
| Helmet Flower (Monkshood) | Knight-errantry | ||||
| Hemlock | You will be my death. | You will be my death | |||
| Hemp | Fate | Fate | |||
| Henbane | Blemish | Blemish; Fault. | Imperfection | ||
| Hepatica (OED: either an anemone or liverwort) |
Confidence | Confidence | Confidence | ||
| Hibiscus | Delicate beauty | Delicate beauty. | Delicate beauty | ||
| Hoarhound | Fire | ||||
| Holly (1853: A dark green-leaved tree, bearing white flowers and scarlet berries.---North America and Europe) |
Domestic happiness | Foresight | Am I forgotten? Foresight. | Foresight | Foresight |
| Holly Herb | Enchantment | ||||
| Hollyhock | Fruitfulness | Fecundity; Ambition. | Ambition. Fecundity. | Ambition of a scholar | |
| Hollyhock, White | Female ambition | Female ambition | |||
| Honesty (Lunaria) | Sincerity | Honesty. Fascination. | Honesty | ||
| Honey Flower | Sweet and secret love. | Love sweet and secret. | Secret love | ||
| Honeysuckle (1853: A beautiful climbing plant, with scarlet blossoms, very fragrant. ---North America) |
Spirit vision | The bond of love. | Devoted love; Fidelity | Generous and devoted affection. | |
| Honeysuckle, Coral | The color of my fate. | The colour of my fate. |
|||
| Honeysuckle (French) | Rustic beauty. | Rustic beauty | |||
| Honeysuckle, Monthly | I will not answer hastily. | Domestic happiness | |||
| Honeysuckle, Wild | Devoted love | ||||
| Hop | Injustice | Injustice | Injustice | Injustice | |
| Hornbeam (1883(II): Hornbean) | Ornament | Ornament | Ornament | ||
| Hornbeam Tree | Ornament, a treasure | ||||
| Horse-Chestnut | Luxury | Luxury | Luxury | ||
| Hortensia | You are cold. | You are cold | |||
| House-Leek | Domestic economy | Domestic economy. | Vivacity. Domestic industry. | Domestic economy | |
| Houstania | Innocence; Content. | ||||
| Houstonia (OED: group that includes bluets) |
Content | Content | |||
| Hoya (Wax Plant) | Sculpture | Sculpture | |||
| Humble Plant | Despondency | Humility | |||
| Hundred-leaved Rose | Dignity of mind. | ||||
| Hyacinth | Jealousy | Constancy; Benevolence. | Sport. Game. Play. | ||
| Hyacinth, Blue | Constancy | ||||
| Hyacinth, Purple | Sorrow | ||||
| Hyacinth, White | Unobtrusive loveliness. | ||||
| Hydrangea | Heartlessness | Vain-glory; Heartlessness. | A boaster. Heartlessness. | A boaster | |
| Hyssop | Cleanliness | Cleanliness | |||
| Iceland Moss | Health | Health | |||
| Ice Plant | Your looks freeze me. | Your looks freeze me. | Your looks freeze me. | Your looks freeze me | |
| Indian Cress (OED: nasturtium) |
Resignation | Warlike trophy. | |||
| Indian Jasmine (Ipomoea) | Attachment | Attachment; I attach myself to you | |||
| Indian Pink (Double) | Always lovely. | ||||
| Indian Plum | Privation | Privation | |||
| Ipomaca | I attach myself to you. | ||||
| Iris | Message | Message | I have a message for you | ||
| Iris, Common Garden | A message for thee. | ||||
| Iris, German | Flame | Flame | Flame | ||
| Iris, Yellow | Flame | ||||
| Ivy | Friendship; matrimony. | Friendship; Marriage. | Fidelity. Marriage. | ||
| Ivy Leaf | Friendship | ||||
| Ivy, Sprig of, with tendrils | Assiduous to please. | ||||
| Ivy Tendrils | Assiduous to please | ||||
| Ivy Vine | Matrimony, marriage | ||||
| Jacob's Ladder | Come down. | Come down | |||
| Japan Rose | Beauty is your only attraction. | ||||
| Jasmine | Amiability | ||||
| Jasmine, Cape | Transport of joy. | ||||
| Jasmine, Carolina | Separation | Separation | |||
| Jasmine, Indian | I attach myself to you. | ||||
| Jasmine, Spanish | Sensuality | Sensuality | |||
| Jasmine, White | Amiability | Amiability | |||
| Jasmine, Yellow | Grace and elegance. | Grace and eloquence. | Grace and elegance | ||
| Jessamine, Cape (OED: Jasmine) |
Transient joy | ||||
| Jessamine, White (OED: jasmine) |
Amiability | ||||
| Jessamine, Yellow
(OED: jasmine) |
Grace; elegance | ||||
| Jonquil | Return my affection. | Desire; Affection returned. | I desire a return of affection. | Affection returned; I desire a return of affection | |
| Judas-Tree | Betrayed | Unbelief. Betrayal. | Betrayal, betrayed | ||
| Jumper | Asylum; Aid; Protection. | ||||
| Juniper | Perfect loveliness | Succour. Protection. | Protection | ||
| Justicia | The perfection of female loveliness. | ||||
| Kalmia (Mountain Laurel) | Treachery | ||||
| Kennedia | Intellectual beauty | Mental beauty. | Mental beauty | ||
| Kings-cups (1899: King-cup) | Desire of riches. | I wish I was rich | |||
| Laburnum | Pensive beauty | Pensive beauty. | Forsaken. Pensive Beauty. | ||
| Lady's Slipper | Capricious beauty | Capricious beauty. | Capricious Beauty. Win me and wear me. | Capricious beauty | |
| Lagerstraemia, Indian | Eloquence | ||||
| Lagerstroema (Cape Myrtle) | Eloquence | ||||
| Lantana | Rigor | Rigor | Rigour | ||
| Larch | Boldness | Boldness; Audacity. | Audacity. Boldness. | Audacity, boldness | |
| Larkspur | Fickleness | Lightness. Levity. | Levity, hilarity | ||
| Larkspur, Pink | Lightness; Fickleness. | Fickleness | Fickleness | ||
| Larkspur, Purple | Haughtiness | ||||
| Laurel | Glory | Glory | |||
| Laurel, American | Words, though sweet, may deceive. | ||||
| Laurel, Common, in flower | Perfidy | ||||
| Laurel, Ground | Perseverance | ||||
| Laurel, Mountain | Glory; Victory; Ambition. | Ambition | Ambition of a hero | ||
| Laurel-leaved Magnolia | Dignity | ||||
| Laurestina/Laurestine/Laurestinus/Laurustina | I die if neglected. | I die if neglected. | A token. I die if neglected. | I die if neglected | |
| Lavatera | Sweet disposition. | Sweet disposition | |||
| Lavender | Distrust | Mistrust | Distrust | ||
| Leaves (dead) | Melancholy | ||||
| Lemon | Zest | ||||
| Lemon Blossom | Discretion | Prudence; Discretion. | Fidelity in love. | Discretion | |
| Lettuce (1853: A well-known garden succulent.) |
Cold-hearted | Cold-hearted | Cold hearted; Coolness. | Cold-heartedness | Cold-hearted, coldness |
| Lichen | Dejection | Dejection. Solitude. | |||
| Licorice, Wild | I declare against you. | ||||
| Lilac | First emotion of love. | ||||
| Lilac, Field | Humility | ||||
| Lilac, Purple | First emotions of love | First emotions of love. | First emotion of love | ||
| Lilac, White | Youth | Youth | Youthful Innocence. | Candor | |
| Lily | Purity; modesty | ||||
| Lily of the Valey [sic] | Return of happiness | Return of happiness. | Return of happiness | Return of happiness | |
| Lily, Day | Coquetry | Coquetry | Coquetry | ||
| Lily, Imperial | Majesty | Majesty | |||
| Lily, Scarlet | High-bred, high-souled | ||||
| Lily, Water | Eloquence | Eloquence | |||
| Lily, White (1853: A stately plant, with large, scented, white flowers; from the Levant.) |
Purity | Majesty; Purity. | Purity. Sweetness. | Purity | |
| Lily, Yellow | Falsehood | Falsehood. Gaiety. | Falsehood | ||
| Linden Leaf | Matrimony, marriage | ||||
| Linden Sprig | Conjugal love | ||||
| Linden Tree | Conjugal love | ||||
| Linden or Lime Tree | Conjugal; Marriage. | Conjugal love | |||
| Lint | I feel my obligations. | ||||
| Live Oak | Liberty | Liberty | |||
| Liverwort | Confidence | Confidence | Confidence | ||
| Lobelia | Malevolence | ||||
| Locust | Affection beyond the grave. | ||||
| Locust Tree | Elegance | Affection beyond the grave | |||
| Locust Tree (green) | Love beyond the grave | Affection beyond the grave. | |||
| London Pride (OED: Sweet William or lychnis) |
Frivolity | Frivolity | |||
| Lote Tree | Concord | ||||
| Lotus | Forgetful of the past. | Eloquence | Eloquence | ||
| Lotus Flower | Estranged love. | ||||
| Lotus Leaf | Recantation | Recantation | |||
| Love in a Mist | You puzzle me. | Perplexity | |||
| Love-in-a-Puzzle | Embarrassment | ||||
| Love Lies Bleeding | Hopeless, not heartless. | Hopeless, not heartless. | Hopeless, not heartless | ||
| Lucerne | Life | Life | Life | Life, existence | |
| Lungwort (Pulmonaria) | Thou art my life. | ||||
| Lupine (1853: A plant with rose-colored, or blue flowers, and elegant leaves. ---South of Europe) |
Dejection | Imagination | Dejection | Voraciousness. Imagination. | Imagination |
| Lychnis (OED: genus including campion) |
Religious enthusiasm | ||||
| Lythrum (OED: genus including loosestrife) |
Pretension | ||||
| Madder | Calumny | Calumny | Calumny | ||
| Magnolia (1853: A beautiful tree of many varieties; large white or cream-colored flowers.---United States and China) |
Love of Nature | Love of Nature. | Love of Nature. | Love of nature, magnificence | |
| Magnolia, Chinese | Love of Nature | ||||
| Magnolia, Grandiflora | Peerless and proud | ||||
| Magnolia, Swamp | Perseverance | Perseverance | |||
| Maiden's Hair | Discretion | Discretion | |||
| Maize (1853: Better known as Indian corn, a native of tropical America.) |
Riches | ||||
| Mallow (1853: A tall plant, cultivated for its singular foliage.---Syria.) |
Good and kind. | Sweetness | Mildness | ||
| Mallow, Marsh | Beneficience | ||||
| Mallow, Syrian | Consumed by love. | Persuasion | |||
| Mallow, Venetian | Delicate beauty. | ||||
| Manchineal/Manchineel Tree | Falseness | Falsehood | |||
| Mandrake | Horror | Rarity | Horror | Honor | |
| Maple (1853: Useful and beautiful tree, of the temperate zone, many varieties, some of which produce beautiful flowers.) |
Reserve | Reserve | Reserve | Reserve | |
| Marigold | Cruelty | Sacred affection | Grief | Grief, trouble, pain | |
| Marigold, African | Vulgar-minded | Vulgar minds. | Vulgar minded | ||
| Marigold, French | Jealousy | Jealousy | Jealousy | ||
| Marigold, Garden | Grief; Chagrin. | ||||
| Marigold, Prophetic | Prediction | ||||
| Marigold, Rainy | A storm. | ||||
| Marigold, Small Cape | Omen, sign | ||||
| Marigold and Cypress | Despair | Dispair [sic] | |||
| Marjoram | Blushes | Blushes | Blushes | Blushes | |
| Marshmallow | Beneficience | Beneficience | |||
| Marvel of Peru (Four o'clock) | Timidity | Timidity | Timidity | Timidity | |
| Mayflower | Welcome | Welcome | |||
| Meadow Lychnis | Wit | ||||
| Meadow Saffron | My best days gone. | My best days are past | My best days are past. | Growing old | |
| Meadow Sweet | Usefulness | Uselessness | Uselessness | ||
| Mercury | Goodness | ||||
| Mesembryanthemum | Idleness | ||||
| Mezereon | Desire to please. | Desire to please. | A flirt | ||
| Michaelmas Daisy | Afterthought | ||||
| Mignonette (1853: A very fragrant Annual from Egypt.) |
Moral and mental beauty. | Your qualities surpass your charms. | Your qualities surpass your charms. | Your qualities surpass your charms. | Worth and loveliness |
| Milfoil | War | War | |||
| Milkweed | Hope in misery. | ||||
| Milvetch | Your presence softens my pains. | ||||
| Milkwort | Hermitage | ||||
| Mimosa (1853: A very tender annual, whose leaves shrink at the slightest touch.--Brazil) |
Sensitiveness | Sensitiveness | Sensitiveness |
||
| Minchineel Tree | Hypocrisy | ||||
| Mint | Virtue | Virtue | Virtue | Virtue | |
| Mistletoe (1853: Parasitic plants, deriving nourishment from the sap of trees on which they grow--Europe and the United States.) |
Obstacles to be overcome. | I surmount all difficulties. | I surmount everything | I surmount difficulties. | I surmount all obstacles |
| Mittaria Coccinea | Indolence | ||||
| Mock Orange (Syringia) | Counterfeit | Counterfeit; Uncertainty. | Counterfeit | Counterfeit | |
| Monkshood (1853: A handsome but poisonous plant, with dark blue blossoms, from Europe. 1885: Helmet Flower) |
Deceit | A deadly foe is near. | Treachery; A foe is near. | Chivalry. Knight-errantry. | A deadly foe is near |
| Moonwort | Forgetfulness | Forgetfulness | Forgetfulness | ||
| Morning Glory | Coquetry | Coquetry; Affection. | Affectation | Affectation, vain glory | |
| Moschatel | Weakness | Weakness | |||
| Moss (1853: Delicate and very humble plants, found almost everywhere; the most beautiful growing in shady woods.) |
Maternal love | Maternal love | Maternal love. | Maternal love | |
| Mosses | Ennui | ||||
| Mossy Saxifrage | Affection | ||||
| Moss Rose (1853: A most beautiful variety of rose, with a glandular calyx, as if covered with moss.---South of Europe) |
Voluptious love | ||||
| Motherwort | Secret love | Concealed love | Concealed love | ||
| Mountain Ash | I watch over you. | Prudence | |||
| Mourning Bride (Scabious) | Unfortunate attachment | I have lost all. | Unfortunate attachment. I have lost all. | I have lost all | |
| Mouse ear (1853: One of the earliest spring plants of New England; found in sunny pastures.) |
Forget me not. | ||||
| Mouse-ear Chickweed | Simplicity | Ingenuous simplicity. | |||
| Mouse-eared Scorpion Grass | Forget me not. | ||||
| Moving Plant | Agitation | ||||
| Mudwort | Tranquility | ||||
| Mugwort | Good luck; Happiness. | Happiness | Happiness | ||
| Mulberry, Black | I will not survive you. | I shall not survive you | I shall not survive you. | ||
| Mulberry, White | Wisdom | Wisdom | Wisdom | Wisdom | |
| Mullein/Mullen | Good nature | Good nature | Good nature | ||
| Mushroom | Suspicion | Suspicion | Suspicion | Suspicion | |
| Mush Plant | Weakness | ||||
| Musk Plant | Weakness | Weakness | |||
| Mustard Seed | Indifference | Indifference | |||
| Myosotis (OED: mouse-ear) |
Forget me not. | ||||
| Myrobalan | Privation | ||||
| Myroballon | Bereavement | ||||
| Myrrh | Gladness | Gladness | Gladness, myrth [sic] | ||
| Myrtle (1853: Favorite shrubs of parlor cultivation, with large white blossoms. ---South of Europe) |
Love in absence. | Love | Love in Absence. | Love | Love in absence |
| Narcissus (1853: A beautiful white flower, connected with heathen mythology.) |
Uncertainty | Egotism | Egotism; Self-Love. | Egotism | |
| Nasturtium | Patriotism | Patriotism; Splendor | Patriotism | ||
| Nettle | Cruelty; slander | Cruelty | Cruelty | ||
| Nettle, Burning | Slander | ||||
| Nettle Tree | Concert | ||||
| Night Blooming Cereus (1853: A tropical plant, whose large vanilla-scented flowers expand at evening, and close at the approach of day.) |
Transient beauty | Transient beauty | Transient beauty | Transient beauty | |
| Night Convolvulus | Night | Night, to-night | |||
| Nightshade (1853: A creeping plant, with purple flowers, and bright red berries, growing by road-sides.--North America) |
Dark thoughts | Bitter truth | Dark thoughts; Sorcery. | Truth | Dark thoughts |
| A Nosegay | Gallantry | ||||
| Oak | Hospitality | Hospitality; Bravery. | |||
| Oak Leaves | Bravery | Bravery and Humanity | |||
| Oak Sprig | Hospitality | ||||
| Oak Tree | Hospitality | ||||
| Oak (White) | Independence | ||||
| Oats (1853: Too well known to need description.) |
Music | Music | The witching soul of music. | Music, musical | |
| Oleander | Beware | Beware | Beware | Beware | |
| Olive | Peace | ||||
| Olive Branch | Peace | ||||
| Orange | Generosity | ||||
| Orange Blossoms | Your purity equals your loveliness. | Chastity | |||
| Orange Flower | Chastity | Chastity | Chastity. Bridal festivities. | ||
| Orange Tree | Generosity | Generosity | |||
| Orchis (OED: a typical genus of orchids) |
Beauty | A Belle. | A belle or a beauty | ||
| Orchis, Bee | Error | ||||
| Orchis, Spider | Skill | ||||
| Osier (OED: a species of willow) |
Frankness | Frankness | Frankness | Frankness | |
| Osmunda (OED: a genus of ferns) |
Dreams | Reverie | Dreams | I dream of thee | |
| Oxalis | Wood sorrel | ||||
| Ox Eye (1853: A tropical genus, of more than twenty species.) |
Patience | Patience | |||
| Ox-Eye Daisy | A token | ||||
| Palm | Victory | Victory, victorious | |||
| Pansy (1853: A fragrant garden flower; leaves purple, yellow and blue,--South of Europe.) |
You occupy my thoughts. | Think of me. | Thoughts | ||
| Pansy, Purple | You occupy my thoughts. | Heart's-ease | |||
| Pansy, Yellow | Think of me, thought | ||||
| Parsley | Entertainment | Festivity; Banquet. | Festivity | Feast, lasting pleasures | |
| Pasque Flower | Unpretentious | You have no claims. | You have no claims | ||
| Passion Flower (1853: A superb running plant, cultivated in green-houses, with curious blue flowers.---Brazil) |
Religious fervor | Religious fervor | Devotion; Religious fervor. | Religious fervor | |
| Patience Flower | Religious Superstition. | ||||
| Patience Dock | Patience | ||||
| Pea (1853: The flower of a garden succulent, of many varieties, and of various hues.--Europe) |
An appointed meeting. | Appointed meeting | |||
| Pea, Everlasting | Wilt go with me? | An appointed meeting. Lasting Pleasure. | |||
| Pea, Sweet | Departure | Departure | |||
| Peach | Your qualities, like your charms, are unequalled. | ||||
| Peach Blossom (1853: The flower of a luscious fruit, brought originally from Persia.) |
I am your captive. | My heart is thine. | I am your captive. | I am your captive. | I am your captive |
| Pear | Affection | ||||
| Pear Tree | Affection | Comfort | Comfort | ||
| Pennyroyal (1853: A little, pungent-tasted plant, growing in stony places. North America) |
Flee away. | Flee away. | Flee away. | Flee away. | Flee away! |
| Peony | Anger | Ostentation; Anger. | Shame, Bashfulness. | Bashfulness, diffidence | |
| Peppermint | Warmth of feeling. | Warmth of feeling. | Cordiality, affability | ||
| Periwinkle | Sweet memories | Sweet memories. | |||
| Periwinkle, Blue | Early friendship | Early attachment | |||
| Periwinkle, White | Pleasures of memory. | Pleasant recollections | |||
| Persicaria | Restoration | Restoration | |||
| Persimmon | Bury me amid nature's beauties. | Bury me amid Nature's beauties. | Bury me amid nature's beauties. | ||
| Peruvian Heliotrope | Devotion | ||||
| Petunica (poss. petunia?) |
Am not proud. | ||||
| Pheasant's Eye | Sorrowful memories | Remembrance | Sorrowful Remembrance | ||
| Phlox | Our souls united. | Our hearts are united. | Unanimity | United hearts | |
| Pigeon Berry | Indifference | ||||
| Pimpernel | Change | Rendezvous; Change. | Change. Assignation. | ||
| Pine | Time | Endurance; Daring. | Pity | ||
| Pine Apple | You are perfect. | You are perfect. | You are perfect. | Perfection; You are perfect | |
| Pine, Black | Pity | ||||
| Pine, Pitch | Philosophy | Time and faith | |||
| Pine, Spruce | Farewell | Hope in adversity | Farewell | ||
| Pine Tree | Courage, daring | ||||
| Pink | Pure affection | Boldness | |||
| Pink, Carnation | Woman's love. | Woman's love | |||
| Pink, Clove | Dignity | ||||
| Pink, Double-red | Pure, ardent love | Pure and ardent love. | Affection, pure | ||
| Pink, Indian | Aversion | ||||
| Pink, Indian, Double | Always lovely. | Always lovely | |||
| Pink, Indian, Single | Aversion | Aversion, dislike | |||
| Pink, Mountain | You are aspiring. | Aspiring | Aspiring; You are aspiring | ||
| Pink, Red (1853: A beautiful and fragrant garden flower.---Hungary) |
Love, ardent and sincere. | Pure love. | |||
| Pink, Single | Pure love | ||||
| Pink, Variegated | Refusal | Refusal | Refusal | ||
| Pink, White | You are fair. | Ingeniousness. Talent. | Talent | ||
| Pink, Yellow | Disdain | ||||
| Plane, or Platane | Genius | ||||
| Plane Tree | Genius | Genius | Genius | ||
| Pleurisy Root (Asclopias) | Heartache cure. | ||||
| Plum, Indian | Privation | Privation, suffering | |||
| Plum Tree | Keep promise. | Keep your promises. | Genius | Keep your promise | |
| Plum Tree, Wild | Independence | Independence | Independence | ||
| Plum, Wild | Independence | ||||
| Poet's Narcissus | Egotism, self-love | ||||
| Polyanthus | Confidence | Heart's mystery | Pride of riches. | Pride of riches | |
| Polyanthus, Crimson | The heart's mystery. | ||||
| Polyanthus, Lilac | Confidence | ||||
| Pomegranate | Foolishness | Conceit | Foolishness | Conceit, conceited | |
| Pomegranate, Flower | Elegance | Mature elegance. | |||
| Pompion, or Pumpkin | Grossness; Coarseness | ||||
| Poplar, Black | Courage | Courage | Courage | ||
| Poplar, White | Time | Time | Time | Time | |
| Poppy | Consolation | ||||
| Poppy, Corn | Consolation | ||||
| Poppy, Red | Consolation | ||||
| Poppy, Scarlet | Fantastic extravagance. | ||||
| Poppy, White | Sleep of the heart. | Sleep; Oblivion. | Sleep, My bane. My antidote. | Sleep | |
| Potato | Beneficience | Benevolence | Benevolence | ||
| Prickly Pear | Satire | ||||
| Pride of China (Melia) | Dissension | Dissension | |||
| Primrose (1853: A large pale yellow flower, expanding towards evening.) |
Early youth | Early youth | Modest worth; Silent love. | Early youth | Early youth |
| Primrose, Evening | Inconstancy | Inconstancy | |||
| Primrose, Red | Unpatronized merit. | ||||
| Privet | Mildness | Prohibition | Prohibition | ||
| Privit, or Prim | Prohibition | ||||
| Pumpkin | Coarseness | Coarseness, grossness | |||
| Purple Clover | Provident | ||||
| Purple Scabious | Mourning | ||||
| Pyrus Japonica | Fairies' fire. | ||||
| Quaking-Grass | Agitation | Agitation | |||
| Quamoclit | Busybody | Busybody | |||
| Queen of the Meadow | Uselessness | ||||
| Queen's Rocket | You are the queen of coquettes. Fashion. | Fashionable | |||
| Quince | Temptation | Temptation | Temptation | Temptation | |
| Ragged-robin (Lychnis) | Wit | Wit | Wit | ||
| Ranunculus (OED: genus including buttercups) |
Radiant with charms. | You are radiant with charms. | I am dazzled by your charms | ||
| Ranunculus, Garden | You are radiant with charms. | You are rich in attractions. | |||
| Ranunculus, Wild | Ingratitude | ||||
| Raspberry | Remorse | Remorse | |||
| Ray Grass | Vice | ||||
| Red Bay | Memory | ||||
| Red Catchfly | Youthful love. | ||||
| Reeds | Music | Music | Complaisance. Music. | Music, musical | |
| Reed, Split | Indiscretion | Indiscretion | |||
| Rest Harrow | Obstacle | ||||
| Rhododendron (1885: Rosebay) |
Agitation | Agitation | Danger. Beware. | Danger | |
| Rhubarb | Advice | Advice | Advice | ||
| Rocket | Rivalry | Rivalry | |||
| Rose | Beauty | Love | |||
| Rose, Austrian | Thou art all that is lovely. | Thou art all that is lovely. | Thou art all that is lovely. | Very lovely | |
| Rose, Bridal | Happy love | Happy love | |||
| Rose, Burgundy (1899: Burgunda) | Unconscious beauty | Unconscious beauty | Unconscious beauty | ||
| Rose, Cabbage | Love's ambassador | Ambassador of love | Ambassador of love | ||
| Rose, Campion | Only deserve my love. | Only deserve my love. | |||
| Rose, Carolina | Love is dangerous. | Love is dangerous. | Love is dangerous | ||
| Rose, China | Grace | Beauty always new. | Beauty always new | ||
| Rose, Christmas | Tranquilize my anxiety. | ||||
| Rose, Cinnamon | Without pretension. | ||||
| Rose, Daily | That smile I would aspire to. | Thy smile I aspire to. | |||
| Rose, Damask | Freshness | Brilliant complexion. | Freshness | ||
| Rose, Deep Red | Bashful shame. | ||||
| Rose, Dog | Pleasure and pain | Pleasure and pain. | |||
| Rose, Full-blown (1853: The flower of a highly ornamental shrub, of cool climates; there are many varieties all of which are beautiful.) |
You are beautiful. | ||||
| Rose, Full-blown, placed over two Buds | Secrecy | ||||
| Rose, Guelder | Winter. Age. | ||||
| Rose, Hundred Leaf | Pride | The graces. | Pride | Pride | |
| Rose, Inermis | Ingratitude | ||||
| Rose, Japan | Beauty is your only attraction. | Beauty is your only attraction | |||
| Rose Leaf | I never trouble. | ||||
| Rose, Maiden's Blush | If you do love me you will find me out. | If you love me, you will find it out. | If you love me, you will discover it | ||
| Rose, Monthly | Beauty ever new. | ||||
| Rose, Moss | Superior merit | Superior merit; Voluptuousness. | Superior merit | ||
| Rose, Multiflora | Grace | Grace | |||
| Rose, Mundi | Variety | Variety | |||
| Rose, Musk | Capricious beauty. | Capricious beauty. | |||
| Rose, Musk-cluster | Charming | Charming | Charming | ||
| Rose, Pompon | Gentility | ||||
| Rose, Red | I love you. | I love you; Love | |||
| Rose, Single | Simplicity | ||||
| Rose, Sweetbriar | Sympathy | ||||
| Rose, Tea | Always lovely | ||||
| Rose, Thornless | Early attachment | ||||
| Rose, Unique | Call me not beautiful. | Call me not beautiful. | Call me not beautiful | ||
| Rose, White | I am worthy of you. | Silence | I am worthy of you. | ||
| Rose, White, Full | I am worthy of you | ||||
| Rose, White (withered) | Transient impression | Transient impression | |||
| Rose, White and Red together | Unity | ||||
| Rose, Wild | Simplicity | ||||
| Rose, Wild, Single | Simplicity | ||||
| Rose, Yellow | Decrease of love | Infidelity; Unfaithfulness. | Decrease of love. Jealousy. | Decrease of love, unfaithfulness | |
| Rose, York | Agreement; War, warfare | ||||
| Rose, York and Lancaster | War | War | |||
| Roses, Garland of | Reward of virtue | Reward of virtue | |||
| Roses, Wreath of | Reward of virtue | ||||
| Rosebay (Rhododendron) | Beware. Danger. | ||||
| Rosebud (1853: Flowers very fragrant, bright crimson.--South of Europe) |
Confession of love. | Young girl | Confession of love. | A young girl, youth | |
| Rosebud, Moss | Confessed love. | Confession of love. | |||
| Rosebud, Red | Pure and lovely. | You are young and beautiful | |||
| Rosebud, White | The heart that knows not love. | Too young to love. | Girlhood | Too young to love | |
| Rosemary (1853: A fragrant leaved, low-growing plant, once believed good to strengthen the memory.---Europe) |
Remembrance | Your presence revives me. | Remembrance; Your presence revives me. | Remembrance | Remembrance |
| Rudbeckia | Justice | ||||
| Rue | Disdain | Disdain | Disdain | ||
| Rue, Wild | Manners | ||||
| Rush | Docility | Docility | Docility | ||
| Rye Grass | Changeable disposition. | ||||
| Saffron/Saffron Flower (1853: A medicinal plant with deep orange colored flowers, introduced into gardens, from Egypt.) |
Do not abuse. | Excess is dangerous. | Beware of excess. | ||
| Saffron Crocus | Do not abuse me. | Mirth | |||
| Saffron, Meadow | My best days are past. | My happiest days are past. | |||
| Sage | Esteem | Domestic Virtue; Esteem. | Domestic virtue. | Esteem | |
| Sage, Garden | Esteem | ||||
| Sainfoin | Agitation | ||||
| Saint John's Wort (Hypericum) | Superstition | Animosity | Animosity. Superstition. | Superstition; You are a prophet | |
| Sardonia | Irony | Irony | |||
| Sardony | Irony | ||||
| Satin-flower (Lunaria) | Sincerity | Forgetfulness | Am I forgotten? | ||
| Saxifrage, Mossy | Affection | ||||
| Scabious | Unfortunate love. | Unfortunate love | |||
| Scabious, Mourning Bride | Widowhood | ||||
| Scabious, Sweet | Widowhood | ||||
| Scarlet Lychnis | Sunbeaming eyes. | Sunbeaming eyes | |||
| Schinus | Religious enthusiasm. | ||||
| Scotch Fir | Elevation | ||||
| Scotch Thistle | Retaliation | ||||
| Scratch Weed | Roughness | Hardness, harshness | |||
| Sensitive Plant | Timidity | Sensitiveness; Modesty. | Sensibility. Delicate feelings. | Sensitiveness | |
| Senvy | Indifference | ||||
| Serpent Cactus | Horror | Surprise | |||
| Service Tree (1883(II): or Sorb) | Prudence | Prudence | Prudence | ||
| Shamrock | Light heartedness | Light-heartedness | |||
| Shepherd's Purse | I offer you my all. | I offer you my all | |||
| Silver Weed | Naiveté | ||||
| Small Bindweed | Defference [sic], respect | ||||
| Snakesfoot | Horror | Terror | |||
| Snake's Lounge | Slander | ||||
| Snapdragon | Presumption | Presumption | Presumption | No, never | |
| Snowball (1853: A shrub, cultivated for its globular heads of snowy flowers. ---Great Britain) |
Thoughts of heaven. | Thoughts of heaven | Goodness; Thoughts of Heaven. | Bound | Thoughts of heaven |
| Snowdrop (1853: The first harbinger of spring, appearing in the gardens even when the snow is still on the ground.--England) |
Consolation | Consolation | Consolation; A friend in adversity. | Hope | Consolation |
| Sorrel (1853: A common weed, with very acid leaves, found in old pastures.) |
Parental affection. | Wit ill-timed. | Parental Affection. | Affection | Parental affection |
| Sorrel, Wild | Wit ill-timed. | Wit ill-timed | |||
| Sorrel, Wood | Joy | ||||
| Southernwood | Jesting | Jest. Bantering. | Jest | ||
| Spanish Jasmine | Sensuality | ||||
| Spearmint | Warm feelings | Warmth of sentiment. | |||
| Speedwell | Fidelity | Female fidelity. | |||
| Speedwell, Germander | Facility | ||||
| Speedwell, Spiked | Semblance | ||||
| Speedwell, Veronica (1853: The flowers of this plant are very beautiful purple, blue, or white.--United States, Europe, and Asia) |
Female fidelity | Female fidelity | |||
| Spider, Ophrys | Adroitness | ||||
| Spiderwort | Esteem not love. | Esteem, but not love | |||
| Spiked Willow Herb | Pretension | ||||
| Spindle-tree | Your image is engraven on my heart. | Your charms are graven on my heart. | Your charms are engraven on my heart. | Your image is engraved on my heart | |
| Spotted Arum | Ardor, great warmth | ||||
| Spring Caroline | Disappointment | ||||
| Star of Bethlehem | Reconciliation | Reconciliation; Purity. | Purity | Guidance | |
| Starwort | Afterthought. | ||||
| Starwort, American | Welcome to a stranger. | Cheerfulness in old age. | |||
| Stock | Lasting beauty. | ||||
| Stock, Ten-week | Promptitude | Promptness | |||
| Stonecrop | Tranquility | ||||
| Stramonium, Common (OED: thorn-apple) |
Disguise | ||||
| Straw | Agreement; United. | ||||
| Straw, Broken | Quarrel | Rupture of a contract. | Quarrel, contention | ||
| Straw, Whole | Union | Union, unity | |||
| Strawberry | Perfect excellence | Perfect excellence. | Perfect excellence | ||
| Strawberry Tree (Arbutus) | Esteemed love | Esteem and love. | Esteem and love | ||
| Sumac/Sumach | Splendor | Splendid misery. | |||
| Sumach, Venice | Splendour. Intellectual excellence. | ||||
| Sunflower | False riches. | ||||
| Sunflower, Dwarf | Your devout admirer | Adoration | Adoration | ||
| Sunflower, Fall | Pride | ||||
| Sunflower, Tall | Lofty and wise thoughts. | Haughtiness | Haughtiness | ||
| Swallow-wort | Cure for heartache. | Cure for heartache | |||
| Sweet Basil | Good wishes. | Good wishes | |||
| Sweet Briar (1899: Sweet Brier) (1853: A fragrant-leaved species of rose, naturalized, but first introduced from England.) |
Poetry | Simplicity | |||
| Sweetbrier, American | Simplicity | ||||
| Sweetbrier, European | I wound to heal. | ||||
| Sweetbrier, Yellow | Decrease of love. | Let us forget | |||
| Sweet Flag | Fitness | Fitness | |||
| Sweet Pea | A meeting. | Delicate pleasures. | |||
| Sweet Sultan | Felicity | Happiness | Felicity | Widowhood | |
| Sweet William | Artifice | Gallantry; Finesse; Dexterity. | Gallantry | Will you smile? | |
| Sycamore | Curiosity | Curiosity | Curiosity | Curiosity | |
| Syringa | Memory; Fraternal love. | Memory | |||
| Syringa, Carolina | Disappointment | ||||
| Syringia (OED has syringa, mock-orange or lilac) |
Memory | ||||
| Tamarisk | Crime | Crime | |||
| Tansy | I declare against you. | I declare war against you. | I declare against you | ||
| Tare | Vice | Vice | |||
| Teasel | Misanthropy | Misanthropy | Misanthropy | ||
| Tendrils of Climbing Plants | Ties | ||||
| Tendrils of Plants | Ties | ||||
| Thistle | Austerity | Austerity | Sternness | ||
| Thistle, Common | Austerity | ||||
| Thistle, Fuller's | Misanthropy | ||||
| Thistle, Scotch | Retaliation | Retaliation | |||
| Thorn Apple (1853: A rank poisonous-seeded plant, with large blue flowers, introduced from India.) |
Deceitful charms | Deceitful charms | Disguise | Deceitful charms | Deceitful charms |
| Thorn, Black | Difficulty | ||||
| Thorn, Branch of | Severity | Severity | |||
| Thorns | Severity | ||||
| Thrift | Sympathy | Sympathy | Sympathy | Sympathy | |
| Throatwood (Pulmonaria) | Neglected beauty | ||||
| Throatwort | Neglected beauty | ||||
| Thyme | Activity | Activity | Activity | ||
| Tiger Flower | May pride befriend thee. | For once my pride befriend me. | |||
| Touch me not, Balsam | Impatience | ||||
| Traveller's Joy | Safety | Safety, security | |||
| Tree of Life | Old age | Age | |||
| Trefoil | Revenge | Revenge | |||
| Tremella | Resistance | ||||
| Tremella Nestoc | Resistance | Opposition, resistance | |||
| Trillium Pictum | Modest beauty. | Modest beauty | |||
| Triptilion Spinosum | Be prudent | ||||
| Truffle | Surprise | Surprise | |||
| Trumpet Flower | Separation | Fame | |||
| Tuberose | Dangerous pleasures | Dangerous Pleasure; Voluptuousness; Sweet voice. | Dangerous pleasures | Dangerous pleasure | |
| Tulip (1853: A delicate and gaudy garden flower, brought originally from the Levant.) |
Declaration of love | Declaration of love | Fame | ||
| Tulip, Red | Declaration of love. | Declaration of love | |||
| Tulip Tree | Rural happiness | Fame | |||
| Tulip, Variegated | Beautiful eyes | Beautiful eyes. | Beautiful eyes | Beautiful eyes | |
| Tulip, Yellow | Hopeless love | Hopeless love. | Hopeless love | ||
| Turnip | Charity | Charity | |||
| Tussilage (Sweet-scented) | Justice shall be done you. | ||||
| Valerian | Accommodating disposition | Facility | An accommodating disposition. | Accommodating disposition | |
| Valerian, Common | Accommodating disposition. | ||||
| Valerian, Greek | Rupture | ||||
| Valerian, Red | Readiness | ||||
| Venice Sumach | Intellectual excellence. Splendour. | Intellectual excellence | |||
| Venus' Car | Fly with me. | Fly with me | |||
| Venus's Flytrap | Caught at last. | ||||
| Venus's Looking-glass | Flattery | Flattery | Flattery | Flattery | |
| Venus' Trap | Deceit | ||||
| Verbena | Sensibility | Sensibility; Sensitiveness. | |||
| Verbena, Pink | Family union | ||||
| Verbena, Purple | I weep for you; Regret. | Regret | |||
| Verbena, White | Pray for me. | Pray for me | |||
| Verinoca Speciosa | I dare not | ||||
| Vernal Grass | Poor, but happy. | Poor, but happy. | Poor but happy | ||
| Veronica | Fidelity | ||||
| Vervain | Enchantment | Enchantment | |||
| Vetch | I cling to thee. | Shyness | |||
| Vine (1853: A native of both this country and Europe.) |
Drunkenness | Intoxicating | Intoxication | Drunkenness | |
| Violet, Blue (1853: Flowers bright blue.) |
Faithfulness | Love | Faithfulness | Faithfulness | Modesty, modest love |
| Violet, Dame | Watchful | ||||