An alphabetical list of plants and their associated folklore.

Plants are all around us, and while we often reflect on the majesty of a great forest or the beauty of our gardens, how often do we notice the understated and varied wildflowers in the meadows, in the swamps, in the woods, and even along roadsides? What about all the woody plants and shrubs that so often appear as the backgrounds in our daily walks and hikes? Did you know that all of these plants and wildflowers have histories, some even playing a vital role in our lives and in our legacies? In Plant Folklore, author, photographer, and naturalist Connie L. Taylor shares over one hundred short stories and histories of the flora that surround our daily lives, exploring their folklore and explaining how our ancestors used them. Not only an entertaining history of the myths and truths about some of the herbaceous plants that grow across the country and especially in the hills of Appalachia, this collection of concise introductions also offers outdoor enthusiasts and budding naturalists tips and advice they can use to identify blooms and collect wildflower seeds or plants with respect and care. Plants are living histories, and each one has a story to tell. From hidden wildflowers to humble shrubs, the plants in our lives and along our hikes have at times been as essential to our survival as they are beautiful and fascinating. Plant Folklore will help you appreciate these important legacies as you learn about their histories, uses, and cultivation.

From time immemorial, people have sought to understand the mysteries of the natural world, giving rise to a wealth of myths and legends connected to plant life. In addition to their imaginative appeal, these oral traditions offered practical advice about which flowers, trees, and plants could provide foods, remedies, and construction materials. This richly illustrated volume provides a treasury of ancient wisdom, exploring the sound principles behind traditional advice, along with a wealth of fanciful beliefs. Naturalist Ruth Binney recounts charming examples of floral symbolism, linking roses with romance, lilies with purity, and poppies with sleep. She examines tree lore and the association of trees with wisdom and knowledge, from the coveted crown of laurel awarded to ancient Greek poets and Roman generals to the palm branches presented to pilgrims returning from the Holy Land. A survey of the power of plants ranges from the rituals that ensure a good harvest and a newly married couple's fertility to the healing qualities of oil of cloves for toothache, cherries for gout, and aloe vera for burns. Abounding in fascinating facts and fancies, this absorbing compilation will captivate lovers of plants and gardens.