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Floral Vocabulary




However, the American floral vocabulary (a.k.a. the language of flowers) was used primarily in the late 1800's and early 1900's. It was considered to be part of every "proper" girl's education. Friends would often sent small bouquets to each other, so they could "decode" the flowers and receive small, often cheerful messages.

Here are some common American flowers:

Apple -blossom Preference
Almond Hope
Acanthus Art
Arbor Vitae Unchanching friendship
Balm Social intercourse
Balsamine Impatience
Bay wreath Glory
Bee Orchid Industry
Box Constancy
Broom Humility
Bulrush Docility
Buttercup Riches
Cabbage Profit
Camellia japonica Unpretending excellence
Canterbury-bell Gratitude
Cherry -blossom A good education
Chestnut Do me justice
China Aster Love of variety
Coreopsis Always cheerful
Cowslip Winning grace
Clover (red) Industry
Clover (white) I promise
Daffodil Uncertainty or chivalry or respect
Dahlia Elegance and dignity
Dandelion Coquetry
Fennel Strength
Geranium Gentility
Grass Submission
Heliotrope Devotion
Hollyhock Ambition
Houseleek Domestic economy
Ivy Dependence
Laurestine A token
Lemon -blossom Discrection
Lettuce Cold-hearted
Lichen Solitude
Lilac (purple) Fastidious
Lily (scarlet) High-souled aspirations
Lily (white) Purity
Magnolia Love of nature
Mayflower Welcome
Mignonette Worth
Mullein Good-nature
Nasturtium Patriotism
Oak leaf Strength
Oat s Music
Olive Peace
Ox-eye Patience
Poppy (white) Dreams
Rose (red) True love
Rose (white) Silence
Rose (yellow) Friendship
Sensitive-plant Sensitivity
Snowdrop Consolation
Star Of Bethlehem Reconciliation
Straw United
Sunflower Pure and lofty thoughts
Sweetbrier Simplicity
Thorn-apple Disguise
Thyme Thriftiness
Tulip-tree Fame
Violet (blue) Faithfulness
Violet (white) Modesty
Winged Seeds (any kind) Messengers
Witch-hazel A spell
Wheat Wealth and prosperity


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