In the Catholic tradition, Mary endured seven sorrows and is often shown grieving in art related to the Crucifixion, Lamentation, and Pietà. Tears are a part of sorrow and grieving…
Hybrid Japanese anemone is a herbaceous perennial often sold as A, japonica. It is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, clamatis, and hellebore. Plants form…
The association between harebell and the Virgin Mary is the result of medieval Christian traditions and folklore. Although the Bible makes no mention of Mary’s domestic skills, the veneration of…
Also called Japanses anemone, this herbaceous perennial is a native of central China where it grows in scrub, grassy slopes, and streamsides. It is a member of the buttercup family,…
The name ,”Our Lady’s Fingers” for Stachys byzantina probably arose from Christian folklore and plant symbolism. The soft, velvety texture of the plant’s leaves suggests the gentle, comforting touch of…
Willowleaf sunflower is a clump forming perennial native to south-central US, primarily in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas where it grows in limestone prairies and rocky outcrops. It is a…
Common blanket flower is a herbaceous perennial native to northwestern and north central US where it grows in meadows. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also…
The name “Madonna’s Milk” for Lamium maculatum probably arose from Christian folklore and medieval plant symbolism. The white markings on the leaves of spotted dead nettle probably suggested drops of…
Italian aster is known as “Our Lady’s Birthday Flower” because of its later summer bloom about the time of Mary’s birth. The Bible does not provide information on Mary’s infancy…
Also called Colorado four o’clock, this herbaceous perennial is native to southwestern US from California to Colorado and Texas where it grows in deserts, grassland, hillsides, meas, and pinyon-juniper woodland.…
Karen Meyers 
Karen