Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees

By two of the world's foremost collectors of pictorial symbols - and devoted flower enthusiasts, this collection is rendered from rare illustrations, and extends from ancient Chinese lotus buds to a basket of flowers in a 19th-century Valentine silhouette. The symbolic meaning of every known species - from absinth to zinnia - is summarized in a table. A visual treat for flower lovers, this useful sourcebook, with its permission-free artwork, shoud be of value to artists and designers, folklore enthusiasts, as well as botanical and gardening specialists. It contains over 200 black-and-white designs and illustrations. Symbolic meanings are included for: Acacia Rod of Aaron Bo tree; mistletoe; passionflower; Edelweiss; heliotrope; tears of Job; laurel; olive tree; black poplar; apple of sodom; barnacle tree; houseleek; ice plant; mandrake; and more. The book also traces the development of many horticultural images in heraldic devices, emblems and symbols.