While holly, ivy and mistletoe might be the most obvious Yuletide plants, there is one more that bears a festive name – the Christmas Rose. Only it’s not a rose at all. It’s a hellebore. A black hellebore, to be precise. Black hellebore is actually named for the colour of its roots, not its petals […]
plants
The Folklore of Ivy: Christmas, Divinations, and Magic
A range of plants enjoy connections with Christmas, not least due to their status as evergreens. At a time of year when many plants have shed their leaves, these plants offer a welcome burst of colour. Ivy (Hedera helix) is no exception, and even features in Christmas carols such as ‘The Holly and the Ivy’. […]
The Folklore of Seaside Plants: From Gorse to Mallow
When you think of the seaside, you might think of warm sand, vast open skies, grassy dunes, and waves breaking on the shore. You might not think of plant life. Yet coastal areas often host a plethora of seaside plants. Make no mistake, these are tough plants. They need to be, to endure salty, sandy, […]
Thyme to Find Romance? Meet the Herb of Love & Courage
Thyme is native to the western Mediterranean, and it is also found around western Asia and southern Europe. Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the most common variety, and the type found in historical remedies (Brennan 2020). The usage of thyme dates to 3000 BC, at least. Sumerians used thyme as an antiseptic and to clear […]
The Folklore of Parsley, a Herb for Protection, Love & Death
If you’re anything like me, the name ‘parsley’ makes you think of ‘parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme’ from Scarborough Fair. Parsley is part of the Apiaceae family and comes from the eastern and central Mediterranean area. It’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, along with magnesium, potassium, iron, folate, and calcium (Enloe […]
The Lily and the Lady: Plants of Purity and Protection
There are few flowers quite as recognisable as the lily. Yet despite its beauty, the lily (Lilium) is a toxic plant. All parts of the plant are poisonous, which is why it’s recommended not to grow them if you have pet cats. It’s probably helpful then that the orange variety represents hatred and revenge, as […]
