British Wild Flowers: Their Naming and Folklore

This book explores the fascinating stories behind the names of wild flowers, including how Shakespeare came up with the name "marigold," where harebells are actually bluebells, and what the burdock has to do with velcrose.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: Wooden Books

When is a marigold not a marigold? Where in Great Britain is a harebell a bluebell? What does a Burdock have to do with velcrose? And what does a dandelion have to do with teeth? In this delightful little book, historian Gerald Ponting reveals the fascinating stories at the heart of many wild flower names. From names made up by Shakespeare to names based on appearance or medicinal properties, prepare to be amused, informed and amazed.

The English language is full of delightful quirks and oddities, and the names of wild flowers are no exception. In his book, "The Language of Flowers," historian Gerald Ponting explores the fascinating stories behind many of these names.

For example, did you know that the marigold is not actually a marigold? The name comes from the French word "marigold," which means "Mary's gold." However, the flowers are not actually related to Mary in any way. Marigolds are actually members of the sunflower family, and they were originally grown in Mexico for their medicinal properties.

Similarly, the harebell is not a bluebell. The name comes from the Scottish word "harebell," which means "little bell." Harebells are actually members of the bellflower family, and they are native to Europe and Asia. They are known for their beautiful blue flowers and their sweet fragrance.

The Burdock is not related to velcrose, despite its name. The name comes from the German word "burdock," which means "thistle." Burdocks are actually members of the Asteraceae family, and they are known for their prickly stems and large, yellow flowers. They have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and they are also a popular food source for birds and insects.

Finally, the dandelion is not related to teeth, despite its name. The name comes from the French word "dent-de-lion," which means "tooth of the lion." Dandelions are actually members of the Asteraceae family, and they are known for their large, yellow flowers and their long, feathery stems. They have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and they are also a popular food source for bees and butterflies.

These are just a few of the fascinating stories behind the names of wild flowers. "The Language of Flowers" is a delightful book that will entertain, inform and amaze you. Whether you are a gardener, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 100g
Dimension: 155 x 125 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781907155420