Jordan Freytag + photo

Jordan Freytag

May 19
3 min read
bubble 0

Flowers are among nature’s most important, beautiful, complex, and symbolic creations. They are like antennae that transmit messages to the natural world through colors and patterns, and fragrances that let the insects and birds know where the nectar is. For this reason, vegetable and fruit gardeners plant flowers alongside their crops, hoping to attract beneficial pollinators. Not only do flowers communicate with their surroundings, they communicate to us too. For centuries, we have used flowers to tell someone “I love you” or “I’m sorry” or “It’s going to be alright.”


They can also speak to us all on their own. When I witness the blooming trees of spring and see the specks of color scattered across the floor of a grand meadow, I think of the people going for a jog, the people having a picnic or hiking, the people opening the windows of their home, releasing the stagnant winter air, and I wonder if flowers aren’t partly responsible for pushing us out into the world after a long chill. At least for me, when I look out my window and see flowers welcoming the warm air, I need to get up and get out and seize the day!


I think it is safe to say that the Native Americans had a strong awareness of flowers as master communicators because of their plethora of applications, both aesthetic and medicinal. They extracted dyes from sunflowers and lavender flowers, dying their clothes and painting their faces, celebrating who they were and communicating to others tribes about what they stood for. But the Native Americans understood how flowers can communicate with our bodies; they used flowers to treat anything from the common cold, to insect bites, and nausea. The juice extracted from roots of the black-eyed Susan and lobelia were applied to snake bites and consumed as a drink in order to treat digestive issues, fevers, and colds.


Consuming flowers may seem like a dated pastime, but eating flowers is popular among many Americans today. Although they may have health benefits, it is because of their unique contribution of flavor and appearance that makes them a popular food item. The most commonly consumed flower is the sunflower, particularly the seed, which is roasted and salted or ground into flour. Pansies and hollyhocks are popular eaten raw or in salads. The petals of begonia are popularly used in hot sauces because of its earthy bitterness, which is said to translate to a robust flavor when added to spice.


It seems that no matter what form the flower takes, no matter how we process it, or extract it’s juices or pigments, the flower maintains its communicative ability. It can speak to us internally or help us to communicate externally—with ourselves and with each other and with the natural world.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. Serving Gourmet Microgreens - Special Event Place Settingsgourmet microgreen place setting Easter theme

    Serving Gourmet Microgreens - Special Event Place Settings

    Microgreens are more than a garnish. They can also be part of the central decorations of any great event. Simply plant a few seeds into your container of choice, watch them grow, and serve. Individual portions can be harvested fresh at the table with a...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-03-25
    3 min read
    bubble 0
  2. Celebrating 1,000,000 Orders1,000,000 orders award to True Leaf Market from Shopify

    Celebrating 1,000,000 Orders

    Thank you for your continued support and trust. In the image above, you can see that True Leaf Market has received the Shopify milestone award for 1,000,000 orders. We are proud to have reached this achievement as we strive to provide a wide selection ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-03-25
    1 min read
    bubble 0
  3. History and Symbolism of the Easter LilyEaster Lily with a wood background

    History and Symbolism of the Easter Lily

    The Easter lily is most popularly associated with the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it is also related to many other cultural and religious beliefs and customs. For example, pagans connect the Easter lily with motherhoo...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-03-25
    3 min read
    bubble 0
  4. 10 Native Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects in the Midwestcorn in the midwest

    10 Native Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects in the Midwest

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Rolling hills, farmlands, forested valleys, and pristine lakes characterize the American Midwest. This is the region I call home, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Anyone who lives here is familiar with the wide range of n...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-03-19
    7 min read
    bubble 0