© 2000 Walter E. Gast
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Flowers, Plants and Trees

Symbolizes the soul's immortality because it is a durable wood.

A symbol of divine approval, based on Numbers 17:1-8:

"The LORD said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and get twelve staffs from them, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write the name of each man on his staff. ... The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.' ... The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds." (NIV)

For this reason is has been used as a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

Used in the early church as a symbol of the Trinity. Used in art as a symbol of sorrow and death. Often seen in scenes of the Crucifixion.

When shown in Adam's hand, the apple symbolizes sin. When held by Christ, it represents salvation.

Legend has it that the aspen was the only tree that did not bow in sorrow and respect when Jesus died on the cross. Because of its pride, its leaves were doomed to constant trembling. Another legend claims the aspen was the wood chosen for the cross, and when the tree learned how it was to be used, it began to tremble with horror and has never stopped.

The burning bush at which the Lord appeared to Moses was believed to have been a bramble. It became a symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary, who "bore the flames of divine love without being consumed by lust.

The bulrush has been used as a symbol of faithfulness and humility in obedience to Christ because the bulrush is a common plant that grows in clusters near water. Because of its association with the infant Moses, it may also point to the place of salvation (Exodus 2).

A red carnation symbolizes love. A "pink" is a symbol of marriage.

Cedar (of Lebanon)
The cedar is a symbol of Christ. It is also identified with the concepts of beauty and majesty.

Song 5:15 His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. (NIV)

A cherry symbolizes the sweetness of character derived from good works.

A symbol for chastity because the chestnut is surrounded by thorns but is not harmed by them.

The clover, or shamrock, is a symbol of for the Trinity.

The cockle symbolizes the invasion of wickedness, especially in the Church, because it invades tilled fields and mingles with the grain.


Thought by some to look like a dove, the columbine is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The name comes from the Latin columba, which means "dove." Seven blooms on a stalk represent the seven gifts of the Spirit.

Isa. 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him &emdash; the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD (NIV)

Cyclamen is used in reference to the Virgin Mary. The red spot at its center represents the sorrow she carried in her heart.

The cypress is associated with death. For this reason, cypress trees are often planted in cemeteries.

The daisy is a late symbol of the innocence of the Christ Child.

The dandelion, one of the "bitter herbs," is a symbol of Christ's Passion.

The elm is used in reference to dignity and faithfulness.

Because it conceals its beauty in the depths of the forest, the fern represents humility in solitude.

The fig is sometimes used in place of the apple as the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It may also be used as a symbol of lust or fertility because of its many seeds.

Fir trees are sometimes used to represent God's elect because they stretch toward heaven. They may also represent patience.

Glastonbury Thorn
The Glastonbury thorn represents the Nativity because it blooms on or near Christmas.

Because of its association with Jonah, the gourd has been used to symbolize the Resurrection. Pictured with an apple, it represents the antidote to evil.

Grapes represent the blood of Christ, especially in references to the Eucharist. A vineyard represents the mission field, and grapes in this association may signify good works. A grape vine is a reference to Christ.


Holly (Ilex)
Holly is often used as symbol for Christ's crown of thorns, and therefore of His Passion.

Symbolizes prudence and peace of mind.



Because it is evergreen, ivy represents faithfulness and eternal life.

Jasmine is sometimes used in reference to the Virgin Mary because of its white color and sweet scent.

The laurel represents victory or triumph, particularly over temptation and trial, because of the ancient practice of crowning the victor in a contest with a wreath of laurel. Because its leaves never wilt, it can may also symbolize eternity.


Symbolizes fidelity in love.

The lily symbolizes purity. It is the primary attribute of the Virgin Mary.

Lily of the Valley
Because it appears in early spring, lily of the valley is often used to symbolize Christ's Advent.

The myrtle is an ancient symbol for love. In Christian symbolism, it represents the Gentiles converted to Christ.

From the Greek myth of Narcissus, the beautiful youth who fell in love with his reflection in a pool and drowned trying to embrace it, the narcissus symbolizes self-love. Because Narcissus was reborn as a flower after his death, the narcissus is sometimes used to signify the triumph of divine love and sacrifice over death, selfishness and sin.

The oak is a pagan symbol reinterpreted by Christians to represent Christ. It is also a symbol of endurance, especially in the face of adversity.

The olive is a universal symbol for peace. Olive oil is a symbol of God's anointing and of the Holy Spirit.

Orange trees and their blossoms are symbolic of purity, chastity and generosity. More rarely, an orange tree is used to represent the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in Paradise.

A symbol of victory.

Symbolizes remembrance and meditation.

The peach is a symbol of virtue and good works.

The pear symbolizes Christ's love for mankind.

Plane Tree
Symbolizes Christian love and character because it spreads its branches high and wide.

The plantain was often used in Renaissance art to represent the "way bread" of pilgrims seeking the path of salvation.

A symbol of faithfulness and independence.

The pomegranate is most often used to represent the Church because of its many seeds in a single fruit. It may also be used to represent resurrection or fertility.

A poppy may represent sleep or indifference because of its narcotic qualities. It is sometimes used in depictions of the Passion of Christ as a reference to the sleep of death.

The reed is a symbol of Christ's Passion. It symbolizes humiliation.

A white rose symbolizes purity. A red rose is a symbol of martyrdom. A wreath of roses is symbolic of heavenly joy.

Symbolizes righteousness and good works.

Thistles represent the curse of sin, particularly the Fall. They may also be used in depictions of Christ's Passion.

A symbol of Christ, the True Vine. The vine is sometimes used to represent the relationship between God and His people. It may also refer to God's providence and heavenly care.

The violet is a symbol of humility (thus the phrase "shrinking violet"). By extension, it refers to the Incarnation of Christ.

Wheat represents the harvest reaped from sowing the Gospel. Together with grapes, it is a reference to the Body of Christ in the Eucharist.

The willow is sometimes used to represent the Gospel because, no matter how many of its branches are cut off, it continues to flourish.