Wisdom is not simply attaining as much knowledge as possible through the means of Academia and higher education.
In order to become truly wise, you will need to live life and gain the necessary experience to speak from a point of wisdom and self-control.
Flowers that symbolize wisdom do so due to their appearance and strength, as well as how they have been used and grown throughout the past.
Many flowers that symbolize wisdom do so due to ancient myths and Greek mythology, which is still looked at as significantly culturally relevant, even today.
Flowers that symbolize wisdom are: Sage, Jacaranda, Iris, Perovskia, Polygonatum (Solomon’s Seal), Aquilegia (Columbine) and Euphorbia (Spurge).
Table of Contents
1. Sage (Salvia)
Sage is one of the most well-known perennial and annual herbs that is commonly known and readily available around the world.
While sage is native to Central Asia, South America, Central America, and Mediterranean Europe, it can be found on just about all continents today with the exception of Antarctica.
Sage, or Salvia, is a genus of more than 1000 species in total, coming from the Lamiaceae plant family.
Salvia, which is commonly referred to as Sage in most cultures and regions, is actually a vertically growing tubular-shaped flower that includes highly aromatic buds and leaves.
Salvia, the genus name of Sage, comes directly from ‘salvere’, a Latin word meaning “to heal” or “health“.
The word “Sage”, is also commonly known as the word “wise” in Old French. Sage today can mean everything from healing properties physically to healing properties mentally and emotionally.
Throughout history, the sage plant has been known for its wisdom, health, and longevity, especially when used and applied properly in practical applications.
Sage plants today can be used to create topicals, teas, and other infused healing ointments for a range of ailments and conditions in those of all ages.
2. Jacaranda
The Jacaranda flower is descended from the Bignoniaceae plant family and comes from a lineage of 50 species or more in total.
Jacaranda flowers appear as large, floral bushes that grow from flowering trees and shrubs, giving the appearance of a massive floral tree.
Jacaranda can be found throughout Australia and Asia, as these purple-blue flowers prefer growing in warm and drier climates. Once matured, the Jacaranda flower tree can grow more than 32 feet tall.
The word “Jacaranda” comes from Guarani, and can be translated into “fragrant”, due to the Jacaranda’s flower petals being extremely aromatic and appealing to the senses.
The Jacaranda flower represents both knowledge and wisdom in many ancient cultures and belief systems, which is why the flower is often planted near universities and other educational campuses.
The Jacaranda flower also has links to an Amazonian goddess who had a reputation for her teachings and the wisdom she shared with her people and the world.
In Western cultures, Jacaranda typically symbolizes good luck, wealth, and good fortune going into the future for those who come across them.
Jacaranda can also represent spring life, new beginnings, and the concept of rebirth, which is why they are also considered one of the wisest plants on planet Earth.
3. Iris
Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Iris, another flower from the family of Iridaceae, is widely known and popular throughout most of the northern hemisphere.
Iris flowers are bright, vibrant, and flourish when planted in the right environment, making them appealing to grow as they are also suitable for beginner gardeners.
Iris flowers come in a variety of colors, from light to royal purple to mauve, yellow, and white.
The genus name, Iris, comes directly from the Greek word “Iris”, which can be translated into “rainbow“.
For those familiar with Greek mythology, Iris is also known as the goddess of the rainbow.
The name of the flower is fitting due to the number of colors available year-round with the flower, regardless of where they are being planted and cultivated.
In history, the iris symbolized wisdom, passion, and power. They can also represent faith and hope for those who are more spiritually inclined. White irises represent purity and noble blood.
4. Perovskia
Rationalobserver, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Perovskia is a uniquely shaped and designed flower, coming from a genus of only around 10 species of sub-shrubs and perennials.
The Perovskia comes from the Lamiaceae plant family, which can be found throughout both Central and Southwestern Asia.
The flower itself includes small, dainty, tubular flower pets and spikes that help to bring the flower together.
Perovskia flowers bloom between both summer and autumn, making for a beautiful show as the seasons begin to change.
Originally named after a Russian general known as Vasily Alekseevich Perovsky, the flower was given its name by Gregor Silitsch Karelin, a naturalist who was well-known throughout the 19th century.
One of the most popular and sought-after types of Perovskia flower is the Russian Sage.
Because Perovskia flowers were applied as a remedy for fevers and to help with alleviating signs and symptoms of the common flu and cold, the Perovskia flowers are known as some of the wisest flowers today throughout Russia and other relevant locations.
5. Polygonatum (Solomon’s Seal)
Image by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden from flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Polygonatum is a dainty, elegant flower that is a descendant of the Asparagaceae family, which can be found throughout various temperate climates in the Northern Hemisphere across the globe.
From a genus of more than 70 sub-species, the Polygonatum, also known as Solomon’s Seal, is known as a wise and peaceful symbol.
The genus name of Solomon’s Seal, or Polygonatum, comes from the Greek words “poly” and “gonu”, translating to “many knees”.
This term was used to describe the flower’s undercarriage rhizomes that take on the shape of a human knee.
The name “Solomon’s Seal”, was also given to the flower as a representation of the Biblical King Solomon.
The name is also representative of the flat round appearance of the flower’s rhizomes, which resemble a seal that is reminiscent of many seals in the Bible.
The Polygonatum plant has been used medicinally by both Chinese and Native American cultures and is often associated with religious texts, as its nickname suggests a link with King Solomon from the Holy Bible as well.
Although the plant can be edible when cooked and prepared properly, the berries that are produced by the Polygonatum flower can be poisonous, resulting in gastric upset, nausea, and vomiting when consumed excessively.
In most cultures, the Polygonatum, or Solomon’s Seal flower, is representative of wisdom and sage advice.
6. Aquilegia (Columbine)
Photo by and (c)2008 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Aquilegia, or Columbine plant, includes small tubular-shaped petals and sepals (5 of each) that are facing downward as they grow from a long and winding stem base.
The Columbine flower is extremely delicate, as the flower itself rests on slender and sleek stalks in order to attract nearby insects.
Native to North America and from a genus of approximately 70 species, Aquilegia plants are relatively well-known and recognizable for those living in the West.
The word Aquilegia is from the Latin word “aquila”, which can be translated into modern English as “eagle”. This is due to the flower’s spurs resembling the actual clawlike features of a North American eagle.
The nickname of the Aquilegia flower, Columbine, comes from the Latin word “columba”, which can be translated into “dove“, representing five doves, or sepals and petals, coming together.
Throughout history and various mythos, the Columbine flower represents not only wisdom, but also happiness and strength.
Additionally, the Aquilegia flower also represents the seven gifts presented by the holy spirit for those who follow Christianity.
7. Euphorbia (Spurge)
Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A small, unique, tiny flower known as Euphorbia comes from a massive lineage of more than 2000 species in total.
The Euphorbia flower, also known as Spurge, comes from the Euphorbiaceae family, which can be found on all continents around the world, with the exception of Antarctica.
The Euphorbia genus itself is extremely expansive and diverse, containing shrubs, trees, perennial herbs, and even annual flowers, making it an extremely inclusive genus.
Some of the trees and shrubs in the Euphorbia genus can grow taller than 60 feet in height.
Many of the Euphorbia flowers are arranged in clusters together, and appear extremely richly colored and vibrant.
Colors of the Euphorbia, or Spurge flower, can range from bright fire truck red and hot pink to baby pink.
The Euphorbia was named after a famous Greek physician who was known to assist King Juba II as well as other kings who were in need of assistance at the time.
According to historians, the latex that could be extracted from the Euphorbia flower was then put to use medicinally to aid the kings whenever necessary.
Symbolically, the Euphorbia flower represents wisdom, protection, and purity. Another closely related flower to the Euphorbia, known as the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), is also known as a sign of good luck, cheerfulness, family, togetherness, and ultimately, knowledge and wisdom.
Summary
Flowers that symbolize wisdom may not always appear extremely unique or different in nature at first glance.
However, almost every flower that is known to represent and symbolize wisdom has a rich and robust history that is worth learning about and better understanding before applying the flower(s) in your own daily life.
Header image courtesy: James Petts from London, England, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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