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Bible Flowers: Anemones to Hollyhocks

© Diana Pederson

Anemones

Anemone coronaria was the plant called the "lilies of the field by Christ in Matthew 6:28-29 and Luke 12:27. Anemones bloom in the early spring and are found growing in the rocky fields surrounding Jerusalem to this day. They bloom in bright scarlet, white, purple, pink, and blue. Anemones grown from tiny tubers which need to be soaked for 24 hours in warm water before planting them in the ground. Once planted, they will multiply every year. When purchasing anemones, watch to be sure you buy those which indicate they are hardy to zones 3-5.

Chamomile

Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, could be classified as either an herb or a wildflower since it is used in tea and some home medicine remedies. [Special note: if you are allergic to ragweed, don't use this in tea since it is in the same family.] Various students of Bible plants believe this was the plant Jesus was referring to when he rebuked his disciples over their concern about clothing. He explained that God would take care of them just as he took care of the plants of the field (Luke 12:28). Chamomile (sometimes called Dog Chamomile) was a common wildflower in the Holy Lands where it flowers from January until May with small flowers which resemble tiny daisies. This same plant is considered a wildflower in the Northern United States because it escaped from pioneer gardens and is now part of our common field flowers.

Cyclamens

Two forms of cyclamen were common in the Holy Lands and are believed to be among the flowers mentioned in Luke 12:27. The first variety, Cyclamen persicum, called the alpine violet, grows in walls and among rocks in the Holy Land. It needs a very acidic soil of a ph of 6 or 7 and some shade from the afternoon sun. This plant is often difficult to find but Cyclamen indicum is more easily found. This variety needs a soil with lots of sand and leaf mold. These plants are classified for zone 3. Do not be fooled by the cyclamens sold by florists--these are tender plants which will not survive agricultural zones 3-5. There is some controversy as to how hardy any of the cyclamen species are. Trial and error may be the only way to tell if they are hardy in your area.

Fitches

Nigella sativa and Nigella hispanica were called fitches in Isaiah 28:23-29. Their seed is sometimes called black cumin. The seeds are used as a substitute for black pepper and were used to season cakes and bread. Moslem women eat the seeds so they can gain weight which implies that they must be high in oil content. These seeds are seldom available in the United States, but are very closely related to our garden variety called Love-in-a-Mist, Nigella damascena. Several fitches are mentioned in this article if you desire more information.