The custom of sending messages through the exchange of various flowers is beautiful, elegant, eloquent-- and, unfortunately, very difficult to enact at times, due to the limited availability of various blossoms. While I may spy snowblossom on the trail to Solhaven, monkeyflower in Whistler's Pass, and water lilies in Hearthstone's garden, I am unable to pick any of them, let alone convey them to another person as a token of emotion.
As a result, I sat down to compose this brief dictionary to floral meanings within Elanthia. Some of these are not readily obtainable, and others are listed in the simple hope that, while I have never seen them, they will be readily obtainable someday. Others, such as the healing herbs, are quite readily available, while still others are included here only because I have personally seen them in the past as objects in Elanthia. Still other, non-floral objects (such as flowers and gems) are included in this dictionary to expand the "vocabulary" available in such conversation-- simply because yew blossoms exist in Elanthia, for example, does not mean that they are readily obtainable. The fruit or leaves of a plant should be every bit as acceptable as the flowers in conveying meaning. (For extreme subtlety, you may wish to substitute items that merely include or depict the plant in question-- serving someone a cup of chamomile tea to compliment their strength in adversity, for example.)
Please note that, where you see an item referred to by a color, the dyer's tent in Wehnimer's Landing may be highly effective in conveying your meaning.
Many of the floral definitions provided here were inspired by or come directly from "In the Garden: the Language of Flowers". I extend my thanks to Katherine Bryant for composing and maintaining this excellent site. Many of the gemstone definitions provided here were inspired by or come directly from Jewelry Mall, and I extend my thanks there as well.
Feel free to jump to the commonly available flowers, to the uncommon or unavailable flowers, or to jump entirely beyond flowers to feathers or gems to aid in sending or interpreting your message.
Acantha-- the art of healing (available at the herbalist)
Aloeas-- suffering (available at the herbalist)
Ambrominas-- "You restore me" (available at the herbalist)
Basal-- "The core of the matter is this:" (available at the
herbalist)
Blaeston-- youth (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Cactacae spine-- "Your beauty should not be marred" (available
at the herbalist)
Calamia-- catastrophe (available at the herbalist)
Carnation-- pride (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Carnation (yellow)-- disdain (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Carnation (pink or lavender)-- the love of a woman (available
at the Wehnimer's florist)
Carnation (red)-- "Have pity upon my heart" (available at
the Wehnimer's florist)
Cothinar-- innocence (available through foraging)
Daffodil (plain or yellow)-- chivalry (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Daffodil (white)-- depression (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Daffodil (of any other color)-- confusion (available at the
Wehnimer's florist)
Daisy-- innocence (available through foraging)
Daisy (pink)-- "I share your feelings" (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Daisy (red)-- beauty unknown to the possessor (available at
the Wehnimer's florist)
Dandelion-- coyness, coquetry (available in one of the neighborhoods)
Ephlox-- guardianship, "I watch over you" (available at the herbalist)
Forget-me-not-- rememberance and love (available at the Wehnimer's
boutique)
Fuschia-- humbleness (available in Tarabelle's in Ta'Illistim)
Haphip-- tenderness (available at the herbalist)
Imaera's Lace-- divinity or divine bearing (available in Hearthstone's
herb shop)
Iris-- "I have a message for you" (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Iris (yellow or red)-- passion's fire (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Lavender-- aging with grace (available at Tarabelle's in Ta'Illistim)
Linden-- safety, sanctuary, relief (available in Tarabelle's
in Ta'Illistim)
Lily (purple)-- majesty (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Lily (red)-- high-bred, high-status (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Lily (yellow)-- falsehood (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Lily (white)-- purity (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Lily (black)-- "My heart has died" (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Mournblooms-- mourning, grieving (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Nettle-- cruelty (available in Castle Anwyn)
Spearmint-- warmth of sentiment (available through foraging)
Pansy-- "You occupy my thoughts" (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Pansy (purple)-- "Let your heart be at ease" (available at
the Wehnimer's florist)
Pansy (yellow)-- "Think of me" (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Pothinir-- "You wound me" (available at the herbalist)
Rose-- beauty, love (available through foraging)
Rose (bridal)-- happy love (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Rose (pink)-- romance (available in Hearthstone's herb shop)
Rose (red)-- passionate love (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Rose (yellow)-- friendship (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Rose (purple)-- shame (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Rose (white)-- purity of love (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Rose (blue)-- rarity (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Rose (black)-- death (available at the Wehnimer's florist)
Sovyn-- compassion (available at the herbalist)
Tkaro root-- "You are deaf to me" (available through foraging)
Torban-- the importance of clarity (available at the herbalist)
Tulip (plain or red)-- declaration of love (available
at the Wehnimer's florist)
Tulip (yellow)-- hopeless love (available at the
Wehnimer's florist)
Tulip (purple)-- fame (available at the Wehnimer's
florist)
Violets-- faithfulness (available in the backroom of the Wehnimer's florist)
Wolifrew-- dejection (available at the herbalist)
Woth-- unusual beauty (available at the herbalist)
Yabilithium-- "You overwhelm me" (available through foraging)
Uncommon or Unavailable Flowers
Acacia-- friendship
Aloe-- bitterness
Almond (the flower, leaf, or nut)-- indiscretion
Amaranth-- immortality
Amaryllis-- splendid beauty
Anemone-- anticipation
Angelica-- inspiration, "You inspire me"
Apple-- "I prefer you"
Aspen-- lamentation
Aster-- variety
Azalea-- temperance
Basil-- hatred
Bay leaf-- "I change but in death"
Beech-- prosperity
Birch-- meekness
Buttercup-- childishness
Butterfly weed-- "Let me go"
Cabbage-- profit
Chamomile-- energy in adversity
Cedar-- strength
Cherry-- spiritual beauty
Chrysanthemum-- abandonment
Chrysanthemum (red)-- love
Chrysanthemum (white)-- truth
Chrysanthemum (yellow)-- love slighted
Cinnamon-- forgiveness
Clematis-- artifice
Clover (four-leaved)-- luck
Clover (red)-- industriousness
Clover (white)-- a promise
Coltsfoot-- justice
Columbine-- folly
Coriander-- hidden merit
Corn-- riches
Cowslip-- pensiveness
Crocus-- cheerfulness
Cypress-- despair, mourning
Dogwood-- constancy
Elm-- dignity
Evergreen-- poverty
Feverfew-- madness
Fern-- fascination
Geranium-- "Please favor me"
Gingko-- serenity
Gladiola-- "I am not without defenses"
Goldenrod-- encouragement
Hawthorn-- hope
Hazel-- reconciliation
Heliotrope-- devotion
Hemlock-- "You will be the death of me"
Hemp-- fate
Hibiscus-- delicate beauty
Holly-- foresight
Honeysuckle-- devotion
Hyacinth-- jealousy
Hyacinth (blue)-- constancy
Hyacinth (purple)-- sorrow
Hyacinth (white)-- unobtrusive loveliness
Hydrangea-- heartlessness
Hyssop-- cleanliness
Ivy-- fidelity
Jasmine-- amiability
Jasmine (yellow)-- grace and eloquence
Jonquil-- "Return my affection"
Juniper-- protection
Larkspur-- fickleness
Laurel-- glory
Lemon-- discretion
Lettuce-- cold-hearted
Lilac (purple)-- love's first emotion
Lilac (white)-- youth
Lily of the valley-- return of happiness
Lotus-- lethe, forgetfulness
Magnolia-- love of nature
Mandrake-- horror
Manroot-- sexual prowess
Maple-- reserve
Marigold-- grief
Milkweed-- hope in misery
Mistletoe-- "I surmount all obstacles"
Moss-- maternal love
Mulberry (black)-- "I shall not survive you"
Mulberry (white)-- wisdom
Mushroom-- suspicion
Mustard-- indifference
Myrtle-- love in absence
Narcissus-- egotism
Nightshade-- dark thoughts, sorcery
Oak-- hospitality
Orange-- chastity
Orchid-- beauty
Passionflower-- passion, sensuality
Pea-- an appointed meeting
Peach-- "I am your captive"
Pear-- affection, comfort
Pennyroyal-- "Flee me"
Peony-- anger
Peppermint-- warmth of feeling
Periwinkle-- sweet memories
Phlox-- unity of hearts
Plum-- "Keep your promises"
Poppy-- consolation
Poppy (white)-- sleep
Potato-- benevolence
Primrose-- early youth
Pumpkin-- "I would provide for you"
Raspberry-- remorse
Red lichen-- vengeance
Reeds-- music
Rhodendron-- danger
Rosebud-- confession of love
Rosebud (red)-- youth and beauty
Rosebud (white)-- "You are too young to love"
Rosemary-- rememberance
Rue-- disdain
Saffron-- "Beware excess"
Sage-- esteem
Snapdragon-- "You presume overmuch"
Snowdrop-- consolation
Sorrel-- parental affection
Strawberry-- perfection
Sunflower-- false riches
Sweetbrier-- simplicity
Sweetfern-- poetry
Thistle-- austerity
Thorn apple-- deceit
Turnip-- naivety
Valerian-- an accomodating disposition
Verbena-- sensibility
Violet (blue)-- faithfulness
Violet (white)-- modesty
Violet (yellow)-- rural happiness
Water lily-- eloquence
Willow-- forsaken
Willow (weeping)-- sorrow
Witch hazel-- "a spell is on me"
Wolfsbane-- treachery
Wyrmwood-- absence
Yarrow-- cure for heartache
Yew-- sorrow
Zinnia-- thoughts of absent friends
Black feather-- austerity
Blood eagle's feather-- treachery
Blue feather-- freedom
Cockatrice feather-- "You transfix me"
Dark blue feather-- tranquility
Dark green feather-- corruption
Goose feather-- silliness
Grey feather-- age
Light blue feather-- spirituality
Light green feather-- contemplation
Orange feather-- vitality
Owl feather-- wisdom
Raven's feather-- serenity
Red feather-- justice
Violet feather-- elegance
White feather-- purity
Yellow feather-- careless joy
Gems
(to be expanded at some point in the future)
Agate-- luck
Agate (moss)-- the beauty of nature
Amethyst-- sincerity (also a charm against drunkenness)
Alexandrite-- "Be joyful"
Amber-- protection
Aquamarine-- "Let your grief pass" (also symbolic of Niima's mercy)
Aventurine-- adventure
Bloodstone-- strength of feeling
Carnelian-- courage
Chrysoprase-- spiritual protection
Citrine-- hope
Coral-- wisdom (also a charm for protection against drowning)
Deathstone-- "My wish for you is death"
Diamond-- fearlessness, commitment
Emerald-- foresight
Garnet (almandine)-- devotion
Garnet (blood red)-- obsession
Garnet (green)-- vitality
Glaes-- "I am open to your suggestion"
Glaes (black)-- hostility
Jade (plain or green)-- vision
Jade (brown)-- love betrayed
Jade (white)-- love rejected
Jade (yellow)-- jealousy
Jasper-- protection
Jasper (leopard)-- "May you receive all that you need."
Lapis Lazuli-- understanding
Malachite-- patience
Mithril-- "I summon you"
Moonstone-- serenity
Obsidian-- insight
Onyx-- "a change is necessary"
Opal (plain or white)-- unluckiness
Opal (black)-- mystery
Opal (fire)-- passion
Opal (frost)-- coldness
Opal (moon)-- the madness of passion
Pearl (plain or white)-- chastity
Pearl (black)-- solitude
Pearl (grey)-- "You have wounded me"
Pearl (fire)-- overwhelming passion
Pearl (pink)-- embarrassment
Peridot-- "May your dreams become reality"
Ruby-- "Open your heart to love"
Ruby (star)-- success
Quartz-- foresight
Quartz (smoky)-- "My vision is obscured"
Quartz (rose)-- "You think me more than I am"
Sapphire (plain or blue)-- truth (also an invocation of Lumnis's favor)
Sapphire (clear)-- clear thinking
Sapphire (green)-- beauty
Sapphire (yellow)-- envy
Soulstone-- "Our souls are intertwined"
Tiger eye-- focus
Topaz (blue)-- purity
Topaz (brown)-- strength
Topaz (clear)-- shallowness
Topaz (yellow)-- male fertility (invokes Phoen's eye)
Tourmaline (black)-- nightmares
Tourmaline (blue)-- forgiveness
Tourmaline (clear)-- protection from danger
Tourmaline (pink)-- feminine balance
Tourmaline (green)-- masculine balance
Turquoise-- new beginnings
Zircon (plain or clear)-- peace
Zircon (blue)-- wisdom
Zircon (brown)-- boredom
Zircon (green)-- honor
Zircon (yellow)-- riches