Bluebell Flower Meanings
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
√ Updated:
February 10, 2010
Bluebells have long been symbolic of humility and gratitude. They are associated with constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. Bluebells are also closely linked to the realm of fairies and are sometimes referred to as "fairy thimbles." To call fairies to a convention, the bluebells would be rung.
Bluebells are widely known as harebells in Scotland. The name originated due to the hares that frequented the fields covered with harebells. Some sources claim that witches turned themselves into hares to hide among the flowers.
Another name for bluebells is Dead Man's bells. This is due to the fact that fairies were believed to cast spells on those who dare to pick or damage the beautiful, delicate flowers. The people of Scotland are fond enough of the flower to continue this tradition in the hopes of protecting the little flower.
Bluebell Facts
Bluebells can be found in North America, Western Europe and North Africa. In some areas they are referred to as wild hyacinths. Bluebells grow in forests, grasslands, mountainsides, along the ocean and in brush areas. Bluebells are members of the lily family and native to Portugal and Spain. A favorite flower around the world for many centuries, the bluebell is a particularly beloved flower in Britain.
Growing Bluebells
Bluebells are easy to grow, can handle both sun and shade and even thrive in neglected gardens. Bluebells are usually grown from bulbs and reproduce by creating smaller offset bulbs as well as seeds. Bluebells will also grow in pots, tubs and urns.
Bluebells normally flower early in the year from April through June. The delicate flowers hang from a central stem. The plant also features narrow leaves in light to medium green. Many butterflies just leaving winter hibernation are fans of the bluebell's nectar.
Edible Bluebells and Medicinal Uses
Mountain bluebells are an edible variety of bluebells that grow in the western United States on stream bank sand in wet meadows, damp thickets and foothills in Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, California and Oregon.
The flowers can be eaten raw and the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Mountain bluebells also have medicinal uses:
Mountain bluebells was used medicinally by the Cheyenne Indians. An infusion of leaves was taken for smallpox and measles. And infusion of the whole plant was taken by women after childbirth to increase milk flow. An infusion of powdered roots was taken for itching from smallpox.
[http://montana.plant-life.org/species/merten_cilia.htm]
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Plant Bluebells in Your Garden this Year
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References
Montana Plant Life-Flora and Identification of Edible, Medicinal and Poisonous Plants, http://montana.plant-life.org.
Dave's Garden Guide, http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1615.
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