An illustrated compendium of sacred plants and wildflowers, and the folk stories and symbolism that give them their places and meaning in Christian faith and tradition.

First published in 1884, Plants of the Christian Church is a fascinating insight into the folklore and spiritual uses of plants traditionally associated with Mary, Jesus, the Garden of Eden, the apostles and saints.

Beautifully illustrated with vintage botanical plates and reproductions of classical artwork, and featuring text from the original work, this full-color edition delves into the long association between common plants and wildflowers of Europe and the holy land and the figures of the bible. From Mary's connection with the lily, snowdrop and narcissus, to the crown of thorns, the tree of paradise and the Judas tree, discover the long history of telling the stories of the Bible through plants, and the way in which artists through the centuries have used plant symbolism in their work to create images of some of the most resonant stories in history.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the plant and folkloric legends of Christian tradition, or the imagery and art that reference it.

Contents include:
Plants of the Christian Church
- The Virgin Mary and her Flowers
- The Plants of Bethlehem
- Flora of the Flight into Egypt
- The Herb of the Madonna
- Plants of the Virgin
The Trees of Paradise and the Tree of Adam
- The Paradise of the Persians, Arabians, Hindus, Scandinavians, and Celts
- The Mosaic Paradise
- Eden and the Walls of its Garden
- The Tree of Life
- The Tree of Knowledge