Elizabeth Silverthorne has gathered an intriguing bouquet of 
folklore about forty-four of Texas’ most fascinating wildflowers 
such as water lily, Queen Anne’s lace, honeysuckle, dogwood,
and morning glory.

    Only recently have people again become aware that the lowliest 
wildflower may harbor an important secret. Native Americans 
reportedly made a weak tea from the paintbrush to treat 
rheumatism. Violets have been used to cure cancer, while 
sunflowers were planted by nineteenth-century pioneers to protect 
families from malaria.

    In ancient times when people were more aware of their 
dependence on plants to provide food, medicine, fuel, and 
materials for clothing, there grew up a vast amount of folklore, 
much of which is described in these wildflower profiles.

    For each flower in this book Silverthorne describes the 
significance and origin of its common name, identifies where the 
flower grows naturally, what uses it has had historically, and what 
legends are associated with it. She offers everyone who has 
admired the beauty of wildflowers a fuller appreciation of them.


_________________________________________________________

ELIZABETH SILVERTHORNE is the author of Christmas in 
Texas and coauthor of Women Pioneers in Texas Medicine, both 
of which were published by Texas A&M University Press, as well 
as a large number of other books. A freelance writer, she lives in 
Salado, Texas.


Number Twenty-four: Louise Lindsey Merrick Natural Environment
Series


What people are saying about this book

"When Texas next boasts a banner wildflower year, you’ll be 
prepared with wildflower lore to spare."—Texas Highways