Originally decorating the cornfields in Europe in a hue of blue, this flower is part of the Composite family, a widespread group of plants including sunflowers, daisies, and asters. Cornflowers have a vast color palette, including white, red, pink, and purple—pleasing all color favoritisms, making it the perfect flower to gift.
Popular in many cultures, the cornflower is also known as Bluet in England, Bluebonnet in Scotland, Ragged Robin or Ragged Sailor in North America Blue Cap, and Hurt sickle. You can order flower online under its many aliases. It also comes in different shapes and sizes, ranging from annuals, perennials, groundcovers, and shrubs—even reaching a meter in height.
Let’s dive into the particularity of the flower, from its history to its modern-day use.
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Cornflower, Rich in History
There are two crucial moments in the history of Cornflowers. In one famous tale, Cornflowers were used to heal Achilles’ heel wound, caused by a poisoned arrow back in the Trojan war. The other historical appearance was in Egypt 3300 years ago, represented in floral collars found in King Tut’s tomb. Hieroglyphics and Egyptian paintings on the wall depicted many floral collars often used in ceremonies, and this lovely flower was used as a decorative touch.
Not only does it feast our eyes, but the flower also holds a strong cultural representation, having been named Estonia’s National Flower back in 1968 and National Flower of Germany. After Germany’s unification, Wilhelm chose cornflowers as a symbol of unification to honor his mother, who hid them in a field of cornflowers to protect her children from Napoleon’s army.
Another fun historical fact about this flower is that it is an emblem for World War I and II veterans. Following the more famous tradition in the UK of wearing a poppy in remembrance of their fallen heroes, the French equivalent, Le Bleuet, or cornflower, was popular among widows and orphans. The proliferation of the flower held significance for the wars on several levels, allowing it to become a symbol of love and compassion to victims, especially veterans. The Bleuet de France are artificial Cornflowers sold on 8th May and 11th November.
Cornflower in Modern Day
Staying in touch with its medicinal roots, the dried cornflower is taken as a tea for medical reasons such as fever, constipation, water retention, and chest congestion. Sometimes women take it for menstrual disorders and vaginal yeast infections.
One of the many properties of the cornflower, aside from its medical healing powers, is that it’s edible. Petals of this flower can be used as herbal tea, spices, and coloring food. Cornflowers can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked, which can be added to salads, desserts, and drinks for garnishing purposes.
Cosmetology uses the active compounds of cornflower in make-up remover lotions as a natural remedy against dark circles around the eyes; it also calms sensitive skin and soothes sensitive eyes.
Not only is this flower rich in history, but relatively rich in many properties. Having cornflowers near will beautify your room and leave lasting benefits when used constantly in our day-to-day. That’s why you can never go wrong with sending cornflowers to that special someone to brighten their day. Browse through our catalog and order yours today.
