Flora Friday - Common Gladiolus

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Hello all!! Today's Flora Friday is the Common Gladiolus!!


The Common Gladiolus (Gladiolus Communis) is part of the Iridaceae family. Gladiolus is Latin for 'Sword Lily' and the plural of Gladiolus is Gladioli. Gladioli are the birth flower of August and the official flower for 40th anniversaries. Other names of the Common Gladiolus are:

-  Eastern Gladiolus
- Common Corn-flag
- Cornflag


Where to find

Common Gladiolus is native to temperate Northern Africa, Western Asia and also Southern Europe from the Mediterranean to the Caucasus. It has become a naturalised species in the coastal parts of the Southwestern British Isles and other frost free locations. 


Edible Parts

Surprisingly, Common Gladioli are edible!! If you remove the anthers, you can eat the flowers although they don't have much taste (some say they vaguely taste of lettuce), the petals add a lovely colour to meals both sweet and savory. Buds and seeds can be eaten too and Gladioli can also be cooked like Day Lily's. Make sure you wash and prepare the flowers correctly.


Medicinal Uses

Gladioli can be used used to help cure common colds, constipation, diarrhoea and other tummy upsets. In times past, powdered Gladioli roots where mixed with milk to help relieve Colic in babies. Roots made into a poultice where used to draw out thorns and splinters. It is also said to ease painful menstruation and the symptoms of dysentery. 


Magical Uses

In magical practices, Common Gladioli represent:

- Strength
- Starting over
- New relationships
- Remembrance
- Luck


Victorian Flower Language

In Victorian Flower Language, Gladioli means you pierce my heart. This comes from sword like leaves and Latin for sword is gladius. Gladioli and Yarrow paired together symbolise healing from a broken heart. With Anemone and Daffodil it means unrequited love and send with Hemlock and Marigold to a friend to help with grief.


This blog is for educational purposes only, consult local experts if you're unsure. Consult your doctor before trying home remedies!

I hope you've enjoyed this weeks Flora Friday, keep your eyes peeled for next week!!

Blessings,

C )0(

👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

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