Health and Wellness

Spotlight on Larkspur and Water Lily – July’s Birth Flowers

June 20, 2022

Did you know the language of flowers is called floriography? It’s a way of communicating sentiment through plants or flowers. While it became enormously popular during the English Victorian period, it’s actually been used around the world for centuries. When you gave mom a bouquet on Mother’s Day or received flowers yourself, that’s floriography in action.

In This Healthy Insight:

1. What are July's birth flowers?
2. What is the history of larkspur use?
3. What are the uses of water lily historically?
4. How to make the most of July
5. List of birth months and flowers

What are July’s birth flowers?

Over time as floriography developed, each month was assigned a flower, and anyone born in that month would inherit the characteristics of what those flowers symbolize. Here’s all about July’s birth flowers: larkspur and water lily.

What is the history of larkspur use?

The larkspur originates in Europe and quickly became a popular addition to English gardens for its brilliant blue flowers (although sometimes the flowers can be purple, pink, red, white or yellow). Over time the larkspur was naturalized in the northern part of America and typically grows west of the Mississippi River where it reaches heights of up to 7 feet. The name larkspur was given because the flower resembles the bird’s long back claw.

The larkspur is no shrinking violet. It’s showy and demands attention. Since it can dominate gardens, it’s often placed in the back row. It represents love, positivity, affection and strong attachment.

What are the uses of water lily historically?

The water lily family is native to temperate regions, and its flowers can range in size from 3 to 12 inches depending on its environment. The American white-water lily is a familiar sight in ponds, lakes and streams across the country. While there’s no scientific evidence, herbalists have used the bulb and root for soothing digestion, throats, female issues and skin irritation. It’s thought that any medicinal herbal use is due to its tannin content. The water lily symbolizes eternity, beauty, rebirth, purity, hope and spirituality.

How to make the most of July

Summer’s in full swing now with the longest and hottest days of the year. Make the most of this month with these ideas:

• Create some backyard fun with sprinklers and slip and slides
• Go on a picnic
• Pick strawberries and preserve them
• Attend an outdoor concert
• Ride a Ferris wheel
• Attend a parade
• Nap or read in a hammock
• Eat dinner outside
• Make s’mores

List of birth months and flowers