February Birth Flowers

Do you know your birth flower or the significance behind it? Each month Headed West will be using a different birth flower for our logos and graphics. February’s birth flowers are the Violet (viola) or the Primrose; each with its own meaning and significance. Take a look below to learn something about the February Birth Flowers!

The Violet (Viola)

• The Violet typically starts to bloom in early to mid-spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This beautiful flower is known for its deep purple and lavender colors through its five heart-shaped petals; four of which bend up and one dips down. With no noticeable stem and scalloped leaves, this flower is easily identifiable.
• Historically, Violets have been used in Europe as an ailment for dry cough, bronchitis, and whooping cough. An extract of Viola odorata could benefit those who are looking for help with their cholesterol or weight loss, as the plant has tested high in helpful alkaloids, saponins, and tannins.
• It is also one of the most editable wildflowers you can find! Harvest the fresh leaves in mid-spring, before they become tough and mix them in a salad or cook them like spinach or kale. The leaves are mild in flavor and a little bitter making it the perfect addition to any meal. The flower petals and buds can be made into a soothing tea, a flavorful candied treat, or as an editable decoration.

When gifting a violet to someone you are telling them that you will always be there for them. The Violet symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness!

The Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

The Primrose quickly blooms in early spring and will even bloom a second time in late fall. Commonly mistaken for a relative of the rose, this flower is not related at all! Common colors are yellow, pink, and purple. However, there are a lot of hybrid colors. All primrose flowers have one common trait, the yellow eye in the center.

Primroses have been used throughout history to help with spasms, cramps, PMS, and headaches! The plant is known to contain helpful saponins and alkaloids and is known for its analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. Be sure to use the whole plant and its roots when creating a tincture or extract!

Harvest the leaves and flowers in the summer season when the plant is in full bloom and add them into a salad for its mild lettuce taste or dry the petals you can make a flavorful tea! If you get to the flowers early enough, while the plant is still young you can make a Primrose wine!

This is the type of flower that you would want to give someone to let them know that you can’t live without them. The flowers symbolize life, new beginnings, and youth.

Now that you know all about the February birth flowers, you should check out our SWEET February Sales!

References: 

http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/v/viola-sororia=wooly-blue-violet.php
https://chestnutherbs.com/violets-edible-and-medicinal-uses/
https://myflowermeaning.com/primrose-flower-meaning/
Siddiqi, H.S., Mehmood, M.H., Rehman, N.U. et al. Studies on the antihypertensive and antidyslipidemic activities of Viola odorata leaves extract. Lipids Health Dis 11, 6 (2012) doi:10.1186/1476-511X-11-6