Plants of the Bible: A Historic Gardener’s Perspective
It’s true we might not know what kind of fruit was on the tree of life, but I’m sure it tasted good! And while the Bible might not sit at the top of the standard Gardening Book recommendation list, it does, however, discuss over one hundred different plants, offering a fascinating botanical record of ancient Middle Eastern plant life. Of course, given the age of the Bible and the fact that plant names have changed and evolved over the centuries, there is a challenge to correctly identify these plants. But fortunately, Harris County Master Gardener Debra Caldwell has thoroughly researched the topic and laid out the basics in the most recent “Green Thumb” program.
Which Plants Were Mentioned Specifically?
Biblical texts reveal the agricultural foundation of ancient civilizations. While familiar crops like figs, grapes, and pomegranates were dietary staples, many other plants played crucial roles in daily life:
| TREES | GRAINS/CROPS | HERBS |
| Acacia | Barley | Aloe |
| Almond | Wheat | Saffron |
| Cedar | Millet | Coriander (cilantro) |
| Olive | Beans | Mint |
Plants that Heal
According to the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 45 different plant species were mentioned throughout the Bible for medicinal purposes. A few examples include: Fig (Ficus carica), Nard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Hyssop (Origanum syriacum), Balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis), and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum).
Which Flowers were Mentioned in the Bible?
I was surprised to learn how many species of flowers were mentioned! Here are some that you will probably recognize:
- Anemone (Lily of the Field) - anemone coronaria
- Crocus or Meadow Saffron - Colchicum autumnale
- Cyclamen - cyclamen hederifolium
- Dog Chamomile - anethum nobilis
- Flax - linum usitatissimum
- Hyacinth - hyacinthus orientalis
- Madonna Lily - lilium candidum
Creating Your Own Biblical Garden
Whether you're drawn to these plants for their historical significance, their role in biblical narratives, or simply their beauty and use, they can offer a unique view of your own yard or garden. Next time you visit a garden or your favorite nursery, see if you can recognize a few of the plants that were mentioned in the bible. You could take some home and create your own bible garden as a place of reflection.
Happy Gardening!
If you have further questions, feel free to submit your questions to a Harris County Master Gardener.
This month on the “Green Thumb" Program, Debra Caldwell, MS Zoology (Advanced Master Gardener: Entomology) answers any questions you might have and breaks down all you need to know on Plants of the Bible. The “Green Thumb” program is a monthly video lecture series led by a Harris County Master Gardener and hosted by the Harris County Public Library.
Add a comment to: Plants of the Bible: A Historic Gardner’s Perspective