Purple BasilOcimum basilicum Appearance: Purple basil has egg-shaped leaves that grow in pairs along its stem. It is differentiated from regular basil by the color of its leaves, which are dark purple. Its flowers are white or purple and grow on a spike. A legend says that when St. Constantine and Helen    discovered the Holy Cross, the basil plant grew near it. Basil gets its name from the Latin for “king.” The writer of the Psalms reminds us that God is the great king of the earth. For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.                                                                                                                                       Psalm 47:2      NIV

PecanCarya illinoinensis Appearance: The pecan is a deciduous tree that grows up to 130.’ The leaves of the pecan have many leaflets that grow opposite each other on the stem. Pecan nuts grow inside a thick husk. When Jacob’s sons returned to Egypt to talk to Joseph, they brought him a gift of nuts. And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this: take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds.                                                                                                                           Genesis 43:11      KJV

PeaPisum sativum Appearance: Peas are in the bean family. They have vines with curling tendrils. Their leaves have many leaflets that grow opposite one another on the vine.  Peas grow in pods.Beans, including peas and lentils, were one of the staple foods for people in the Bible. In the story of Jacob and Esau, Esau sold his birthright for lentil stew. And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.                                                                                                                      Genesis 25:33-34      KJV

Lamb’s EarStachys byzantina Appearance: The Lamb’s Ear is a low-lying plant  with thick light green leaves covered in soft hairs. Their flowers bloom in spikes and are white, light pink, or light purple. The origin of this plant’s name is obvious: the pale furry leaves are very similar to the ear of a lamb. Jesus is called the Lamb of God.The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.                                                                                                                         John 1:29      KJV

Japanese MapleAcer japonicum Appearance: The Japanese maple is a type of maple that grows up to 30’. Its leaves have many points and turn a brilliant red in fall. The red leaves of this maple remind us of the blood of the cross, covering us in mercy.When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, “His blood be on us, and on our children.”                                                                                              Matthew 27:24-25      KJV

HyssopHyssopus officinalis Appearance: Hyssop is an upright branching plant in the mint family. It has narrow oblong leaves. The hyssop grows small blue flowers near the tips of its branches. The hyssop is native to the Holy Land, where it was used in the Passover. It was also a plant used in the purifying rites associated with Jewish life. The writer of Psalms asks God to purify them with hyssop. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.                                                                                                                                Psalm 51:7      KJV

HollyIlex spp. Appearance: Holly is a bush with hard, light wood. It has dark green leaves with spines around their edges. It has white flowers and red or white berries. Holly is one of the plants given religious significance by Europeans as the Gospel entered their culture. Holly’s white flowers are said to represent Christ’s purity, while its spiny leaves and red berries represent the crown of thorns. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,                                                                                                                             Mark 15:17      KJV

GooseberryCastanea spp. Appearance: Gooseberry bushes grow to 10 feet tall. Their branches have sharp spines and their leaves have three or five lobes. Gooseberry flowers are bell-shaped and produce round fruit that is green, red or deep purple. Plants related to gooseberries are found in the Holy Land and are used in desserts and jams. The writer of Leviticus uses the image of fruit to remind us to obey God so that we may prosper. Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety.                                                                                                              Leviticus 25:18-19      KJV

ElderberrySambacus spp.   Appearance: The elderberry shrub or small tree has leaves divided into leaflets. Its flowers are white and grow in a large cluster, followed by blue, red, or black berries. Juice from elderberries has been known to relieve the flu and flu-like symptoms. The writer of the Psalms reminds us that true healing comes from God.Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all your iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;.                                                                                                            Psalm 103:2-3      KJV

EchinaceaEchinacea spp. Appearance: Echinacea plants have long stems and long hairy leaves. Their flowers are large and showy with long white, yellow, pink, or purple petals and an  orange or brown center.  Echinacea can be used as a natural antibiotic, as it boosts the immune system to fend off colds and the flu. The writer of Proverbs reminds us that true health  comes from the fear of the Lord. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.                                                                                                                  Proverbs 3:7- 8      NIV

CrocusCrocus sativusAppearance: Crocuses have long, thin leaves and tulip-shaped flowers. Some varieties have a bright yellow stigma. Crocuses grow from a bulb. The most expensive spice in the world, saffron, comes from crocuses. Crocuses are one of the first flowers to grow in the springtime and are a sign of hope. The writer of Isaiah compares those who have been redeemed by God to be like a desert bursting into flower. The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.                                                                                                                                         Isaiah 35:1-2a      NIV

Crape MyrtleLagerstroemia spp. Appearance: The myrtle tree has supple branches and oval leaves. The flowers grow in bunches and are deep purple to pink or white and have a crinkled appearance from which the tree gets its name. In the Old Testament, myrtle trees were a symbol of divine generosity. The myrtle was one of the trees used in the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated God’s provision while they wandered in the desert. And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.                                                                                                                                     Nehemiah 8:15      KJV

Crape MyrtleLagerstroemia spp. Appearance: The myrtle tree has supple branches and oval leaves. The flowers grow in bunches and are deep purple to pink or white and have a crinkled appearance from which the tree gets its name. In the Old Testament, myrtle trees were a symbol of divine generosity. The myrtle was one of the trees used in the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated God’s provision while they wandered in the desert. And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.                                                                                                                                     Nehemiah 8:15      KJV

CornZea mays Appearance: Corn has a thick stalk and long, broad leaves. Corn cobs are surrounded by these broad leaves and end with a tuft of pale yellow silk. Corn is one of the staple grains of many cultures. Sweet corn is ready to eat when the kernels are sweet and juicy. If corn is left to ripen on the stalk, it becomes a grain. People in Bible Times depended on various grains for food.  Having an abundant harvest was one symbol of God’s blessing. There shall be a handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.                                                                                                                        Psalm 72:16      KJV

CorianderCoriandrum sativum Appearance: Coriander is a cousin to the carrot. It has a slender stalk with broadly lobed or feathered leaves. Its flowers are small and grow in an umbrella-like cluster. Cilantro, a green, and the spice coriander come from this plant.Coriander was very familiar to people living in Bible times; the plant grows throughout the Holy Land. When God fed the Israelites with manna, they compared it to coriander. And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.                                                                                                          Exodus 16:31      KJV

ChicoryCichorium intybus  Appearance: Chicory is a bushy wildflower that is  common in North America. It has long, thin leaves and blue flowers with many petals. During the Passover meal, God instructed His people to eat bitter herbs to commemorate the bitterness of  slavery. Chicory was a common plant at this time and may have been one of these bitter herbs. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.                                                                                                                            Exodus 12:8      KJV

CherryPrunus spp. Appearance: Not all species of the genus Prunus are cherries. Species within this genus that are known as cherries may grow as trees or shrubs, having oval leaves. Their blossoms have five petals and are white with yellow centers. Cherry fruits are deep red and   have a single center pit, and may be sweet or sour. The writer of Psalms compares a righteous man to a flourishing and fruitful tree. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.                                                                                                                                                    Psalm 1:3      KJV

CedarAppearance: There are several types of evergreen   trees that bear cones or berries known as cedars. The   cedars that commonly grow in North America are in   the same order as the Biblical cedars, but not the same family or genus. They are not the same plant, but they do have similar habits.The temple and palace that Solomon built were made   of cedar. When a person in the Bible pronounced a blessing, they often compared the blessed individual to a cedar. Cedars are also a symbol of power and strength throughout the Bible.In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.                                                                                                           Ezekiel 17:23      KJV

CedarAppearance: There are several types of evergreen trees that bear cones or berries known as cedars. The   cedars that commonly grow in North America are in the same order as the Biblical cedars, but not the same family or genus. They are not the same plant, but they do have similar habits.The temple and palace that Solomon built were made of cedar. When a person in the Bible pronounced a blessing, they often compared the blessed individual to a cedar. Cedars are also a symbol of power and strength throughout the Bible.In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.                                                                                                           Ezekiel 17:23      KJV

BoxBuxus spp. Common names: Boxwood, Box tree, BoxAppearance: Box plants are slow-growing evergreens with thin to rounded leaves. They have small yellow-green flowers and bear seed-pods containing several seeds. Box tree branches are often used in European Easter celebrations, replacing palm branches. In Bible times, the box grew on the mountains of Lebanon and became a symbol of the beauty and greatness of God’s creation. The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.                                                                                                             Isaiah 60:13      KJV