“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world ‘I love you.’” Billy Graham. 

“Lord, we lift up your name with hearts full of praise; be exalted, O Lord my God! Hosanna in the highest!” Carl Tuttle.

As March comes to a close this year, we have realized the month as being a most unique one as temps fluctuated from day to day and week to week. But, one thing is for sure, spring is here and the temps will slowly rise as we near Easter day.

Today is Palm Sunday which marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. As Easter approaches, here are some plants with an Easter significance in our culture. Happy Palm Sunday!

Many plants are often associated with Easter and the Passion of Jesus Christ. In this season, we are reminded of the wood of the cross and the plant of the crown of thorns that serve emblematically with our Saviour. Even so, no one really knows for sure what wood was used for the cross or what plant was used to make the crown of thorns.

Two South American plants that were given religious significance by the Christian missionaries are the Crucifix orchid (Epidendrum ibaguense) and the Scarlet passion flower (Passiflora coccinea). The Crucifix orchid has long, thin stems and leathery leaves with flowers that bloom in clusters of orange, red, mauve, purple, salmon and yellow colors.

The Crucifix orchid’s name comes from the shape of the labellum (lip of the flower) which resembles a small, gold cross. These orchids are tough, easily propagated, easy to grow and exhibit vibrant, long-lived flowers. They can be grown in containers or in the soil in a frost-free climate in full sun.

The scarlet passion flower (Passiflora coccinea) is a strong growing, evergreen climber with dark green, crinkly leaves and scarlet red flowers. It is cultivated for its large, bright flowers which peak in the summer and fall. Most people consider the passion flower as the ultimate symbol of the crucifixion.

The stigma (female part of the flower) is divided into three units thus resembling the three nails. The five stamens (male part of the flower) are thought to represent the five wounds Jesus received in the hands, feet and side. The corona (the structure at the base just above the petals) represents the crown of thorns. The ten red petals are thought to represent ten of the disciples, omitting Peter (who denied Jesus) and Judas (who betrayed Jesus). And, the leaves and tendrils of the vine represent the hands and whips of the enemy who tormented Jesus.

Other plants that offer Easter connections include the flowering dogwood, redbud, palm trees, and lilies. According to legend, dogwoods once grew as very large trees and were used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified. One account is that Jesus recognized the dogwood suffering from being used for such a purpose and declared that the tree would henceforth have small, crooked branches so that it could not be used that way again. Other symbolic features of the dogwood tree are the white bracts shaped like a cross with a brownish-red spot in the center of each that represents Jesus’ blood. And, the cluster of tiny flowers in the center look like a crown of thorns. Ironically, of the 80 plus plants listed in the Bible, the dogwood is not one of them.

Also, the redbud (the Judas tree) is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Mediterranean species of this tree is associated with the hanging of Judas Iscariot. Following legend, the redbud trees turn red in the spring as a result of either the blushing (shame) from the Crucifixion of Christ or as weeping tears of blood at the consequence of Judas.

The palm is mentioned throughout the Bible and has significance at Easter time. Palm fronds are distributed to various congregations on Palm Sunday in reference to the date palm fronds that were placed in front of Jesus’ donkey when he entered Jerusalem. Palm fronds were also used in such manner for many victorious rulers in biblical days.

The Easter lily is associated with Easter but without biblical connections. It is simply an agreeable commercial enterprise since it is native to the Ryukyu Islands (between Japan and Taiwan) and was not found in the Middle East. In modern times, most Easter lilies are produced from Oregon to California and are placed in many churches across this nation at Easter time. Thus, they have become very symbolic of the season in many people’s minds which provides much satisfaction and enjoyment.

Other Easter-related plants include the Easter bell (Stellaria holostea), a hardy perennial herb with white, showy flowers. Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) is a favorite house plant closely related to the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus. And Easter daisy (Townsendia exscapa) is a rosette perennial herb with white to purple flowers.

The Easter cactus is similar to the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus with the main difference being in the time of the bloom (thus the names) and leaf characteristics. The Easter cactus requires a dry period from October to November since very little water is required for flower bud initiation. Also, it should be placed in a cool area under shorter light periods during this time. Then, in December, adjust the temperature to approximately 65 degrees and water conservatively. Following these tactics, the Easter cactus will begin blooming in March.

Pine trees begin growing in the spring and the new growth can appear in the form of a crucifix or cross (late March to early April about Easter-time). The species, the local weather and its geographical location determine if the pine tree will produce shoots in the form of a crucifix. The species of pine trees reported in producing shoots in the form of crosses include the loblolly, ponderosa, Scotch and white pines.

The crown of thorns which was placed on the head of Jesus is thought to have been the thorny burnet in the rose family. It is found in throughout Jerusalem and in other regions of the Mediterranean. Its branches bend easily and it develops branching thorns at the end of its canopy which supports these thoughts.

The temptation in plant selection can be very obvious during seasons such as Easter. As you commit to the effort and cost of spring purchasing and planting of flowers and plants in your home landscape, please also commit to providing the necessary care to keep them healthy and attractive. Continue to think in terms of native and sustainable plants in the landscape rather than those with invasive characteristics.

Keep your hanging baskets and potted plants refreshed with water and food. Remember to feed and water the songbirds, and give your pets the care they need. Also, be on lookout for children playing and bicyclists riding along the streets and roadways throughout our communities as the weather continues its warming trend. And remember to safely share the road with motorcycles. Don’t drive distracted or impaired, and don’t text while driving. Help the homeless every chance you get. Let’s keep everyone safe while enjoying the spring season!

Many thanks to all who read this column which is an effort to provide each reader with timely and useful information. It is a small contribution on my part in “paying it forward” to my readers. In keeping with this thought, many of you know that we are planning our annual mission trip to the Peru this summer. We are currently raising funds to help finance this mission trip (discipleship journey). If you feel led to do so and would like to donate to this cause, please make a check payable to Heritage Church and mail to Eddie Seagle, Peru Mission Team, 108 Tallokas Circle, Moultrie, GA 31788. We would appreciate your prayers for a safe journey as well, and many thanks to each of you.

“Clap your hands all you people. Shout unto God with a voice of praise! They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” John 12:13

Eddie Seagle is a Sustainability Associate, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), Agronomist and Horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International), Professor Emeritus and Honorary Alumnus (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Distinguished Professor for Teaching and Learning (University System of Georgia) and Short Term Missionary (Heritage Church, Moultrie). Direct inquiries to csi_seagle@yahoo.com.