Symbolism of cemetery plants: How flowers, trees and other botanical motifs honor those buried beneath

By: Shelley Mitchell, Oklahoma State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 31, 2025

Words: 1,201

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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By Shelley Mitchell, Oklahoma State University

If you visit a cemetery, look closely and you’ll likely notice many flowering plants – adorning the graves, or maybe even carved into headstones.

As a horticulture Extension specialist and frequent geocacher, I often visit cemeteries in urban and rural areas across the country. The plants seen in cemeteries vary by climate as well as local history and culture. They are planted with purpose, often serving as symbols …

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