Carnation

About the Carnation

One of the oldest cultivated flowers - the Greeks and Romans used them in garlands and ceremonial crowns (the name may come from corone, meaning crown). They can last 2-3 weeks as cut flowers, among the longest-lasting. The pink carnation is the symbol of Mothers Day in the US, started by Anna Jarvis in 1908. They are edible and used to garnish salads and cakes. Over 300 species exist. They have been brewed into beer and wine. The French used them as a symbol of the royalist cause during the Revolution. They produce natural insecticide compounds.