Charles M. Skinner’s Myths and Legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits, and Plants is a comprehensive collection of botanical folklore, first published in 1925. Skinner delves into the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and superstitions surrounding various plants across different cultures and eras. The book serves as a bridge between the natural world and human imagination, showcasing how flora have been intertwined with human beliefs and practices throughout history.

The narrative is organized alphabetically, presenting a diverse array of plants from common flowers to exotic trees. Each entry is accompanied by tales that explain the plant’s origin, medicinal properties, or symbolic significance. For instance, the book explores the doctrine of signatures, an ancient belief that the appearance of a plant indicates its medicinal use. Skinner illustrates this with examples like the aspen tree, whose trembling leaves were thought to cure shaking palsy, and saxifrage, which grows in rocky crevices and was believed to treat bladder stones.

Beyond medicinal lore, Skinner delves into the spiritual and cultural roles of plants. He examines how various religions and mythologies feature plants as sacred symbols or divine gifts. The tree of life, for example, appears in multiple traditions, from the biblical tree in Eden to the Norse Yggdrasil. These plants often embody themes of life, death, and rebirth, reflecting humanity’s deep connection to the natural world.

Skinner’s work is not just a compilation of myths but also a reflection on the human tendency to personify nature. Through these stories, he highlights how plants have been seen as more than mere organisms; they are carriers of meaning, history, and culture. Myths and Legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits, and Plants offers readers a window into the ways in which human societies have understood and revered the plant kingdom, making it a valuable resource for those interested in folklore, botany, and cultural history.