Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Symbol of a King
History & Heritage
The "fleur-de-lis" is the symbol for Saint Louis and is thought to be the European and African yellow water flag, Iris pseudacorus. According to one legend, this iris helped save a French army in the 6th century from a hostile force that had it cornered in a river bend. The French king recognized a potential ford by spotting this iris in the water and directed his army to safety. The grateful king chose the iris as the symbol of the royal family.
Fun Fact: King Louis VII maintained the iris as the royal symbol (the fleur-de-Louis).
Erected by Missouri Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Horticulture & Forestry • Wars, Non-US.
Location. 38° 36.813′ N, 90° 15.436′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Missouri Botanical Garden. Marker can be reached from Shaw Boulevard west of Tower Grove Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4344 Shaw Boulevard, Saint Louis MO 63110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Life as Art (a few steps from this marker); Bringing Life to Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Axis
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Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
