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. It 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.
Regionally,
this page online
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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Milles Sculpture (within shouting distance of this marker); Spink Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker); Pring Hybrids (within shouting distance of this marker); Changes Over Time (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Milles Sculpture (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Joyous Music (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Additional keywords. ⚜️
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 272 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
