Cornflower on a Headstone: Meaning

The bright blue cornflower once grew wild among fields of grain. Today it's a quiet but powerful symbol of remembrance, hope and devoted love — especially in France, where it honours those who served.

What it means

The Bleuet de France

In France, the cornflower (bleuet) is the flower of remembrance for veterans and the war dead, much as the poppy is in Canada and the UK. It's worn around Armistice Day on November 11. For French and Québécois families honouring a veteran, a cornflower is a meaningful choice. See French inscriptions for Québec and poppy meaning.

Folklore

Cornflowers are also called bachelor's buttons: young men once wore them in their buttonholes when courting, and if the flower faded quickly it was said the love was not returned. That gives the cornflower a second meaning of hope and devotion in love.

Design ideas

• Cornflowers among wheat — see wheat sheaf meaning.
• A cornflower and poppy together for a veteran.
• Blue colour-fill on grey granite.
• A small cornflower beside military details — see military symbols.

Who it suits

Veterans, especially of French heritage; farmers and country people; and devoted couples. See flower meanings.

Epitaphs

"Nous nous souviendrons" (we will remember), "Forever remembered", "Devoted always", "Home to the fields". For French wording, have a native speaker check the final text.

Key Takeaways

• Cornflowers mean remembrance, hope and devotion.
• In France, the Bleuet honours veterans.
• Cornflowers among wheat suit farmers.
• Pair with a poppy for a veteran.

Next Step

See poppy meaning.