Dahlias, part of the Asteraceae family, are native to Mexico, Central America and South America. Dahlias were actually named Mexico’s national flower in 1963. Dahlias belong to the same family as sunflowers, chrysanthemums, daisies and asters. Like other flowers in this family, dahlias are composite flowers, meaning they’re actually made up of dozens of mini flowers known as either ray or disc florets. What we might think of as the dahlia’s “petals” are actually these individual florets. Today, there’s a mind blowing 50,000+ varieties of dahlia flowers out there! Dahlia flowers typically bloom from mid-summer through fall each year, depending on the variety.

 

Dahlias are mostly fragrance-free; they use their vibrant colors to attract pollinators, rather than scent. However, again like other members of the Asteraceae flower family, dahlias are heavy pollen producers. This means they’re not particularly allergy-friendly. Most kinds of Dahlia’s reach around 4 to 5 feet in height, and range in size from small to gigantic flowers, commonly referred as dinner plate variety. With over 50,000 varieties available, you’ll find these blooms in almost every possible flower color and a variety of shapes. The American Dahlia Society notes 19 different flower forms of dahlias. They’re great garden plants if you’re in a region with moist, moderate climates, as they usually bloom from mid-summer through fall. Unfortunately, they won’t survive freezing temperatures, so they’re often dug up before winter months. Dahlias are perennials in Zones 8 and higher; in cold climates, they need to be dug up and stored until spring. For gardeners in zones 6 and 7, it can vary and some have luck keeping tubers in the ground.

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These lovely blooms also have medicinal importance. Before the discovery of insulin in 1923, a substance derived from the tubers of dahlias, called inulin, was a renowned treatment for diabetes in some parts of Europe and America. The Aztecs, in particular, used this plant as a treatment against epilepsy. They also used the flower to treat rashes and skin infections. Dahlias are still used today to make poultices from crushed and warmed petals, especially from the D. imperialis, as a treatment for insect stings, sunburns, and sores. For soothing tired feet, boil the petals and tubers and use them as a foot soak.

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Do you know all dahlia varieties are edible? In British Columbia, the tubers are eaten by the Tunebo Indians, but in some cultures, the dahlia petals are used as a garnish for decorating desserts, cakes, and pastries. Most people don't realize that dahlias are a close New World relative of both sunflowers and Jerusalem artichokes. The flavors and textures can vary greatly depending on the soil and conditions in which they were grown. Flavors range from water chestnut through to a spicy apple or even carrots, celery, radish and potatoes. 

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Please note - Dahlias are known to be toxic to cats, dogs and horses. 

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The dahlia flower has many symbolic meanings which have been derived from the appearance of the dahlia flower and its significance to human kind. Some of the most common dahlia symbolic meanings are:

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• Remaining graceful

• Finding inner strength

• Changing in a positive way

• Standing out from the crowd

• Always be kind

• Staying adventurous and relaxed

• Commitment

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They symbolize elegance, inner strength, creativity, change, and dignity. They are also known to represent one who stands strong in his/her sacred values. Dahlias are also considered to be the birth flower of the month of August but some even list it as the birth flower of the month of November.