1. The national symbol of Scotland is the thistle. True or false: This symbol is traced to the 1263 Battle of Largs, when a hidden Scandinavian invader stepped on a thistle and cried out in pain.

2. Chinese tradition recognizes "Four Gentlemen of Flowers," associating flowers with the seasons. Bamboo is associated with spring; match these other flowers with their seasons.

   A. Plum blossom	1. Summer
   B. Orchid or lotus	2. Fall
   C. Chrysanthemum	3. Winter

3. Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with elevating a humble plant to a national symbol. True or false: The four-leaf clover is the national symbol of Ireland.

4. True or false: The breadfruit tree appears on Bolivia's coat of arms.

5. The Canadian maple leaf is one of the best-known national symbols. How many points does the leaf on the Canadian flag have? (Do not count the leaf's stem.)

   A. Three

   B. Nine

   C. Eleven

6. Some unusual flora has been used in heraldry. True or false: The Spanish coat of arms includes a pomegranate.

7. True or false: The chrysanthemum was (and still is) used to represent Japan.

8. The Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) were largely fought between two English houses. True or false: The house of York adopted a white rose as its symbol, while the house of Lancaster used a red rose.

9. Each state in the USA has its own flag. Match each of the following states with the flora that appears on its flag.

   A. Connecticut	1. Palmetto tree
   B. Nevada	2. Grapevine
   C. South Carolina	3. Sagebrush

10. The fleur-de-lis, a symbolic representation of a lily, was often used by French kings. True or false: The fleur-de-lis was also used as a heraldic symbol in other countries.

Answers