Dahlia - The Delightful Dahlia

Dahlias are mostly thought to be native to the warmer regions of the Americas. Western Europeans first witnessed their beauty in ancient Aztec gardens. They also were found growing wild along moist stream banks, meadows and hillsides. These were bushy or cane-like hollow-stemmed herbaceous plants topped with colorful, often star-shaped mostly single blooms.

They were often grown for their edible tuberous roots similar to potatoes which are close relatives. The Indian word for Dahlia means ‘water pipe’ and fresh cut hollowed canes were used for drinking the freshest water just beneath the surface of streams and pools. The hollow stems, once thoroughly dried were often filled with tobacco or various dried herbs for smoking and spiritual rituals.