Flower of the Month
At Natasha Tsozik Tattoo Studio in San Francisco, I specialize in fine line floral tattoos that combine symbolism with refined detail. Whether you’re looking for a deeply personal botanical symbol or a design inspired by the Language of Flowers, the future tattoo can reflect the unique beauty and meaning of the plant. Through my Flower of the Month series, I share the stories and symbolism behind different blooms to inspire your next meaningful design. Explore further to uncover an inspirational guide "The Birth Flowers: California Edition".
Flowers of the Month:
Lily of the Valley, California Poppy and Lupine 🌸
The traditional birth flower for May is Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), symbolizing humility,
happiness, and sweetness.
Additionally, I’ve chosen to feature California Poppy and Lupine this month—because why not? May marks the tail end of poppy season, while Lupine is in full bloom. These two flowers pair beautifully together in a bouquet.
The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) — our state flower — blooms brightly each spring, painting the landscape in vivid orange and gold. In the language of flowers, it symbolizes consolation, rest, and remembrance.
Lupine (Lupinus arboreus) flourishes from March to June and carries meanings of creativity, resilience, and imagination.
Together, these blooms celebrate both imagination and renewal — a perfect way to welcome May.
Lily of the valley, Honeysuckle and Larkspur for R. 🌸
I designed this floral project with CA Poppy and Lupine some time ago for J., with a bee as a charming accent to complete the tattoo.
For more about California Poppy tattoos and the rich history of this flower, read the CA Poppy Tattoo Guide!
The Birth Flowers: California Edition
Each month, I feature a different flower, exploring its symbolism and cultural significance. These blooms can inspire meaningful tattoo designs, whether you're seeking personal symbolism or simply admire their beauty.
The world of flowers is an endless source of inspiration, offering a wide variety of shapes and colors. Traditional interpretations of flowers differ across cultures, allowing us to create unique and symbolic compositions tailored especially for you. Feel free to use this flower guide for inspiration or reach out to me with your ideas!
January
Traditional: Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) — Love, fascination, admiration;
California complement: Manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita) — Renewal, quiet strength, resilience (blooms in winter);
More flowers for January
Snowdrop — Hope, renewal, purity;
Camellia — Devotion, admiration, perfection.
Carnations by Eva Bronzini.
Manzanita by Leigh Heasley.
February
Traditional: Violet (aka Viola) — Faithfulness, modesty;
California complement: Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) — Vitality, hope, new energy (blooms late winter);
More flowers for February
Primrose — Young love, renewal;
Iris — Trust, inspiration, eloquence.
Violets by Petr Ganaj.
Red currant by Lance Reis.
March
Traditional: Daffodil (aka Narcissus) — New beginnings, hope, rebirth;
California complement: California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) — Joy, resilience, consolation (early blooms start in spring);
More flowers for March
Jonquil — Desire, affection;
Hellebore — Serenity, scandal (in floriography);
Sakura — The national flower of Japan, represents a time to reflect on renewal and optimism;
All daffodils and jonquils are in the group Narcissus. Daffodil is a common name used for Narcissus that have a large trumpet shaped bloom.
Daffodil by Nikolett Emmert.
CA Poppies by David Mcelwee.
April
Traditional: Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) — Blissful pleasure, gratitude;
California complement: Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) — Wisdom, admiration, hope (blooms spring);
More flowers for April
Daisy — Innocence, loyal love;
Tulip — Perfect love, fame.
Sweet pea by Gundula Vogel.
Iris by Reagan Ross.
May
Traditional: Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) — Humility, happiness, sweetness;
California complement: Lupine (Lupinus) — Creativity, resilience, imagination (blooms spring to early summer);
More flowers for May
Hawthorn — Hope, fertility;
Peony — Honor, compassion, romance.
Lily of the Valley by Julia Pavlukova.
Lupin by Cottonbro studio.
June
Traditional: Rose (Rosa) — Love, beauty, passion;
California complement: California Wild Rose (Rosa californica) — Enduring love, beauty, resilience (blooms late spring to summer);
More flowers for June
Honeysuckle — Devotion, sweet bonds;
Lavender — Calm, grace, healing.
Rose by Marie Pirner.
CA Wild Rose.
July
Traditional: Larkspur (aka Delphinium) — Positivity, grace, dignity;
California complement: Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) — Peace, beauty, boldness (blooms early summer);
More flowers for July
Water Lily — Purity, rebirth;
Lotus — Enlightenment, inner strength.
Delphinium by Saakshi Yadav.
Matilija Poppy by John Hanson.
August
Traditional: Gladiolus (aka Sword Lily) — Strength, integrity, remembrance;
California complement: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — Healing, protection, everlasting love (blooms summer);
More flowers for August
Poppy — Remembrance, imagination;
Sunflower — Loyalty, happiness, vitality.
Gladiolus by Wladislawa Schröder.
Yarrow by Lauri Poldre.
September
Traditional: Aster (Asteraceae) — Patience, elegance, love;
California complement: California Goldenrod (Solidago velutina) — Encouragement, vitality, growth (blooms late summer to fall);
More flowers for September
Morning Glory — Affection, fleeting beauty;
Hydrangea — Understanding, deep emotion.
Aster by Rain Lü.
Goldenrot by Ellie Burgin.
October
Traditional: Marigold (aka Tagetes) — Creativity, warmth, determination;
California complement: Mariposa Lily (Calochortus) — Transformation, purity, beauty (blooms into fall);
More flowers for October
Cosmos — Order, peace, harmony;
Calendula — Healing, warmth, protection.
Marigold by Rohan Dewangan.
Club-haired Calochortus by Margaret Watson.
November
Traditional: Chrysanthemum (sometimes called mums or chrysanths) — Friendship, joy, longevity;
California complement: Toyon (California Holly) — Celebration, protection, resilience (berries ripen late fall);
More flowers for November
Scabiosa — Admiration, remembrance;
Anemone — Protection, anticipation.
Chrysanthemum by Amar Preciado.
Toyon by Keir Morse.
December
Traditional: Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus) — Hope, renewal, self-reflection;
California complement: California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) — Endurance, strength, gratitude (blooms fall through winter);
More flowers for December
Poinsettia — Celebration, good cheer;
Holly — Protection, happiness at home;
Narcissus refers to the plant species as a whole, while daffodil and jonquil are common names for the particular species.
Narcissus by Ruslan Sikunov.
CA Buckwheat by Calscape.
Acceptance, Safety, Serenity. Explore the creating process of a symbolic tattoo: Flower arrangement for J. The selection of plants is based on their meanings, according to the Language of Flowers. Read more
Talisman Bouquet for D.
According to Floriography, every plant and flower has its meaning. I decided to revive this tradition in my tattoos & create a special floral talisman tattoo for D. Read more
In my work, I draw from a variety of sources—from the Language of Flowers and Floriography to birth flower guides and beyond. Reach out to me directly, and together we can explore and create the perfect bouquet of symbolic flowers tailored just for you.
Find a design that speaks to you—whether from the Secret Garden Tattoo Flash or through a custom botanical creation—each piece captures a unique connection to nature's beauty and hidden meanings.
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