Leaf
Oak and Ash leaves are thought to be omens of summer weather. If you need some rain then hope that the ash comes into leaf first; little rain, then hope for the oak. Rain is also thought to be on the way if you hear leaves rustle or see the underneath of the leaf turned upwards. Too many leaves falling before autumn has officially arrived is an ill omen, so too when leaves wither quickly when brought into the house. If you can catch a leaf as it falls you should be lucky enough not to catch a cold during the winter, and if caught between Michaelmas (29 September) and Halloween (31 October) the following year should be a prosperous one.

Leek
Before going into battle the Welsh tradition of rubbing themselves with the plant was thought to bring extra strength and power to the fighter whilst providing protection from being wounded.

Lettuce
The Romans believed that the lettuce plant was a powerful aphrodisiac and possessed child-bearing powers. Lots of it was served at feasts and weddings not only for these reasons but probably because it was thought to prevent drunkenness. Whilst in England country folk traditionally believed that planting lots of lettuce in the garden could prevent conception!

Lilac
Reputed to be a flower that normally indicates an ill omen hence the name 'drowsy-scented flower'. The white varieties were thought to be the worst, and should not be given to the sick or taken into a house. The only exception to the rule was the rare five-petalled variety.

Lily
This flower has traditionally been associated with virginity hence the expression 'pure as a lily'. A widely held belief regarding this was that it was unlucky to break or damage the plant would threaten happiness, particularly for a man as this action would bring bad luck to the female members of his family resulting in their purity being threatened.