Which flowers & leaves ought to be offered to Lord Shiva?

Question

I know of Bilva leaves and Datura flowers. Are there any other leaves & flowers which are dear to Lord Shiva?

Scriptural references and/or pointers would be highly appreciated.

Answer 1

Lord Shiva can be worshiped with almost all flowers except Champaka and Ketaka flowers as mentioned in Shiva Maha Purana, Section 2.1 - Rudra-saṃhitā (1): Sṛśṭi-khaṇḍa, Chapter-14.

36. Excepting the Campaka and the Ketaka there is no flower which does not appeal to Śiva. All other flowers can be used for worshipping Him.

Also, in the same chapter, when asked by Saunaka and other sages, sage Suta described the importance of various flowers in worship of Lord Shiva.

4. A person desirous of wealth shall worship lord Śiva with lotuses, Bilva leaves, petals of lotuses or with Śaṅkha flowers.

5. A person desirous of long life shall worship him with Dūrvā grass. A person desirous of sons shall worship him with Dhattūra flowers.

6. A Dhattūra plant with red stem is specially auspicious for worship. A worshipper using Agastya flowers will earn great fame.

7. Worldly pleasures and salvation will be secured by a person who worships with Tulasī. Great valour can be secured by worshipping with Arka or Kubjakalhāra flowers.

8. The worship with Japā flowers (China rose) brings about the death of enemies. Karavīra flowers drive away all ailments.

9. By worshipping with Bandhūka flowers the devotee will get ornaments; with Jātī flowers he will acquire good vehicles; with Atasī flowers he will attain favour of Viṣṇu.

10. With Śamī leaves he will secure salvation. With Mallikā flowers he will secure an auspicious woman.

11. With the splendid Yūthikā flowers he will not be deprived of a house. With Karṇikāra flowers he will secure plenty of garments.

12. With Nirguṇḍi flowers, his mind becomes pure in the world. A hundred thousand Bilva leaves used for worship will secure the fulfilment of all desires.

13. Use of lovely flowers in the form of garlands increases happiness and wealth. Use of seasonal flowers for worship yields liberation. There is no doubt in this.

14. The flowers of Rājikā bring about the death of enemies. A hundred thousand Rājikā flowers shall be used for the worship of Śiva. The benefit accruing will be very great.

_{Please note that, flowers mentioned here may be some different common name. Google search of these flower names can be helpful.}