Stream Violet Postage Stamps (American Wildflower Series, Botanical, Flower, Wedding, Yellow) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 29c

These vintage unused postage stamps will evoke a touch of whimsy and add personality to your mailings!

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Stream Violet
• Series: American Wildflower
• Year Issued: 1992
• Face Value: 29 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Botanical, Flowers, Wildflowers, State Flowers, Nature, Watercolor
• Color(s): Yellow, Black, Multicolored
• Printing Method: Offset Lithography
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see adhesion instructions below)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: The 29c Stream Violet postage stamp was part of the 1992 “American Wildflower" commemorative series, a collection of 50 different stamps celebrating endemic American flora. Its official first day of issue was July 24, 1992, with the stamp's debut held in Columbus, Ohio, to coincide with the AmeriFlora '92 International Floral and Garden Exposition. The stamp features a watercolor painting by Alaskan artist Karen Mallary of the yellow Stream Violet (Viola glabella), a species also known as "pioneer violet" that is native to the northwestern U.S. and found in moist woods and along streams.

The Stream Violet is a low-growing perennial native to the moist woodlands and stream banks of northwestern North America and northeastern Asia. The plant produces dainty, five-petaled, yellow flowers, often appearing from early spring to mid-summer. The three lower petals are marked with distinct dark purple veins or "whiskers" that act as nectar guides for pollinators. As its name suggests, the Stream Violet thrives in moist to wet, humus-rich soils found in shaded or partially shaded areas. It is commonly found in riparian forests, along stream banks, and in wet meadows. Its native range includes the west coast of North America from Alaska down to California, extending east into parts of Montana and Alberta, and also in some regions of northeastern Asia.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: With their small, often unassuming blooms that grow low to the ground, violets have long symbolized modesty and humility across various cultures. They are considered a reminder that true beauty and strength can be found in simple, understated forms. The violet's delicate appearance and presence in serene, natural settings make it a symbol of purity, innocence, and peace. This association is seen in Christian folklore, where the flower is linked to the Virgin Mary and the virtues of chastity and faithfulness. The Stream Violet's ability to thrive in challenging environments and its annual emergence in spring also tie it to resilience, renewal, and new beginnings. In some Native American legends, the violet is seen as a symbol of balance and great opportunity, representing a harmonious blend of both earth and sky. Historically, violets have been associated with both emotional and physical healing. The ancient Greeks used them to soothe heartache, while in the Victorian language of flowers, they represented faithfulness and enduring love. The yellow color of the Stream Violet can also be interpreted as a symbol of joy and high worth.

SERIES HISTORY: The 1992 American Wildflower postage stamp series was a commemorative issue featuring a pane of 50 different 29-cent stamps, with each stamp displaying a unique watercolor illustration of a native U.S. wildflower. The series was released on July 24, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, to coincide with the AmeriFlora '92 international exposition. Alaska-based watercolor artist Karen Mallary designed the artwork and selected the 50 distinct flowers featured in the collection, with at least one stamp/flower representing each of the 50 states. The U.S. Postal Service described the 1992 American Wildflower series as carrying a message of "natural grace and beauty". In dedicating the pane of 50 different stamps, Assistant Postmaster General Gordon Morison stated they would "blanket the postal landscape" and carry the message that "our nation's wildflowers add natural grace and beauty to our lives". 

GUMMED STAMPS: These postage stamps have a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. These stamps require licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, apply vintage gummed stamps to your mailings with a glue stick (we recommend using Elmer's "Re-Stick" glue sticks).

GENUINE USPS POSTAGE: These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly valid for use as current postage for mailing with USPS as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing. Check current postage rates at USPS.com.

QUESTIONS? We love hearing from our customers and replies to inquires are usually answered the same day. Need more of this stamp? Looking for a particular stamp not found on our website? Want a curated postage set for your special event?  Contact us with questions about vintage postage stamps and our services… 

ABOUT HERITAGE POST HOUSE: Jennifer Kramer is the founder of Heritage Post House, a boutique vintage postage house located in Northern California. Jennifer sources the most beautiful unused vintage postage stamps ever issued by USPS and artfully arranges them into curated postage sets that are sure to add a special touch to your invitations, announcements, and special mailings. In addition to creating pre-arranged postage sets, Jennifer also works with couples (and their stationers) to create one-of-a-kind custom postage arrangements for wedding invitations, save the dates, and other special occasions.