Psalacantha
In Greek mythology, Psalacantha (Ancient Greek: ) was a nymph of the island Icaria, who later got turned into a plant by the god Dionysus.

Mythology 
According to Ptolemy Hephaestion, Psalacantha fell in love with Dionysus and promised to help him win the love of Ariadne on condition that he satisfy her own desires as well. Dionysus refused and Psalacantha went on to advise Ariadne against him, whereupon the god became enraged and changed Psalacantha into a plant known as psalakanthos. Later, he repented and decided to commemorate Psalacantha by having the plant worked into Ariadne's wreath, the one that was changed into the constellation Corona Borealis.

History 
The plant was used in Ancient Greece to honour the god Dionysus during festivals, along with the customary wine and grapes.

See also 
 Carya of Laconia
 Clytie
 Crocus
 Myia

References

External links 
 PSALACANTHA from The Theoi Project

Metamorphoses into flowers in Greek mythology
Dionysus in mythology
Nymphs