Trumpet Daffodil
Daffodil
Narcissus
Scientific Name:
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
rebirth
-
respect
-
thoughtfulness
Description
Trumpet Daffodil is a perennial bulb native to the Mediterranean basin, characterized by its long trumpet-shaped corona. It blooms from March to April with yellow or white flowers and is beloved as the national flower of Wales. This representative spring bulb flower is cherished worldwide, captivating many with its transparent fragrance and beautiful flower form.
Trivia
- Wales has a tradition of wearing daffodils on St. David's Day (March 1st)
- British poet Wordsworth wrote the famous poem 'Daffodils'
- Takes 5-7 years to bloom from seed, but only 1 year from bulb
- Introduced to Japan from the Netherlands during the Meiji period
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers for spring floral arrangements
- Garden and flower bed plantings
- Potted plants for indoor decoration
Medicinal
- Historically used in traditional European medicine
- No longer used medicinally due to toxicity
Caution:
Should not be used medicinally as the entire plant contains toxic compounds
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Occasionally used as a source of fragrance
- Used in horticultural breeding programs
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
bulb, stem, leaves, flowers
Symptoms:
Ingestion can cause digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and in severe cases may affect the heart and breathing
Crocus
Spring Crocus
Dutch Crocus
Scientific Name:
Crocus vernus
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
love once more
-
joy of youth
-
unrequited love
-
love once more
Description
Crocus is a bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to the iris family, blooming with beautiful purple, white, and yellow flowers in early spring. Beloved as a spring messenger that blooms with the melting snow, it has been particularly cherished in harsh winter climates of European countries. Characterized by narrow linear leaves and flowers that are large relative to the plant size, over 600 horticultural varieties have now been developed. Its hardiness is such that it can bloom even when simply placed on a desk.
Trivia
- So hardy that flowers can bloom even when simply placed on a desk
- Extensively bred in the Netherlands, now with over 600 horticultural varieties
- Flowers open only in warm sunlight, closing on cloudy or cold days
- Same genus as saffron but different species, with crocus blooming in spring
Uses
Ornamental
- Popular for early spring garden and flower bed plantings
- Suitable for rock gardens and lawn plantings
- Good for potted indoor decoration
Medicinal
- Historically used as medicinal herb in traditional European medicine
- Medicinal use not recommended currently due to safety concerns
Caution:
Bulbs contain mild toxicity, so ingestion should be avoided
Culinary
Generally not suitable for consumption (different species from saffron)
Other
- Widely used in horticultural breeding
- Can naturalize and become wild
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
bulb
Symptoms:
Ingestion of bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbance, with pets potentially experiencing diarrhea and vomiting
Hepatica
Liverwort
Snow-breaking Plant
Scientific Name:
Hepatica nobilis
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
confidence
-
trust
-
bashfulness
Description
Hepatica is a perennial native to Japan belonging to the buttercup family, also called snow-breaking plant. It blooms earlier than other flowers in early spring, earning its name from the way it blooms as if breaking through snow after patiently waiting for spring. This charming flower has a height of 5-15cm and flower diameter of 1-2cm, with diverse colors including blue, white, pink, yellow, red, and purple. Characterized by triangular-shaped leaves, it has the habit of opening flowers only in warm sunlight.
Trivia
- Flowers open only in warm sunlight, closing on cloudy or cold days
- Rich in variation with each plant having different flower colors and shapes
- While several plants are called snow-breaking flowers, Hepatica is most representative
- Genus name Hepatica derives from Latin meaning liver
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivation and appreciation as wild mountain plant
- Used as tea flowers in tea ceremony
- Appreciation in bonsai and potted plants
Medicinal
- Historically used as liver medicine in traditional practices
- Medicinal use not recommended currently due to toxicity
Caution:
Contains toxicity as a member of buttercup family, should avoid ingestion or contact
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption due to toxicity
Other
- Target for variety collection by horticultural enthusiasts
- Used as indicator plant for nature conservation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
entire plant, leaves, flowers, roots
Symptoms:
As a buttercup family plant, contains toxicity that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain upon ingestion, and in severe cases may affect heart and breathing