January 06

Birth Flower

Carnation
Clove Pink Grenadine

Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • passionate love
  • pure and deep love
  • gratitude

Characteristics

Colors: pink

Description

Carnation is a perennial from the Caryophyllaceae family native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, one of the world's most beloved flowers. The stem 'carn' means 'flesh,' derived from the Italian 'carnation' meaning pale pink (flesh color). Pink carnations are especially popular as Mother's Day gifts, carrying flower meanings of 'gratitude,' 'grace,' and 'warm heart.' Currently, over 1,000 varieties are in circulation, and due to their excellent cold and heat resistance, they are widely cultivated from cut flowers to potted plants.

Trivia

  • One of the most cultivated cut flowers in the world
  • Designated as Spain's national flower
  • Official state flower of Ohio
  • Representative of 'spicy floral' in perfume industry

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Mother's Day bouquets
  • Potted plants and gardening
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in folk medicine for skin problems

Caution: Self-medication is not recommended

Culinary
  • flowers
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Essential oil
  • Dried flowers

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: leaves, stems

Symptoms: Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Dendrobium
Dendrobium Orchid Tree Orchid

Scientific Name: Dendrobium nobile
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • capricious beauty
  • natural grace
  • kindness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Dendrobium is an epiphytic orchid widely distributed around the world, centered in Southeast Asia, with over 1000 known species. The name derives from Greek 'dendron' meaning 'tree' and 'bion' meaning 'life,' referring to their epiphytic lifestyle growing on other trees. They bloom from January to March, beautifully brightening interiors during early spring when few flowers are available. They adapt well to Japan's climate and are widely loved for being relatively easy to cultivate among orchids.

Trivia

  • Designated as Singapore's national flower
  • Relatively easy-to-grow beginner variety among orchids
  • Grows as epiphyte with roots attached to tree bark
  • Introduced to Japan from China as medicinal herb during Heian period

Uses

Ornamental
  • Indoor potted cultivation
  • Cut flowers
  • Ikebana and tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
  • Used in traditional Chinese medicine for nourishment and strengthening
  • Believed to have immune-boosting effects

Caution: Avoid medicinal use without medical guidance

Culinary
  • flowers
  • stems
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Cosmetic component
  • Aromatherapy

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Japanese Witch Hazel
Hamamelis Japanese Witch Hazel

Scientific Name: Hamamelis japonica
Family: Hamamelidaceae

Flower Language

  • inspiration
  • flash of insight
  • magical power

Characteristics

Colors: yellow

Description

Hamamelis japonica is a deciduous tree native to Japan, known by its scientific name Hamamelis japonica. It produces distinctive flowers with thin, linear yellow petals that curl and appear to burst open before leaves emerge in early spring. The flower language 'flash of insight' comes from this flower shape. It has long been considered an important sign for predicting spring's arrival and crop prospects in the East, and was used as material for witches' wands in the West, giving it mystical flower meanings of 'inspiration' and 'magical power.' The English name 'Japanese witch hazel' derives from this origin.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Hamamelis derives from Greek meaning 'together with fruit'
  • Flowers and previous year's fruits can sometimes be seen together
  • Known by English name 'witch hazel'
  • Some theories suggest the name 'Mansaku' comes from 'mazu saku' (blooms first)

Uses

Ornamental
  • Early spring garden trees
  • Bonsai
  • Cut flowers and ikebana
Medicinal
  • Used in folk medicine for dermatitis treatment
  • Believed to have astringent properties

Caution: Avoid medicinal use without proper guidance

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Astringent in cosmetics
  • Wood for crafts
  • Divination tools

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: bark, leaves

Symptoms: Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal disorders

Violet
Viola Heartsease

Scientific Name: Viola mandshurica
Family: Violaceae

Flower Language

  • love
  • sincerity
  • modesty

Characteristics

Colors: purple, pink, white

Description

There are 400 species of violets in temperate regions worldwide, with 56 species naturally occurring in Japan, earning it the name 'Violet Kingdom.' These small flowers are 1-2cm in diameter, coming in purple, light purple, pink, and white with 5 petals each. The flower language of 'modesty' and 'sincerity' comes from their humble appearance, quietly blooming along roadsides and in grassy shade. Pink violets express 'love' and 'hope,' while white violets represent 'sincerity,' 'humility,' and 'innocent love.' They have long been beloved as lovely flowers representing spring meadows and mountains.

Trivia

  • Napoleon kept a violet brooch close to his heart during exile on Elba
  • State flower of Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin
  • Has special cleistogamous flowers for self-pollination
  • Violet fragrance in perfumes is now recreated with synthetic compounds

Uses

Ornamental
  • Wildflower gardens
  • Rock gardens
  • Ground cover
Medicinal
  • Used in folk medicine for cough suppression and fever reduction
  • Applied externally for dermatitis treatment

Caution: Caution needed as roots contain toxins

Culinary
  • flowers
  • young leaves
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Natural dye
  • Dried flowers

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: rhizomes, seeds

Symptoms: Large consumption of rhizomes may cause vomiting and diarrhea

Kangaroo Paw
Anigozanthos Cat's Paw

Scientific Name: Anigozanthos flavidus
Family: Haemodoraceae

Flower Language

  • wonder
  • you entertain everyone
  • possibility

Characteristics

Colors: yellow, red, orange, green

Description

Kangaroo Paw is a semi-hardy perennial native to southwestern Australia, with the scientific name Anigozanthos derived from Latin meaning 'opening flower.' It gets its name from its distinctive flowers that resemble kangaroo front paws. Flower colors are vibrant including yellow, red, orange, and green, with about 8 species distributed. It's also designated as the floral emblem of Western Australia, and its mysterious and charming flower appearance gives it flower meanings of 'wonder' and 'you entertain everyone.' It's beloved worldwide as cut flowers and is also popular as dried flowers.

Trivia

  • Designated as Western Australia's floral emblem in 1960
  • Endemic species that naturally grows only on Australian continent
  • Extremely long-lasting as dried flowers
  • Flowers truly resemble kangaroo front paws

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Dried flowers
  • Modern gardens
Medicinal

Caution: No recorded medicinal uses

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Tourism industry symbol
  • Horticultural variety development
  • Environmental education material

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic