Hepatica
Liverleaf
Snow-breaker
Scientific Name:
Hepatica nobilis var. japonica
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
Expectation
-
Confidence
-
Trust
Description
The glossy leaves are divided into three parts with slightly pointed tips, resembling the club suit in playing cards. For this reason, it is also called 'Misumisou' (triangular grass). The flower language of 'expectation' comes from its strength to bloom through snow, while 'confidence' and 'trust' derive from its ability to endure harsh cold.
Trivia
- It is designated as the prefectural flower of Niigata Prefecture and is beloved as a symbolic flower of snowy regions
- Hundreds of flower colors and shapes have been created in horticultural varieties
- The name 'snow-breaker' was given during the Meiji era; before that, it was called 'triangular grass'
- Different colored flowers can bloom from the same plant, which is called 'saki-wake'
Uses
Ornamental
- Popular for early spring gardens and potted plants
- Cultivation in wild plant gardens
- Also used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- In folk medicine, it was used to treat liver diseases
- Currently, ornamental use is mainstream
Caution:
Medicinal use should be done under expert guidance
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Collection target for gardening enthusiasts
- Popular subject for photography
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause digestive system discomfort
English Daisy
Common Daisy
Lawn Daisy
Scientific Name:
Bellis perennis
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Unconsciousness
-
Innocence
-
Peace
-
Hope
Description
The etymology of daisy is said to come from 'day's eye', as the yellow center resembles the warm sun. It blooms charming small flowers in red, white, and pink in spring. The flower language 'innocence' represents childlike purity, 'peace' comes from its gentle appearance, and 'hope' derives from blooming with the arrival of spring.
Trivia
- It is a historic flower that also appears in Shakespeare's works
- It is one of the famous flowers for the 'He loves me, he loves me not' divination
- It has the alternative name 'timeless' because it blooms year-round
- It is also beloved as a wildflower growing in lawns and is sometimes called 'lawn jewel'
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring flower beds and mixed plantings
- Ground cover in lawns and gardens
- Cut flowers and flower arrangements
Medicinal
- In Europe, it has been used as a wound medicine since ancient times
- Currently, it is mainly cultivated for ornamental purposes
Caution:
Medicinal use should be done under expert guidance
Other
- Material for children's flower decorations
- Material for pressed flowers and crafts
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity
Chloranthus
Four-leaf Chloranthus
Japanese Chloranthus
Scientific Name:
Chloranthus quadrifolius
Family:
Chloranthaceae
Flower Language
-
Answering to love
-
Hidden beauty
-
Serenity
Description
Four leaves are arranged in a whorl near the stem tip, with a white brush-like inflorescence extending from the center. It blooms white flowers from April to May. Named after Shizuka Gozen, the mistress of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the flower language 'answering to love' and 'hidden beauty' comes from her being a beautiful woman loved by Yoshitsune but unable to become his official wife.
Trivia
- It was formerly called 'Yoshino Shizuka', derived from the name of Shizuka Gozen, the beloved mistress of Minamoto no Yoshitsune
- There is also a related flower called 'Futari Shizuka' (Two-person Quiet), named for having two inflorescences
- In tea ceremony, it is treasured as a precious wildflower and used as tea flowers
- In some regions, it is designated as a near-threatened species on the Ministry of Environment's Red List
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivation in wild plant gardens
- As undergrowth in shaded gardens
- Used as tea flowers in tea ceremony
Medicinal
- In folk medicine, it was used for fever reduction and pain relief
- Currently, it is mainly cultivated for ornamental purposes
Caution:
Medicinal use should be done under expert guidance
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Collection target for wildflower enthusiasts
- Subject for nature observation and photography
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
unknown
Toxic Parts:
Details unknown
Symptoms:
Detailed information about toxicity is unknown, so careful handling is required
Violet
Wild Violet
Sweet Violet
Scientific Name:
Viola mandshurica
Family:
Violaceae
Flower Language
-
Modest joy
-
Rural happiness
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
Yellow violets are one of the representative flowers of spring, blooming on rice field ridges and grasslands. The flower language 'modest joy' and 'rural happiness' derives from the sight of them blooming on wide rice field ridges, bringing a sense of small happiness and joy. Compared to purple violets, yellow violets are rare, and finding them brings special joy.
Trivia
- Napoleon loved violets and was famous for giving them to his beloved wife Josephine
- The Man'yoshu contains poems about violets, showing they have long been beloved by Japanese people
- Violet seeds have a substance called 'elaiosome' that ants like, and seeds are carried by ants
- Yellow violets are rarer than other colored violets and are considered lucky to find
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring gardens and flower beds
- Cultivation in wildflower gardens
- As material for pressed flowers
Medicinal
- In folk medicine, it was used for cough suppression and fever reduction
- Currently, it is mainly treated for ornamental purposes
Caution:
Medicinal use should be done under expert guidance
Other
- As raw material for perfume
- As subject for nature observation
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity