January 13

Birth Flower

Japanese Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel Hamamelis

Scientific Name: Hamamelis japonica
Family: Hamamelidaceae

Flower Language

  • inspiration
  • mystery
  • return of happiness
  • spell
  • magic power
  • good harvest

Characteristics

Colors: yellow

Description

Hamamelis is a deciduous shrub native to Japan that blooms with striking yellow flowers around February, heralding the early arrival of spring. The flowers have four linear petals about 2cm long and emit a pleasant fragrance that carries far. The flowers bloom first before the leaves emerge, creating a beautiful contrast with the brown sepals.

Trivia

  • The name may derive from 'mazu saku' meaning 'blooms first'
  • The flower language 'inspiration' comes from petals that appear to burst open suddenly
  • The English name Witch Hazel derives from its use as material for witches' wands
  • Hamamelis comes from Greek meaning 'resembling an apple'

Uses

Ornamental
  • As early spring garden trees
  • In parks and as street trees
  • As cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Dried leaves have hemostatic properties
  • Treatment for heat rash, contact dermatitis, and eczema

Caution: Medicinal use should be under professional guidance

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • As divination tools
  • As timber

Toxicity

Symptoms: No significant toxicity reported

Rosemary
Garden Rosemary Anthos

Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • remembrance
  • memories
  • sincerity
  • you revive me
  • happy to see you
  • recollection
  • fidelity
  • unchanging love

Characteristics

Colors: blue, purple, white

Description

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean coast, with needle-like leaves and small beautiful blue or purple flowers. It has a strong fragrance and has long been valued as a culinary spice and medicinal herb. It is said to enhance memory and is also called the 'herb of remembrance.' It has very strong antioxidant properties and is known as an anti-aging herb.

Trivia

  • Scientific name 'rosmarinus' means 'dew of the sea' in Latin
  • Used in mummification processes in ancient Egypt
  • The herb Ophelia gives 'for remembrance' in Shakespeare's Hamlet
  • Main ingredient in Hungary Water used by Queen Elizabeth of Hungary for rejuvenation

Uses

Ornamental
  • Staple plant in herb gardens
  • As hedges
  • For topiary
  • As ground cover
  • Material for wreaths and bouquets
Medicinal
  • Memory and concentration enhancement
  • Blood circulation improvement
  • Anti-aging through antioxidant action
  • Refreshing and relaxing effects
  • Digestive aid

Caution: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid large quantities

Culinary
  • Leaves (fresh or dried)
  • Flowers
Other
  • Aromatherapy
  • Potpourri
  • Bath herbs
  • Fragrance
  • Insect repellent

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Whole plant when consumed in large quantities

Symptoms: Large quantities may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and nervous system effects. Safe in normal culinary amounts.

Narcissus
Daffodil Jonquil

Scientific Name: Narcissus tazetta
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Flower Language

  • respect
  • mystery

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

White narcissus is a perennial plant of the Amaryllidaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast, blooming with pure and beautiful white flowers from March to April. It has a strong fragrance and has long been loved for ornamental purposes. As a bulbous plant that blooms beautiful flowers annually, it is considered a symbol of permanence and renewal.

Trivia

  • The Chinese characters mean 'water immortal'
  • In Greek mythology, the beautiful youth Narcissus fell in love with his reflection and became a flower
  • Introduced to Japan from China in the late Heian period
  • Bulbs have the property of blooming in the same location each year

Uses

Ornamental
  • Spring flower beds
  • Water cultivation for viewing
  • Cut flowers
  • Potted plants
  • Natural gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used for pain relief and fever reduction but not recommended now

Caution: Medicinal use is dangerous due to toxicity

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption (toxic)

Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Ornamental bulbs

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: Bulbs (especially dangerous), Leaves, Stems, Flowers

Symptoms: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, sweating, and headaches. Bulbs are particularly dangerous, and accidents occur annually from mistaking them for edible plants like leeks.

Trumpet Daffodil
Daffodil Wild Daffodil Lent Lily

Scientific Name: Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Flower Language

  • respect
  • thoughtfulness
  • waiting for you
  • self-respect

Characteristics

Colors: yellow, white

Description

Trumpet daffodil is a spring flower characterized by its long, trumpet-shaped corona compared to regular narcissus. It is defined as having a corona as long as or longer than the petals. It blooms with beautiful yellow or white flowers from March to April and is beloved as the national flower of Wales.

Trivia

  • In Wales, people wear daffodils on Saint David's Day (March 1st) every year
  • Beloved by the name 'Daffodil' in English-speaking countries
  • Famous as the flower celebrated in Wordsworth's poem 'Daffodils'
  • Bulbs are hardy and bloom annually even when left unattended

Uses

Ornamental
  • Main feature in spring flower beds
  • Naturalizing in meadows and woodlands
  • Cut flowers
  • Container planting
  • Park and street landscaping
Medicinal
  • Not currently used medicinally due to toxicity

Caution: Handle with care as all parts are toxic

Culinary

Not edible (toxic)

Other
  • Symbolic use as national flower
  • Tourism attraction

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: Bulbs (most dangerous), Leaves, Stems, Flowers

Symptoms: Poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Bulbs are particularly toxic, and accidental poisoning cases have been reported.