Hepatica
Liverleaf
Snow Hepatica
Scientific Name:
Hepatica nobilis var. japonica
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
trust
-
endurance
-
expectation
Trivia
- Scientific name Hepatica derives from Latin meaning liver
- Snow hepatica is used as collective name for several related species
- Designated as prefectural flower of Niigata Prefecture
- Highly variable in flower color and form, popular among enthusiasts
Uses
Ornamental
- Early spring potted plants
- Wildflower garden cultivation
- Rock gardens
Medicinal
- Sometimes used in traditional Chinese medicine for liver function improvement
- Used in folk medicine for fever reduction and diuretic effects
Caution:
Contains toxic components; self-medication is dangerous
Other
- Breeding material for horticultural varieties
- Nature observation educational material
- Photography subject
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
all parts, especially rhizomes
Symptoms:
May cause dermatitis and gastrointestinal disorders due to protoanemonin
Japanese Cornel
Asiatic Dogwood
Cornelian Cherry
Scientific Name:
Cornus officinalis
Family:
Cornaceae
Flower Language
-
robustness
-
persistence
-
endurance
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Trivia
- Also called 'Haru-kogane-bana' and 'Aki-sango'
- Scientific name 'officinalis' means 'medicinal'
- Used as medicinal plant in China for over 3000 years
- Said to have been brought to Japan by Korean envoys
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park trees
- Street trees
Medicinal
- Dried fruits used as traditional Chinese medicine
- Nourishing, hemostatic, and astringent effects
- Component in prescriptions like Hachimi-jio-gan
Caution:
Use under professional medical guidance
Other
- Hard wood used for crafts and tools
- Honey source plant
- Dye material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
unripe fruits, seeds
Symptoms:
Large consumption of unripe fruits may cause mild gastrointestinal disorders
Primula
Primrose
Polyanthus
Scientific Name:
Primula × polyantha
Family:
Primulaceae
Flower Language
-
youthful love
-
beginning of youth and sorrow
-
opening one's destiny
Trivia
- Scientific name Primula derives from Latin meaning 'first'
- Called 'messenger of spring' announcing spring's arrival in Britain
- Historic flower appearing in Shakespeare's works
- Plant also studied by Charles Darwin
Uses
Ornamental
- Winter to spring flower beds
- Container gardens and hanging baskets
- Indoor decoration in pots
Medicinal
- Sometimes used in European folk medicine for cough suppression and expectorant
Caution:
Self-medication is not recommended
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Pressed flowers
- Dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
leaves, stems
Symptoms:
May cause mild dermatitis upon skin contact