Scilla
Wild Hyacinth
Squill
Scientific Name:
Scilla peruviana
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
-
Calmness
-
Unchanging Love
-
Patient
Description
A bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean coast, imported to Japan quite early. It produces clusters of blue or purple star-shaped flowers and is called 'Wild Hyacinth' because its leaves and stems resemble those of hyacinths. It's hardy and cold-resistant, and can be left in well-drained locations for several years. It multiplies by division, increasing the number of flowers each year.
Trivia
- Over 100 varieties exist, each with different flowering times and shapes
- Scilla peruviana has conspicuous flower heads with many star-shaped small flowers
- Scilla siberica is small (10-20cm tall) with deep blue flowers
- Hardy nature allows it to bloom annually even when left undisturbed
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring flower beds and potted plants
- Garden planting (rock gardens)
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Historically used in folk medicine, but not commonly practiced today
Caution:
Bulbs contain toxic compounds, so self-medication should be avoided
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Used as ground cover plants
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, All parts
Symptoms:
Ingestion of bulbs may cause digestive system problems
Grape Hyacinth
Muscari
Scientific Name:
Muscari armeniacum
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
-
My heart that communicates without words
-
Hearts that understand each other
-
Generous love
Description
A bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean coast. It gets its English name 'Grape Hyacinth' from the way its flask-shaped flowers cluster densely like grapes in early spring. The basic flower color is vivid blue-purple, but white and cobalt colors are also available in recent years. It emits a sweet melon-like fragrance and once planted, its strong vitality allows it to spread and multiply in various locations.
Trivia
- The most common variety is Muscari armeniacum with blue-purple petals and white edges
- Named 'musk' because of its sweet melon-like fragrance
- Blooming period is from early March to late April
- A vigorous bulbous plant that spreads and multiplies once planted
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring flower beds
- Potted plants
- Ground cover
Medicinal
Caution:
No known medicinal uses
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Sometimes used as fragrance
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Freesia
White Freesia
Scientific Name:
Freesia refracta
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
Innocence
-
Affection
-
Friendship
Characteristics
Colors:
White
Description
A semi-hardy bulbous plant native to South Africa. White freesias are particularly fragrant, with a sweet scent similar to osmanthus. The pure white color gives rise to the flower language of 'innocence'. In Japan, it's also called by alternative names like Ayame-suisen, Asagi-suisen, and Ko-setsu-ran. The flowering period is from March to April, and it's beloved as a spring flower.
Trivia
- White and yellow freesias tend to have particularly strong fragrances
- Named after 19th-century European botanist Freese
- Popular worldwide as cut flowers and a staple in wedding arrangements
- Wild freesias are cherished as a spring tradition in South Africa
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bouquets
- Potted plants
Medicinal
Caution:
Medicinal use is not common
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Snowdrop
Galanthus
Scientific Name:
Galanthus elwesii
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
Hope
-
Comfort
-
Hope in adversity
Description
A small bulbous plant native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The white flowers that droop slightly show a charming appearance, exactly like snow turned into droplets. The scientific name Galanthus is a compound of Greek words meaning 'milk' and 'flower', referring to the snow-white flowers. The flowering period is from February to March, and because it blooms while snow still remains, it's considered a symbol of hope and comfort.
Trivia
- Giant snowdrops that are drought-resistant are mainly distributed in Japan
- Common snowdrops are mainstream in Europe
- Some rare varieties are traded at high prices among gardening enthusiasts
- In Britain, there's a hobby called 'snowdropping' - searching for bulbs
Uses
Ornamental
- Early spring garden planting
- Rock gardens
- Potted plants
Medicinal
Caution:
Bulbs contain alkaloid toxins, so medicinal use should be avoided
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Ground cover
- Naturalized wild gardens
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, All parts
Symptoms:
Accidental ingestion may cause dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea
Japanese Quince
Flowering Quince
Chaenomeles
Scientific Name:
Chaenomeles speciosa
Family:
Rosaceae
Description
A deciduous shrub native to China that was introduced to Japan during the Heian period. It produces beautiful red, white, or mixed red-and-white flowers in spring. The genus name Chaenomeles comes from Greek words meaning 'widely split' and 'apple', referring to the way the fruit splits. The species name speciosa means 'beautiful' or 'magnificent'. Over 200 varieties are cultivated, used not only for ornamental purposes but also for making fruit wines and jams from the fragrant fruits.
Trivia
- Over 200 varieties are cultivated, with red flowers called Hiboke, white flowers Shiroboke, and mixed red-white Sarasaboke
- Famous for being used in Oda Nobunaga's family crest
- Fruits are strongly acidic when raw but develop unique fragrance and flavor when processed
- Popular as bonsai, valued for beautiful tree forms
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Hedges
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Dried mature fruits used as herbal medicine 'Mokka' for edema, joint pain, beriberi, and stomach cramps
Caution:
Medicinal use should be under expert guidance
Other
- Fragrance
- Ornamental bonsai
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported. Rather used for medicinal and culinary purposes