Snowdrop
Galanthus
Fair Maids of February
Scientific Name:
Galanthus nivalis
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
First Love's Sigh
-
Comfort
-
Hope
Description
A bulbous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, introduced to Japan in the early Meiji period. Growing 10-20cm tall, it blooms pure white downward-facing flowers from February to March. The flowers close at night, forming a droplet shape, and open their three outer tepals when sunlight hits them. It has cold tolerance but is sensitive to heat, with above-ground parts dying back in summer for dormancy. According to Biblical legend, angels transformed snow into flowers to comfort the freezing Adam and Eve, which is the origin of its flower languages 'hope' and 'comfort'.
Trivia
- Genus name Galanthus derives from Greek 'gála (milk)' and 'ánthos (flower)'
- Species name nivalis means 'of snow' referring to its snow-blooming characteristic
- Britain experiences 'snowdrop mania' with rare varieties trading at high prices
- Galantamine component has been developed into Alzheimer's disease medication
Uses
Ornamental
- Bulb cultivation for ornamental purposes
- Rock garden planting
- Early spring cut flowers
Medicinal
- Traditional European folk medicine for headaches
- Galantamine component: source for Alzheimer's disease medication
- Currently used in pharmaceuticals
Caution:
Caution required due to toxic bulbs. Medical use only through professional institutions
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Pharmaceutical raw material (galantamine)
- Wildlife-resistant plant
- Environmental indicator plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs (contain alkaloids), All parts
Symptoms:
Ingestion of bulbs may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system symptoms
Pansy
Garden Pansy
Heartease
Scientific Name:
Viola × wittrockiana
Family:
Violaceae
Flower Language
-
Cheerful Mood
-
Think of Me
-
Thoughtfulness
Characteristics
Colors:
Apricot
Description
A horticultural plant of the Violaceae family native to Europe, created by breeding wild violets. Apricot-colored varieties are particularly popular, with excellent cultivars like 'Apricot Melba'. It blooms for a long period from November to June, characterized by flowers that resemble human faces. Apricot-colored flowers change color as they mature, developing charming hues like blushing cheeks. Extremely cold-hardy, it can survive being buried in snow and bloom again in spring. The warm coloration combines well with other flower colors, brightening spring flower beds.
Trivia
- 'Apricot Melba' changes to blush-like colors as it matures, resembling shy cheeks
- Called 'human-face grass' because flower patterns resemble human faces
- Napoleon's emblem featured violets, earning him the nickname 'Violet of Corsica'
- 19th-century Britain experienced 'pansy mania' gardening boom
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Container gardening
- Accent in mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Used for cough relief in European folk medicine
- Anti-inflammatory properties under research
- Rich in vitamins A and C
Caution:
Avoid large consumption and watch for allergies
Other
- Natural dye
- Pressed flower material
- Cosmetic ingredient
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally safe but avoid large consumption
Japanese Apricot
Plum Blossom
Ume
Chinese Plum
Scientific Name:
Prunus mume
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Indomitable Spirit
-
Nobility
-
Perseverance
Description
A deciduous tree of the Rosaceae family native to China, introduced to Japan about 1500 years ago. From late January to March, it blooms fragrant 5-petaled flowers during the harsh cold period. Flower colors are diverse including white, pink, and red, with varieties from single to double blooms. Considered one of the auspicious plants in 'pine, bamboo, plum' (sho-chiku-bai) and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Sung in numerous poems in Manyoshu and Kokin Wakashu, it continues to be beloved as a flower announcing spring's arrival. The fruits are processed into umeboshi (pickled plums) and other foods, making it indispensable to Japanese food culture.
Trivia
- In Manyoshu, 119 poems about plum exceed the 43 about cherry blossoms
- Sugawara no Michizane's poem about east wind and plum fragrance is famous
- Umeboshi was treasured as portable food by samurai since the Warring States period
- So deeply rooted in Chinese culture that it gave its name to the 'plum rain' season
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden tree planting
- Bonsai cultivation
- Cut flower use
Medicinal
- Plum extract: intestinal regulation, fatigue recovery
- Green plum: used in medicinal alcohol
- Flowers: fever reduction, antitussive effect
Caution:
Avoid eating raw green plums (contain amygdalin)
Culinary
- Fruit (harvested before full ripeness)
- Flowers (small amounts)
Other
- Wood: furniture material, tool material
- Dye: extracted from flowers and bark
- Fragrance: flower scent used in perfumes
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Green plum seeds (contain amygdalin), Unripe fruits
Symptoms:
Possible mild poisoning symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea) from eating raw green plums
Forget-me-not
True Forget-me-not
Scientific Name:
Myosotis scorpioides
Family:
Boraginaceae
Flower Language
-
Forget Me Not
-
True Friendship
-
True Love
Description
A plant of the Boraginaceae family native to Europe, with about 50 species distributed in temperate regions worldwide. From March to May, it blooms countless small blue 5-petaled flowers measuring 6-9mm in diameter. The flowers have yellow or white eyes in the center, creating a very charming appearance. The flower language 'forget me not' originated from a tragic legend of medieval German lovers, and it is beloved worldwide as a symbol of love and friendship. Sensitive to heat, it dies after flowering in Japan and is treated as an annual, but it may bloom again the following year from self-seeded plants.
Trivia
- State flower of Alaska, planted by gold miners to remember their homeland
- German name 'Vergissmeinnicht' is the origin of English 'forget-me-not'
- Used as flower of remembrance for war dead in World War I
- Also called 'mouse ear' due to its small flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring flower bed planting
- Rock garden cultivation
- Cut flower use
Medicinal
- Used for cough relief in European folk medicine
- Used for eye washing
- Anti-inflammatory properties under research
Caution:
Consult specialists for medicinal use
Other
- Pressed flower material
- Natural dye
- Perfume ingredient
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally safe but avoid large consumption
Hyacinth
Garden Hyacinth
Scientific Name:
Hyacinthus orientalis
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
-
Unchanging Love
-
Constancy
-
Sport
Characteristics
Colors:
Blue
Description
A bulbous plant of the Asparagaceae family native to the eastern Mediterranean through Iran and Turkmenistan. From March to April, it blooms sweetly fragrant blue flowers in dense spikes at the stem tips. While the original species had only blue-purple flowers, various flower colors have now been developed as garden varieties. Popular for its ability to be grown hydroponically and enjoyed easily indoors. Named after the Greek myth of Hyacinthus, it symbolizes sports and beautiful youth. Blue varieties are particularly beloved for their flower language of 'unchanging love,' expressing stability and permanence.
Trivia
- Netherlands is the world's largest producer of hyacinth bulbs
- Flower color can be roughly determined by bulb skin color
- Special containers called 'hyacinth glasses' exist for hydroponic cultivation
- 19th-century Europe experienced 'hyacinth mania' gardening boom
Uses
Ornamental
- Hydroponic cultivation for ornamental purposes
- Bulb cultivation for garden planting
- Cut flower use
Medicinal
- Used for wound treatment in ancient Greece
- Currently mainly ornamental use only
- Fragrance used in aromatherapy
Caution:
Handle with care due to toxic bulbs
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Major item in bulb industry
- Indoor decorative plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs (contain alkaloids), All parts
Symptoms:
Ingestion of bulbs may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis