February 12

Birth Flower

Spray Chrysanthemum
Spray Mum Multiflora Chrysanthemum

Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Generosity
  • Truth
  • Nobility

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Spray Chrysanthemum is a Western chrysanthemum variety with branching stems that produces many flowers in autumn. It came to Japan from China in the 8th century and was initially allowed to be cultivated only by nobles. It was called 'kuku' meaning 'long-lasting beauty.' Through breeding, flower colors and forms have become diverse, and it is now widely used for cut flowers and arrangements.

Trivia

  • Chrysanthemum flowers are designed on Japanese 50 yen coins
  • Often used as cemetery flowers in Europe
  • Made famous in China by Tao Yuanming's poem about picking chrysanthemums
  • Popular as Thanksgiving decoration flower in America

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower arrangements
  • Garden bed planting
Medicinal
  • Used in Chinese medicine for fever reduction and detoxification
  • Consumed as chrysanthemum tea

Caution: May cause allergies, caution needed for first-time use.

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Source of natural insecticide
  • Used as cosmetic ingredient

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves (when consumed in large quantities)

Symptoms: Large consumption may cause digestive upset or dermatitis

Red Loropetalum
Chinese Fringe Flower Red Chinese Witch Hazel

Scientific Name: Loropetalum chinense var. rubra
Family: Hamamelidaceae

Flower Language

  • I want to love you
  • Inspiration
  • Magic charm

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Red Loropetalum is an evergreen shrub of the Hamamelidaceae family native to China, a variety of Loropetalum chinense. From April to May, it blooms beautiful red thread-like flowers abundantly on branches. While regular Loropetalum produces white or yellow flowers, this variety is characterized by vivid red color and is popular for gardening. It is hardy with strong resistance to pests and diseases and tolerates pruning.

Trivia

  • Scientific name 'Loropetalum' means 'leather strap petals' in Greek
  • Distinctive thread-like flower shape creates unique beauty unlike other flowers
  • Though related to Loropetalum, red flower varieties are relatively new cultivars
  • During flowering period, leaves also turn reddish creating beautiful scenery

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Hedges
  • Bonsai
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used as hemostatic agent in China
  • Used for wound treatment in folk medicine

Caution: Medical use is not recommended in modern times.

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Used as flower arrangement material
  • Utilized as soil protection plant

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported