February 17

Birth Flower

Pussy willow
Rose-gold pussy willow Goat willow

Scientific Name: Salix gracilistyla
Family: Salicaceae

Flower Language

  • honesty
  • freedom

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Pussy willow is a deciduous shrub native to Asia from Japan to China, naturally growing along fast-flowing rivers from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Beloved as an early spring willow, it gets its name from flower buds covered in white silky hairs that resemble cat tails. It produces plump silver-white catkins in March-April, and being dioecious, male plants have larger catkins with orange stamens.

Trivia

  • Dioecious plant with male trees having higher ornamental value
  • Cut branches can be enjoyed long-term simply by placing in water
  • Tree sap is favored by beetles and hornets
  • Extremely hardy plant with excellent cold and heat tolerance, easy for beginners

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower arranging material
  • Garden landscaping for spring scenery
  • Cut branches for indoor decoration
Medicinal
  • Bark traditionally used for fever and pain relief

Caution: Modern medicinal use not recommended

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Bank protection and environmental conservation
  • Sap collection site for beetles
  • Biomass material research

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Mimosa acacia
Wattle Golden mimosa

Scientific Name: Acacia dealbata
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • friendship
  • secret love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Mimosa acacia is an evergreen tall tree from the Fabaceae family, native to Australia. It features a beautiful contrast between feathery silver-green leaves and bright yellow pompom-like flowers that bloom in early spring. Originally 'mimosa' was the scientific name for the sensitive plant, but when acacia was brought to Europe, it was called 'mimosa acacia' due to its resemblance to the sensitive plant. It grows rapidly and can reach over 10 meters in height.

Trivia

  • Over 1000 species of Acacia naturally grow in Australia
  • Fast-growing and tends to become large but has thin, breakable trunk
  • Maintains vibrant yellow color even when dried
  • International Women's Day celebrated as 'Mimosa Day' in France

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden landscaping for spring scenery
  • Cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
  • Dried flowers for interior decoration
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used medicinally by Australian Aboriginal people

Caution: Effects not scientifically proven in modern medicine

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Bark containing tannins used for leather tanning
  • Wood used for furniture and construction
  • Important honey source plant

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: white mimosa fruits, bark

Symptoms: White mimosa fruits and bark contain toxins requiring caution