Viola
Horned Violet
Tufted Pansy
Scientific Name:
Viola cornuta
Family:
Violaceae
Flower Language
-
sincerity
-
thoughtfulness
-
think of me
Description
A hybrid variety close to the original species, based on tufted pansy. Produces many smaller flowers than pansies and blooms for extended periods. Cold-hardy and representative flower that colors gardens from autumn to spring.
Trivia
- Difference from pansies: violas have flowers under 4cm diameter
- One plant can produce hundreds of flowers
- Over 1000 garden varieties currently exist
- Very cold-hardy, can bloom even below freezing
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds (autumn-winter-spring color)
- Container gardens
- Hanging baskets
Medicinal
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended for garden varieties
Culinary
- Flowers (as edible flowers)
Other
- Horticultural education (easy to grow)
- Color therapy (abundant flower colors)
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally non-toxic, but avoid consuming large quantities
Spring Starflower
Star of Bethlehem
Ipheion
Scientific Name:
Ipheion uniflorum
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
sorrow of parting
-
enduring love
-
sad farewell
Description
A bulbous plant native to South America. Blooms with beautiful star-shaped flowers in clusters in spring. Hardy and adaptable to various locations, often used for pathway edging. Named for the garlic-like scent when leaves are damaged.
Trivia
- English name 'Spring Starflower' from star-shaped flowers and spring blooming
- Single bulb produces multiple flower stems creating colony effect
- Impact on Japanese ecosystem as naturalized plant being studied
- Short blooming period but returns to same location annually
Uses
Ornamental
- Ground cover (hardy and spreading)
- Rock gardens
- Natural gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal uses; bulbs may be toxic
Culinary
Not edible. Despite garlic-like scent, contains toxins
Other
- Environmental greening (wasteland coverage)
- Ecological impact research
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Entire plant
Symptoms:
Alkaloids in bulbs and leaves may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
Amazon Lily
Eucharis Lily
Star of Bethlehem
Scientific Name:
Eucharis grandiflora
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
pure heart
-
elegance
-
pure love
Description
A bulbous plant native to the Amazon basin of South America. Large pure white flowers give a pure and elegant impression. Used in wedding bouquets and luxury flower arrangements as premium floral material. Requires greenhouse cultivation and is difficult to grow at home.
Trivia
- Single flowers can cost several thousand yen as luxury floral material
- Large flowers can exceed 15cm in diameter
- Characteristic of blooming 2-3 times per year
- Cut flowers last about 7-10 days
Uses
Ornamental
- Wedding bouquets
- Luxury flower arrangements
- Greenhouse potted plant display
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal uses. Caution needed due to potential bulb toxicity
Other
- Perfume industry (flower fragrance)
- Luxury horticulture (collector plants)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Entire plant
Symptoms:
As Amaryllidaceae family member, bulbs contain alkaloids that may cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
Freesia
Red Freesia
Scientific Name:
Freesia hybrida
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
purity
-
innocence
-
affection
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
A bulbous plant native to South Africa that blooms with beautifully fragrant flowers in spring. Extremely popular as cut flowers and used as perfume ingredient. Red varieties are particularly prized for their rich color and used as accent colors in flower arrangements.
Trivia
- 5th most popular cut flower worldwide by production volume
- Freesia fragrance is standard in perfume industry
- Single bulb produces multiple stems with 10-15 flowers
- Cut flowers last about 7-10 days
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers (spring bouquets)
- Flower arrangements
- Potted plants (greenhouse cultivation)
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal uses
Other
- Perfume industry (fragrance extraction)
- Aromatherapy
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic
Winter Daisy
Cold White Chrysanthemum
Scientific Name:
Leucanthemum vulgare
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
A perennial herb native to Europe that blooms with pure white flowers in cold seasons. Has marguerite-like flower form, hardy and easy to grow, valuable as cut flowers. Beloved as precious white flower for winter gardens.
Trivia
- Famous for 'He loves me, he loves me not' divination in Western countries
- Usually has 13-21 petals, always odd number
- Wild species grow in meadows and roadsides
- Cut flowers last about 7-10 days
Uses
Ornamental
- Winter flower beds (precious white flowers)
- Cut flowers
- Wildflower gardens
Medicinal
- Anti-inflammatory in European traditional medicine
- Wound healing effects
Caution:
Medicinal use requires expert knowledge
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic