Skunk Cabbage
Asian Skunk Cabbage
Water Lily
Scientific Name:
Lysichiton camtschatcensis
Family:
Araceae
Flower Language
-
determination
-
beautiful memories
-
unchanging beauty
Description
A perennial plant distributed in wetlands and forest floor wetlands from montane to subalpine zones. It's named for its leaves resembling banana plant leaves. The white part is not the flower but a spathe, with the actual flowers located in the yellow central spike. Blooming period is from March to April, and in Oze it blooms from May to June.
Trivia
- Scientific name derives from Greek 'lysis (separation) + chiton (garment)' referring to the separated spathe
- Became nationally famous through the song 'Summer Memories'
- The white part is not a flower but a spathe, with real flowers in the yellow center
- Designated as natural monument in Yabu City, Hyogo as southernmost isolated population
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental (nature observation)
- Wetland gardens
- Wildflower displays
Medicinal
- Not used medicinally due to toxicity
Caution:
Must never be used medicinally or as food due to toxicity
Culinary
Must not be used as food due to toxicity
Other
- Environmental indicator plant
- Symbol of wetland conservation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
All parts (especially leaves and rhizomes)
Symptoms:
Oral inflammation, skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, respiratory distress, and potentially cardiac arrest or death due to calcium oxalate
Poached Egg Plant
Meadowfoam
Fried Egg Plant
Scientific Name:
Limnanthes douglasii
Family:
Limnanthaceae
Flower Language
-
cheerful mood
-
vivacity
-
purity
Description
An annual plant native to the western coast of America, blooming from April to June. The flowers have white edges with bright yellow centers, resembling sliced boiled eggs with a charming appearance. Growing 15-20cm tall, it produces numerous flower stems from the base with flowers at the tips.
Trivia
- Scientific name derives from Greek 'limne (marsh)' and 'anthos (flower)'
- English name comes from flowers resembling poached eggs
- Can be found as wildflower along roadsides in California
- Has 5 petals with distinctively notched tips
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring flower beds
- Container gardens
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- No recorded medicinal uses
Caution:
No medicinal information available
Culinary
No confirmed use as food plant
Other
- Nectar source
- Insect attraction
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
No toxicity reported
Symptoms:
No toxicity information available
Thunberg's Meadowsweet
Snow Willow
Bridal Wreath
Scientific Name:
Spiraea thunbergii
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
charm
-
loveliness
-
praiseworthy
-
whimsical
-
admirable
-
quiet thoughts
Description
A deciduous shrub of the Spiraea genus in the Rosaceae family, native to Japan, blooming from March to April. It produces numerous small white flowers in long spikes on drooping branch tips, creating a striking display. The flower language comes from the lovely sight of many small flowers blooming earnestly together.
Trivia
- Scientific name Spiraea derives from Greek 'speira' meaning spiral or coil
- So rare in natural habitats that it's designated as critically endangered in Ishikawa Prefecture
- Cut flowers last about one week
- So hardy it can grow from rock crevices in natural habitats
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden shrub
- Cut flowers
- Flower arrangement
Medicinal
- No recorded medicinal uses
Caution:
No medicinal information available
Culinary
No confirmed use as food plant
Other
- Park landscaping
- Symbolic tree
- Nectar source
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
No toxicity reported
Symptoms:
No toxicity information available
Mangles' Sunray
Swan River Everlasting
Pink Sunray
Scientific Name:
Rhodanthe manglesii
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
radiance
-
flight
-
gentleness
-
everlasting friendship
-
unchanging feelings
-
warm-hearted
Description
An annual plant of the Asteraceae family native to Australia, blooming from April to July. Also known as broad-leaved flower ornament or small shell craft in Japanese. Its beauty remains unchanged and doesn't fade even when dried, making it popular for herbariums and handicrafts.
Trivia
- Previously classified in the Helichrysum genus
- Retains color even when dried
- Gaining renewed attention due to herbarium popularity
- Beloved as spring wildflower in Australia
Uses
Ornamental
- Dried flowers
- Herbarium
- Flower beds
Medicinal
- No recorded medicinal uses
Caution:
No medicinal information available
Culinary
No confirmed use as food plant
Other
- Craft materials
- Decoration
- Keepsake making
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
No toxicity reported
Symptoms:
No toxicity information available
Amur Adonis
New Year Plant
Spring Adonis
Scientific Name:
Adonis ramosa
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
bringing happiness
-
eternal happiness
-
sorrowful remembrance
Description
A perennial of the Adonis genus in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Siberia, Japan, China, and the Korean Peninsula. It has the characteristic of opening flowers toward sunlight and doesn't bloom on cloudy, rainy days, or at night. A typical spring ephemeral, beloved as a representative flower that heralds spring.
Trivia
- Also called New Year's Day grass or First Day grass
- Often mistaken for edible butterbur sprouts leading to poisoning
- Has heliotropism, flowers turn toward light
- Beloved as garden plant since Edo period
Uses
Ornamental
- New Year potted plants
- Early spring gardens
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Historically used in folk medicine but now prohibited
Caution:
Must never be used medicinally or as food due to severe toxicity
Culinary
Must not be used as food due to toxicity
Other
- Ornamental use only
- Creating spring seasonal atmosphere
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
All parts (rhizomes, flowers, leaves)
Symptoms:
Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrest, and potentially death due to toxic compounds like cymarin