February 28

Birth Flower

Wintersweet
Japanese Allspice Winter Sweet

Scientific Name: Chimonanthus praecox
Family: Calycanthaceae

Flower Language

  • warmth
  • compassion
  • affection
  • refinement
  • guidance
  • foresight

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A deciduous shrub of the Chimonanthus genus in the Calycanthaceae family, native to China, blooming in winter gardens. It produces pale yellow flowers with purple centers that look like wax crafts, creating beautiful contrast against the winter blue sky. The petals have luster and thickness, with characteristically sweet and gentle fragrance. The flower language comes from how it comforts people with beautiful flowers and fragrance during the lonely winter when few plants bloom.

Trivia

  • Seeds contain neurotoxin calycanthin causing livestock poisoning accidents
  • Despite name containing 'plum', not related to plum trees
  • Precious winter flower that begins blooming around winter solstice
  • Dried buds used as traditional Chinese medicine

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower arrangement
Medicinal
  • Dried buds used as herbal medicine for cough and fever relief

Caution: Seeds contain toxic alkaloids requiring caution

Culinary

Seeds must not be used as food due to toxicity

Other
  • Fragrance source
  • Winter landscape
  • Nectar source

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: All parts (especially seeds)

Symptoms: Neurological symptoms including tetanic convulsions due to neurotoxin calycanthin, particularly strong toxicity in seeds

Freesia
Freesia Flower Cape Freesia

Scientific Name: Freesia refracta
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Language

  • innocence
  • affection
  • friendship
  • gratitude
  • elegance
  • naivety
  • expectation
  • innocence
  • innocence
  • chastity
  • admiration

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A bulbous plant of the Freesia genus in the Iridaceae family, native to the Cape region of South Africa. It's representative of flowers that spread sweet fragrance in flower shops during early spring seasons, beloved since its introduction in the 1890s. Currently available in diverse colors including yellow, white, purple, red, and pink, with different fragrances by color. Named by Danish botanist Ecklon in honor of his friend, German physician Freese.

Trivia

  • Alternative names include Iris Narcissus, Light Yellow Narcissus, and Fragrant Snow Orchid
  • Fragrance varies by color, with yellow being most fragrant
  • Over 150 varieties developed through Dutch breeding
  • Named as tribute to a friend's honor

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Bulb plants
  • Fragrance gardens
Medicinal
  • No recorded medicinal uses

Caution: No medicinal information available

Culinary

No confirmed use as food plant

Other
  • Perfume ingredients
  • Aromatherapy
  • Nectar source

Toxicity

Toxic Parts: No toxicity reported

Symptoms: No toxicity information available

Bay Laurel
Sweet Bay Laurel Tree True Laurel

Scientific Name: Laurus nobilis
Family: Lauraceae

Flower Language

  • victory
  • honor
  • glory

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An evergreen tree of the Laurus genus in the Lauraceae family, native to the Mediterranean coast. It's dioecious, producing pale yellow small flowers from April to May. The shade-dried leaves have aromatic essential oils and are widely used as spices called laurel, bay leaves, or sweet bay. Famous for use in laurel wreaths worn by Olympic winners, inheriting ancient Greek customs.

Trivia

  • Species name 'nobilis' means 'noble' or 'distinguished'
  • Olympic laurel wreaths follow ancient Greek tradition
  • Indispensable culinary spice as bay leaves
  • Dioecious plant with female trees bearing fruit

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Memorial trees
  • Hedges
Medicinal
  • Historically used in folk medicine for digestion and pain relief

Caution: Currently used mainly as spice

Culinary
  • Leaves (as bay leaves)
Other
  • Laurel wreath material
  • Fragrance source
  • Essential oil extraction

Toxicity

Toxic Parts: No toxicity reported (with proper use)

Symptoms: Safely used as culinary spice

Strawflower
Everlasting Golden Everlasting Paper Daisy

Scientific Name: Helichrysum bracteatum
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • eternal memories
  • everlasting joy
  • immortal flower
  • golden brilliance
  • memory

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual of the Helichrysum genus in the Asteraceae family, native to Australia and Tasmania. The scientific name contains Greek words helios (sun) and chrysos (gold). The Japanese name 'wheat straw chrysanthemum' comes from dried petals resembling straw. Very popular for cut flowers and dried arrangements as colors don't fade when dried.

Trivia

  • Scientific name contains Greek words for sun and gold
  • Japanese name comes from dried flowers resembling straw
  • Dried flowers maintain color for several years
  • One of Australia's representative wildflowers

Uses

Ornamental
  • Dried flowers
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower beds
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in aromatherapy

Caution: Essential oil contains ketones, caution needed for pregnant women, children, and elderly

Culinary

No confirmed use as food plant

Other
  • Craft materials
  • Aromatic oil
  • Decorative use

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Possible allergic reactions due to Asteraceae family

Symptoms: Allergic reactions in those sensitive to Asteraceae, essential oil requires caution for pregnant women and children