Japanese Quince
Flowering Quince
Chaenomeles
Scientific Name:
Chaenomeles speciosa
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Wisdom
-
Pioneer
-
Leader
-
Fairy's Radiance
Description
A deciduous shrub native to China that was introduced to Japan in the Heian period. Blooms beautiful 5-petaled flowers in vermillion, red, white, or pink before leaves emerge in March-April. Popular as garden trees, bonsai, and cut flowers due to excellent flowering. The fragrant fruits are used for fruit wine and jam.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'speciosa' means 'beautiful'
- Many horticultural varieties created since Edo period
- Red flowers called Hiboke, white Shiroboke, mixed Sarasaboke
- Flower language 'pioneer' associated with Oda Nobunaga
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden tree planting
- Enjoyed as bonsai
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Dried fruits used as traditional Chinese medicine
- Expected to have fatigue recovery and diuretic effects
- Fruit wine believed effective for coughs and sore throats
Caution:
Use according to proper dosage and methods
Other
- Used for fragrance
- Partial use as timber
White Magnolia
Yulan Magnolia
Magnolia
Scientific Name:
Magnolia denudata
Family:
Magnoliaceae
Flower Language
-
Compassion
-
Nobility
-
Pure Heart
-
Majesty
Description
A deciduous tree native to southern China, growing 10-15m tall. Large white flowers bloom upward before leaves emerge in March-April. Has 9 perianth segments with no differentiation between sepals and petals. Wind-dried buds are used as traditional medicine called Shin-i.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'denudata' means 'naked', referring to flowers blooming before leaves
- Called 'Yulan' in China and treasured as precious flower
- Japanese Pharmacopoeia specifies 5 Magnoliaceae plants as sources of Shin-i
- Long-lived trees, some specimens live for hundreds of years
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden tree planting
- Used as street trees
- Planted as park trees
Medicinal
- Wind-dried buds used for treating rhinitis and sinusitis
- Contains essential oils like limonene and citral
- Contains alkaloids such as coclaurine and reticuline
Caution:
Use according to proper dosage and methods
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Partial use as timber
- Sometimes used for fragrance
Primula Obconica
German Primrose
Poison Primrose
Scientific Name:
Primula obconica
Family:
Primulaceae
Description
An evergreen perennial native to Hubei Province, China. 15-30cm tall, blooming white, pink, purple, or yellow flowers from December to April. Often treated as annual in Japan due to weakness to summer heat. Leaves have glandular hairs containing primin that can cause skin irritation.
Trivia
- Japanese name Tokiwa-zakura means 'evergreen cherry' referring to evergreen nature
- Also called Shikizaki-sakuraso (four-season blooming primrose)
- Some varieties have reduced primin content through breeding
- Called 'Becherprimel' (cup primula) in German
Uses
Ornamental
- Indoor decoration as potted plant
- Material for mixed plantings
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- No known medicinal effects
Caution:
Wear gloves as leaves may cause skin irritation
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Glandular hairs on leaf undersides
Symptoms:
May cause skin irritation, eczema, and itching
Iceland Poppy
Arctic Poppy
Papaver nudicaule
Scientific Name:
Papaver nudicaule
Family:
Papaveraceae
Flower Language
-
Peace
-
Comfort
-
Gratitude
-
Joy
Description
A perennial native to Siberia and subarctic/mountainous regions of Europe, but treated as annual in Japan. Flowers are 2-4cm in various colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. Popular for spring garden color and used as cut flowers.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'nudicaule' means 'naked stem'
- Despite the name, doesn't actually grow wild in Iceland
- Narcotic components removed through breeding, legal to cultivate
- Petals have thin, silk-like texture
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted for garden color
- Used as cut flowers
- Material for mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Historically used as anesthetic and sleep aid
- Medicinal use not recommended today
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use as member of poppy family
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Seeds sometimes used as bird feed