Hyacinth
Garden Hyacinth
Dutch Hyacinth
Scientific Name:
Hyacinthus orientalis
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
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Competition
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Sports
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Games
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Graceful Loveliness
Characteristics
Colors:
Pink
Description
A bulbous perennial native to Eastern Mediterranean coast to Iran and Turkmenistan. Breeding developed in Netherlands from 16th century, producing many horticultural varieties. Blooms dense clusters of fragrant bell-shaped small flowers in spring. Original species is blue-purple, but garden varieties come in rich colors including red, pink, white, and yellow. Fragrance components used in perfumes.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'orientalis' means 'of the east'
- Many varieties created in Netherlands from 16th century onward
- Fragrance components said to have fatigue recovery and relaxation effects
- Root growth can be observed through water cultivation
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden and pot plant viewing
- Indoor viewing through hydroponics
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Historically believed to have sedative effects
- Medicinal use not recommended today
Caution:
Not used medicinally today due to toxicity
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Used as perfume ingredient
- Essential oil extraction
- Use in aromatherapy
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Flowers, Leaves
Symptoms:
May cause nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, contact dermatitis
Tulip
Garden Tulip
Didier's Tulip
Scientific Name:
Tulipa gesneriana
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
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Eternal Love
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Declaration of Love
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Beautiful Eyes
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Universal Love
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
A bulbous plant native to Central Asia, originating near present-day Kazakhstan and Tian Shan mountains. Has history of speculation boom called 'Tulip Mania' in 17th century Netherlands. Introduced to Japan in late Edo period, serving as prefectural flower of Toyama and Niigata. Varieties exist in all colors except blue, with thousands of cultivars grown.
Trivia
- Caused 'Tulip Mania' as speculation object in 17th century Netherlands
- Blue tulips do not exist in nature
- Billions of bulbs exported annually from Netherlands
- Large-scale tulip festival held annually in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture
Uses
Ornamental
- Large-scale planting in gardens and parks
- Pot and container cultivation
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Historically believed to have sedative effects
- Not used medicinally today due to toxicity
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use as toxic plant
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Economic impact as tourism resource
- Important crop in horticultural industry
- Bulb export industry
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Flowers, Stems
Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, contact dermatitis (tulip finger)
Iceland Poppy
Arctic Poppy
Papaver nudicaule
Scientific Name:
Papaver nudicaule
Family:
Papaveraceae
Flower Language
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Peace
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Comfort
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Gratitude
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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. Narcotic components removed through breeding, legal to cultivate.
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
Raspberry
Red Raspberry
European Raspberry
Scientific Name:
Rubus idaeus
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Affection
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Deep Regret
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Modesty
Description
A deciduous shrub native to temperate regions from Europe to Asia. Blooms white 5-petaled flowers in spring, producing red aggregate fruits in summer. Fruits are sweet-sour with fragrance, used fresh or for jam and cake decoration. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, particularly raspberry ketones known for fat-burning effects. Known as herb for pregnant women in Europe.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'idaeus' derives from Trojan War hero Idaeus
- Raspberry ketones have 3 times fat-burning effect of capsaicin
- Contains about 1.5 times vitamin C of lemons
- Plant that's twice delicious with both flowers and fruits to enjoy
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as garden shrub
- Orchard cultivation
- Enjoyed for ornamental purposes
Medicinal
- Traditional use as herb for pregnant women
- Antioxidant and astringent effects
- Eye fatigue improvement effects
Caution:
Consult specialists before use during pregnancy
Culinary
- Fruits
- Leaves (for herbal tea)
Other
- Cosmetic ingredient (raspberry ketones)
- Used as flavoring
- Health food ingredient