China Aster
Aster
Annual Aster
Scientific Name:
Callistephus chinensis
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
sweet dreams
-
change
-
favoring change
Description
Also known as Ezo-giku, but it's not from Hokkaido but a foreign introduction. It's considered the origin of flower fortune-telling. Native to northern China, breeding has created diverse forms from single to double flowers in various colors. It blooms from June to August and is beloved as a summer flower, widely used for Obon offerings.
Trivia
- Historical flower considered the origin of flower fortune-telling
- Called Ezo-giku but not from Hokkaido
- Has diverse forms through breeding
- Established in Japanese culture as Obon offering flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Popular as cut flowers
- Main attraction in summer flower beds
- Used as Obon offering flowers
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal uses
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Used as dried flowers
- Used as educational material in horticulture
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity has been reported.
Trumpet Daffodil
Daffodil
Narcissus
Scientific Name:
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
unrequited love
-
unrewarded love
Description
Among the many types of daffodils, this trumpet daffodil gets its name from the trumpet-shaped corona (the inner part of the flower). It blooms bright yellow flowers from March to April, announcing the true arrival of spring. The scientific name Narcissus derives from the Greek myth of the beautiful youth Narcissus and is also the origin of the word 'narcissist'.
Trivia
- Flower that became the origin of the word narcissist
- Beloved as the national flower of Wales
- Frequent accidental consumption with leeks
- Bulbs have lethal toxicity
Uses
Ornamental
- Standard for spring flower beds
- Popular as cut flowers
- Forced cultivation of bulbs
Medicinal
- Historical use in folk medicine
Caution:
Not used medicinally due to toxicity
Culinary
Absolutely not suitable for consumption due to toxicity
Other
- Used as perfume ingredient
- Commercial bulb cultivation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially bulbs
Symptoms:
Symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, headache, and coma appear within 30 minutes of consumption, and may be fatal in worst cases. Lethal dose is 10g.
Stock
Gillyflower
Ten-week Stock
Scientific Name:
Matthiola incana
Family:
Brassicaceae
Flower Language
-
secret affection
-
thoughtfulness
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
A Brassicaceae plant native to the Mediterranean coast and Southern Europe, with the Japanese name Araseito (Purple Orchid Flower). Flower colors include white, pink, salmon pink, cream yellow, purple, and many others. There are single and double blooms, but most cut flowers are double. They have a sweet fragrance and were used as medicinal herbs in ancient Greece and Rome.
Trivia
- Scientific name derives from 16th century botanist Mattioli
- Cultivated since ancient Greece and Rome
- Double flowers don't produce seeds
- Popular for sweet fragrance
Uses
Ornamental
- Very popular as cut flowers
- Main attraction in spring flower beds
- Pot cultivation
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb in ancient times
Caution:
Not used medicinally now
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Used as perfume ingredient
- Used as dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity has been reported.
Two-flowered Anemone
Limp Anemone
Scientific Name:
Anemone flaccida
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Description
A perennial herb distributed in East Asia (Sakhalin, Korea, northern and northeastern China, Ussuri region, Japan). One of the representative flowers of spring mountains, it gets its name from typically blooming two white flowers on one stem. The flower language meanings 'friendship' and 'cooperation' derive from the way two flowers bloom close together. Used as edible wild vegetables, but requires proper processing due to toxic components.
Trivia
- Usually two flowers but rarely one or three
- Popular as wild vegetables but requires detoxification
- Representative early spring wildflower
- Flower language derives from blooming pattern
Uses
Ornamental
- Appreciation as wildflowers
- Use in natural gardens
- Early spring tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
- Historical use in folk medicine
Caution:
Caution needed due to toxic components
Other
- Target for wild vegetable foraging
- Educational material for nature observation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially when fresh
Symptoms:
The toxic component protoanemonin can cause abdominal pain, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal irritation when eaten raw. Large consumption risks cardiac arrest and respiratory paralysis.
Bitter Cress
Cardamine
Scientific Name:
Cardamine occulta
Family:
Brassicaceae
Flower Language
-
victory
-
indomitable spirit
Description
A native species originating from Japan, widely distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name Tanetsukeban comes from blooming when rice seeds are soaked in water for making seedbeds. Despite its small and cute flower appearance, it has strong flower language meanings. These words are thought to express how it blooms in colonies across rice fields, not losing to other weeds. It has a mild peppery taste like watercress and is edible.
Trivia
- Closely related to agricultural calendar
- Has watercress-like peppery taste
- Weed but also edible
- Strong appearance when blooming in colonies
Uses
Ornamental
- Appreciation as wildflowers
- Use in natural gardens
Medicinal
- Some use in folk medicine
Caution:
No particular cautions
Other
- Indicator for weed management
- Important part of ecosystem
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity has been reported.