Higan Cherry
Spring Cherry
Rosebud Cherry
Scientific Name:
Prunus × subhirtella
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
outstanding beauty
-
peace of mind
Characteristics
Colors:
pale pink
Description
Higan Cherry is believed to be a hybrid of Prunus spachiana and Prunus incisa, a deciduous small tree. It gets its name from blooming early around the spring equinox. Unlike Somei Yoshino, it opens small leaves simultaneously with flowers. The flowers are pale pink, about 2-3 cm in diameter, smaller than Somei Yoshino but give a charming impression. It grows to 4-6 meters tall and is a hardy variety that is drought tolerant and cold resistant.
Trivia
- Called the 'pioneer of cherry blossoms' as it blooms about a week earlier than Somei Yoshino
- Has a history of being cherished as a garden tree since the Edo period
- Also called Kohigan Cherry, with different names by region
- Can be made to bloom even in midwinter through forcing cultivation techniques
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as garden tree
- Used as cut flowers
- Cultivated as bonsai
Medicinal
- Bark is said to have cough-suppressing effects
- Flowers are for ornamental purposes only
Caution:
Professional consultation required for medicinal use
Culinary
For ornamental purposes only, not suitable for consumption
Other
- Important material for flower arrangement
- Shipped as early spring cut flowers through forcing cultivation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
leaves, seeds
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Lachenalia
Cape Cowslip
African Hyacinth
Scientific Name:
Lachenalia spp.
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
stop being unfaithful
-
change
-
curiosity
Characteristics
Colors:
multicolor (red, blue, pink, yellow, orange, etc.)
Description
Lachenalia is a bulbous plant native to South Africa with about 100 known species. From winter to spring, it extends flower stems from the center of leaves and produces tubular or urn-shaped flowers in spikes or racemes. The flower colors are extremely diverse, including red, blue, pink, yellow, orange, white, green, and purple - said to have 'no missing colors'. With a compact height of 15-30cm, it's easy to grow but has weak cold tolerance, so it's often managed in pots.
Trivia
- Scientific name derives from botanist Werner de la Chenal
- Flower color changes led to the meaning 'fickleness'
- Characterized by Muscari-like but larger flowers
- Can be enjoyed in winter through forcing cultivation
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plant appreciation
- Greenhouse cultivation
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- No common medicinal uses known
Caution:
Use for ornamental purposes only, avoid medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Used as breeding parent for horticultural varieties
- Popular as collector's plants
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
bulb, leaves
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested
California Poppy
Eschscholzia
Golden Poppy
Scientific Name:
Eschscholzia californica
Family:
Papaveraceae
Characteristics
Colors:
orange
Description
California Poppy is an annual herb in the poppy family, known as California's state flower. It produces 4-petaled flowers 5-6cm in diameter, characterized by waxy, lustrous petals. While basically orange, varieties include yellow, red, pink, and white. It opens in sunlight and closes in darkness. Growing 30-60cm tall, it prefers dry climate and sunlight, and dislikes transplanting due to its taproot.
Trivia
- Scientific name derives from physician and naturalist Eschscholtz
- Named for resemblance to Japanese family crest with 4 petals
- Called 'lover of the sun' for opening in sunlight and closing at night
- Designated as state flower during California Gold Rush era
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed cultivation
- Wildflower gardens
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Insomnia improvement
- Pain relief
- Relaxation effects
Caution:
Consult experts for herbal use
Other
- Used as nectar source plant
- Used for greening arid lands
- Herbal tea ingredient
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
whole plant (caution when used as herb)
Symptoms:
Possible mild drowsiness or gastrointestinal discomfort with large amounts
Chicory
Endive
Blue Sailors
Scientific Name:
Cichorium intybus
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
waiting in vain
-
frugality
Characteristics
Colors:
blue
Description
Chicory is a perennial herb from the Mediterranean region that has been cultivated since ancient Egyptian times. Growing 60cm to 1.5m tall, it produces beautiful transparent blue flowers from May to September. The flowers are day-flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon. Leaves are large, oval-shaped with indentations. It's also a practical plant where roots are roasted as coffee substitute and leaves used as vegetables.
Trivia
- Widely used as coffee substitute during wartime
- Inulin in roots has beneficial effects on intestinal environment
- Blue flowers are popular with pollinators like bees
- So naturalized in Europe it's called 'friend of the road'
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed cultivation
- Use in wildflower gardens
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Liver function improvement
- Diuretic effects
- Tonic effects
Caution:
Consult experts during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Other
- Raw material for chicory coffee
- Cultivated as vegetable
- Herbal tea ingredient
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity at normal usage levels