Daphne
Winter Daphne
Fragrant Daphne
Scientific Name:
Daphne odora
Family:
Thymelaeaceae
Flower Language
-
eternal youth and longevity
-
glory
-
eternity
Description
Native to China. The name 'Jinchoge' comes from its fragrance resembling agarwood and cloves, which emit wonderful aromas. The flowers are thick, small blooms with reddish-purple exteriors and pure white interiors, clustering in groups of 10-20 in a hemispherical shape. Known as one of the 'Three Major Fragrant Trees' along with gardenia in summer and osmanthus in autumn. Contains over 100 fragrance components and is said to carry the farthest among the three trees, earning the nickname 'Thousand-mile Fragrance.'
Trivia
- Known as one of the 'Three Major Fragrant Trees' along with gardenia and osmanthus.
- Contains over 100 fragrance components and is said to carry the farthest.
- Dioecious plant; female plants are rare in Japan, so fruits are seldom seen.
- The flower language 'glory' derives from the laurel tree of the same Daphne genus being a symbol of victory.
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Ikebana
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine for toothache and sore throat (flowers only)
Caution:
The entire plant is toxic; amateur use is strictly prohibited.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption.
Other
- Fragrance
- Insect repellent
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Bark, Sap, Roots, Fruits, Leaves
Symptoms:
Ingestion causes diarrhea, vomiting, and cardiac disorders. Contact with sap causes dermatitis and blisters.
Snapdragon
Dragon Flower
Lion's Mouth
Scientific Name:
Antirrhinum majus
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Flower Language
-
chatter
-
presumption
-
supposition
-
speculation
Description
Named because its flower shape resembles a goldfish. Many varieties exist through breeding, with four-season blooming varieties being particularly popular for long-term colorful garden displays. Characterized by sweet fragrance and charming, plump flower shapes reminiscent of goldfish. Plant height reaches 30-100cm, categorized into tall, medium, and dwarf varieties by height. Called 'Snapdragon' in English, describing how bees entering flowers for nectar appear to be swallowed by a dragon.
Trivia
- Scientific name Antirrhinum means 'nose-like' in Greek, referring to flower shape.
- Seed pods after flowering are famous for their skull-like appearance.
- Previously classified in Scrophulariaceae but now placed in Plantaginaceae.
- Fragrance intensity varies by variety, with sweet-scented varieties being particularly popular.
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Cut flowers
- Container gardens
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine for skin inflammation.
Caution:
Medicinal use not currently recommended.
Other
- Fragrance material
- Dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds (when consumed in large quantities)
Symptoms:
Generally harmless, but avoid consuming large quantities of seeds.
Flowering Dogwood
American Dogwood
Eastern Dogwood
Scientific Name:
Cornus florida
Family:
Cornaceae
Flower Language
-
please accept my feelings
-
permanence
-
return of favor
-
gorgeous love
Description
The four bracts open before new leaves expand. What appears to be flower petals are actually modified leaves called bracts, with the true petals located in the center of the bracts. Beloved for flowers that bloom simultaneously with spring budding, used as garden trees, park trees, and street trees. Has a historical connection: in 1912, Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki donated 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees to Washington D.C. for Japan-US friendship, and dogwoods were sent from America to Japan in return.
Trivia
- English name 'dogwood' comes from using bark to treat dog skin diseases.
- Beloved alongside Washington D.C. cherry trees as a symbol of Japan-US friendship.
- Official Japanese name is 'American Yamaboshi' but widely known as Hanamizuki.
- Four bracts sometimes make it a symbol of the cross.
Uses
Ornamental
- Street trees
- Garden trees
- Park trees
Medicinal
- Native Americans used bark medicinally.
Caution:
Medicinal use not currently recommended.
Culinary
- Fruits (small quantities)
Other
- Timber use
- Craft materials
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic.
Iris
Flag
Fleur-de-lis
Scientific Name:
Iris sanguinea
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
message of love
-
good news
-
hope
-
trust
Description
The scientific name Iris derives from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. Named after the rainbow goddess, iris flowers are indeed colorful. Leaves grow upright to 40-60cm height. Leaf width is narrower compared to Japanese iris and rabbit-ear iris, characteristically producing 1-3 dark blue flowers about 8cm in diameter around May. Flower petals have net-like patterns at their base. Most iris species grow wild in mountain meadows and sunny grasslands, preferring relatively dry growing conditions.
Trivia
- French royal emblem 'Fleur-de-lis' is modeled after the iris.
- Subject of Van Gogh's famous painting 'Irises.'
- Known for diversity of colors among about 200 species.
- Flower language 'message' derives from rainbow goddess Iris's role.
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Cut flowers
- Waterside planting
Medicinal
- Rhizomes sometimes used in traditional medicine.
Caution:
Medicinal use should be under expert guidance.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption.
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Rhizomes, Leaves
Symptoms:
May cause mild digestive symptoms but generally harmless.