Thunberg Spirea
Baby's Breath Spirea
Snow Willow
Scientific Name:
Spiraea thunbergii
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Admirable
-
Loveliness
-
Whimsical
-
Quiet thoughts
Description
A deciduous shrub that grows naturally on rocky riverbanks and similar areas. It produces numerous small white flowers on its branches, resembling a fountain of flowers when viewed from a distance. Named 'Yukiyanagi' (Snow Willow) because the small white flowers blooming profusely on drooping willow-like branches resemble snow. Also known by alternative names like Kogomebana (Small Rice Flower). It's a very hardy and vigorous plant.
Trivia
- The species name 'thunbergii' was given by Siebold in honor of Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg
- Even when cut back to ground level after flowering, new shoots grow over 1 meter by autumn
- The alternative name 'Kogomebana' refers to flowers resembling small grains of rice
- Listed as critically endangered in Ishikawa Prefecture due to very few natural habitats
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park landscaping
- Ikebana and cut flowers
- Bonsai
Medicinal
Caution:
Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Landscape construction
- Soil stabilization
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity generally reported
Mossy Saxifrage
Irish Saxifrage
Cushion Pink
Scientific Name:
Saxifraga rosacea
Family:
Saxifragaceae
Flower Language
-
Overflowing power
-
Vitality
-
Confidence
-
Lovely eyes
Description
Blooms with small red, pink, and white flowers on fluffy, compact bushy plants from spring to early summer. The cultivated varieties commonly available are called Western Kumomagusa and are different from the native Japanese alpine species. The flower languages of 'vitality' and 'confidence' come from its strength to bloom in high mountain rocky areas where clouds gather.
Trivia
- Scientific name Saxifraga comes from Latin 'saxum' (stone) and 'frango' (to break)
- Garden center varieties are European species different from Japanese alpine species
- Blooms with small star-shaped cute flowers about 1.5cm in diameter
- Also named for blooming through gaps in cloud-like fluffy foliage
Uses
Ornamental
- Rock gardens
- Potted plants
- Ground cover
- Spring container arrangements
Medicinal
Caution:
Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Horticultural industry
- Alpine plant research
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity generally reported
Azalea
Belgian Azalea
Indoor Azalea
Scientific Name:
Rhododendron simsii
Family:
Ericaceae
Flower Language
-
Temperance
-
Moderated love
-
Joy of love
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
Originally brought to Belgium by plant hunters from Taiwan's native azaleas, then complexly hybridized with Kerama azaleas, Satsuki varieties and other garden cultivars to establish this horticultural group. Also known as 'Azeria', 'Western Azalea', or 'Dutch Azalea', it comes in rich color variations including red, white, pink, purple, orange, and multicolored varieties.
Trivia
- Has history of Taiwanese azaleas being bred in Europe and re-imported to Japan
- In feng shui, red is said to have positive effects on career luck
- Many double-flowered varieties were created through Belgian breeding
- Alternative name 'Dutch Azalea' is actually Belgian in origin, named for the Netherlands as the center of European horticulture at the time
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Indoor decoration
- Gift plants
- Bonsai
Medicinal
Caution:
Not used medicinally as Ericaceae family plants contain toxic components
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Horticultural industry
- Flower arrangements
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Symptoms:
Grayanotoxin poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and blood pressure drop
Tulip
Garden Tulip
Common Tulip
Scientific Name:
Tulipa gesneriana
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
Charity
-
Thoughtfulness
-
Beautiful eyes
Description
Tulips spread from Turkey to the Netherlands around the 16th century and had a significant impact on Dutch gardens, which were previously dominated by herbs and fruit trees. Today, over 5,000 varieties are registered, with approximately 1,000 varieties cultivated worldwide. They are widely used in spring flower beds, potted plants, and as cut flowers.
Trivia
- The world's first speculative bubble, called 'Tulip Mania', occurred in 17th century Netherlands, where a single bulb was traded for the price of a house
- The name originates from the Turkish word 'tulband' meaning turban
- The Netherlands, the world's largest tulip bulb producer, displays 7 million tulips annually at Keukenhof Gardens
- Tulip farmers can develop 'tulip fingers', a dermatitis condition from prolonged contact with cut stem surfaces
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden bedding
- Potted plants
- Container gardening
- Landscape use in parks and gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
Not used medicinally due to toxicity of all parts
Other
- Commercial bulb production
- Horticultural industry
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Stems, Leaves, Flowers
Symptoms:
Can cause nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, and in severe cases, death
Common Mallow
High Mallow
Cheese Plant
Scientific Name:
Malva sylvestris
Family:
Malvaceae
Flower Language
-
Blessing
-
Gentle
-
First love
Description
A biennial native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Flowers are purple or pink with five petals, about 3-4 cm in diameter. Long used as an herb, with leaves, flowers, and roots considered to have medicinal properties. The Japanese name 'Zeniaoi' (Money Hollyhock) comes from the fruit shape resembling old coins.
Trivia
- Japanese name 'Zeniaoi' comes from fruit shape resembling old coins like Kanei Tsuho
- English name 'Cheese Plant' derives from young fruits tasting like cheese
- Used as medicinal herb since ancient Roman times, recorded in Pliny's Natural History
- Still enjoyed as traditional herbal tea in Europe today
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Wild plant gardens
- Natural gardens
Medicinal
- Leaves and flowers used as herbal tea for coughs and sore throat
- Used externally for skin inflammation
- Roots used for constipation and indigestion
Caution:
Consult physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Culinary
- Young leaves
- Flowers
- Young fruits
Other
- Herb industry
- Natural therapy
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered safe, but avoid excessive consumption