March 23

Birth Flower

Japanese Kerria
Kerria Japanese Rose

Scientific Name: Kerria japonica
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • Wealth
  • Elegance
  • Sublime
  • Golden fortune

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A deciduous shrub that grows in moist areas such as along mountain streams. It spreads by underground stems, with thin stems and branches that start green and turn brown. It produces flowers in a yellow close to golden color and is also a spring seasonal word. It has been beloved since ancient times, appearing in the Manyoshu poetry collection, and is the origin of the color name 'yamabuki-iro' (mountain rose color).

Trivia

  • Unique monotypic genus consisting of only this species
  • Famous legend of 'Yamabuki no Sato' associated with Ota Dokan
  • Origin of the color name 'yamabuki-iro', representing vivid yellow close to gold
  • Literarily important flower appearing in 17 poems in Manyoshu and over 10 in Kokin Wakashu

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Park landscaping
  • Ikebana
  • Bonsai
Medicinal

Caution: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Culinary

Not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Yellow dye
  • Literary motif

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity generally reported

Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alison Seaside Lobularia

Scientific Name: Lobularia maritima
Family: Brassicaceae

Flower Language

  • Something valuable
  • Value beyond beauty
  • Grace
  • Leap forward

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual native to the Mediterranean coast (originally perennial but treated as annual in Japan due to sensitivity to humidity). Blooms profusely with small, sweet-scented flowers in spring. White is the most common flower color, but red-purple, light purple, and pink varieties also exist. Forms small cushion-like clumps, making it popular for flower bed borders and container arrangements.

Trivia

  • Name derives from 'sweet' due to its subtle sweet fragrance
  • Previously classified in Alyssum genus but now in separate Lobularia genus
  • Originally perennial but treated as annual in Japan's humid climate
  • Despite small flowers, has strong fragrance that perfumes entire garden

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower bed borders
  • Container arrangements
  • Rock gardens
  • Hanging baskets
Medicinal

Caution: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Culinary
  • Flowers
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Horticultural industry
  • Ground cover

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity generally reported

Dandelion
Common Dandelion Blowball

Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Oracle of love
  • Sincere love
  • Farewell
  • Coquetry

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, widely distributed around the world. Blooms with yellow flower heads in spring, followed by spherical fluffy (pappus) fruits (achenes). These fluffy structures are dispersed by wind for seed distribution. Leaves are basal and deeply lobed. Has long been used for food and medicine.

Trivia

  • English name 'dandelion' derives from French 'dent de lion' (lion's tooth) referring to leaf shape
  • Fortune-telling tradition using blown seeds exists in many cultures worldwide
  • Dandelion coffee made from dried roots is popular caffeine-free alternative for pregnant women
  • What appears as single flower is actually composite flower head of many small florets

Uses

Ornamental
  • Wild plant gardens
  • Natural style gardens
Medicinal
  • Roots used for diuretic effects and liver function improvement
  • Leaves for digestive promotion and detoxification
  • Flowers used externally for skin inflammation

Caution: Avoid use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with gallstones

Culinary
  • Leaves
  • Flowers
  • Roots
Other
  • Natural rubber source (some species)
  • Nectar source for bees

Toxicity

Symptoms: Generally considered safe, but those with latex allergies should be cautious