March 24

Birth Flower

Hall's Crab Apple
Flowering Crab Apple Chinese Flowering Apple

Scientific Name: Malus halliana
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • Sleeping beauty
  • Elegant beauty
  • Gentle

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A deciduous tree native to China, introduced to Japan in the early Edo period. While resembling cherry blossoms, it has longer flower stalks and blooms facing downward. The Tang Emperor Xuanzong compared the awakening Yang Guifei to Hanakaido, making it popular in China as a flower symbolizing beauty. It blooms with pale pink flowers covering its branches from April to May, producing small red fruits in autumn.

Trivia

  • Also called Suishikaidou (hanging thread crab apple) referring to downward-hanging flowers
  • The phrase about Yang Guifei 'the crab apple's sleep is not yet sufficient' is famous in Chinese literature
  • Introduced to Japan in early Edo period, initially cultivated in daimyo gardens as rare flower
  • Unlike cherry blossoms, has long flower stalks and blooms facing downward

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Park landscaping
  • Bonsai
  • Cut flowers
Medicinal

Caution: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Culinary
  • Fruits
Other
  • Horticultural industry
  • Literary motif

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Seeds

Symptoms: Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, avoid consuming in large quantities

Pansy Geranium
Regal Geranium Martha Washington Geranium

Scientific Name: Pelargonium Splendide
Family: Geraniaceae

Flower Language

  • I deeply respect you
  • Contemplation
  • Peace of mind
  • Pure love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A horticultural hybrid created by crossing P. tricolor and P. ovale, both native to South Africa. Blooms from spring to early summer with flowers having red upper petals and white to pale pink lower petals. Named for resembling pansies, but also resembles orchids and creates an unforgettable impression once seen.

Trivia

  • Small flowers about 3cm diameter but very impressive two-tone coloring
  • Named for resembling pansies but actually also resembles orchids
  • Horticultural variety created by hybridizing two South African species
  • Has unforgettable unique flower color arrangement

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plants
  • Indoor decoration
  • Container arrangements
  • Gift plants
Medicinal

Caution: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Culinary

Not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Horticultural industry
  • Breeding research

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: May cause skin irritation upon contact

Kobus Magnolia
Japanese Magnolia Kobushi Magnolia

Scientific Name: Magnolia kobus
Family: Magnoliaceae

Flower Language

  • Friendship
  • Loveliness
  • Trust
  • Welcome

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A deciduous tree distributed in Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Jeju Island. Characterized by producing large white flowers ahead of other trees before leaves emerge in early spring. Named 'Kobushi' because buds resemble children's clenched fists. Flowers have structure with 3 sepals, 6 petals, and numerous stamens and pistils arranged spirally.

Trivia

  • Named 'Kobushi' because buds resemble children's clenched fists
  • Similar to Hakumokuren but distinguished by flowers and leaves emerging simultaneously
  • Called 'Japanese Xinyi' in China since 'Xinyi' refers to Shimoukren there
  • Beloved as indicator plant announcing spring's arrival by blooming ahead of other trees

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Park landscaping
  • Street trees
  • Bonsai
Medicinal
  • Flower buds used as 'Xinyi' medicine for rhinitis and sinusitis treatment
  • Used in Chinese medicine for warming lungs and dispersing cold

Caution: Avoid self-medication; use only under professional guidance

Culinary

Not commonly used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Wood utilization
  • Medicinal herb material

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity generally reported