March 28

Birth Flower

Flowering dogwood
American dogwood Dogwood

Scientific Name: Cornus florida
Family: Cornaceae

Flower Language

  • peaceful heart
  • return of favor
  • please accept my feelings

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Flowering dogwood is a deciduous tall tree of the Cornaceae family native to eastern North America, famous for being gifted by America to Japan in 1915 as a return for the cherry trees Japan gave to Washington D.C. in 1912. It blooms from early to late April, with what appears to be petals actually being modified leaves called bracts, while the true flowers are the small central parts. Flower colors include white and pink, and it can be enjoyed for beautiful autumn foliage and red fruits. It's now designated as Tokyo's tree and cherished as a symbol of Japan-US friendship.

Trivia

  • Symbol of friendship paired with cherry trees along Potomac River in Washington D.C.
  • Designated as Tokyo's tree in 1966
  • What appears to be petals are actually leaves (bracts), true flowers are small central parts
  • Called 'Dogwood' in America, derived from bark being used to treat dog skin diseases

Uses

Ornamental
  • street trees
  • park trees
  • garden trees
  • cut branches
Medicinal
  • Native Americans used bark medicinally

Caution: medicinal use not recommended today

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • wood used for tool handles
  • used as dye

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: bark, leaves

Symptoms: possible mild digestive symptoms when consumed in large quantities

White enkianthus
Redvein enkianthus Dodan azalea

Scientific Name: Enkianthus perulatus
Family: Ericaceae

Flower Language

  • everything about you is elegant
  • elegance
  • moderation

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Dodan-tsutsuji is a deciduous shrub of the Ericaceae family native to Japan and Taiwan, known for white urn-shaped small flowers in spring and beautiful autumn foliage. The branching pattern resembling a lamp stand (candlestick) led to the name 'toudai-tsutsuji', which became corrupted to 'dodan-tsutsuji'. It blooms from April to May before leaves emerge, producing numerous charming bell-like white flowers. Autumn foliage burns with beautiful crimson colors, and it has hardy characteristics resistant to heat and cold. Widely planted as garden trees and hedges.

Trivia

  • Name derives from branch pattern resembling candlesticks (toudai)
  • Excellent garden tree with triple features of flowers, fresh greenery, and autumn colors
  • Popular as hedge, resistant to pruning
  • Scientific name 'Enkianthus' means 'pregnant flower' in Greek

Uses

Ornamental
  • garden trees
  • hedges
  • bonsai
  • cut branches
Medicinal
  • records of use as folk medicine

Caution: medicinal use not recommended today

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • charcoal material
  • tea ceremony tool material

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: leaves, flowers

Symptoms: possible mild digestive symptoms when consumed in large quantities