March 29

Birth Flower

Barrenwort
Bishop's hat Horny goat weed

Scientific Name: Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum
Family: Berberidaceae

Flower Language

  • restraint
  • I won't let you go
  • departure

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Ikarisou is a deciduous perennial of the Berberidaceae family endemic to Japan, blooming with distinctive pale reddish-purple flowers in April. Named for flower shapes resembling ship anchors (ikari). Characterized by flower forms extending slender spurs in four directions, producing flowers 3-7cm in diameter. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine with the medicinal name 'inyoukaku', believed to have strengthening and tonic effects. Naturally grows in deciduous forests of low mountains along the Pacific coast, reaching 20-40cm in height. Also characterized by stems dividing into three petioles, each bearing three leaflets.

Trivia

  • Named for flower shapes resembling ship anchors
  • Alternative names include Sanshokusou, Kanzashigusa
  • Used medicinally in China as 'inyoukaku' for over 2000 years
  • Valuable endemic species distributed only along Japan's Pacific coast

Uses

Ornamental
  • wildflower cultivation
  • shade gardens
  • rock gardens
  • tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
  • as tonic and strengthening medicine
  • Chinese medicine 'inyoukaku'
  • joint pain relief

Caution: do not use medicinally without expert guidance

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • subject of botanical research
  • material for wildflower education

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: whole plant

Symptoms: no problem in appropriate amounts, but avoid excessive intake

Wild strawberry
Woodland strawberry European strawberry

Scientific Name: Fragaria vesca
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • happy family
  • respect and affection
  • purity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Wild strawberry is a perennial of the Rosaceae family native to Europe, one of the ancestors of current edible strawberries. Before Dutch strawberries were improved in the 16th century, this wild strawberry was the main edible strawberry. It blooms with small white 5-petaled flowers from spring to early summer, followed by small red fruits about 1cm in diameter. The combination of bright green leaves, white flowers, and red fruits is very charming, making it popular ornamentally. Hardy and easy to grow, also used as ground cover.

Trivia

  • One of ancestors of current large strawberries
  • Plant beloved by Napoleon's empress Josephine
  • Three leaves symbolize Christian Trinity
  • Cherished worldwide as luck-bringing plant

Uses

Ornamental
  • ground cover
  • potted plants
  • herb gardens
  • windowsill cultivation
Medicinal
  • leaves used as herbal tea
  • vitamin C supplementation
  • digestion promotion

Caution: avoid large quantities during pregnancy

Culinary
  • fruits
  • leaves (herbal tea)
Other
  • fragrance
  • natural dye

Toxicity

Symptoms: generally considered safe

Fritillary
Checkered lily Snake's head fritillary

Scientific Name: Fritillaria verticillata var. thunbergii
Family: Liliaceae

Flower Language

  • humble heart
  • effort
  • pleasing others

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Baimo is a bulbous plant of the Liliaceae family native to China, blooming with distinctive flowers from April to May. Flowers are bell-shaped blooming downward, pale yellowish-green with purple network patterns, very elegant and beautiful. Named 'baimo' (shell mother) because bulbs split like bivalve shells. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, believed effective for cough suppression and phlegm removal. Stems grow 1-2m tall with alternate or whorled leaves, upper leaves having tendrils at tips. Introduced to Japan during Edo period as medicinal plant.

Trivia

  • Named 'baimo' (shell mother) for bulbs splitting like bivalve shells
  • Used as premium Chinese medicine ingredient as 'chuanbaimo' in China
  • Network patterns on flowers have beautiful unique patterns for each individual
  • Introduced to Japan by Edo period botanists

Uses

Ornamental
  • wildflower cultivation
  • tea ceremony flowers
  • shade gardens
  • cut flowers
Medicinal
  • cough suppression
  • phlegm removal
  • Chinese medicine 'baimo'

Caution: do not use medicinally without expert guidance

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • subject of botanical research
  • material for medicinal herb education

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: bulbs, whole plant

Symptoms: possible digestive symptoms when consumed in large quantities