Crocus
Spring Saffron
Cloth-of-gold
Scientific Name:
Crocus vernus
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
yearning
-
youth and gladness
-
I am waiting for you
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
The name Crocus comes from the Greek word 'thread', referring to the long, thread-like pistil. The sight of these charming yellow, purple, and white flowers blooming across the ground in early spring when colors are still scarce signals the arrival of spring, and they are called Spring Ephemerals (spring fairies) along with adonis and erythronium flowers.
Trivia
- They have such strong vitality that bulbs can sprout even when simply placed on a desk
- Different from saffron crocus - this is for ornamental use while saffron is used as a spice
- In Europe, it's popular to plant them in lawns to create a landscape covered with crocus flowers in spring
- They are temperature sensitive - flowers open in sunlight and close when cloudy
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers in vases
- Planted in gardens for flower beds and lawn edging
- Grown in pots for indoor decoration
- Can be enjoyed through hydroponic cultivation
Medicinal
- Records show it was used as a medicinal herb in ancient times
- Currently not used for medicinal purposes
Caution:
Currently recommended for ornamental use only
Culinary
This is an ornamental flower and is not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Educational use as an introductory plant for bulb cultivation
- Decorative use to create spring atmosphere
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
bulb parts
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort
Columbine
Granny's Bonnet
Aquilegia
Scientific Name:
Aquilegia flabellata
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
certain victory
-
resolute victory
-
determination for victory
Description
The blue-purple flowers that bloom in early summer have white tips and a charming round shape. Named after the thread ball used in weaving called 'odamaki' due to the flower's similar shape. The scientific name Aquilegia comes from the Latin 'aquila (eagle)', referring to the curved spur that resembles an eagle's claw.
Trivia
- The English name 'Columbine' comes from Latin meaning 'dove-like'
- The distinctive flower shape has a spur extending backward that resembles an eagle's claw
- One of the flowers that has been given special names with meanings in various countries
- Plants in the Ranunculaceae family generally tend to be toxic
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers for tea ceremony
- Planted in wildflower gardens
- Grown in pots for ornamental purposes
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb in ancient times
- Currently avoided for medicinal use due to toxicity
Caution:
Belongs to Ranunculaceae family and is toxic, so internal use is strictly prohibited
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes due to toxicity
Other
- Accent plant in wildflower gardens
- Creating seasonal atmosphere in tea ceremony
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
whole plant, especially roots and seeds
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause gastroenteritis, adverse effects on the heart, and dermatitis
Marguerite
Paris Daisy
Argyranthemum
Scientific Name:
Argyranthemum frutescens
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
fortune-telling in love
-
secret love
-
trust
-
true love
-
beautiful appearance
Description
Named after the Greek word 'Margarites' meaning pearl, due to the pure white, elegant flower resembling a pearl. In Europe, marguerite petals have long been used for love divination, which is the origin of the flower language 'fortune-telling in love'.
Trivia
- Popular as an exam success flower because flowers don't fall even after blooming
- For love divination, pluck petals one by one saying 'loves me, loves me not'
- Blooms year-round in the Canary Islands, but in Japan blooms from spring to autumn
- The name 'Marguerite' comes from Greek meaning pearl
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers in bouquets and arrangements
- Planted in gardens for border edging and mixed plantings
- Grown in pots for indoor and outdoor decoration
Medicinal
- Sometimes used externally in folk medicine
- Currently mainly used for ornamental purposes
Caution:
Consultation with experts is recommended for medicinal use
Other
- Cultural use as a tool for love divination
- Used as good luck charms for passing exams
- Main material in flower arrangements
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
no particular toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered safe, but avoid large consumption
Cherry Blossom
Sakura
Japanese Cherry
Scientific Name:
Cerasus speciosa
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
spiritual beauty
-
graceful woman
-
purity
-
nobility
Description
Cherry blossoms are considered a symbol of spring, and cherry blossom viewing has become a Japanese culture. Records of cherry blossom festivals throughout Japan are well preserved and are even used as records of climate change in modern times. In many regions, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms reach full bloom during the elementary school entrance season in early April, and many Japanese people have memories of entrance ceremonies overlapping with the full bloom scenery of Somei Yoshino planted in school yards.
Trivia
- Japan's most famous 'Somei Yoshino' is a horticultural variety artificially created in the late Edo period
- The term 'cherry blossom front' describes how blooming progresses from south to north
- Petals begin to fall about a week after full bloom, giving rise to the expression 'cherry blossoms scatter'
- The anecdote of US President George Washington's cherry tree is the origin of the flower meaning 'spiritual beauty'
Uses
Ornamental
- Landscape beautification in parks and street trees
- Garden trees for private home viewing
- Cut branches for indoor decoration
Medicinal
- Cherry bark has been used medicinally since ancient times
- Still used in some traditional Chinese medicines today
Caution:
Consult experts for medicinal use
Culinary
- flowers (salt-preserved)
- leaves (salt-preserved)
- fruits (some varieties)
Other
- Cherry wood used for furniture and crafts
- Tourism resource for cherry blossom viewing culture
- Creating seasonal atmosphere in educational settings
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
leaves, bark, seeds
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause poisoning symptoms due to cyanide compounds