Reeves' Spirea
Bridal Wreath
Double Bridal Wreath
Scientific Name:
Spiraea cantoniensis
Family:
Rosaceae
Description
A member of the Rosaceae family. Small five-petaled flowers cluster in hemispheres, appearing as if they were a single flower. The name 'small ball' is aptly chosen. From April to May, about 20 small white flowers cluster at the tips of current year's branches along with new leaves, named for their resemblance to 'small balls.'
Trivia
- Also called Temari-bana (ball flower)
- Since ancient times, wishes have been made for 'children's futures to be filled with countless joys'
- Flower language of 'refinement' and 'elegance' comes from its bridal-like grace
- Produces many branches from the base, forming clumps about 2m high
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park planting
- Ikebana
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- No particular medicinal use
Caution:
Enjoy as ornamental plants
Other
- Landscape planting
- Border gardens
- Memorial trees
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity
Dutch Iris
Bulbous Iris
Scientific Name:
Iris xiphium
Family:
Iridaceae
Description
The origin of 'iris' is the Greek word for rainbow, derived from the diverse flower colors. The vivid colors and beautiful upright flowers that bloom from April to May are also favored as cut flowers. Bulbous irises differ from common rhizomatous irises in that they grow from bulbs.
Trivia
- Named after Iris, the rainbow goddess
- Has two types: bulbous and rhizomatous
- Important export bulb crop in the Netherlands
- Model for the French royal emblem 'fleur-de-lis'
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Flower beds
- Potted plants
- Bouquets
Medicinal
- No particular medicinal use
Caution:
Enjoy as ornamental plants
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Breeding parent for garden varieties
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Rhizomes
Symptoms:
Bulbs may contain mild irritating components
Forget-me-not
True Forget-me-not
Scientific Name:
Myosotis scorpioides
Family:
Boraginaceae
Description
A beautiful flower with a name derived from a German tragic love legend. The story tells of knight Rudolf who fell into a river while trying to pick flowers for his beloved Berta, shouting 'Vergiss-mein-nicht! (Forget me not!)' as his last words. The genus name myosotis derives from leaves resembling mouse ears.
Trivia
- Called 'vergissmeinnicht' (forget me not) in German
- Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period
- Designated as the state flower of Alaska
- Hardy enough to self-seed and spread
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Potted plants
- Ground cover
- Rock gardens
Medicinal
- Used for cough relief in folk medicine
Caution:
Currently mainly ornamental, medicinal use not recommended
Other
- Memorial gardens
- Flowers of remembrance
- Gifts between lovers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity
Fig
Common Fig
Scientific Name:
Ficus carica
Family:
Moraceae
Description
As the kanji '無花果' (no visible flower) indicates, it has a special structure where flowers are not visible. In reality, many small flowers bloom inside the fruit, and this structure creates the uniquely sweet fruit. It's a historic fruit tree cultivated since ancient times and considered a sacred plant that appears in the Bible.
Trivia
- Written as '無花果' (no visible flower) because flowers are not visible
- Actually has countless small flowers blooming inside the fruit
- One of the first plants mentioned in the Bible
- Was cultivated in ancient Egypt
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Symbol trees
- Orchards
- Houseplants (young trees)
Medicinal
- Fruit promotes digestion
- Leaves used in folk medicine
- Intestinal regulation effects
Caution:
May cause rash when touching leaves or sap
Other
- Timber
- Religious decoration
- Symbol plants
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Sap
Symptoms:
May cause dermatitis when touching leaves or sap