Chinese Redbud
Judas Tree
Scientific Name:
Cercis chinensis
Family:
Fabaceae
Description
Small purple flowers bloom abundantly on branches. Blooming in late April, the distinctive butterfly-shaped flowers of the Fabaceae family resemble the color of suou dye, hence the name. Since flowers bloom before leaves emerge, the entire tree is covered with flowers, creating a magnificent sight.
Trivia
- Also called Hanazuou (flower suou)
- Named for resembling the color of suou dye
- Characterized by flowering before leaves emerge
- Creates magnificent scenery with entire tree covered in flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park planting
- Street trees
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Flowers used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine
Caution:
Use under expert guidance
Culinary
Generally not edible
Other
- Substitute for suou dyeing
- Timber use
- Landscape plants
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity
Chinese Forget-me-not
Cynoglossum
Scientific Name:
Cynoglossum amabile
Family:
Boraginaceae
Description
Produces small purple flowers like forget-me-nots, but differs in growing 50-60cm tall. Its natural appearance swaying in the wind makes it suitable for cut flowers. Native to China and prefers warmer climates than forget-me-nots.
Trivia
- Grows taller than forget-me-nots
- Beautiful swaying appearance creates natural atmosphere
- Can be cultivated in regions where forget-me-nots struggle due to preference for warm climates
- Characterized by long-lasting quality as cut flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Cut flowers
- Natural gardens
- Border planting
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine
Caution:
Do not use without expert guidance
Other
- Dried flowers
- Pressed flowers
- Nectar source plants
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant
Symptoms:
Avoid consuming in large quantities
Adonis
Pheasant's Eye
Scientific Name:
Adonis ramosa
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
memories
-
eternal happiness
Description
Fukujusou, as indicated by the characters for 'fortune' and 'longevity,' is an auspicious flower symbolizing happiness and long life. The golden flowers that bloom with the melting snow have long been beloved as representative flowers announcing spring's arrival. Also cherished as New Year's good luck charms.
Trivia
- Representative of 'snow-breaking flowers' that bloom with melting snow
- Displayed in tokonoma alcoves as New Year's good luck charms
- Said to have been born from the blood of Adonis in Greek mythology
- Requires careful handling due to strong toxicity
Uses
Ornamental
- New Year decorations
- Potted plants
- Garden planting
- Tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
- Used as cardiotonic in traditional Chinese medicine
Caution:
Toxic plant, medicinal use is dangerous now
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Use as good luck charms
- Literary motifs
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially rhizomes
Symptoms:
Contains cardiac glycosides and may cause severe effects on the heart
Nasturtium
Garden Nasturtium
Scientific Name:
Tropaeolum majus
Family:
Tropaeolaceae
Description
Native to Peru and Colombia in South America, named 'golden lotus flower' for its bright flowers resembling lotus shapes. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery taste, hence the alternative name 'watercress.' Available in both climbing and dwarf varieties.
Trivia
- Flowers and leaves have a peppery taste similar to wasabi
- Climbing varieties can grow 2-3m tall
- Contains about 10 times more vitamin C than lemons
- Useful as companion plant attracting natural enemies of aphids
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Hanging baskets
- Ground cover
- Green curtains
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamin C with high nutritional value
- Said to have antibacterial properties
Caution:
Avoid consuming in large quantities
Culinary
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Young seeds
Other
- Natural pest repellent
- Companion plants
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity and is edible
Anemone
Windflower
Scientific Name:
Anemone coronaria
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Description
A bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean coast that blooms in various colors including red, white, pink, purple, and blue in spring. In Greek mythology, said to have been born from the blood of the beautiful youth Adonis, and named after Anemos, the god of wind. Also called 'windflower' for its beautiful swaying in the wind.
Trivia
- What appears to be petals are actually sepals
- Sap from cut stems can cause dermatitis
- Contains the toxic compound protoanemonin
- Called 'windflower' for its beautiful swaying in the wind
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
- Bouquets
Medicinal
- Used medicinally in ancient times
Caution:
Not recommended for medicinal use as entire plant is toxic
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Ornamental use
- Development of horticultural varieties
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially stem sap
Symptoms:
Can cause dermatitis, blisters, and gastroenteritis