Japanese Wisteria
Wisteria
Noda Fuji
Scientific Name:
Wisteria floribunda
Family:
Fabaceae
Flower Language
-
intoxicated with love
-
gentleness
-
welcome
-
never separate
Description
The sight of long hanging flower clusters swaying in the wind is truly beautiful. This is a Japanese endemic species distributed across Honshu (mainly south of Tsugaru in Aomori Prefecture), Shikoku, and Kyushu. The flowering period is from spring to early summer (April-June), and it has the longest racemes among Wisteria species, typically 20-50cm long, with some reaching 100cm. The flowers range from purple to light pink (the so-called wisteria color) or white, with a sweet fragrance.
Trivia
- The scientific name Wisteria was named after American anatomist Caspar Wistar
- Japan's oldest wisteria is said to be the '1200-year-old wisteria' in Gunma Prefecture
- The flower meaning 'welcome' comes from hanging flowers appearing to bow
- The color name 'wisteria purple' was named after this flower's color
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental cultivation on wisteria trellises
- Decoration on garden pergolas and fences
- Cut flowers for vase arrangements
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine in ancient times
- Currently mainly used for ornamental purposes
Caution:
Seeds are toxic, so consult experts for any medicinal use
Other
- Tourism resource for wisteria festivals
- Use as photography spots
- International garden design as a symbol of Japanese culture
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
seeds, bark
Symptoms:
Ingesting seeds may cause poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Moss Phlox
Creeping Phlox
Mountain Phlox
Scientific Name:
Phlox subulata
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Flower Language
-
enduring strength
-
burning love
-
agreement
-
patience
Description
Some varieties feature white flowers with pink stripes. This perennial from the Polemoniaceae family, native to North America, grows 5-15cm tall and 30-100cm wide. Named 'shibazakura' (lawn cherry) because it blooms cherry-like flowers from March to May. While individual flowers are small and delicate, their mass blooming creates a spectacular sight, earning the flower meaning 'enduring strength' for their ability to bloom beautifully despite adversity.
Trivia
- Famous tourist spots include moss phlox hills around Mt. Fuji and Chichibu region in Japan
- One plant can spread over 1 meter in diameter
- The flower meaning 'burning love' comes from the vivid flower colors
- English name 'Moss Phlox' refers to how it covers ground like moss
Uses
Ornamental
- Ground cover for flower beds and rock gardens
- Slope and embankment greening plant
- Mixed plantings and container gardens
Medicinal
- Currently mainly used for ornamental purposes
- No particular medicinal effects reported
Caution:
Recommended to enjoy as an ornamental plant
Culinary
This is an ornamental flower and is not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Soil erosion prevention greening plant
- Tourism resource for moss phlox festivals
- Nature observation material in environmental education
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
no particular toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered safe, but avoid large consumption
Apple
Apple Blossom
Malus
Scientific Name:
Malus pumila
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
fame
-
chosen love
-
temptation
-
regret
Description
Native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, now cultivated worldwide. The flowers that bloom in spring (April-May) range from white to pink with five petals, very beautiful and fragrant. The flower meanings 'fame' and 'chosen love' come from important roles in ancient Greek mythology and the Christian Bible. The meaning 'temptation' derives from the story of Adam and Eve in the Old Testament.
Trivia
- About 7,500 apple varieties exist worldwide
- The anecdote of Newton discovering universal gravitation from a falling apple is famous
- Apple Inc.'s logo is based on an apple motif
- Aomori Prefecture in Japan accounts for about half of domestic apple production
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental cultivation for spring flower viewing
- Cut flowers for vase arrangements
- Garden trees for year-round enjoyment
Medicinal
- The saying 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' exists
- Rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, beneficial for health
Caution:
Avoid large consumption of seeds as they contain amygdalin
Culinary
- fruits
- flowers (decoration)
Other
- Raw material for apple wine (cider)
- Wood used for crafts and smoking chips
- Educational use in agricultural experiences and tourist orchards
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
seeds
Symptoms:
Amygdalin in seeds may produce cyanide compounds if consumed in large quantities
Tulip
Garden Tulip
Tulipa
Scientific Name:
Tulipa gesneriana
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
budding love
-
sincere love
-
thoughtfulness
-
fame
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
Native to Turkey, introduced to Europe in the 16th century, with particularly active breeding in the Netherlands. Now a representative spring flower beloved worldwide. Pink tulips have flower meanings of 'budding love' and 'sincere love', with their gentle colors being loved by people. As bulb plants, they are planted in autumn and bloom in spring.
Trivia
- About 3,000 tulip varieties exist worldwide
- The Netherlands produces about 80% of the world's tulip bulbs
- In 17th century Netherlands, one bulb was sometimes traded for the price of a house
- Pink tulips are relatively new varieties that became popular after the 20th century
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
- Garden planting as main feature in flower beds
- Pot cultivation for indoor and outdoor viewing
Medicinal
- Currently mainly used for ornamental purposes
- No particular medicinal effects reported
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use as bulbs are toxic
Culinary
This is an ornamental flower and is not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Tourism resource for tulip festivals
- Commercial bulb cultivation and sales
- Educational material in gardening
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
bulbs, leaves, stems
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis