Dog Tooth Violet
Asian Fawnlily
Katakuri
Scientific Name:
Erythronium japonicum
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
first love
-
jealousy
-
passion
Characteristics
Colors:
light purple
Description
High-quality starch can be extracted from its bulb, which is called 'katakuri starch,' but it's now mainly used as an ornamental plant. It's a precious plant that requires 7-9 years from seed germination to flowering, called a 'spring fairy' (spring ephemeral). It appears above ground for less than two months in spring, with a flowering period of only about two weeks. The sight of them blooming in groups in their natural habitat is quite spectacular.
Trivia
- seeds have elaiosomes and are dispersed by ants
- takes an average of 8 years from seed to first flowering
- flowers open only in sunny weather and close at dusk
- named 'katakuri' because the bulb resembles a split chestnut
Uses
Ornamental
- alpine garden
- natural garden
- tourism for colony sites
Medicinal
- currently limited medicinal use
Caution:
avoid collecting wild specimens
Other
- indicator species for ecosystem conservation
- environmental education
Toxicity
Symptoms:
generally considered non-toxic
Nemesia
Scientific Name:
Nemesia strumosa
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Flower Language
-
honest heart
-
tolerance
-
honesty
Characteristics
Colors:
purple, pink, yellow, blue, white
Description
From spring to autumn, small butterfly-like flowers bloom abundantly. Flower colors are abundant including purple, pink, yellow, blue, and white, with plant height of 15-40cm. Leaves are serrated, and small flowers bloom in succession at the tips of elongated stems. Many varieties have distinctive fragrances, with both annual and perennial types called hardy nemesia.
Trivia
- endemic genus to southern Africa with about 60 confirmed species
- has both annual and perennial types called hardy nemesia
- relatively adaptable to Japanese climate among Scrophulariaceae
- flowers said to resemble goldfish
Uses
Ornamental
- flower beds
- mixed plantings
- container gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
no particular cautions
Culinary
not suitable for consumption
Other
- cut flowers
- fragrance use (some varieties)
Toxicity
Symptoms:
no toxicity reported
Bleeding Heart
Lady in a Bath
Lyre Flower
Scientific Name:
Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Family:
Papaveraceae
Flower Language
-
love
-
following you
-
obedience
Characteristics
Colors:
pink, white
Description
Creates racemose inflorescences at the tips of arched flower stems, hanging 5-15 heart-shaped flowers in a horizontal row. Plant height is 30-60cm, flowering period is April-June, with pink and white flowers. Named after 'keman,' decorative Buddhist temple ornaments, also called Taitsurisou (sea bream fishing grass). Above-ground parts die back around September and enter dormancy.
Trivia
- alternative name Taitsurisou comes from resembling sea bream hanging from fishing rod
- introduced to Japan for ornamental use in Muromachi period
- prefers moist forest locations
- English name 'Bleeding Heart' comes from flower shape
Uses
Ornamental
- gardens
- semi-shade flower beds
- cut flowers
Medicinal
- historical use as folk medicine
Caution:
caution for toxicity in entire plant
Culinary
not suitable for consumption
Other
- flower arrangements
- ornamental garden plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
entire plant, especially rhizome
Symptoms:
ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Baby's Breath
Gypsophila
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila elegans
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
earnest wish
-
deep emotion
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
Named 'kasumisou' (mist grass) because the white fluffy flowers resemble spring mist. It's an annual that grows to about 1m tall and blooms countless small flowers. Pink baby's breath is rarer than white varieties and has special flower meanings of 'earnest wish' and 'deep emotion.' It has a nature of preferring calcareous soil.
Trivia
- scientific name Gypsophila means 'gypsum-loving'
- pink varieties are rarer than white ones
- beauty persists even when dried
- cut flowers last about 7-10 days
Uses
Ornamental
- cut flowers
- supporting role in bouquets
- dried flowers
Medicinal
- historical use as soap substitute
Caution:
no particular cautions
Culinary
not suitable for consumption
Other
- flower arrangements
- wedding decorations
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
roots, stems
Symptoms:
large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbance
Peach Blossom
Flowering Peach
Scientific Name:
Prunus persica
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
I am your captive
-
invincible
-
good nature
Characteristics
Colors:
pink, white
Description
Native to the highland area spanning Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in the upper Yellow River region of China, it's said to have been introduced to Japan during the Yayoi period. There are fruit peaches for enjoying the fruit and flowering peaches improved for enjoying the flowers. It blooms deep pink or white flowers from March to April, and peaches have long been believed to have sacred power to grant longevity and ward off evil spirits. It's also beloved in the March 3rd Peach Festival.
Trivia
- Peach Festival originates from ancient Chinese Shangsi Festival
- flowering peaches were bred for better flower production
- English name 'Peach' derives from transmission via Persia
- has 3000 years of cultivation history in China
Uses
Ornamental
- garden tree
- park planting
- flower viewing
Medicinal
- peach kernel used in traditional Chinese medicine
- leaves used as bath additive
Caution:
seeds are toxic, requiring professional guidance
Other
- festival decoration
- wood utilization
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
seeds, leaves (when consumed in large amounts)
Symptoms:
seeds contain amygdalin which can produce hydrocyanic acid