April 15

Birth Flower

Dandelion
Common Dandelion Japanese Dandelion

Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • dream of reunion
  • sincere love
  • oracle of love

Characteristics

Colors: yellow

Description

The commonly seen dandelions are 'Western dandelions,' easily distinguished from native Japanese dandelions as the latter don't have recurved sepals. A perennial wildflower that blooms yellow flowers in spring, after flowering the stem falls and forms fruit, then rises again to produce spherical white seed heads that disperse in the wind. About 80% of dandelions currently seen in Japan are Western dandelions or hybrids with native species.

Trivia

  • English name 'Dandelion' derives from French 'dent de lion' (lion's tooth)
  • native and foreign species can be distinguished by sepal curvature
  • designated as one of Japan's worst 100 invasive alien species
  • dandelion coffee made from roots is caffeine-free

Uses

Ornamental
  • wildflower garden
  • natural style garden
  • children's plaything
Medicinal
  • diuretic effect
  • liver function improvement
  • appetite stimulation

Caution: medicinal use under professional guidance

Culinary
  • young leaves
  • roots
  • flowers
Other
  • caffeine-free coffee substitute
  • nectar source plant
  • environmental indicator plant

Toxicity

Symptoms: generally considered non-toxic but avoid large consumption

Rose
Pink Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa species
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • I pledge my love
  • beautiful girl
  • gratitude

Characteristics

Colors: pink

Description

Roses are said to be the flowers born together with Venus, goddess of beauty. Rose flower meanings number over 60 depending on type, color, and form, but most relate to love and beauty. Pink roses are the most common in cut flowers, ranging from pale to deep shades, with rose color being one of the pink varieties. Currently about 40,000 varieties are confirmed, with 5 petals and numerous stamens.

Trivia

  • currently about 40,000 varieties confirmed
  • in Europe, rose color means pink
  • gave name to the Wars of the Roses
  • important raw material for perfume industry

Uses

Ornamental
  • gardens
  • cut flowers
  • bouquets
Medicinal
  • rose hips (vitamin C)
  • aromatherapy
  • beauty effects

Caution: caution needed for thorns

Culinary
  • petals
  • rose hips
Other
  • perfume
  • cosmetics
  • rose oil

Toxicity

Symptoms: petals are non-toxic but beware of thorn injuries

Carnation
Clove Pink

Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • love is alive
  • remembering deceased mother
  • pure love

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

A perennial of the Dianthus family native to the Mediterranean coast of Southern Europe and Western Asia. White carnations are also called 'flowers remembering deceased mothers' and are beloved worldwide as flowers given on Mother's Day. They have beautiful frilled petals and sweet fragrance. They bloom from April to June and are popular as cut flowers.

Trivia

  • English name 'Carnation' means 'flesh-colored flower'
  • Mother's Day origin from Anna Jarvis in America
  • characterized by frilled petals
  • has sweet clove-like fragrance

Uses

Ornamental
  • cut flowers
  • bouquets
  • corsages
Medicinal
  • no known medicinal uses

Caution: no particular cautions

Culinary
  • petals
Other
  • perfume ingredient
  • dried flowers

Toxicity

Symptoms: generally considered non-toxic

Forget-me-not
True Forget-me-not

Scientific Name: Myosotis scorpioides
Family: Boraginaceae

Flower Language

  • true love
  • please don't forget me
  • memories

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

A perennial of the Boraginaceae family native to Europe, flowering from March to May. Garden varieties bloom small 5-petaled flowers 6-9mm in diameter in white and pink, with yellow or white eyes (small spots) in the throat of the corolla. The scientific name 'scorpioides' means 'scorpion-tail-like,' referring to the flower sequence curving like a scorpion's tail. Known as a flower for lovers to pledge eternal love.

Trivia

  • scientific name Myosotis means 'mouse ear'
  • scientific name comes from flower sequence curving like scorpion's tail
  • designated as state flower of Alaska
  • sung as symbol of love since medieval times

Uses

Ornamental
  • flower beds
  • rock gardens
  • potted plants
Medicinal
  • historical use as folk medicine

Caution: avoid large consumption

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • pressed flowers
  • dried flowers

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: entire plant

Symptoms: large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbance

Hakusan Orchid
Mountain Orchid

Scientific Name: Dactylorhiza aristata
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • person with good qualities
  • wonderful
  • cheerful

Characteristics

Colors: reddish purple, deep pink

Description

A perennial native to Japan, Alaska, and Korean Peninsula that grows in subalpine to alpine grasslands. Height 10-40cm, producing numerous reddish-purple flowers in racemose inflorescences at stem tips from June to August. Characterized by petals resembling a plover spreading its wings with sharp pointed tips. Named for being abundant on Mount Hakusan and flowers resembling flying plovers.

Trivia

  • also distributed in Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Korea, and Okhotsk coast
  • white-flowered variety Shirobanahakusanchidori also exists
  • variant Uzurabahakusanchidori also exists
  • short flowering period of about 2 months from June to August

Uses

Ornamental
  • alpine botanical garden
  • rock garden
  • wildflower cultivation
Medicinal
  • no known medicinal uses

Caution: collection of wild specimens strictly prohibited

Culinary

not suitable for consumption

Other
  • alpine plant research
  • environmental education

Toxicity

Symptoms: no toxicity reported