Forget-me-not
True Forget-me-not
Water Forget-me-not
Scientific Name:
Myosotis scorpioides
Family:
Boraginaceae
Flower Language
-
forget me not
-
true love
-
true friendship
Description
A perennial from the Boraginaceae family native to Europe that blooms small 5-petaled flowers in light to bright blue from March to May. Characterized by yellow or white eyes (small spots) in the throat of the flower crown. The genus name 'myosotis' means mouse ear in Greek, derived from the leaf shape. A flower beloved worldwide for its romantic flower language and beautiful legends.
Trivia
- Designated as the state flower of Alaska
- The English name 'Forget-me-not' is a beautiful name beloved worldwide
- European tradition of lovers exchanging as tokens of love
- Though small flowers, they form beautiful blue carpets when in colonies
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring flower bed planting
- Rock gardens
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Traditional European medicine for respiratory ailments
- Ingredient in cough syrups
- Expectorant properties
Caution:
Consult professionals for medicinal use
Other
- Pressed flowers
- Dried flowers
- Perfume ingredients
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported, rather used medicinally
Nigella
Love-in-a-mist
Devil-in-the-bush
Scientific Name:
Nigella damascena
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
love in a dream
-
perplexity
-
secret joy
Description
An annual from the Ranunculaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast to western Asia that blooms delicate blue, white, or pink flowers in early summer. Characterized by thread-like thin leaves, the flowers create a mystical atmosphere as if enveloped in mist. The scientific name 'Nigella' derives from the Latin 'Niger' (black), referring to the black seeds. After flowering, balloon-like fruits form containing black seeds.
Trivia
- English name 'Love-in-a-mist' comes from flowers surrounded by thread-like leaves
- Used as spice called 'black seed' in Middle East since ancient times
- Used for secret messages to lovers in Victorian England
- Seeds are photophobic, germinating in dark conditions
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted in natural gardens
- Used as cut flowers
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
- Seeds used medicinally in Middle East
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Digestive aid effects
Caution:
Species other than Nigella sativa contain toxins, caution required
Culinary
- Seeds (Nigella sativa only)
Other
- Seed collection
- Garden design
- Flower arrangements
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Seeds (except Nigella sativa), Leaves
Symptoms:
May cause toxic symptoms due to alkaloid toxins
Red Clover
Purple Clover
Trifolium
Scientific Name:
Trifolium pratense
Family:
Fabaceae
Flower Language
-
diligence
-
abundant love
-
honesty
Description
A perennial from the Fabaceae family native to Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa that blooms purple-red to red-purple spherical flowers from April to August. Characterized by three-leaflet leaves, occasionally producing four leaves. Introduced to Japan as pasture grass after the Meiji period and now distributed nationwide. Has nitrogen-fixing ability and helps soil improvement. Also important as a nectar plant, frequently visited by honeybees.
Trivia
- Four-leaf clovers are beloved worldwide as symbols of good luck
- Plays important role supplying nitrogen to soil through symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria
- Clover honey made from nectar is globally popular
- Arrived from Netherlands during Edo period along with white clover as 'packing grass'
Uses
Ornamental
- Appreciated as wildflower
- Planted in natural style gardens
- Meadow gardens
Medicinal
- Used as herbal tea
- Women's health support
- Menopausal symptom relief
Caution:
Has hormone-like effects, consult doctor during pregnancy or with certain conditions
Other
- Important as pasture grass
- Soil improvement (nitrogen fixation)
- Nectar source plant
- Green manure crop
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported, safely used for food and medicine
Statice
Sea Lavender
Limonium
Scientific Name:
Limonium sinuatum
Family:
Plumbaginaceae
Flower Language
-
unchanging heart
-
lasting memory
-
eternal constancy
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
A perennial from the Plumbaginaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast to Asia Minor, where what appears to be flowers are actually sepals. The papery texture contains almost no moisture, making it extremely suitable for dried flowers. Flower colors fade little and maintain beauty for long periods. Originally perennial but treated as annual in Japan due to inability to withstand summer heat.
Trivia
- What appears to be flowers are actually sepals, with true flowers being small central parts
- Maintains beautiful colors for 2-3 years even when dried
- Over 150 species of Statice exist worldwide
- Cut flowers also last very well, enjoyable for about 2 weeks
Uses
Ornamental
- Material for dried flowers
- Used as cut flowers
- Garden bed appreciation
Medicinal
- Traditional Mediterranean medicine for skin treatment
- Astringent properties
Caution:
Consult professionals for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Potpourri ingredients
- Interior decoration
- Craft materials
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported