California Poppy
Golden Poppy
Cup of Gold
Scientific Name:
Eschscholzia californica
Family:
Papaveraceae
Flower Language
-
friendship
-
success
-
listen to my wish
Description
An annual from the Papaveraceae family native to California, North America, that blooms beautiful orange 4-petaled flowers from spring to early summer. The petals are cup-shaped, and when introduced to Japan in the Meiji period, it was named 'Hanabishi-so' because it resembled the heraldic flower pattern. Designated as California's state flower, it has the strong vitality to bloom naturally even in deserts.
Trivia
- Designated as California's state flower in 1903
- Called 'Cup of Gold' during Gold Rush era
- Opens with sun and closes at night or on cloudy days
- Grows wild in arid lands and is a spring feature of California
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring flower bed planting
- Wildflower gardens
- Dry gardens
Medicinal
- Pain relief in Native American traditional medicine
- Mild insomnia improvement
- Relaxation effects
Caution:
Consult professionals for medicinal use
Culinary
- Petals
- Leaves (young leaves)
Other
- Oil extraction from seeds
- Natural dye
- Dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
All parts (mild)
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Amaranth
Love-lies-bleeding
Foxtail Amaranth
Scientific Name:
Amaranthus caudatus
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Flower Language
-
persevering spirit
-
immortality
-
unfading flower
Description
An annual from the Amaranthaceae family native to South America that displays distinctive drooping cord-like flower spikes from summer to autumn. Cultivated as a staple food in ancient Aztec, Maya, and Inca civilizations, it's now gaining attention as a nutritious superfood. Seeds are edible as grain, being gluten-free and rich in minerals and protein. Also popular as ornamental, especially beloved by flower designers.
Trivia
- Highly acclaimed as 'miracle grain' by American Academy of Sciences in 1975
- One-third of annual production in ancient Aztec civilization was amaranth
- NASA is researching it as a candidate for space food
- Considered symbol of 'unfading love' because flower colors don't fade
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower arrangements
- Dried flowers
- Garden ornamental plants
Medicinal
- Antioxidant properties
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Blood sugar stabilization
Caution:
Avoid excessive consumption, use as part of balanced diet
Other
- Gluten-free foods
- Health food ingredients
- Fodder crops
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported, safe edible plant
Larkspur
Rocket Larkspur
Annual Delphinium
Scientific Name:
Consolida ajacis
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
lightness
-
cheerfulness
-
vivacity
Description
An annual from the Ranunculaceae family native to southern Europe that blooms beautiful blue, purple, pink, or white flower spikes from spring to summer. It has a thin projection (spur) behind the flower that resembles a lark's claw, giving it the English name 'Larkspur'. Similar to delphinium but distinguished by being annual and having finely divided leaves.
Trivia
- English name 'Larkspur' means lark's spur, derived from flower shape
- Once classified in Delphinium genus but now considered separate
- Meant 'light heart' in Victorian flower language
- Characterized by finely divided, feathery leaves
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Used as cut flowers
- Cottage gardens
Medicinal
- External medicine in European folk medicine
- Wound treatment
Caution:
Dangerous for medicinal use as all parts are toxic
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption due to toxicity
Other
- Dried flowers
- Bouquet materials
- Garden design
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially seeds
Symptoms:
Alkaloid toxins may cause nausea, vomiting, muscle paralysis, and respiratory difficulty
Yellow Flag
Yellow Iris
Water Flag
Scientific Name:
Iris pseudacorus
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
revenge
-
happiness of believers
Description
A perennial native to Europe and western Asia, introduced to Japan as an ornamental in the Meiji period. It blooms bright yellow flowers from May to June and forms colonies in wetlands and waterside areas. It has extremely strong reproductive power and spreads both by seeds and rhizomes, displacing native iris species and wetland plants like skunk cabbage, causing serious ecological impacts. Currently designated as a species requiring attention as an alien species.
Trivia
- Designated as a species requiring attention and classified as a priority invasive species
- Considered one of the models for the French fleur-de-lis
- Its excessive reproductive power is pushing native wetland plants to extinction
- Removal activities are conducted in various locations, but complete eradication is considered difficult
Uses
Ornamental
- Waterside landscape plant (cultivation not recommended)
- Used as cut flowers
- Viewing in historical gardens
Medicinal
- Traditional European medicine for wound treatment
- Anti-inflammatory properties (historical use)
Caution:
Currently not recommended for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Bioremediation (water purification)
- Ecosystem impact research
- Educational material for invasive species management
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported