April 20

Birth Flower

Lupine
Bluebonnet Wolf Bean

Scientific Name: Lupinus polyphyllus
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • imagination
  • many companions
  • you are my peace

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial from the Fabaceae family native to North and South America, Mediterranean coast, and South Africa that blooms beautiful flower spikes in purple, pink, white, yellow from late April to June. Named 'ascending wisteria' in Japanese because wisteria-like flowers bloom upward instead of downward. A historic plant used since ancient Egyptian times for food, medicine, and soap, with its name derived from Latin 'lupus' (wolf) referring to its hardiness to grow in any land.

Trivia

  • Texas state flower 'Bluebonnet' is a species of lupine
  • Lupine seeds have been found in ancient Egyptian pharaohs' tombs
  • Has nitrogen-fixing ability and 'wolf strength' to grow in poor soil
  • Different flower colors have different meanings, white means 'always happy'

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower bed planting
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Highland gardens
Medicinal
  • Used as medicinal herb since ancient times
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Skin treatment

Caution: Some species are toxic, requires expert guidance

Culinary
  • Seeds (certain species only)
Other
  • Soil improvement (nitrogen fixation)
  • Soap ingredients (historically)
  • Green manure crops

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Seeds (some species), Leaves (some species)

Symptoms: Alkaloid toxins may cause digestive and neurological symptoms

Strawberry Clover
Crimson Clover Italian Clover

Scientific Name: Trifolium incarnatum
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • lighting a flame in the heart
  • rustic loveliness
  • bringing good luck

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual from the Fabaceae family native to southern Europe that blooms vivid deep red cylindrical flowers from April to June. Named 'Strawberry Candle' because the flower shape is cone-like strawberry and the color is red like a burning candle. Originally introduced to Japan as pasture grass in the Meiji period, but became beloved as ornamental for its beautiful flowers. Has nitrogen-fixing ability and helps soil improvement.

Trivia

  • Introduced as pasture grass in Meiji period, beautiful flowering types were selected
  • Named because flowers really look like strawberry candles
  • Maintains beautiful red color for long periods when dried
  • Has soil-enriching effect through nitrogen fixation typical of legumes

Uses

Ornamental
  • Spring flower bed planting
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Cough remedy in European folk medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Skin treatment

Caution: Consult professionals for medicinal use

Culinary
  • Flowers
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Important as pasture grass
  • Soil improvement (nitrogen fixation)
  • Green manure crop
  • Nectar source plant

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported, safe for consumption

Ixia
African Corn Lily Wand Flower

Scientific Name: Ixia hybrida
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Language

  • unity
  • proud
  • secret love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A bulbous plant from the Iridaceae family native to Cape region of South Africa that blooms star-shaped flowers in white, pink, yellow, blue, or multicolored spikes or panicles from April to May. Characterized by many flowers on wire-like supple thin stems. Flowers close at night but open wide when sun shines. Bulbs are small, about button-size, but produce beautiful flowers. Semi-hardy and can be cultivated in Japan with proper care.

Trivia

  • Flower language 'unity' derives from many flowers blooming on one stem
  • Also called 'sleeping flower' due to closing at night and opening in morning
  • Small button-sized bulbs can produce beautiful flowers
  • Over 50 native species grow wild in South Africa

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted as spring bulb plants
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Rock gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditional South African medicine for skin treatment
  • Joint pain relief

Caution: Consult professionals for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Bulb appreciation
  • Dried flowers
  • Flower arrangements

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Bulbs

Symptoms: Consuming bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Fringed Iris
Japanese Iris Butterfly Flower

Scientific Name: Iris japonica
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Language

  • rebellion
  • many friends
  • determination

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An evergreen perennial from the Iridaceae family native to eastern China to Myanmar that blooms whitish purple iris-like flowers from April to May. Despite the scientific name Iris japonica, it's actually native to China. Being evergreen, it maintains fresh leaf appearance even in winter and forms colonies in somewhat moist shaded areas near human habitations. All Shaga in Japan share identical genes as triploids, cannot produce seeds, and spread through rhizomes.

Trivia

  • Interesting case where scientific name is 'Iris japonica' but actually native to China
  • All Shaga in Japan are genetically identical, thought to have spread artificially
  • Being triploid, cannot produce seeds and all propagation is vegetative
  • Name possibly derives from Chinese name 'She Gan' for a similar plant

Uses

Ornamental
  • Shade garden planting
  • Ground cover
  • Appreciated as mountain wildflower
Medicinal
  • Fever reduction in Chinese folk medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Skin treatment

Caution: Consult professionals for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Ecosystem maintenance
  • Soil stabilization
  • Wildlife habitat

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported