Moss Phlox
Mountain Phlox
Moss Pink
Creeping Phlox
Scientific Name:
Phlox subulata
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Description
Moss phlox is a perennial herb in the Polemoniaceae family native to North America, with a creeping habit that spreads along the ground. From April to May, it blooms profusely for about a month with small five-petaled flowers that resemble cherry blossoms. It adapts well to Japan's climate and has become a beloved spring attraction with beautiful viewing spots throughout the country.
Trivia
- Japan's largest moss phlox site is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama, with about 175,000 plants
- The flower language 'agreement' comes from the way many flowers bloom together
- The alternative name Hana-tsumekusa refers to the nail-like small size of the flowers
- In America, it's cherished as one of the Mother's Day symbol flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Ground cover in gardens
- Rock garden decoration
- Slope beautification and erosion control
Medicinal
- Limited traditional medicinal use recorded
Caution:
No significant medicinal effects requiring caution reported
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Nectar source attracting butterflies and bees
- Soil erosion prevention
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Chinese Peony
Common Garden Peony
Herbaceous Peony
Scientific Name:
Paeonia lactiflora
Family:
Paeoniaceae
Description
Chinese peony is a perennial herb in the Paeoniaceae family native to China, long cherished as a symbol of feminine beauty. It blooms around May with large, gorgeous flowers. The flowers open magnificently during the day and close in the evening, which is the origin of the flower language 'bashfulness'. It's also important as a medicinal plant, with roots used as herbal medicine.
Trivia
- Introduced to Japan during the Nara period, initially cultivated as medicinal herbs
- The flower language 'bashfulness' arose from stems bending under the weight of heavy blooms
- About 30 wild species exist worldwide with thousands of cultivated varieties
- In China, sometimes used in 'flower fortune-telling' called 'Huaxiang'
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden ornamental
- Potted plants
Medicinal
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects
- Muscle tension relief
- Hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Should be used appropriately under medical guidance
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Cosmetic component
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Roots
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset, but normal ornamental use poses no problem
Sweet William Catchfly
Catchfly
None-so-pretty
Scientific Name:
Silene armeria
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
Lingering Attachment
-
Sorrow
-
Trap
Description
Sweet William catchfly is a biennial herb in the Caryophyllaceae family native to Europe. It has sticky zones below the upper leaves that trap small insects, giving it its name. However, it's not a carnivorous plant - the sticky areas are thought to prevent ants from stealing nectar. It produces numerous red five-petaled flowers from May to June.
Trivia
- Though not carnivorous, it doesn't digest or absorb trapped insects
- The brown sticky parts are thought to be ant defense to protect flowers
- Brought to Japan during the Edo period along with many garden plants
- Now a common naturalized plant seen throughout Japan
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed decoration
- Cut flowers
- Wild garden appreciation
Medicinal
- Limited traditional medicinal use recorded
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Educational use for insect observation
- Nature study material
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Fuchsia
Lady's Eardrop
Fuchsia
Scientific Name:
Fuchsia × hybrida
Family:
Onagraceae
Flower Language
-
Modest Love
-
Believing Love
-
Refined Taste
Description
Fuchsia is a shrub in the Onagraceae family native to South America, commonly cultivated in pots for its beautiful flowers. Called 'lady's earrings' for its elegant downward-facing blooms, the petal-like parts are actually sepals, with the central plump part being the actual flower. It prefers cool, humid environments and comes in varieties from single to double blooms.
Trivia
- Named after German botanist Leonhart Fuchs
- Became hugely popular in Victorian Britain
- About 3,000 horticultural varieties currently exist
- Flower shape evolved through co-evolution with hummingbirds
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Hanging baskets
- Greenhouse displays
Medicinal
- Some species used in folk medicine but not common
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Other
- Hummingbird nectar source
- Research material for horticultural breeding
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic