Garden Phlox
Summer Phlox
Fall Phlox
Scientific Name:
Phlox paniculata
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Flower Language
-
Gentleness
-
Agreement
-
Harmony
Description
Phlox paniculata is a perennial herb in the Polemoniaceae family native to North America, also known as Garden Phlox or Summer Phlox. It blooms for an extended period from June to September, producing beautiful pyramid-shaped flower clusters at the tips of upright stems. It's popular as a hardy garden plant that can withstand summer heat and is easy to grow.
Trivia
- The name comes from the Greek word 'phlogos' meaning flame
- Was extremely popular in Victorian Britain
- About 70 species and thousands of cultivars exist worldwide
- The fragrance becomes stronger at night
Uses
Ornamental
- Mass planting in flower beds
- Cut flowers
- Mixed border gardens
Medicinal
- Traditional medicinal use by Native Americans, but not common today
Caution:
Modern medicinal use not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Strong fragrance used in perfume production
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Floss Flower
Ageratum
Bluemink
Pussy Foot
Scientific Name:
Ageratum houstonianum
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Ageratum is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family native to Mexico and Central America, known in Japanese as Kakkou-azami. It produces numerous small, fluffy-textured flowers in blue, purple, or white, characterized by a long blooming period and fade-resistant colors. The compact plants bloom densely from early summer until frost, making them popular with beginning gardeners due to their hardiness and pest resistance.
Trivia
- Name derives from Greek meaning 'does not fade'
- Popular as a garden plant since introduction to Europe in the 19th century
- Called 'Pussy foot' in English due to flower shape resembling kitten paws
- Seeds have dandelion-like pappus and are wind-dispersed
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed edging
- Mixed plantings
- Container gardens
Medicinal
- Used in Central American folk medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Can be used as dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Dandelion
Common Dandelion
Blowball
Scientific Name:
Taraxacum officinale
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Dandelion is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family widely distributed around the world, producing yellow flowers in spring followed by white fluffy seed heads. With deep roots and resistance to trampling, it can be found everywhere from roadsides to lawns. Japan has both native and introduced species, and it has been used as food and medicine as a familiar wild plant.
Trivia
- Used as a timepiece in the past due to precise flower closing times
- The custom of blowing seeds for divination is worldwide
- Roots can extend more than 2 meters deep underground
- What appears to be one flower is actually a collection of many small flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Wild flower gardens
- Natural landscape design
Medicinal
- Diuretic effects
- Digestive aid
- Liver function improvement
Caution:
Avoid during pregnancy or when taking certain medications
Culinary
- Young leaves
- Flowers
- Roots
Other
- Important nectar source
- Soil improvement effects
- Coffee substitute
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Safe for consumption, but caution for those with latex allergies
Lily of the Valley
May Bells
Our Lady's Tears
Scientific Name:
Convallaria majalis
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
-
Happiness
-
Purity
-
Chastity
Description
Lily of the Valley is a perennial herb in the Asparagaceae family native to cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere, producing white bell-like flowers that hang downward. Blooming from April to May, it's beloved for its elegant and pure flower appearance, but the entire plant is highly toxic. The component convallatoxin is about 15 times more toxic than potassium cyanide, and even drinking water in which the flowers have been arranged can cause poisoning.
Trivia
- French tradition holds that giving lily of the valley on May 1st brings happiness
- A case in Germany involved a 3-year-old girl who died from drinking vase water
- Lethal dose of convallatoxin is 0.3mg per kg of body weight
- Dior's 'Muguet' perfume recreates the lily of the valley scent
Uses
Ornamental
- Shade garden appreciation
- Cut flowers (with caution)
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Historically used for heart conditions but now considered too dangerous
Caution:
Medicinal use should be absolutely avoided today
Other
- Used in perfume production
- Traditional wedding bouquet material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially roots and seeds, Water used for flower arrangements
Symptoms:
Vomiting, headache, dizziness, heart failure, low blood pressure, cardiac arrest. Can be fatal in severe cases