Baby's Breath
Gypsophila
Chalk Plant
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila paniculata
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
Purity
-
Gratitude
-
Happiness
Description
Baby's breath is a perennial herb in the Caryophyllaceae family native to Europe and Asia, named for its resemblance to spring mist. The English name 'baby's breath' means 'breath of a young girl' and is said to stabilize the mind and help with insomnia. From May to July, it branches stems finely and produces countless small white flowers 3-5mm in diameter at the tips. In cut flower arrangements, it's treasured as a supporting flower that enhances others, and is also popular as dried flowers.
Trivia
- Flower language 'purity' comes from countless small white flowers
- Saponins in roots were used for washing clothes in the past
- Retains shape and color when dried, enjoyable for long periods
- One of the most produced cut flowers worldwide
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flower accents
- Bouquet materials
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
- Said to have sedative effects in European folk medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Soap ingredient (saponins in roots)
- Educational material for flower arranging
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Roots
Symptoms:
Saponins in roots may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts, but normal ornamental use poses no problem
Flowering Dogwood
American Dogwood
Eastern Dogwood
Scientific Name:
Cornus florida
Family:
Cornaceae
Flower Language
-
Return Gift to You
-
Permanence
Description
Flowering dogwood is a deciduous tree in the Cornaceae family native to North America, known as the tree given from America to Tokyo in 1915 as a return gift for Washington's cherry trees. Around May, it produces beautiful white or pale pink flowers, signaling the transition from spring to early summer. What appears to be flowers are actually bracts, with the small central parts being the true flowers. In autumn, it offers beautiful bright red foliage and red fruits.
Trivia
- Cherry trees were given from Japan to Washington in 1912, with dogwoods given in return in 1915
- Flower language 'return gift to you' derives from this historical background
- State flower of Virginia and North Carolina
- Actual flowers are small yellow-green central parts, white parts are bracts
Uses
Ornamental
- Street trees
- Park trees
- Garden trees
Medicinal
- Bark used in Native American traditional medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Other
- Wood for timber use
- Food source for wild birds
- Urban greening
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Fruits (when eaten raw)
Symptoms:
Raw fruits may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but edible when processed
Catchfly
Silene
Campion
Scientific Name:
Silene pendula
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
Breath of Youth
-
Lingering Attachment
Description
Silene is an annual herb in the Caryophyllaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast, producing masses of charming small flowers from spring to early summer. Flower colors include pink, white, and purple, characterized by shallow notches at petal tips. At 15-30cm tall, it's compact and suitable for flower bed edging and mixed plantings. Stems and leaves have fine hairs and feel slightly sticky to touch.
Trivia
- Genus name Silene derives from Silenus in Greek mythology
- Stickiness of stems and leaves thought to trap small insects
- Flowers become more fragrant at night
- Seeds are very small and wind-dispersed
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed edging
- Mixed plantings
- Container gardens
Medicinal
- Used in Mediterranean folk medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Ground cover
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Japanese Dogwood
Swida
Cornel
Scientific Name:
Cornus controversa
Family:
Cornaceae
Description
Japanese dogwood is a deciduous tree in the Cornaceae family native to Japan, China, and Korea. From May to June, it produces numerous small white flowers in corymbs at branch tips. It has a beautiful tree form with characteristic horizontal branching. In autumn, it shows beautiful fall colors and produces dark purple fruits. The name derives from the copious water-like sap that flows when branches are cut in spring.
Trivia
- Named 'water tree' for the copious sap that flows when branches are cut in spring
- White, lightweight wood treasured for kokeshi dolls and lacquerware
- Flowers attract many insects, playing important ecological roles
- Characteristic horizontal branches are important elements in garden design
Uses
Ornamental
- Park trees
- Garden trees
- Street trees
Medicinal
- Bark used in folk medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Wood for crafts (kokeshi dolls, lacquerware)
- Food source for wild birds
- Nectar source
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Double Cherry
Double-flowered Cherry
Yaezakura
Scientific Name:
Prunus serrulata
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Rich Learning
-
Good Education
Description
Double cherry is a collective term for cherry varieties with numerous overlapping petals, unlike single cherries. They bloom from late April to early May, after Somei Yoshino petals have fallen. Representative varieties include Kwanzan, Fugenzo, and Ichiyo, with flower colors ranging from pink to deep red. Petal count is 10 or more, with some varieties exceeding 100 petals.
Trivia
- Double cherries have stamens and pistils transformed into petals, usually producing no seeds
- Kwanzan is one of the world's most famous double cherry varieties
- Blooming period 1-2 weeks later than Somei Yoshino allows longer cherry enjoyment
- Salt-preserved flowers used as cherry tea in weddings and celebrations
Uses
Ornamental
- Park appreciation
- Street trees
- Garden trees
Medicinal
- Bark and flowers used in folk medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Other
- Wood for timber use
- Natural dye
- Fragrance
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds, Bark
Symptoms:
Seeds contain cyanogenic compounds and large amounts should be avoided, but moderate consumption of flowers and leaves is fine