May 23

Birth Flower

Thyme
Common Thyme Garden Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • Energetic

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An evergreen subshrub of the Lamiaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast and Europe, this representative herb has been cultivated since ancient times. Growing 15-30cm tall, it produces beautiful small white or pink flowers from spring to summer. With strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it was used as a preservative for mummies in ancient Egypt. Today it continues to be beloved worldwide as both a culinary spice and medicinal herb.

Trivia

  • Approximately 350 varieties exist
  • Used as preservative for mummies in ancient Egypt
  • Worn by knights in medieval times as herb of courage
  • Etymology traced to Greek 'Thuo' meaning disinfection

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cultivation in herb gardens
  • Used as ground cover
  • Ornamental use in rock gardens
  • Potted plant cultivation
Medicinal
  • Strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties
  • Relief of respiratory symptoms
  • Acne care
  • Stress reduction effects
  • Antiseptic properties

Caution: Avoid large amounts during pregnancy, caution needed for those with sensitive skin

Culinary
  • Leaves
  • Flowers
Other
  • Essential oil extraction
  • Raw material for soaps and cosmetics
  • Natural insect repellent
  • Used as dried herb

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation.

German Iris
Bearded Iris Flag Iris

Scientific Name: Iris germanica
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Language

  • Abundance
  • Burning passion

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial of the Iridaceae family native to the Mediterranean region, also called 'rainbow flower' for its abundant color variations. Also known as 'bearded iris' due to the hair-like bristles at the base of the petals. Blooming from May to June, it colors gardens with such diverse hues that it seems no color is missing. Though naturally hardy, it is sensitive to high heat and humidity, making cool highland areas most suitable for cultivation in Japan.

Trivia

  • Called 'rainbow flower' or 'rainbow flower'
  • Model for French royal symbol 'fleur-de-lis'
  • Distinctive beard at petal base, also called 'bearded iris'
  • Thousands of varieties cultivated worldwide

Uses

Ornamental
  • Ornamental use in flower beds and gardens
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Potted plant cultivation
  • Planting in border gardens
Medicinal
  • Rhizomes traditionally used medicinally
  • Used as fragrance

Caution: Currently used primarily for ornamental purposes rather than medicinal

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Raw material for perfumes
  • Used as dried flowers
  • Symbolic uses

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Rhizomes, Leaves

Symptoms: Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation.