May 25

Birth Flower

Love-in-a-mist
Nigella Devil-in-a-bush

Scientific Name: Nigella damascena
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • Bewilderment

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual herb of the Ranunculaceae family native to Southern Europe, also known as black cumin. What appear to be petals are actually sepals, with the true petals being vestigial. Beautiful blue, white, or pink flowers bloom surrounded by finely divided leaves, and the seeds are glossy black. However, caution is needed as the seeds contain alkaloids. Also popular as dried flowers.

Trivia

  • Alternative name 'black cumin' derives from black seeds
  • 'Love-in-a-mist' refers to flowers surrounded by foliage
  • Seeds found in Tutankhamun's tomb in ancient Egypt
  • Retains beautiful appearance for long periods when dried

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted in flower beds
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Popular as dried flowers
  • Used in natural gardens
Medicinal
  • Seeds traditionally used medicinally
  • Said to have anti-inflammatory properties

Caution: Caution needed as seeds contain alkaloids

Culinary
  • Seeds
Other
  • Dried flower arrangements
  • Used as craft materials
  • Seeds used for decorating crafts

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Leaves

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset or nervous system symptoms.

Japanese Wisteria
Wisteria

Scientific Name: Wisteria floribunda
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • Blissful moments
  • Blissful time

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A deciduous climbing woody plant of the Fabaceae family native to Japan, this flower has been beloved by the Japanese people since ancient times. From April to May, it produces beautiful purple or white flowers hanging in clusters, emitting an elegant sweet fragrance. In Japan, it's commonly trained on wisteria trellises, while in Europe and America it's often grown against walls or allowed to climb trees for a natural appearance. A flower deeply rooted in Japanese culture, frequently appearing in the Man'yōshū and Tale of Genji.

Trivia

  • Sung as 'fuji-nami' in Man'yōshū poetry
  • Became motif for Fujiwara clan family crest
  • World's longest wisteria trellis is at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi
  • Some varieties have flower clusters over 1 meter long

Uses

Ornamental
  • Enjoyed on wisteria trellises
  • Garden planting
  • Enjoyed as bonsai
  • Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Traditionally considered to have detoxifying properties

Caution: Should avoid medicinal use as seeds and bark contain toxic compounds

Culinary
  • Flowers
Other
  • Wood used for crafts
  • Bark used as dye
  • Nectar source for honey

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Bark, Roots

Symptoms: Ingestion of seeds or bark may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and other poisoning symptoms.