May 27

Birth Flower

Columbine
Aquilegia

Scientific Name: Aquilegia vulgaris
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • Bouncing heart

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the Ranunculaceae family widely distributed from Europe to North America. Characterized by spur-like projections at the back of flowers, resembling the odamaki (thread reel) used in spinning, hence the name. From May to June, it produces beautiful flowers in various colors including blue, purple, white, and pink, with distinctive shapes that attract popularity. Beloved as a mountain wildflower and also used in tea ceremony arrangements.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Aquilegia means 'eagle' in Latin
  • Named for flower spurs resembling eagle talons
  • Beloved as Colorado's state flower
  • Believed to have magical powers in medieval times

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted in wildflower gardens
  • Used in tea ceremony arrangements
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Ornamental use in rock gardens
Medicinal

Caution: Should avoid medicinal use as entire plant contains toxic compounds

Culinary

Not edible (toxic)

Other
  • Used as dried flowers
  • Seed pods used for decoration
  • Landscape plant for gardens

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Seeds, Roots

Symptoms: Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory difficulties and other poisoning symptoms.

Fleabane
Erigeron Daisy Fleabane

Scientific Name: Erigeron karvinskianus
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Watching from afar

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the Asteraceae family native to Central and South America, commonly seen in natural gardens as a perennial. It continuously produces charming flowers 1-2cm in diameter, much smaller than daisies, from spring to autumn for extended periods. Generally growing about 15cm tall, it's also used as ground cover. Flower color changes from white to pink, creating beautiful flowers with presence despite their small size. Hardy and easy to grow, readily self-seeding.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Erigeron means 'early old man' in Greek
  • Named for white fluffy seeds resembling old man's white hair
  • Readily self-seeds and spreads naturally
  • Characteristic color change from white to pink

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as ground cover
  • Planted in rock gardens
  • Hanging baskets
  • Used in natural gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used for wound treatment
  • Said to have anti-inflammatory properties

Caution: Medical effects not proven, medicinal use should be approached with caution

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Pressed flower material
  • Used as dried flowers
  • Butterfly attracting plant

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported