May 30

Birth Flower

Scabiosa
Pincushion Flower Sweet Scabious

Scientific Name: Scabiosa atropurpurea
Family: Caprifoliaceae

Flower Language

  • Determination

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual herb of the Caprifoliaceae family native to Southern Europe, producing beautiful flowers in purple, blue, pink, and white from June to October. The flowers are shaped like pincushions, hence the English name 'Pincushion Flower'. Different from the native Japanese Scabiosa, this genus typically refers to foreign species like annual Sweet Scabious or perennial Caucasian Scabious. Popular as cut flowers, characterized by good longevity.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Scabiosa means 'itch' in Latin
  • Derives from ancient use in treating skin diseases
  • Called 'Pincushion Flower' for its pin-cushion-like shape
  • Retains beautiful color when dried

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted in flower beds
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Popular as dried flowers
  • Used in natural gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used for treating skin conditions
  • Sometimes used as herbal tea

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

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Dried flower arrangements
  • Butterfly attracting plant
  • Pressed flower material

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Oriental Poppy
Papaver orientale

Scientific Name: Papaver orientale
Family: Papaveraceae

Flower Language

  • Delusion

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the Papaveraceae family native to Western Asia, producing beautiful large flowers in vermillion, pink, white and other colors from May to June. When flowers open, dark patterns appear at the base of petals, creating beautiful color combinations that stand out remarkably in early summer flower beds. Growing 60-100cm tall with characteristically hairy leaves. Contains no narcotic compounds, making it safe for ornamental cultivation. Though individual flowers last only one day, continuous blooming provides long-term enjoyment.

Trivia

  • Individual flowers last only one day but bloom successively
  • Seed pods popular for decoration
  • Famous for blooming on WWI battlefields
  • Poppy family but ornamental varieties contain no narcotics

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted in flower beds
  • Border gardens
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Dried seed pods
Medicinal

Caution: Ornamental varieties not used medicinally

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Seed pods popular as dried flowers
  • Landscape plant for gardens
  • Nectar source for honey

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: Ornamental varieties generally safe, but avoid large amounts.