White clover
Clover
Shamrock
Scientific Name:
Trifolium repens
Family:
Fabaceae
Description
Named 'white clover' because it was used as packing material to fill gaps in imported goods from foreign countries. Originally from Europe, it was introduced to Japan during the Edo period. It took root and spread throughout Japan after being used as cushioning material in shipping cargo gaps, hence the Japanese name 'Shirotsumekusa' (white stuffing grass).
Trivia
- Genus name Trifolium means 'three leaves' in Latin
- The probability of finding a four-leaf clover is approximately 1 in 10,000
- Blooms from April to August in Japan, usually with 3 leaflets but rarely 4 or 5
- Important nectar source for honey production, with clover honey beloved worldwide
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as ground cover
- Lawn alternative
- Children's play like flower crown making
Medicinal
- Folk remedy for coughs and wound treatment
- Used as herbal tea
Caution:
May contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides, requiring caution
Other
- Important as pasture grass
- Used in beekeeping as nectar source
- Nitrogen fixation in soil
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
All parts (small amounts)
Symptoms:
Mild poisoning symptoms from cyanogenic glycosides possible but usually not problematic
Garden phlox
Summer phlox
Perennial phlox
Scientific Name:
Phlox paniculata
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Description
Small pink and white flowers bloom in spikes, beautifying summer gardens. While well-suited to Japanese-style gardens, they also look very elegant when planted together in English gardens. This Polemoniaceae perennial grows 50-120cm tall and is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant. The best planting time for seedlings is March to April.
Trivia
- Japanese name 'Kusakyochikutou' (grass oleander) comes from resemblance to oleander flowers
- Called by current name since Meiji period, known as 'Oiran-sou' from Taisho to post-war era
- Blooms June to September in Japan, preferring sunny, well-ventilated locations
- Shallow-rooted, requiring only 20cm soil depth even in light soils
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Use as cut flowers
- Cottage garden accent
Medicinal
- No notable medicinal uses recorded
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended
Other
- Fragrant varieties sometimes used for fragrance
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Hydrangea
Japanese hydrangea
Scientific Name:
Hydrangea macrophylla
Family:
Hydrangeaceae
Description
Native to Japan, with the original species being the lacecap hydrangea (Gakuajisai) found wild in Japan. Mainly propagated by cuttings during the rainy season and widely cultivated for ornamental purposes in Japan, Europe, and America, with many varieties developed. The scientific name 'Hydrangea' comes from Greek 'hydro' (water) and 'angeion' (vessel), referring to the water-jar-like shape of the plant's fruit.
Trivia
- Flower color changes based on soil pH: blue in acidic soil, red/pink in alkaline soil
- Japanese flower language includes 'fickleness', 'coldness', 'perseverance', 'cruelty', 'heartlessness', and 'arrogance'
- Blooms June-July, beloved as representative flower of rainy season
- Western flower language includes 'heartlessness' and 'boastfulness'
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Use as cut flowers
- Potted plant cultivation
Medicinal
- Traditionally used medicinally but not currently recommended
Caution:
Poisonous plant requiring careful handling when used for gardening or cut flowers
Other
- Research material for flower color changes
- Indicator plant for soil pH
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Leaves, Flowers
Symptoms:
Ingestion causes nausea, dizziness, and facial flushing