June 10

Birth Flower

Lavender
English Lavender Common Lavender True Lavender

Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • Suspicion
  • Serenity
  • Silence
  • Cleanliness
  • Expectation

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Lavender is a perennial herb from the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. Called the queen of herbs, it has been cherished since ancient times for its fragrance and medicinal properties. The lavender fields of Furano, Hokkaido have become a representative tourist destination in Japan. From May to July, it produces small purple flowers in spike-like clusters, with the entire plant being aromatic. It has sedative, antibacterial, and insect-repelling effects, and is widely used in herbal teas, aromatherapy, bath additives, and potpourri.

Trivia

  • The scientific name 'Lavandula' derives from Latin 'lavare' meaning 'to wash'
  • Used in mummification in ancient Egypt
  • Napoleon was fond of lavender perfume
  • Best viewing season in Hokkaido is from late June to early August

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cultivation as ornamental garden plant
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Preservation as dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Relaxation through sedative effects
  • Improvement of insomnia
  • Relief of nervous gastritis
  • Antibacterial and insect-repelling effects

Caution: Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution needed for those with allergies.

Culinary
  • Flowers
  • Leaves
Other
  • Raw material for perfumes and cosmetics
  • Aroma oil production
  • Use as bath additive
  • Potpourri material

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Essential oil components

Symptoms: Large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort

Ranunculus
Buttercup Persian Buttercup Crowfoot

Scientific Name: Ranunculus asiaticus
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • Radiant charm
  • Very attractive
  • Shining brilliantly
  • You are full of charm

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Ranunculus is a bulbous plant from the Ranunculaceae family, native to Western Asia and southeastern Europe. The beautiful spring flowers are gorgeous, resembling layers of thin paper. Currently distributed cut flower varieties have 100 to over 200 petals per bloom. Flower colors are diverse including red, pink, orange, white, and yellow, opening and closing in response to light and temperature. The delicate petals are sensitive to rain, so pot cultivation is recommended.

Trivia

  • The name 'Ranunculus' means 'little frog' in Latin
  • Current garden varieties were introduced to Europe from Turkey in the 18th century
  • One bulb produces multiple flowers
  • Bulbs are sold completely dried and require water absorption treatment before planting

Uses

Ornamental
  • Use as cut flowers in bouquets
  • Spring garden bed coloring
  • Indoor decoration as potted plants
Medicinal
  • Historical use as external medicine in folk remedies

Caution: Not currently used medicinally. Internal use is dangerous due to toxic compounds.

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Material for flower arrangements
  • Bridal bouquet decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially bulbs

Symptoms: May cause dermatitis, oral irritation, and gastrointestinal discomfort

Acanthus
Bear's Breeches Sea Holly Oyster Plant

Scientific Name: Acanthus mollis
Family: Acanthaceae

Flower Language

  • Fine arts
  • Architecture
  • Artistry
  • Immortality

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Acanthus is a large perennial from the Acanthaceae family, native to the Mediterranean coast. It grows to about 1.5m in both height and spread, producing beautiful flowers with purple bracts and white petals from June to August. Its most distinctive feature is the beautifully lobed leaves, which have been revered as sacred plants since ancient Greece and used as motifs for Corinthian column capital decorations. Even today, 'acanthus patterns' are used in architecture, wallpaper, carpets, and furniture.

Trivia

  • Became the prototype for Corinthian column capital decoration
  • Acanthus leaves are depicted on Greek 1 euro coins
  • Used in William Morris wallpaper designs
  • Drought-resistant and ideal for Mediterranean climates

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cultivation as decorative garden plant
  • Architectural decoration motif
  • Use as cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Used for wound treatment in ancient times
  • Anti-inflammatory effects in folk medicine

Caution: Medicinal use not currently recommended

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Decorative art motif
  • Prototype for architectural decoration
  • Historical use as dye

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: May cause skin irritation

Canterbury Bells
Spotted Bellflower Japanese Bellflower

Scientific Name: Campanula punctata
Family: Campanulaceae

Flower Language

  • Justice
  • Faithfulness
  • Loveliness
  • Chastity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Canterbury Bells is a perennial from the Campanulaceae family, widely distributed in East Asia including Japan, the Korean Peninsula, China, and Siberia. From late May to July, coinciding with firefly season, it produces beautiful bell-shaped flowers. Flowers range from white to light purple with purple spots inside. It grows wild in mountains and fields, is very hardy and easy to grow, blooming even in partial shade, making it useful in shade gardens. Young shoots and flowers are edible.

Trivia

  • Named after children playing by putting fireflies inside the flowers
  • Also called Chochin-bana (lantern flower)
  • Varieties differ slightly between Kanto and Kansai regions
  • Flowers close at night to sleep

Uses

Ornamental
  • Adding color to shade gardens
  • Planting as wildflower in gardens
  • Use as cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Traditional cough remedy
  • Fever reduction

Caution: Medical effects not scientifically confirmed

Culinary
  • Young shoots
  • Young leaves
  • Flowers
Other
  • Nature observation subject
  • Wild plant cooking ingredient

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Sweet William
Bearded Pink Bunch Pink

Scientific Name: Dianthus barbatus
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • Chivalry
  • Gallantry
  • Pure love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Sweet William is an annual or biennial from the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Europe. Small flowers bloom in dense, hemispherical clusters in various colors including red, pink, and white. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are beloved in Britain as 'Sweet William.' Blooming from spring to early summer, they are also popular as cut flowers. Cold-hardy and easy to grow, they are often used for garden edging and foreground plantings in flower beds.

Trivia

  • The scientific name 'barbatus' means 'bearded'
  • In Britain, it blooms around Saint William's Day (June 25)
  • Appears in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'
  • Unusually forms dense flower clusters for the Carnation family

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower bed edging
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Container gardening
Medicinal
  • Historical use as external medicine in folk remedies

Caution: Not currently used medicinally

Culinary
  • Petals
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Pressed flower material

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic