June 11

Birth Flower

Lacecap Hydrangea
Mountain Hydrangea Japanese Hydrangea

Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla f. normalis
Family: Hydrangeaceae

Flower Language

  • Honesty
  • Modesty

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Lacecap Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub from the Hydrangeaceae family native to Japan, growing wild in coastal areas of the Izu Peninsula, Boso Peninsula, Aichi, Wakayama, and Kochi. Named for its decorative flowers that open only around the periphery, resembling a picture frame. The contrast between the small bisexual flowers in the center and the decorative flowers around the edge is beautiful, with flower colors changing according to soil pH. It is the original species of common hydrangea (Hortensias), with garden varieties having more vivid colors or double decorative flowers.

Trivia

  • Blooms blue in acidic soil, red in alkaline soil
  • Also called 'Hama-ajisai' (Beach Hydrangea)
  • Taken overseas by Westerners and bred into new varieties
  • Decorative 'petals' are actually sepals, not true petals

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cultivation as decorative garden plant
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Indoor decoration as potted plants
Medicinal
  • Diuretic effects in folk medicine
  • Historical use of leaves as external medicine

Caution: Hydrangeas contain toxins, avoid internal use

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Use as dried flowers
  • Historical use as pH indicator

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Flowers, Stems

Symptoms: May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness

Lilac
Common Lilac Purple Lilac

Scientific Name: Syringa vulgaris
Family: Oleaceae

Flower Language

  • Emotion of first love
  • Memories
  • Fragrance of first love
  • Innocence
  • Modesty
  • Memories of youth

Characteristics

Colors: White

Description

Lilac is a deciduous small tree from the Oleaceae family, native to southeastern Europe. From April to May, it produces beautiful, sweetly fragrant flowers in clusters. Flower colors vary including purple, pink, and white, with double-flowered varieties available. The best fragrance occurs when flowers are 70-80% open. Highly cold-resistant and preferring cool climates, it blooms particularly beautifully in Hokkaido and highland areas of Honshu. Designated as Sapporo's city tree, it is cherished as a symbol of spring.

Trivia

  • While 4 petals are normal, 5-petaled flowers are called 'Lucky Lilac'
  • Sapporo Lilac Festival is held annually in May
  • Called 'Lilas' in French, which gave rise to the color name 'lilac'
  • Fragrance weakens as temperature rises

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cultivation as decorative garden tree
  • Use as cut flowers
  • Planting as street trees
Medicinal
  • Fever reduction in folk medicine
  • Flower essence used in aromatherapy

Caution: Medical effects not scientifically confirmed

Culinary
  • Flowers
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Essential oil production

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Bark

Symptoms: Large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort