Hydrangea
Japanese Hydrangea
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Scientific Name:
Hydrangea macrophylla
Family:
Hydrangeaceae
Description
Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan that produces beautiful white, blue, purple, and pink flowers from June to July during the rainy season. It has the unique characteristic of changing flower color based on soil pH - acidic soil produces blue flowers while alkaline soil produces red flowers. Introduced to Europe during the Edo period, the improved Western hydrangea varieties are now widely cultivated. It is beloved as a representative flower of Japan's rainy season.
Trivia
- Flower color changes due to soil pH are caused by differences in aluminum ion absorption
- Western hydrangeas re-imported from Europe are more common in Japan
- The name 'ajisai' is said to derive from 'azusaai' meaning 'gathering true blue'
- The hydrangeas at Kamakura's Meigetsu-in are famous as 'Meigetsu-in Blue'
Uses
Ornamental
- Main ornamental plant in gardens
- Cut flowers for indoor decoration
- Hedge and boundary planting
- Potted plant enjoyment
Medicinal
- In traditional Chinese medicine, roots and leaves were used for fever reduction and diuresis
- In folk medicine, sometimes used for kidney disease treatment
Caution:
Currently treated as a toxic plant, medical use is dangerous
Culinary
Not edible. Contains toxic components, consumption is dangerous
Other
- Use as dried flowers
- Material for pressed flower crafts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Buds, Roots
Symptoms:
Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, facial flushing, and breathing difficulties. A poisoning incident occurred in 2008 from leaves used as food decoration
Spiderwort
Common Spiderwort
Bluejacket
Scientific Name:
Tradescantia ohiensis
Family:
Commelinaceae
Flower Language
-
I respect you
-
Momentary happiness
Description
Spiderwort is a perennial herb native to eastern North America that produces beautiful blue-purple three-petaled flowers from June to September. The flowers are day-bloomers that open in the morning and close in the evening, with new flowers blooming continuously every day. Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period as an ornamental plant, it is now widely cultivated in gardens and flower beds. It is hardy with good cold tolerance and easy to grow, creating beautiful natural colonies.
Trivia
- The transparent cell hairs are often used for observing cell division in biology classes
- Flower opening and closing is sensitive to temperature and light - flowers may not open on cloudy days
- The name 'spiderwort' refers to the spider-like appearance of the leaves and stems
- Has been used as research material for cell division studies in NASA space experiments
Uses
Ornamental
- As groundcover in gardens
- Mass planting in naturalistic flower beds
- Ground cover plant in shaded areas
- Cut flowers (for short-term viewing)
Medicinal
- Used in Native American traditional medicine for treating insect bites
- Used as poultices for external injuries in folk medicine
Caution:
Medicinal effects are not confirmed in modern medicine, and may cause skin irritation, so caution is needed
Other
- Used as biological experimental material for observing cell division
- Blue-purple pigment can be extracted for use as dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Stems, Leaves
Symptoms:
May cause skin irritation, and sensitive individuals may experience mild dermatitis
Japanese Dogwood
Kousa Dogwood
Chinese Dogwood
Scientific Name:
Cornus kousa
Family:
Cornaceae
Description
Japanese Dogwood is a deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and China that produces small flowers surrounded by white bracts from June to July. The four bracts appear like white petals, making it beloved as a beautiful white flowering tree. It produces red fruits in autumn and has beautiful fall foliage, making it a tree with high ornamental value throughout the seasons. The name derives from likening the white bracts to a mountain monk wearing a hood.
Trivia
- The white parts that look like flowers are actually bracts - the true flowers are the small yellow-green parts in the center
- Popular as 'Kousa Dogwood' in American gardens
- Fruits have a mango-like texture and are sometimes called 'mountain peach'
- Disease-resistant and gaining attention as an alternative to flowering dogwood
Uses
Ornamental
- Symbol tree in parks and gardens
- As street trees
- Hedge and boundary planting
- Bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
- In folk medicine, bark was used for fever reduction and pain relief
- Fruits were believed to have tonic effects
Caution:
Medicinal effects are not confirmed in modern medicine, medical use is not recommended
Other
- Hard wood used for tool handles and craft materials
- Bark used as natural dye
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported, fruits are edible
Honeysuckle
Japanese Honeysuckle
Gold and Silver Flower
Scientific Name:
Lonicera japonica
Family:
Caprifoliaceae
Flower Language
-
Devoted love
-
Bonds of love
Description
Honeysuckle is a semi-evergreen climbing shrub native to East Asia that produces white flowers from May to July, which change to yellow over time. This color change has earned it the name 'gold and silver flower.' It has a strong sweet fragrance that becomes more intense at night. As a climber, it grows by twining around other plants and is used for greening fences and walls. It has been beloved in Japan since ancient times and has also been used as a medicinal plant.
Trivia
- The name 'honeysuckle' comes from children sucking the sweet nectar from flowers
- Stronger fragrance at night helps attract nocturnal insects
- Referenced in the ancient Japanese poetry collection Man'yōshū as 'nihoigusa'
- So prolific that cultivation is banned in some US states
Uses
Ornamental
- Greening fences and walls
- Decorating pergolas and arches
- As ground cover
- Fragrant garden plant
Medicinal
- Used as Chinese medicine 'Jin Yin Hua' for fever reduction and anti-inflammation
- Folk medicine for treating colds and sore throats
- Believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties
Caution:
Medical use should be undertaken under professional guidance
Other
- Fragrance ingredient for perfumes and cosmetics
- Vines woven into baskets and crafts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Berries, Leaves (when consumed in large quantities)
Symptoms:
Large consumption of berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but flowers are generally safe
Carnation
Clove Pink
Divine Flower
Scientific Name:
Dianthus caryophyllus
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
Love for mother
-
Pure love
-
Gratitude
Description
Carnation is a perennial herb from the Caryophyllaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast, characterized by its sweet clove-like fragrance and beautiful frilled petals. It blooms from May to June and is beloved worldwide especially as the Mother's Day flower. Many varieties have now been developed, and it is very popular as a cut flower due to its rich colors and good keeping quality.
Trivia
- Became established as the Mother's Day flower when Anna Jarvis gave carnations on Mother's Day in America
- The scientific name 'Dianthus' comes from Greek meaning 'flower of the gods'
- Colombia produces about 2 billion carnations annually
- Has been the state flower of Ohio since 1904
Uses
Ornamental
- One of the most popular cut flowers
- Bouquets and arrangements
- Boutonnieres and corsages
- Garden ornamental use
Medicinal
- Used for nervous system sedation in European folk medicine
- Relaxing effects through fragrance
Caution:
Medicinal effects are not confirmed in modern medicine, medical use is not recommended
Other
- Fragrance ingredient for perfumes and cosmetics
- Essential oil extraction
- Use as dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Stems, Leaves
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but petals are generally safe