June 18

Birth Flower

White Egret Flower
Fringed Orchid Sagiso Sagi-ran

Scientific Name: Pecteilis radiata (Thunb.) Raf.
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • daydreaming
  • innocence
  • purity
  • delicacy
  • mysterious love

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

Sagiso is a terrestrial orchid endemic to Japan, named for its pure white flowers that resemble a white egret in flight. It naturally grows in sunny wetlands and forms bean-sized bulbs underground. From July to September, it produces 1-5 white flowers about 3cm in diameter, with deeply fringed lateral lobes on the lip. Currently designated as a near-threatened species, environmental conservation is crucial for this plant.

Trivia

  • Designated as the official flower of Setagaya Ward in Tokyo
  • Has been cultivated as a garden plant since the Edo period
  • Has a unique reproduction method using runners to create next year's bulbs
  • Called 'flower of patience' as it takes several years to bloom

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plant cultivation
  • Ground planting in wildflower gardens
  • Cut flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Traditional folk medicine using bulbs
  • Believed to have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties

Caution: Collection of wild specimens is prohibited, and medicinal use is not recommended.

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption.

Other
  • Educational material for nature conservation
  • Symbol of biodiversity conservation

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic.

Godetia
Farewell to Spring Clarkia

Scientific Name: Clarkia amoena (Lehm.) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.
Family: Onagraceae

Flower Language

  • unchanging passionate love
  • unchanging love
  • quiet joy

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Godetia is an annual flower from western North America in the evening primrose family, characterized by satin-like glossy, papery petals. In May, it produces abundant 4-petaled flowers 3-5cm in diameter in colors of red, crimson, pink, white, and salmon pink. The plant branches well and grows compactly to 50-80cm tall. Despite its showiness, it has a transparent quality that gives an elegant impression and is popular as a cut flower.

Trivia

  • Species name 'amoena' means 'beautiful' in Latin
  • Has a taproot and dislikes transplanting, usually grown from seed
  • Petal shine comes from waxy components creating unique texture
  • Was a candidate for California state flower as a spring symbol

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden bed planting
  • Container cultivation
  • Cut flower arrangements
Medicinal

Caution: No recorded medicinal uses.

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption.

Other
  • Dried flower crafts
  • Floral arrangements

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic.

Smoke Tree
Smoke Bush European Smoketree

Scientific Name: Cotinus coggygria Scop.
Family: Anacardiaceae

Flower Language

  • wisdom
  • fleeting youth
  • lively family
  • mystifying

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Smoke Tree is a deciduous tree from the sumac family native to China through Europe, named for its smoke-like feathery flower plumes. After small yellow flowers bloom in early summer, the sterile flower stalks of female trees elongate to create a feathery texture, appearing like drifting smoke. These stalks can reach over 20cm long, creating unique beauty. The tree grows 3-5m tall and displays beautiful autumn colors. It's popular as an ornamental tree and used for cut flowers and dried arrangements.

Trivia

  • Only female trees produce the characteristic smoke-like plumes
  • Plume colors vary by cultivar including red-purple, pink, and white
  • English name 'Smoke Bush' comes from its smoky appearance
  • Beautiful autumn foliage makes it enjoyable throughout seasons

Uses

Ornamental
  • Ornamental garden tree
  • Cut flower arrangements
  • Dried flower crafts
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used in Europe for skin conditions
  • Astringent properties from tannin content

Caution: Being in the sumac family, pruning may cause skin irritation. Gloves are required.

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption.

Other
  • Wood used for yellow dye
  • Tannin content used in leather tanning

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: sap, leaves

Symptoms: Contact with skin may cause rashes or inflammation.