June 26

Birth Flower

Red Clover
Purple Clover Cow Clover Meadow Clover

Scientific Name: Trifolium pratense
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • Industry
  • Honesty
  • Cheerfulness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial legume native to Europe, also known as Purple Clover. Larger than white clover, it produces dense clusters of pinkish small flowers at its tips. The flower shape resembles strawberry fruit or candle flames, hence the alternative name 'Strawberry Candle'. Used medicinally since ancient Roman times about 5000 years ago, it continues to be enjoyed as herbal tea today.

Trivia

  • Related to white clover famous for four-leaf clovers
  • Important nectar source for honeybees
  • Has been used as medicinal herb since ancient Roman times
  • Symbol of patriotism in Denmark

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Creates natural landscapes as wildflower
  • Used as ground cover
Medicinal
  • Improves menopausal symptoms
  • Used as cough suppressant and anti-inflammatory
  • Hormone balance regulation through estrogen-like effects

Caution: Consult a physician before use during pregnancy or nursing. Caution needed for those on hormone therapy due to isoflavone content.

Culinary
  • Flowers
  • Leaves
Other
  • Livestock fodder
  • Soil improvement (nitrogen fixation)
  • Honey nectar source

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Gazania
Treasure Flower African Daisy

Scientific Name: Gazania rigens
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Purity
  • I am proud of you
  • Brilliant

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial from South Africa in the Asteraceae family that produces brilliant medal-like flowers from spring to autumn. Despite being only about 7cm tall, the flowers bloom to about 8cm in early to mid-summer, creating a striking impression. Flower colors include brownish-yellow, orange, white, and others, with distinctive patterns on the petals. The flowers open when exposed to sunlight and close in the evening, at night, or on cloudy days.

Trivia

  • Called 'sun flower' because flowers open and close in response to sunlight
  • Highly drought-tolerant but dislikes humidity
  • Requires special care during the rainy season
  • About 40 species of Gazania grow wild in South Africa

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower bed planting
  • Container gardening
  • Ground cover use
Medicinal

Caution:

Culinary

Other
  • Nectar source for butterflies and bees

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Foxglove
Common Foxglove Purple Foxglove Lady's Glove

Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea
Family: Plantaginaceae

Flower Language

  • Insincerity
  • Frivolity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A biennial plant native to Europe in the Plantaginaceae family. The scientific name Digitalis comes from Latin meaning 'finger', referring to the thimble-like shape of the flowers. The Japanese name 'fox's glove' is a direct translation of the English name 'Foxglove'. The entire plant contains toxic cardiac glycosides and has been used to treat heart conditions since ancient times, but it is extremely dangerous for amateur use.

Trivia

  • Source of modern cardiac medication digitalis
  • Once called 'dead man's bells' in Britain
  • Children used to play by putting fingers in the flowers, now discouraged due to toxicity
  • Featured on the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's' album cover

Uses

Ornamental
  • Ornamental garden planting
  • Cut flower use
  • Staple plant in English gardens
Medicinal
  • Used in medical settings for heart failure treatment
  • Digitalis preparations for cardiac disease treatment

Caution: Entire plant is highly toxic. Never use as amateur medicine. Only available through medical prescription.

Culinary

Other
  • Raw material for pharmaceutical manufacturing

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially leaves and seeds

Symptoms: Cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, visual disturbances, potentially fatal cardiac arrest in severe cases.

White Lilac
Common Lilac French Lilac Purple Lilac

Scientific Name: Syringa vulgaris
Family: Oleaceae

Flower Language

  • Joy of youth
  • Innocence
  • Memory

Characteristics

Colors: White

Description

A deciduous shrub native to southeastern Europe in the Oleaceae family, blooming from mid-April to early May with numerous fragrant flowers in panicles. White lilac is considered a symbol of youth in France. It has heart-shaped leaves and a wonderful fragrance used in perfume making. Highly cold-resistant and known as the city flower of Sapporo.

Trivia

  • Finding a 'lucky lilac' with 5-petaled flowers is said to bring good fortune
  • Sapporo holds an annual 'Lilac Festival'
  • The scientific name Syringa means 'pipe' in Greek, from making pipes from the branches
  • The color 'lilac' is named after this flower

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden tree planting
  • Cut flower use
  • Street and park tree use
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in folk medicine for fever reduction

Caution: Medical evidence is limited; consult a physician before use.

Culinary

Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Aromatherapy
  • Potpourri material

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Bark, Leaves

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause mild digestive upset.