June 30

Birth Flower

Heliotrope
Cherry Pie Turnsole Common Heliotrope

Scientific Name: Heliotropium arborescens
Family: Boraginaceae

Flower Language

  • Devoted love
  • Eternal love
  • I keep watching you

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial from Peru and Ecuador in the Boraginaceae family that has been cultivated in Japan since the mid-Meiji period, as mentioned in Natsume Soseki's 'Sanshiro'. Growing 30-60cm tall as a shrub, it produces small purple or white flowers densely clustered in dome shapes. The flowers emit a sweet vanilla-like fragrance, and essential oils extracted from the flowers are used in perfume making. The scientific name derives from Greek helios (sun) and trope (turning), meaning 'turning toward the sun'.

Trivia

  • Famous for appearing in Natsume Soseki's novel 'Sanshiro'
  • Scientific name means 'turning toward the sun' from flower's sun-following nature
  • Affectionately called 'Cherry Pie' in the perfume industry
  • Historic garden plant cultivated in Japan since the Meiji era

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden bed planting
  • Container gardening
  • Fragrance gardens
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in folk medicine for sedative effects
  • Used in aromatherapy for relaxation

Caution: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid internal use. Consult physician even for external use.

Culinary

Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Potpourri material
  • Nectar source for butterflies and bees

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially leaves and stems

Symptoms: May cause liver damage due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Absolutely avoid ingestion.

Common Sage
Garden Sage Culinary Sage True Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • Knowledge
  • Happy family
  • Respect

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial evergreen from the Mediterranean coast in the Lamiaceae family, called the 'herb of immortality' since ancient Greek and Roman times, used as medicinal herb and spice to support immunity. Has a rustic appearance with oval leaves and scattered small purple flowers. The thick leaves covered with white hairs have a beautiful silvery-green color called 'sage green'. Possesses strong antibacterial and astringent properties, still widely used today for oral care and cooking.

Trivia

  • The word 'sausage' may derive from sage according to one theory
  • Called 'herb of the wise' in ancient times, symbol of learning
  • Color name 'sage green' derives from this plant's leaf color
  • Valued as protective herb against evil in Europe

Uses

Ornamental
  • Herb gardens
  • Ornamental silver-leaved plant
  • Border garden planting
Medicinal
  • Oral care (gingivitis, mouth ulcer improvement)
  • Relief of sore throat and swelling
  • Improvement of indigestion and loss of appetite

Caution: Avoid use during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid long-term high consumption; consult physician before use.

Culinary
  • Leaves
Other
  • Potpourri ingredient
  • Natural insect repellent
  • Fragrance ingredient

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves (when consumed in large quantities)

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or neurological symptoms. No problem with moderate use.

Scabiosa
Pincushion Flower Sweet Scabious Mourning Bride

Scientific Name: Scabiosa atropurpurea
Family: Caprifoliaceae

Flower Language

  • Elegance
  • Charm
  • Widow

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial in the Caprifoliaceae family from Europe, Asia, and Africa, with over 80 species in the Scabiosa genus. Characterized by small flowers clustering to form large capitula with outer petals spreading widely. Height ranges from 10cm to 100cm with flower diameter around 4cm, blooming from May to October in purple, blue, pink, and red colors. Named because it blooms when crickets sing. Sensitive to high heat and humidity, often treated as annual in warm regions despite being perennial.

Trivia

  • English name 'pincushion flower' comes from post-bloom seed head shape
  • Name 'mourning bride' derives from Victorian flower language culture
  • Japanese name comes from blooming when crickets sing
  • Originally alpine plant with excellent cold tolerance

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden bed planting
  • Cut flower use
  • Dried flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in folk medicine for skin problems

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

Culinary

Other
  • Nectar source for butterflies and bees
  • Wildlife food source

Toxicity

Symptoms: