July 02

Birth Flower

Calla Lily
Arum Lily White Arum

Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
Family: Araceae

Flower Language

  • Rejoicing
  • Maiden's Modesty
  • Magnificent Beauty
  • Passion
  • Magnificent Beauty
  • Dreaming Beauty

Characteristics

Colors: White

Description

A perennial herb belonging to the genus Zantedeschia in the Araceae family, native to South Africa. It was introduced to Japan in 1843 by Dutch ships. The white petal-like part is actually a spathe called a 'bract,' with the true flowers located on the central spadix. Named for its resemblance to a nun's collar, it is widely used in weddings and funerals.

Trivia

  • Named 'Dutch taro' because it was brought to Japan by Dutch ships in the late Edo period
  • Featured in Picasso's paintings, popular as an artistic motif
  • The petal-like parts are actually modified leaves called spathes, with true flowers on the central spadix
  • Wild callas grow naturally along riverbanks and wetlands in South Africa

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as cut flowers in bouquets and arrangements
  • Cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and pots
  • Standard flower for bridal bouquets
Medicinal

Caution: Not used medicinally due to toxicity throughout the plant

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Important decorative material for ceremonial occasions
  • Religious ceremony decorations

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially bulbs

Symptoms: May cause stomatitis, dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and throat swelling

English Lavender
True Lavender Common Lavender

Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • I will wait forever
  • Silence
  • Waiting for you

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the genus Lavandula in the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean coast. It blooms blue-purple flowers in spikes from June to July and is known for its fragrance. The name 'lavender' derives from the Latin 'lavare' meaning 'to wash,' and has been used as perfume and medicinal herb since ancient times. It has the best fragrance and is considered the representative species of lavender. It is cold-hardy but sensitive to Japan's hot and humid summers.

Trivia

  • The name 'lavender' comes from the Latin 'lavare' meaning 'to wash'
  • Used as a preservative in mummy-making in ancient Egypt
  • Lavender festivals are held in Provence, France in July
  • Hokkaido's Furano lavender fields are a representative tourist destination in Japan

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used in fragrant garden design
  • Dried flowers for decoration
  • Potpourri material
Medicinal
  • Relaxation effects
  • Insomnia relief
  • Minor wound treatment

Caution: Avoid use during pregnancy, toxic to pets

Culinary
  • Flowers
  • Leaves
Other
  • Aroma oil ingredient
  • Soap and cosmetic fragrance
  • Natural insect repellent

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant (for pets)

Symptoms: May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms in pets

Snapdragon
Dragon Flower Antirrhinum

Scientific Name: Antirrhinum majus
Family: Plantaginaceae

Flower Language

  • Presumption
  • Pure heart
  • Chatter
  • Elegance

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual flower (originally perennial) of the genus Antirrhinum in the Plantaginaceae family, native to the Mediterranean coast of Southern Europe and North Africa. Named for its flower shape resembling a goldfish's mouth. Introduced to Japan in the late Edo period, it is now a spring garden staple. Available in various colors including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple, with varieties ranging from dwarf to tall.

Trivia

  • Flowers open and close like a goldfish's mouth when gently pressed from the side
  • The English name 'snapdragon' means 'snapping dragon'
  • Called 'Chinese goldfish grass' in the Edo period
  • Over 200 horticultural varieties exist today through breeding

Uses

Ornamental
  • Bedding plant for flower beds
  • Cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
  • Container garden plantings
Medicinal
  • Occasionally used in folk medicine for minor wounds

Caution: Not commonly used medicinally today

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Suitable plant for children's gardening education
  • Functions as nectar source for bees and butterflies

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Phlox
Garden Phlox Summer Phlox

Scientific Name: Phlox paniculata
Family: Polemoniaceae

Flower Language

  • Agreement
  • Unity
  • Cooperation
  • I accept your wishes

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the genus Phlox in the Polemoniaceae family, native to North America. The name 'phlox' comes from the Greek 'phlogos' meaning 'flame,' referring to the bright flame-like colors of the flowers. Characterized by dense flower clusters of small individual flowers, blooming continuously from June to September.

Trivia

  • The Phlox genus includes 67 known species, ranging from annuals to perennials
  • Moss pink (Phlox subulata) is also a member of the Phlox family
  • Hardy enough to continue blooming through Japan's hot, humid summers
  • Plant height varies greatly from 20cm to 150cm depending on variety

Uses

Ornamental
  • Background plant in flower beds
  • Cut flowers for vases
  • Mass planting in border gardens
Medicinal
  • Historically used in Native American folk medicine

Caution: Not commonly used medicinally today

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Important nectar source for butterflies and bees
  • Used in fragrant garden design

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Clematis
Virgin's Bower Old Man's Beard

Scientific Name: Clematis florida
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • Mental beauty
  • Traveler's joy
  • Cunning

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A climbing perennial of the genus Clematis in the Ranunculaceae family, with about 300 species distributed worldwide. The scientific name 'Clematis' comes from the Greek 'klema' (vine like grape), representing its climbing nature. Very popular as a landscaping vine plant and nicknamed the 'Queen of Climbing Plants.' Blooms beautiful flowers for an extended period from April to October.

Trivia

  • About 300 species of clematis are distributed worldwide
  • New clematis varieties are presented annually at the Chelsea Flower Show in England
  • Vines become woody and very long-lived, with some specimens living over 100 years
  • Japan's native Clematis terniflora is also a member of the clematis family

Uses

Ornamental
  • Trained on arches and trellises
  • Used for wall greening
  • Potted with support stakes
Medicinal
  • Historically used in Chinese traditional medicine

Caution: Toxic, dangerous for amateur medicinal use

Culinary

Not edible (toxic)

Other
  • Landscaping ornamental plant
  • Decorative building greening

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially leaves and stems

Symptoms: May cause skin irritation, stomatitis, and digestive symptoms