Hosta
Plantain Lily
August Lily
Funkia
Scientific Name:
Hosta montana
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
-
Tranquility
-
Composure
-
Quiet Person
Description
A perennial plant with about 20 species distributed from the subarctic to temperate regions of East Asia, centered in Japan. It grows mainly in wetlands in the north, and as it moves south, it grows in forest edges, fields, and on rocks and trees. It blooms white or purple flowers from June to September, and its beautiful leaves also have high ornamental value.
Trivia
- Introduced to Europe by Siebold and is now loved worldwide
- There are many collectors due to the diverse patterns and colors of the leaves
- The flower language 'tranquility' derives from the quiet and calm appearance of this flower
- The name giboshi comes from its resemblance to decorative ornaments on bridge railings
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine for antipyretic effects
- Rhizomes are sometimes used medicinally
Caution:
Medical evidence is insufficient, so avoid medicinal use without medical supervision
Culinary
- Young shoots
- Young leaves
Other
- Main plant for shade gardens
- Ground cover
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
All parts
Symptoms:
May cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if ingested by pets
Japanese Rose
Rugosa Rose
Beach Rose
Ramanas Rose
Scientific Name:
Rosa rugosa
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Hope for Tomorrow
-
Joy of Travel
-
Attracted to Your Charm
Description
A wild rose species native to the coastal areas of Hokkaido and Tohoku, blooming beautiful, fragrant flowers in early summer. It is said that the name 'Hamanasu' comes from 'Hamanashi' because the fruit resembles a pear. It grows in colonies on coastal sandy areas, producing strongly fragrant purple-red or white flowers, and bears large red fruits (rose hips) in autumn.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'rugosa' means 'wrinkled', referring to the leaf surface characteristics
- Rose hips are said to contain about 20 times more vitamin C than lemons
- Though flowers last only one day, they bloom intermittently under suitable conditions
- Introduced to Europe in the 19th century and greatly contributed to modern garden rose breeding
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Rose hips are rich in vitamin C and used as health food
- Petals are sometimes used for fragrance and medicinal purposes
Caution:
Excessive consumption may cause abdominal pain or diarrhea
Culinary
- Fruits (rose hips)
- Petals
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic and safe for consumption
Speciosum Lily
Japanese Lily
Showy Lily
Kanoko Lily
Scientific Name:
Lilium speciosum
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
Unfading Splendor
-
Purity
-
Majesty
Description
A Japanese endemic lily native to Kyushu, Shikoku, Taiwan, and China, named for the beautiful spotted patterns on its petals resembling a fawn's coat. It blooms beautiful 10cm flowers with strong fragrance from late July to August. Introduced to Europe by Siebold and praised for its beauty, but is now listed as an endangered species on the Ministry of Environment's Red List.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'speciosum' derives from Latin meaning 'beautiful'
- The highest density native habitat can be found on the Koshiki Islands
- Also known as 'Doyo-yuri' (summer solstice lily) or 'Tanabata-yuri' (Star Festival lily)
- Currently designated as an endangered species on the Ministry of Environment's Red List
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Bulbs are said to have tonic and antitussive effects
- Sometimes used in traditional Chinese medicine
Caution:
Do not use ornamental bulbs for food or medicine as they are chemically treated
Other
- Educational material for nature conservation
- Subject of horticultural research
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Petals, Leaves, Stems, Pollen, Vase water
Symptoms:
Extremely dangerous to cats, even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure and death
Purple Magnolia
Lily Magnolia
Mulan Magnolia
Tulip Tree
Scientific Name:
Magnolia liliiflora
Family:
Magnoliaceae
Flower Language
-
Noble Heart
-
Love of Nature
-
Perseverance
Characteristics
Colors:
Purple
Description
A deciduous shrub native to China with a long history, introduced to Japan during the mid-Heian period. It blooms beautiful flowers with 6 petals that are purple-red on the outside and white on the inside in spring. A medium-sized tree growing 4-5m tall, the flowers bloom before the leaves emerge, making them very conspicuous. It has been used medicinally since ancient times and is now widely cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Trivia
- While white magnolia has 9 petals, purple magnolia has 6 petals
- An ancient plant whose name appears in the Wamyō Ruijushō from the mid-Heian period
- Called 'ziyulan' in China and treated as a noble flower
- One of the representative flowering trees announcing spring's arrival in modern gardening
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Park landscaping
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Flower buds are used as 'shin-i' in traditional Chinese medicine
- Used for pain relief, sedation, and treatment of headaches and rhinitis
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without medical supervision
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Fragrance
- Essential oils
- Medicinal use of bark
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bark, Leaves
Symptoms:
Generally considered to have low toxicity, but caution is needed with pets