July 11

Birth Flower

Impatiens
Busy Lizzie Patient Plant Balsam

Scientific Name: Impatiens walleriana
Family: Balsaminaceae

Flower Language

  • Vivid personality
  • Abundance
  • Impatience
  • Don't touch me

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Impatiens is an annual plant in the balsam family, native to tropical Africa, also known as African balsam. Originally a perennial, it's treated as an annual in Japan due to cold sensitivity. It blooms continuously from May to October in diverse colors including red, pink, white, and purple. The mature fruits explosively release seeds when touched, giving rise to its scientific name 'Impatiens' meaning 'impatient.' It thrives in shade, making it ideal for shade gardens.

Trivia

  • Scientific name 'Impatiens' means 'impatient,' referring to explosive seed dispersal
  • Over 500 varieties exist with diverse colors and forms
  • Sometimes called 'Queen of Shade' for its shade tolerance
  • Related to garden balsam with similar seed dispersal mechanisms

Uses

Ornamental
  • Bedding plants
  • Container gardening
  • Mixed plantings
  • Shade gardens
  • Hanging baskets
Medicinal
  • No significant medicinal uses

Caution: For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Educational demonstrations of seed dispersal
  • Pressed flower crafts

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Mint
Peppermint Spearmint Wild mint

Scientific Name: Mentha spicata
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • Irreplaceable time
  • Virtue
  • Efficacy
  • Refreshing

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Mint is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Eurasia, known for its strong fragrance. It blooms small purple or white flowers from early to mid-summer. The name comes from Greek mythology where the nymph Minthe retained her fragrance even after being transformed into a plant. Many varieties exist including peppermint, spearmint, and apple mint. Widely used in cooking, herbal tea, and aromatherapy, it's believed to aid digestion and provide calming effects.

Trivia

  • Mint species easily hybridize, creating many natural crosses in the wild
  • Ancient Egyptians placed mint in tombs as burial goods
  • Menthol content creates cooling sensation when consumed
  • Extremely vigorous spreader that can take over entire garden areas

Uses

Ornamental
  • Herb gardens
  • Kitchen gardens
  • Container planting
  • Ground cover
Medicinal
  • Digestive aid
  • Calming effects
  • Headache relief
  • Respiratory symptom improvement
  • Antibacterial properties

Caution: Avoid large amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Culinary
  • Leaves
  • Young stems
Other
  • Aromatherapy
  • Insect repellent
  • Potpourri
  • Cosmetic ingredient

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic when used in normal amounts

Cuphea
Mexican heather False heather Elfin herb

Scientific Name: Cuphea hyssopifolia
Family: Lythraceae

Flower Language

  • Free-spirited
  • Yearning thoughts
  • Magnificent

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Cuphea is an evergreen shrub native to Central America in the loosestrife family, with over 250 species. The most common Mexican heather (C. hyssopifolia) continuously blooms small red-purple to white flowers throughout the year. Named from Greek 'kyphos' meaning curved, referring to its characteristically curved sepals. Heat-tolerant and blooms year-round in suitable conditions, popular as low hedging and border plants.

Trivia

  • Named from Greek word meaning 'curved' referring to sepals
  • Over 250 species exist with diverse characteristics
  • Can bloom continuously year-round in suitable conditions
  • Small flowers create magnificent carpet effect when massed

Uses

Ornamental
  • Low hedging
  • Border edging
  • Container planting
  • Ground cover
  • Rock gardens
Medicinal
  • No medicinal uses

Caution: For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Nectar source attracting butterflies and bees
  • Cut flowers

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Valerian
Garden valerian All-heal

Scientific Name: Valeriana fauriei
Family: Caprifoliaceae

Flower Language

  • True affection
  • Kindness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Valerian is a perennial plant distributed from Japan to the Korean Peninsula and northeastern China, belonging to the honeysuckle family. From May to July, it produces dense clusters of small flowers that are white inside and pale pink outside. Named for its spotted pattern resembling traditional Japanese tie-dye (kanoko-shibori). The roots and rhizomes are used as the herbal medicine 'kissōkon' with known sedative properties. It has a characteristic strong odor from isovaleric acid. It grows in moist grasslands in mountainous areas and is becoming rare due to habitat loss.

Trivia

  • Named for flower colors resembling traditional Japanese tie-dye patterns
  • Sometimes called 'foot odor plant' due to strong root smell
  • Listed as endangered species in Kagoshima Prefecture
  • Valued since ancient times as herb meaning 'health and happiness'

Uses

Ornamental
  • Wildflower gardens
  • Bog gardens
  • Medicinal gardens
Medicinal
  • Sedative effects
  • Nervous sensitivity relief
  • Insomnia treatment
  • Hysteria treatment

Caution: Do not use medicinally without professional guidance

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Used in traditional medicine as 'kissōkon'
  • Wildlife observation
  • Environmental education

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Roots, Rhizomes

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause drowsiness or gastrointestinal disturbances