Obedient Plant
False Dragonhead
Physostegia
Scientific Name:
Physostegia virginiana
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
Obedience
-
Achievement of wishes
-
Accomplishment
Description
Obedient Plant is a perennial in the Lamiaceae family native to eastern North America. Named for its spike-like flowers on square stems resembling a tiger's tail. It blooms pink, purple, or white flowers from bottom to top from July to October. The English name 'Obedient Plant' comes from the ability to reposition flowers by touch. Hardy and easy to grow, it spreads by underground rhizomes creating beautiful colonies.
Trivia
- Flowers can be repositioned by gentle pressure, showing 'obedient' nature
- Square stems are characteristic of mint family plants
- Spreads by rhizomes, forming colonies that return annually
- Scientific name Physostegia means 'inflated covering,' referring to calyx shape
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Border gardens
- Naturalized gardens
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Dried flowers
- Wildlife habitat provision
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Allium
Ornamental Onion
Flowering Onion
Giant Allium
Scientific Name:
Allium giganteum
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
Correct assertion
-
Unbreakable spirit
-
Marital harmony
Description
Allium is a bulbous plant in the onion family with about 700 species distributed worldwide. Related to onions and garlic, characterized by spherical flower clusters. The giganteum species produces giant purple flower balls over 20cm in diameter, growing over 80cm tall. Blooming from spring to early summer, hundreds to thousands of small flowers cluster at the tip of long stems forming spheres. Popular as cut flowers and maintains beautiful form when dried.
Trivia
- Scientific name Allium means 'garlic' or 'smell' in Latin
- Largest variety giganteum can produce flower balls over 20cm in diameter
- Cut stems emit onion-like odor
- Heights vary greatly from 5cm to 150cm depending on species
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Border gardens
- Cut flowers
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
- Ornamental varieties have no medicinal properties
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only, not for culinary or medicinal use
Culinary
Ornamental varieties not suitable for consumption
Other
- Nectar source for bees and butterflies
- Seeds provide bird food
- Floral arrangements
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs and stems contain irritating substances
Symptoms:
Consumption of ornamental varieties may cause gastrointestinal disturbances
Trumpet Vine
Chinese Trumpet Vine
Trumpet Creeper
Scientific Name:
Campsis grandiflora
Family:
Bignoniaceae
Description
Trumpet vine is a deciduous climbing woody plant in the Bignoniaceae family native to China. An ancient naturalized plant that came to Japan during the Heian period, it blooms vibrant orange trumpet-shaped flowers from summer to autumn. Vines produce aerial roots for attachment and can reach 3-10m in length. 'Lingxiao' means 'surpassing the sky,' representing how vines climb high into the air. Flowers secrete abundant nectar with mild toxicity.
Trivia
- Ancient introduced plant recorded in Heian period 'Honzō Wamyō'
- Vines attach to walls with aerial roots, potentially damaging buildings
- Flowers secrete so much nectar it can moisten surroundings
- Name 'Lingxiao' derives from growing so tall it 'surpasses the sky'
Uses
Ornamental
- Climbing vine for arches and fence decoration
- Wall greening
- Vertical garden elements
- Pergola decoration
Medicinal
- Traditionally used medicinally in China
Caution:
Avoid medicinal or culinary use due to mildly toxic nectar
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption due to toxicity
Other
- Nectar source (use with caution)
- Building greening
- Landscape formation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Flower nectar contains toxic compound lapachol
Symptoms:
Contact with nectar may cause dermatitis
White Lily
Madonna Lily
Pure Lily
True Lily
Scientific Name:
Lilium candidum
Family:
Liliaceae
Characteristics
Colors:
White
Description
White lily is a bulbous plant in the Liliaceae family native to the Mediterranean region, producing large pure white flowers. Called 'queen of flowers' since ancient times, it holds important meaning in Christianity as a symbol of Virgin Mary. Strongly fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers with 6 petals can exceed 10cm in diameter. While Japan has many lily species, white lilies particularly represent purity, majesty, and nobility, playing important roles in ceremonial occasions.
Trivia
- Depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs as symbol of resurrection
- French royal emblem 'Fleur-de-lis' is based on lily motif
- Pollen stains are difficult to remove from clothing, requiring careful handling
- Fragrance becomes particularly strong at night
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bridal decorations
- Church decorations
- Garden planting
Medicinal
- Bulbs occasionally used in traditional medicine
Caution:
Medicinal use should be under professional guidance
Culinary
- Bulbs (certain species only)
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Religious ceremonies
- Ceremonial occasions
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Pollen and bulbs contain alkaloids
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal disturbances
Phlox
Garden Phlox
Summer Phlox
Perennial Phlox
Scientific Name:
Phlox paniculata
Family:
Polemoniaceae
Flower Language
-
Agreement
-
Harmony
-
Gentleness
Description
Phlox is a perennial plant in the Polemoniaceae family native to North America, a representative summer perennial. From July to September, it produces dense clusters of small 5-petaled flowers at stem tips in diverse colors including white, pink, red, and purple. The scientific name Phlox means 'flame' in Greek, referring to its vivid flower colors. It has sweet fragrance that intensifies from evening to night. Easy to grow with long blooming period, it's popular as a staple plant for border gardens.
Trivia
- Scientific name Phlox means 'flame' in Greek, referring to vivid flower colors
- Fragrance intensifies evening to night, attracting moths
- Breeding has produced varieties in diverse colors and forms
- 67 species native to North America, ranging from annuals to perennials
Uses
Ornamental
- Border gardens
- Cut flowers
- Fragrant gardens
- Mixed flower beds
Medicinal
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Fragrant gardening
- Dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic