July 17

Birth Flower

Coral tree
Cockspur coral tree Ceibo Cry-baby tree

Scientific Name: Erythrina crista-galli
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • Power of dreams
  • Vitality
  • Life force
  • Childlike heart

Characteristics

Colors: red

Description

Coral tree is a deciduous shrub in the legume family native to South America, known in Japanese as Kaikouzu (sea red bean). It was introduced to Japan in the late Edo period and is designated as the prefectural tree of Kagoshima. From June through summer, it produces numerous bright red butterfly-shaped flowers characteristic of the legume family, but unlike typical legumes, the largest petal (standard) hangs downward. It's also the national flower of Argentina and Uruguay, and is beloved as a garden tree and street tree in warm regions. Cold-sensitive, it's suitable for cultivation south of the Kanto region.

Trivia

  • Scientific name 'crista-galli' means 'cock's comb'
  • National flower of Argentina and Uruguay, locally called 'Ceibo'
  • Unique flower form with downward-hanging standard petal
  • Beloved as prefectural tree of Kagoshima, commonly seen as street trees

Uses

Ornamental
  • Street trees
  • Park trees
  • Garden trees
  • Commemorative trees
Medicinal
  • Bark traditionally used medicinally in South America

Caution: Consult professionals for medicinal use

Culinary
  • Flowers (in some regions)
Other
  • Lightweight timber
  • Symbol trees
  • Urban greening

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Bark

Symptoms: Seeds contain mild toxins, avoid consuming large quantities

Globe thistle
Small globe thistle Echinops Southern globethistle

Scientific Name: Echinops ritro
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Authority
  • Wounded heart
  • Sensitivity
  • Rich emotions

Characteristics

Colors: blue-purple

Description

Globe thistle is a perennial plant in the daisy family native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, introduced to Japan in the early Showa period. Growing 50-250cm tall, it blooms blue-purple or white spherical flowers 5-10cm in diameter in summer. The flowers are composed of numerous small florets that bloom from the top of the sphere downward. The leaves have deep incisions with spiny tips, hence the 'thistle' name. The scientific name Echinops derives from Greek meaning hedgehog, referring to the flower's shape. Highly popular as cut flowers and dried flowers, they're also valued in flower arranging.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Echinops means 'like a hedgehog'
  • Spherical shape persists long after flowers fade
  • Valued in Japanese flower arranging since introduction in early Showa period
  • Retains beautiful form and color when dried

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Dried flowers
  • Garden borders
  • Flower arranging
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used as medicinal herb in Europe

Caution: Consult professionals for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Nectar source
  • Wildlife food
  • Garden accent plants

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic but caution needed due to spines

Bindweed
Japanese bindweed False bindweed Hedge bindweed

Scientific Name: Calystegia pubescens
Family: Convolvulaceae

Flower Language

  • Bond
  • Gentle affection
  • Harmony
  • Friendship

Characteristics

Colors: light pink

Description

Bindweed is a perennial vine native to Japan in the morning glory family, widely distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu. From June to August, it produces light pink funnel-shaped flowers 5-6cm in diameter. Unlike morning glories, it blooms from morning and continues without wilting during the day, hence the name 'day flower.' It reproduces through underground rhizomes, with white rootstocks spreading underground. Fruits rarely set, and seed reproduction is uncommon. Historically used as a diuretic in folk medicine, despite its gentle appearance, it has strong reproductive capacity and is often treated as a weed.

Trivia

  • Named 'day flower' because unlike morning glories, it doesn't wilt during daytime
  • Ancient wildflower featured in Man'yōshū poetry collection
  • Spreads by underground rhizomes and is difficult to eradicate once established
  • Designated as birth flower for June 5th

Uses

Ornamental
  • Wildflower gardens
  • Natural gardens
  • Ground cover
Medicinal
  • Diuretic effects
  • Folk medicine use

Caution: Consult professionals for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Seasonal word in haiku poetry
  • Wildlife food source
  • Soil protection

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Rose
Garden rose Hybrid tea rose

Scientific Name: Rosa hybrida
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • Purity
  • I am worthy of you
  • Deep respect
  • Mutual love

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

White roses are among the most beautiful of cultivated rose varieties, beloved since ancient times as symbols of purity and elegance. From spring to autumn, they bloom fragrant pure white flowers, and their flower language meanings of 'purity,' 'I am worthy of you,' and 'deep respect' make them treasured for wedding bouquets and anniversary gifts. White roses are birth flowers for July 17th, November 22nd, and December 11th, chosen for important life milestones. In bud form, they carry the meaning 'too young to love,' making them profound flowers with different meanings at various growth stages.

Trivia

  • White roses are the most commonly used flowers in wedding bouquets
  • Different flower language meanings for buds versus bloomed flowers
  • Birth flower for July 17th, November 22nd, and December 11th
  • Extensively used in Princess Diana's wedding arrangements

Uses

Ornamental
  • Bridal bouquets
  • Cut flowers
  • Garden plantings
  • Memorial plantings
Medicinal
  • Rose oil
  • Rose water
  • Aromatherapy

Caution: Garden varieties primarily for ornamental use

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Rose hips
Other
  • Perfume ingredient
  • Cosmetic ingredient
  • Potpourri
  • Commemorative items

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic but caution needed due to thorns