Strawflower
Everlasting flower
Golden everlasting
Paper daisy
Scientific Name:
Xerochrysum bracteatum
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Immortal love
-
Eternity
-
Eternal memories
-
Everlasting joy
Description
Strawflower is an annual plant in the daisy family native to Australia, also known by its scientific name Helichrysum. What appear to be petals are actually modified leaves called bracts, which have a papery texture and glossy appearance, resembling straw, hence the name. Its greatest characteristic is retaining its form, color, and luster even when dried, making it a classic choice for dried flower arrangements since ancient times. The scientific name 'Helichrysum' derives from Greek 'helios (sun)' and 'chrysos (gold),' expressing the golden brilliance of the flowers. While perennial in its native habitat, it's treated as an annual in Japan.
Trivia
- Scientific name Helichrysum means 'sun's gold' in Greek
- What appear as petals are actually modified leaves called bracts
- Most popular flower for dried flower arrangements
- Used for religious purposes as 'everlasting flowers' since ancient times
Uses
Ornamental
- Dried flowers
- Wreath making
- Herbarium
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Craft materials
- Potpourri
- Candle decoration
- Educational plants
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Coreopsis
Tickseed
Calliopsis
Pot of gold
Scientific Name:
Coreopsis tinctoria
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Aspiration for nobility
-
Good humor
-
Summer memories
-
Love at first sight
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
Coreopsis is a plant in the daisy family native to North America, with about 120 species existing. From May to October, it blooms yellow and orange flowers resembling cosmos with serrated petal tips for long periods. It produces 2-7cm flower heads successively on long stems, creating a very showy display. The scientific name derives from Greek meaning 'like a bedbug,' referring to the resemblance of post-bloom fruits to bedbugs. With strong vitality and ability to thrive in nutrient-poor soil, it's planted as wildflower in wasteland and riverbanks. Both annual and perennial types exist with different characteristics depending on species.
Trivia
- Scientific name means 'like a bedbug' referring to fruit shape
- Designated as state flower in several American states
- Used as wildflower for greening wasteland
- Flower shape resembles cosmos but belongs to different genus in daisy family
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden borders
- Cut flowers
- Wildflowers
- Riverbank greening
Medicinal
- Traditional medicinal use by North American indigenous peoples
Caution:
Consult professionals for medicinal use
Other
- Nectar source
- Soil improvement
- Landscape greening
- Wildlife food
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Lily
True lily
Garden lily
Scientific Name:
Lilium regale
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
Cheerfulness
-
Falsehood
-
Anxiety
-
Sweetness
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
Yellow lily is a bulbous plant in the lily family native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere that blooms bright yellow large flowers in summer. Its flower language includes both positive meanings like 'cheerfulness' and 'sweetness,' and negative meanings like 'falsehood' and 'anxiety.' Positive meanings derive from the bright image of yellow color, while negative meanings stem from European history where yellow was used as a color of discrimination, and in Christianity became associated with Judas who betrayed Christ, symbolizing contempt and jealousy. However, in Asia yellow is perceived as a color of happiness and hope, and even in Europe, perceptions of yellow have been changing in recent years.
Trivia
- Birth flower for June 25th, July 24th, October 6th, and December 31st
- Perceptions of yellow color vary greatly across cultures
- Pollen issues can be avoided by removing stamens
- Some varieties have edible bulbs used as food
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden plantings
- Potted plants
- Flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Bulbs traditionally used medicinally in China
- Cough suppressant effects
Caution:
Consult professionals for medicinal use
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Cosmetic ingredient
- Ceremonial flowers
- Memorial items
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs (some varieties), Pollen
Symptoms:
Toxic to cats but only mild effects on humans
Monkshood
Aconite
Wolf's bane
Helmet flower
Scientific Name:
Aconitum napellus
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
Chivalry
-
Glory
-
Misanthropy
-
Revenge
Characteristics
Colors:
blue-purple
Description
Monkshood is a perennial plant in the buttercup family native to Eurasia including Japan, containing deadly alkaloids throughout the plant and ranking among the most toxic plants in the plant kingdom. From July to October, it blooms distinctive blue-purple flowers resembling ancient headgear like bird helmets or court caps, hence its name. About 30 species grow wild in Japan, all toxic. The main toxic components are alkaloids including aconitine and mesaconitine, known as extremely poisonous second only to fugu's tetrodotoxin. However, in China, the rhizomes have been heat-treated to reduce toxicity and used as the herbal medicine 'bushi' for cardiotonic and analgesic purposes for over 2000 years.
Trivia
- One of Japan's three most toxic plants (monkshood, water hemlock, poison sumac)
- Named for flower shape resembling bird helmet or monk's hood
- Used as arrow poison by Ainu people
- Herbal medicine 'bushi' is made by proper processing to reduce toxicity
Uses
Ornamental
- Alpine botanical gardens
- Wildflower gardens
- Native plant displays
Medicinal
- Traditional Chinese medicine 'bushi' as cardiotonic
- Analgesic
- Diuretic
Caution:
Extremely toxic - never use for medicinal purposes without professional expertise
Culinary
Entire plant toxic - consumption strictly forbidden
Other
- Research plant material
- Toxicity studies
- Educational displays
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Pollen
Symptoms:
Causes severe poisoning symptoms including nerve paralysis, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and can be fatal