Star glory
Cypress vine
Hummingbird vine
Cardinal climber
Scientific Name:
Ipomoea quamoclit
Family:
Convolvulaceae
Flower Language
-
Delicate love
-
Vitality
-
Busy
-
Meddlesome
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Star glory is an annual vine in the morning glory family native to tropical America (Mexico), also called 'pumpkin morning glory.' Its distinctive features include deeply divided feathery leaves resembling lace and 3cm long red flowers that appear star-shaped from above. It was introduced to Japan in the early Edo period via Cambodia, with the name meaning 'thread-red grass' from the fine thread-like leaves and red flowers. The vigorous vines are used for summer shade and green curtains. Flowers are day bloomers that open in early morning and wilt by evening, but continuously produce new blooms. Heat-tolerant and thriving even in intense summer heat.
Trivia
- Introduced to Japan via Cambodia in early Edo period, called 'pumpkin morning glory'
- Day flowers that continuously produce new blooms
- Beautiful sight of delicate lace-like leaves swaying in the wind
- Popular in North America as hummingbird-attracting flower
Uses
Ornamental
- Green curtains
- Fence decoration
- Trellises
- Summer shade
Medicinal
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Nectar source
- Hummingbird food
- Environmental greening
- Educational plants
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds, Entire plant
Symptoms:
May contain alkaloids as member of morning glory family
Easter lily
Longiflorum lily
White trumpet lily
November lily
Scientific Name:
Lilium longiflorum
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
Refined lady
-
Purity
-
Sweetness
-
Dignity
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Easter lily is a bulbous plant endemic to Japan in the lily family, naturally growing on coastal cliffs from southern Kyushu to Okinawa. From June to August, it blooms pure white trumpet-shaped flowers horizontally, resembling old muzzle-loading guns, hence its name. The flowers are large (12-15cm diameter) and emit a sweet, gentle fragrance unlike the intense scent of mountain lilies. Growing 50cm-1m tall, it's considered a symbol of Virgin Mary in Christianity and called 'Easter lily' for its use in Easter celebrations in the West. Available year-round as cut flowers, it plays an important role in ceremonial flower arrangements for weddings and funerals.
Trivia
- Named for flower shape resembling old muzzle-loading guns
- Essential Easter flower known as 'Easter lily' in the West
- Japanese endemic species beloved internationally worldwide
- Wild species growing on coastal cliffs in Okinawa are the original form
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden plantings
- Potted plants
- Church decorations
Medicinal
- No significant medicinal uses
Caution:
Primarily for ornamental purposes
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Wedding decorations
- Funeral flowers
- Religious ceremonies
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Pollen
Symptoms:
Toxic to cats but only mild effects on humans
Obedient plant
False dragonhead
Physostegia
Lion's heart
Scientific Name:
Physostegia virginiana
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
Hope
-
Achievement of desires
-
Faithfulness
-
Trust
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
Obedient plant is a perennial in the mint family native to Virginia, North America, introduced to Japan during the Taisho period. Growing 40cm-1m tall, from early August to early October, it blooms 2-3cm pink or white flowers in four directions on straight, square stems. Also called 'square tiger's tail' for its square stem cross-section or 'Physostegia' from its scientific name. Named for long flower spikes resembling tiger's tails. Flowers bloom from bottom to top, finally reaching the summit, inspiring the flower language 'hope' and 'achievement of desires.' A hardy plant that spreads by underground rhizomes and thrives with minimal care.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'Physostegia' means 'bladder covering' in Greek
- Also called 'square tiger's tail' for its square stems
- English name 'Obedient plant' refers to flowers returning to original position when moved
- Flowers bloom from bottom to top, completing at the summit
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden borders
- Cut flowers
- Natural gardens
- Perennial borders
Medicinal
- No significant medicinal uses
Caution:
For ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Nectar source
- Butterfly host plant
- Wildlife food
- Soil stabilization
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic