July 26

Birth Flower

Fringed Pink
Large Pink Japanese Pink

Scientific Name: Dianthus superbus
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • Wonderful premonition
  • Lovely
  • Pure love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Yamato Nadeshiko is a perennial plant native to Japan in the carnation family, beloved as one of the seven autumn flowers since ancient times. Native species came to be called 'Yamato Nadeshiko' in contrast to Chinese pinks that came from China. It grows wild in sunny places along riverbanks and mountains, characterized by deep red flowers with petal tips deeply split into thread-like segments. It evokes the modest atmosphere of 'Yamato Nadeshiko' and is used as an expression representing the ideal Japanese woman.

Trivia

  • Featured in the Manyoshu poetry collection as one of the seven autumn flowers
  • 'Yamato Nadeshiko' continues to be used as a term representing the ideal Japanese woman
  • Named 'Yamato' to distinguish from Chinese pinks that came from China
  • Characterized by petal tips deeply split into thread-like segments

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting
  • Wildflower gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
  • No significant medicinal uses

Caution: For ornamental purposes only

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Literary motifs
  • Cultural symbols
  • Pressed flowers

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Gladiolus
Sword Lily Corn Flag

Scientific Name: Gladiolus communis
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Language

  • Extraordinary love
  • Victory
  • Caution

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Gladiolus is a bulbous plant native to South Africa in the iris family, with the genus name derived from Latin meaning 'little sword.' Characterized by sword-like leaves and beautiful flower spikes, there are spring and summer blooming types, with summer varieties being more common. Flower colors are diverse including red, pink, yellow, white, and purple. Ancient legends tell of using these flowers in bouquets or baskets to signal meeting times to lovers through the number of flowers.

Trivia

  • Scientific name derives from Latin 'gladius' meaning 'little sword'
  • In ancient times, used to signal time to lovers through flower count
  • Beloved in ancient Rome as the gladiator's flower
  • Bulbous plant requiring annual replanting

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower bed planting
  • Buddhist altar flowers
  • Floral arrangements
Medicinal
  • No significant medicinal uses

Caution: For ornamental purposes only

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Bulb propagation
  • Plant breeding
  • Horticultural education

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Gold-band Lily
Golden-rayed Lily Mountain Lily

Scientific Name: Lilium auratum
Family: Liliaceae

Flower Language

  • Unadorned beauty
  • Solemnity
  • Dignity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Mountain Lily is a perennial plant endemic to Japan in the lily family, also called the 'King of Lilies' and representing Japan's beautiful flowers. The scientific name means 'golden lily,' characterized by white petals with golden bands and red spots. Summer flowers are very large at 20-25cm diameter, highly visible even in mountains, and emit strong fragrance. Also the prefectural flower of Kanagawa Prefecture, it continues to be beloved by many for its dignified beauty.

Trivia

  • Designated as the prefectural flower of Kanagawa Prefecture
  • Scientific name 'auratum' means 'golden'
  • Flowers are very large at 20-25cm diameter with strong fragrance
  • Called the 'King of Lilies,' a beautiful lily endemic to Japan

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting
  • Container gardening
  • Cut flowers
  • Natural gardens
Medicinal
  • Bulbs sometimes used in folk medicine, but rarely nowadays

Caution: Harvesting wild specimens is prohibited for nature conservation

Culinary
  • Bulbs (lily roots)
Other
  • Symbol of nature conservation
  • Cultural value as prefectural flower
  • Parent species for horticultural breeding

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves and stems may contain alkaloids

Symptoms: Properly processed bulbs are edible, but avoid consuming other parts