July 31

Birth Flower

Chinese Hypericum
Gold Flower Chinese St. John's Wort

Scientific Name: Hypericum monogynum
Family: Hypericaceae

Flower Language

  • nobility
  • boldness
  • sensitive heart

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A semi-deciduous shrub from the Hypericaceae family native to China, introduced to Japan during the Edo period. Blooms with bright yellow 5-petaled flowers 3-6.5cm in diameter during the June-July rainy season, characterized by especially long stamens extending beyond the petals. Named 'beauty willow' because its drooping branch tips and leaves resemble willow, though it's not from the willow family. Called 'golden silk peach' in China, and also 'Mi-yang willow' after the willow planted in Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei's Mi-yang Palace.

Trivia

  • Stamens form 5 bundles at base, each bundle containing 25-35 stamens
  • Flower language 'nobility' comes from appearing golden even in cloudy rainy weather
  • Chinese name 'golden silk peach' beautifully compares long stamens to golden threads
  • Day flowers that open in morning and close by evening, but new flowers bloom continuously

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Park trees
  • Hedges
Medicinal
  • Fever reduction in traditional Chinese medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Skin disease treatment

Caution: Consult experts for medical use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Cut flowers
  • Pressed flowers
  • Educational material

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Fuchsia
Lady's Eardrops Hummingbird Fuchsia Dancing Ladies

Scientific Name: Fuchsia × hybrida
Family: Onagraceae

Flower Language

  • hobby
  • refined taste
  • humble love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A plant from the Onagraceae family native to Central and South America, New Zealand, and Tahiti, with about 110 species distributed. Its most distinctive feature is bell-like flowers hanging downward, with 4 sepals curving back and 4 petals inside. It has a unique structure with several stamens extending outside the flower and an even longer pistil in the center. Called 'Queen's earrings' by ancient Incas and beloved as 'Lady's-eardrop' in English.

Trivia

  • Scientific name derived from German botanist Leonhart Fuchs
  • Plays important ecological role as major nectar source for hummingbirds
  • Generally single small-flowered varieties are more heat-tolerant than double large-flowered ones
  • Thousands of horticultural varieties now exist through breeding

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plants
  • Hanging baskets
  • Greenhouse cultivation
Medicinal
  • Used in folk medicine in South America
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Pain relief

Caution: Consult experts for medical use

Culinary
  • Flowers
  • Fruits
Other
  • Breeding research material
  • Horticultural education
  • Collection plants

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported (fruits are edible)

Black-eyed Susan
Brown-eyed Susan Yellow Daisy Gloriosa Daisy

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • watching you
  • justice
  • fairness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A biennial or short-lived perennial from the Asteraceae family native to North America, serving as Maryland's state flower. Introduced to Japan as ornamental in the Taisho era, now naturalized from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Blooms with 4-6cm diameter yellow flowers from June to September, with dark brown center resembling an eye, hence the English name 'Black-eyed Susan.' Japanese name 'rough-haired soul-returning grass' comes from its hairy stems and leaves, named for resemblance to native Asteraceae species Hangonosou.

Trivia

  • Requires careful identification due to close resemblance to designated invasive species Giant Rudbeckia
  • Seeds serve as important food source for birds
  • Hardy plant that easily multiplies from self-sown seeds and grows in poor soil
  • Flower language 'watching you' arose from eye-like appearance of flower pattern

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Wildflower gardens
  • Cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Used in Native American traditional medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Immune system support

Caution: Consult experts for medical use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Wildlife food
  • Dried flowers
  • Ecological research material

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Rudbeckia
Coneflower Gloriosa Daisy Black-eyed Susan

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia spp.
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • justice
  • fairness
  • watching you

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Annual or perennial plants from the Asteraceae family with about 30 species distributed in North America, blooming for long periods from June to October. Produces vibrant flowers in yellow, orange, and red, with recent varieties including green and antique colors. Plant height varies widely from 10-90cm depending on variety, with Japanese name 'pine cone chrysanthemum' from the raised center resembling pine cones. Scientific name honors Swedish botanist Olof Rudbeck, characterized by hardy nature resistant to pests and diseases, capable of growing in poor soil.

Trivia

  • Historic genus name bestowed by Linnaeus honoring the Rudbeck father and son
  • Long blooming period continuing until late autumn provides horticultural appeal
  • Seeds important as winter food for many wild birds
  • Recent breeding has greatly expanded flower color variations

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Used in Native American traditional medicine
  • Antibacterial effects
  • Immune enhancement

Caution: Consult experts for medical use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Wildlife food
  • Honey source
  • Ecosystem support

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported