Verbena
Vervain
Holy Herb
Scientific Name:
Verbena rigida
Family:
Verbenaceae
Flower Language
-
magical power
-
charm
-
endurance
-
unity
Description
General term for horticultural varieties of Verbena genus. Cherry-like flowers cluster close to the ground, blooming continuously from spring to autumn. Treasured as 'holy herb' among ancient Europeans. Rich flower colors include purple, pink, white, and red. Popular for ground cover and flower bed borders due to drought tolerance and easy care.
Trivia
- Used as protective 'holy herb' in ancient Europe
- Means 'to remove stones' in Celtic language
- Worn by soldiers during Crusades era
- Still indispensable plant in modern herb gardens
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed borders and foreground plants
- Hanging baskets
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Used for nervous system conditions in European traditional medicine
- Folk remedy for insomnia improvement
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Avoid use during pregnancy
Other
- Essential oils for aromatherapy
- Natural insect repelling effects
- Used as dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally non-toxic, but avoid large consumption
Chinese Lantern
Winter Cherry
Bladder Cherry
Physalis
Scientific Name:
Physalis alkekengi
Family:
Solanaceae
Flower Language
-
skepticism
-
peace of mind
-
mystery
-
deception
Characteristics
Colors:
orange
Description
The red lantern-like structure develops from the calyx after early summer flowers finish blooming. Edible physalis is also called strawberry tomato and is rich in vitamins. Long beloved in Japan for ornamental purposes, used for Obon decorations and children's toys. Turns beautiful orange in autumn, also popular as dried flowers.
Trivia
- Makes rattling sound when fruit is rolled inside the lantern
- Beloved as children's toy since Edo period
- Used as substitute for lanterns to welcome spirits during Obon
- Can be preserved for years when completely dried
Uses
Ornamental
- Obon decorations
- Dried flower arrangements
- Autumn garden decorations
Medicinal
- Used for fever and inflammation in traditional Chinese medicine
- Believed to have diuretic effects
- Used as cough remedy in folk medicine
Caution:
Parts other than ripe fruit are toxic and require caution
Culinary
- Ripe fruits (edible varieties only)
Other
- Children's toys (sound making)
- Natural dye source
- Craft material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits, Calyx
Symptoms:
Contains alkaloids like solanine, may cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
Yellow Cosmos
Orange Cosmos
Klondike Cosmos
Scientific Name:
Cosmos sulphureus
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
wild beauty
-
natural beauty
-
young love
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow, orange
Description
An annual from Mexico producing vibrant yellow and orange flowers from summer to autumn. More heat-tolerant than regular cosmos, growing vigorously in Japanese summers. Flowers are 5-7cm in diameter with characteristically finely divided leaves. Quick growth from seeding to flowering in about 2-3 months, easy for beginners to grow.
Trivia
- Called 'summer cosmos' due to better heat tolerance than regular cosmos
- Original flower that gave name to 'cosmos' in Mexico
- Fast-growing flower blooming about 2 months from seeding
- Plays important ecological role as butterfly nectar source
Uses
Ornamental
- Main plant for flower beds and gardens
- Cut flowers for indoor decoration
- Greening and landscape formation
Medicinal
- Sometimes used for minor conditions in Mexican folk medicine
Caution:
Medical efficacy not proven
Other
- Attracts butterflies as nectar source
- Seeds serve as bird food
- Used for greening and environmental improvement
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported, petals are edible
Oleander
Rose Bay
Rose Laurel
Scientific Name:
Nerium oleander
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
caution
-
danger
-
beautiful danger
-
vigilance is essential
Characteristics
Colors:
pink, white, red
Description
An evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean coast. Produces beautiful pink and white flowers in summer, and is planted as street trees due to tolerance for air pollution and heat. However, it's known for strong toxicity throughout the plant, with oleandrin in leaves, bark, and flowers being particularly dangerous. Despite its beautiful appearance, it requires careful handling.
Trivia
- Became symbol of reconstruction as one of first flowers to bloom after Hiroshima atomic bombing
- Anecdote of Napoleon's soldiers dying from using branches as skewers
- Even a single leaf contains enough poison to kill a human
- Despite beautiful flowers, one of world's most dangerous plants
Uses
Ornamental
- Street trees for air pollution control
- Evergreen trees in gardens
- Plantings in parks and green spaces
Medicinal
- Used for heart disease since ancient times, but now too dangerous for use
Caution:
Absolutely avoid medical use due to strong toxicity
Culinary
Entire plant toxic, consumption absolutely prohibited
Other
- Sometimes used as insecticide
- Wood used for some crafts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant (leaves, stems, flowers, roots, bark)
Symptoms:
Powerful toxins like oleandrin cause severe symptoms including cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and can be fatal