Rudbeckia
Black-eyed Susan
Coneflower
Brown-eyed Susan
Scientific Name:
Rudbeckia hirta
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Justice
-
Fairness
-
Looking at you
Description
A perennial herb native to North America that was introduced to Japan in the Meiji era. The name Rudbeckia was given in honor of the Swedish botanist Rudbeck. It blooms yellow flowers from summer to autumn, and the central disc is raised and dark brown, looking like an eye, which is why it is given the flower language of 'looking at you'.
Trivia
- Olof Rudbeck, the source of the scientific name, was also Linnaeus's teacher
- Affectionately known as Black-eyed Susan in America
- The center part of the flower is actually a collection of small flowers
- Seeds are an important food source for wild birds
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Flower beds
Medicinal
- Historically used as medicinal herb by Native Americans
Caution:
Professional guidance required for medicinal use
Other
- Dried flowers
- Seeds used as bird food
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Acanthus
Bear's breeches
Scientific Name:
Acanthus mollis
Family:
Acanthaceae
Flower Language
-
Elegant behavior
-
Art
-
Skill
Description
A large perennial herb native to the Mediterranean coast. Although the flowers are not very conspicuous, the leaves are beautiful and have been widely used as decorative motifs in crafts in Greece, Rome and the Middle East. It was introduced to Japan around the end of the Meiji era and has since been used for cut flowers and ground planting. It is also famous as a motif for the capital decoration of the Corinthian style of ancient Greek architecture.
Trivia
- Corinthian capital decoration is said to be inspired by acanthus leaves dancing in the wind
- Acanthus leaves are depicted on Greek 1 euro coins
- Called Bear's breeches in English because the leaf shape resembles bear fur
- Has been treated as a symbol of nobility since Roman times
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden background plants
- Cut flowers
- Ground planting
- Architectural decoration motif
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb since ancient times, believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Professional guidance required for medicinal use
Other
- Decorative art motif
- Architectural design
White egret flower
Fringed orchid
Egret orchid
Scientific Name:
Pecteilis radiata
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
Purity
-
Innocence
-
Chastity
Description
A bulbous orchid that grows in sunny lowland wetlands throughout Japan. The flower name Sagiso (egret grass) derives from the pure white flowers with fine cuts that look like white egrets flying. It is currently designated as Near Threatened (NT) on the Red List by the Ministry of the Environment, making it a precious plant.
Trivia
- Named for its flowers' striking resemblance to white egrets with spread wings
- Has been treasured by garden enthusiasts since the Edo period
- Cultivation is difficult, requiring recreation of wetland environments
- Designated as the district flower of Setagaya, with conservation activities underway
Uses
Ornamental
- Pot cultivation
- Wild plant gardens
- Nature observation
- Conservation cultivation
Medicinal
Caution:
Collection is prohibited as it is an endangered species
Other
- Educational material for environmental protection
- Symbol of ecosystem conservation
Veronica
Speedwell
Scientific Name:
Veronica spicata
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Flower Language
-
Faithfulness
-
Honor
-
Good nature
Description
A perennial herb mainly native to Europe and North Asia. About 300 species of Veronica are known, with flowering periods from June to October (varying by species). The flower language 'faithfulness' and 'honor' are said to be derived from Saint Veronica. It is also known by the alternative name Ruri-torano-o (Lapis Tiger's Tail).
Trivia
- One of the few flowers with flower language derived from Saint Veronica's name
- The genus Veronica includes about 300 species
- Previously classified in Scrophulariaceae, now in Plantaginaceae
- English name Speedwell means 'good journey', considered a flower for safe travels
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Cut flowers
- Garden border plants
- Rock gardens
Medicinal
- Used in European traditional medicine for respiratory treatment
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Professional guidance required for medicinal use
Other
- Dried flowers
- Bee forage plant
Sedum
Yellow stonecrop
Scientific Name:
Phedimus aizoon
Family:
Crassulaceae
Flower Language
-
Alert
-
While being alert
-
Caution required
Description
A perennial herb native to Japan and Siberia. The stem is thick and 5-30 cm tall. The leaves are succulent, 2-7 cm long, obovate or oblong, and alternate. The flowering period is from May to August, with flat cyme inflorescences at the stem tips bearing numerous yellow flowers similar to Sedum. It is a hardy plant that can grow in rocky places and dry areas.
Trivia
- The name is said to derive from the flower cluster's resemblance to a qilin's horn
- A member of the Crassulaceae family with succulent leaves
- Extremely drought-resistant, also used for rooftop greening
- Previously classified in genus Sedum, now in genus Phedimus
Uses
Ornamental
- Rock gardens
- Wild plant gardens
- Potted plants
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Sometimes used in folk medicine for treating external injuries
Caution:
Professional guidance required for medicinal use
Other
- Rooftop greening
- Environmental restoration plant