August 15

Birth Flower

Mint
Mentha

Scientific Name: Mentha spicata
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • Temptation
  • Virtue
  • Efficacy

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the mint family native to Eurasia, representing herbs in general. There are Western and Eastern varieties, with Western varieties being cultivated as herbs. The scientific genus name 'Mentha' derives from Menthe in Greek mythology, who was transformed into mint by a curse. The flower language 'virtue' and 'efficacy' derive from mint's medicinal properties, while 'temptation' comes from the attractive nature of its fragrance.

Trivia

  • Etymology comes from Menthe in Greek mythology
  • Mint hybridizes easily, with many varieties existing
  • Ancient Greeks had custom of wearing mint crowns at banquets
  • Currently over 600 varieties are said to exist

Uses

Ornamental
  • Herb gardens
  • Ground cover
  • Potted plants
Medicinal
  • Digestive aid
  • Calming effect through cooling sensation
  • Antibacterial properties
  • Respiratory symptom relief

Caution: Caution required during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for small children

Culinary
  • Leaves
  • Stems
Other
  • Cosmetics
  • Toothpaste
  • Fragrance
  • Natural insect repellent

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Essential oil components (when consumed in large quantities)

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset or neurological symptoms

French marigold
Tagetes

Scientific Name: Tagetes patula
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Always keep by your side
  • Friendship
  • Prophecy

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual herb of the compositae family native to Mexico. The name 'French' comes from it spreading to European countries from the garden of King François of France in the 16th century. Marigold means 'golden flower of the Virgin Mary,' and while actually native to Mexico, it does not grow wild in France or Africa. It is also popular as a companion plant, believed to have effects of repelling harmful insects.

Trivia

  • Brought to French royal court in 16th century and spread throughout Europe
  • Marigold means 'golden flower of Virgin Mary'
  • Good companion plant with tomatoes and basil
  • Essential flower for Day of the Dead in native Mexico

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Planters
  • Cut flowers
  • Border plants
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in folk medicine for treating external injuries

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary
  • Petals
Other
  • Companion plants
  • Natural insect repellent
  • Natural dye

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Lotus
Indian lotus Sacred lotus

Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera
Family: Nelumbonaceae

Flower Language

  • Sacred
  • Rebirth
  • Pure heart

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An aquatic plant native to the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas, an ancient plant believed to have existed on Earth for about 140 million years. It blooms pink or white flowers from July to August, and its underground stems called 'lotus root' (renkon) are eaten as vegetables. In Buddhism, because it blooms beautiful flowers from mud, it is considered a symbol of a pure heart unstained by worldly desires and is also used as pedestals for Buddhist statues. The flower language 'sacred' and 'pure heart' derives from this religious significance.

Trivia

  • An ancient plant existing for about 140 million years
  • Lotus seeds can maintain germination ability for over 2000 years
  • Buddhist statue pedestals are modeled after lotus flowers
  • Flowers have habit of opening in morning and closing in evening

Uses

Ornamental
  • Pond decoration
  • Water gardens
  • Temple ponds
  • Ornamental viewing
Medicinal
  • Seeds used in traditional Chinese medicine
  • Leaves believed to have hemostatic properties
  • Flowers believed to have calming effects

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary
  • Underground stems (lotus root)
  • Seeds
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Buddhist implements
  • Religious decoration
  • Leaves used as packaging material

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Sea holly
Eryngium Flat sea holly

Scientific Name: Eryngium planum
Family: Apiaceae

Flower Language

  • Hidden love
  • Secret love
  • Seeking light

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the carrot family native to southern Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa, and the Mediterranean coast. A perennial that blooms unique lustrous flowers in spherical or cylindrical shapes, popular as cut flowers. The flower language 'hidden love' and 'secret love' derives from the appearance of protecting secrets with spiky leaves and petals. The flower language 'seeking light' is attributed to the glossy nature of petals, stems, and leaves.

Trivia

  • Scientific name etymology from Greek 'eringion' (thistle-like, spiny)
  • Japanese name is Pine cone thistle, but actually belongs to carrot family
  • Good water uptake as cut flower and long-lasting
  • Retains beautiful color and form when dried

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Dried flowers
  • Flower beds
  • Border plants
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in European folk medicine

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary

Other
  • Craft materials
  • Wreath making
  • Modern decoration

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Sunflower
Helianthus

Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • My eyes are only looking at you
  • Adoration
  • Devotion

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual herb of the compositae family native to western North America. The scientific name Helianthus derives from Greek 'helios (sun) + anthos (flower)' meaning 'sun flower.' It occupied an important position as a food crop for Native Americans since before Christ. The flower language 'my eyes are only looking at you' comes from sunflowers' nature of moving to follow the sun's direction. Beloved worldwide as a representative summer flower, seeds are also used for cooking oil and bird feed.

Trivia

  • Sunflowers are actually flower clusters with hundreds to thousands of small flowers
  • Young sunflowers track the sun but mature ones face east permanently
  • World's tallest sunflower exceeded 9 meters in height
  • Artistically famous through Van Gogh's masterpiece 'Sunflowers'

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Landscape plants
  • Educational materials
Medicinal
  • Used in Native American traditional medicine

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary
  • Seeds
  • Buds
  • Stem pith
Other
  • Cooking oil
  • Bird feed
  • Biodiesel fuel
  • Soil remediation

Toxicity

Symptoms: