Hyssop
Hyssop officinalis
Scientific Name:
Hyssopus officinalis
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
cleanliness
-
purification
-
cleanliness
-
sacrifice
Description
The linear lanceolate willow-like leaves have a mint-like refreshing fragrance, hence the Japanese name Yanagi-hakka. Many small blue-purple flowers bloom in spikes, creating a beautiful display when planted in groups. This herb has been valued for religious and medicinal purposes since ancient times and was used to purify sacred places such as temples.
Trivia
- One of the oldest herbs mentioned in the Old Testament, called 'holy herb'
- Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates used it to treat pleurisy
- Believed to have protective effects against evil in medieval Europe
- NASA research found it effective in removing harmful indoor air pollutants
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental use in herb gardens
- Flower bed decoration through mass plantation
- Use as dried flowers
Medicinal
- Relief of bronchitis and cold symptoms
- Throat pain relief through antiseptic action
- Stomach upset improvement through stomachic action
Caution:
Caution needed as large amounts may cause convulsions in people with high blood pressure
Other
- Use as fragrance in aromatherapy
- Insect repelling effect
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant (when consumed in large quantities)
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause convulsions and dizziness. Especially caution needed for people with high blood pressure.
Morning Glory
Common Morning Glory
Tall Morning Glory
Scientific Name:
Ipomoea tricolor
Family:
Convolvulaceae
Description
A species different from Japanese morning glory with a late flowering period that lasts until around November. The flower color becomes reddish-purple when temperatures are high and may turn reddish in the evening. Unlike Japanese morning glory, 5-6 flowers bloom from one location and remain beautiful until midday without wilting.
Trivia
- Unlike Japanese morning glory that blooms in the morning and wilts by noon, Western morning glory continues blooming until midday
- The Heavenly Blue variety produces particularly beautiful sky-blue flowers
- Vines can reach lengths of up to 10 meters
- Has the unusual characteristic of changing flower color based on temperature
Uses
Ornamental
- Use as green curtains
- Decoration of fences and trellises
- Balcony gardening
Medicinal
- Historically used as a laxative in folk medicine
Caution:
Seeds contain toxic compounds, so medicinal use should be avoided
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Environmental improvement (CO2 absorption, shade provision)
- Educational plant (growth observation)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Seeds, Whole plant (mild)
Symptoms:
Seeds contain LSA (lysergic acid amide) which may cause hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Marigold
Tagetes
Mexican Marigold
Scientific Name:
Tagetes patula
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
lovely affection
-
brave
-
health
-
health
-
prophecy
Characteristics
Colors:
deep yellow
Description
A non-cold-hardy annual of the Asteraceae family that continuously blooms bright yellow or orange flowers from May to November. It has a distinctive fragrance and serves as a companion plant for pest control. Named after the Virgin Mary's golden flower because the long-blooming marigold was always in flower during the approximately 10 feast days of the Virgin Mary throughout the year.
Trivia
- Marigold fragrance has the effect of repelling pests such as mosquitoes and aphids
- Over 150 garden varieties now exist due to Dutch breeding efforts
- NASA research found it effective in removing harmful indoor substances
- Called 'flower of the sun' by ancient Aztecs and valued equal to gold
Uses
Ornamental
- Border plants in flower beds
- Container gardening
- Use as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Wound healing promotion
- Skin problem improvement
Caution:
Caution needed for people with allergies when touching skin directly
Other
- Pest repelling as companion plant
- Use as natural dye
- Potpourri ingredient
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic, but large consumption should be avoided.
Oleander
Rose Bay
Common Oleander
Scientific Name:
Nerium oleander
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
attention
-
danger
-
caution
-
vigilance is essential
-
dangerous love
Description
The leaves are thick and long-elliptical, resembling bamboo leaves, and from June to September it produces white or red flowers similar to peach blossoms. It is resistant to car exhaust and air pollution, drought, heat, and is easy to grow, so it is planted in parks and green spaces. However, the entire tree including roots, leaves, stems, and flowers is toxic, requiring careful handling.
Trivia
- First flower to bloom in the wasteland of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb, where no vegetation was expected to grow for 75 years
- Cases of poisoning from using fresh branches as skewers for grilling meat
- Called 'beautiful killer' due to its beautiful flowers and strong toxicity
- One of the most resistant trees to air pollution such as exhaust gases
Uses
Ornamental
- Planting in parks and as street trees
- Ornamental use in gardens
- Use as hedges
Medicinal
- Historically used for treating heart diseases in ancient times
Caution:
Currently prohibited for medicinal use due to excessive toxicity
Culinary
Absolutely must not be used for food
Other
- Air pollution purification plant
- Sound and wind barrier effects
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant, Roots, Leaves, Stems, Flowers, Seeds
Symptoms:
Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and abdominal pain, and in severe cases may lead to death from cardiac arrest.
Freesia
Common Freesia
Scientific Name:
Freesia refracta
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
affection
-
friendship
-
gratitude
-
elegance
-
innocence
-
naivety
-
purity
-
admiration
Description
After producing about 10 narrow leaves like narcissus, it bears multiple flowers in succession on elongated stems from March to April, blooming gradually from bottom to top. The great attraction of freesia is its fragrance, which varies by flower color - white has a sweet fragrance like osmanthus, while yellow has a sweet and sour fragrance.
Trivia
- Over 150 garden varieties now exist due to Dutch breeding efforts
- Fragrance varies by flower color, with yellow having a distinctive fruity sweet scent
- Most fragrance components are terpene limonene, which has nerve-calming effects
- Freesia flowers are arranged like a bow and bloom in sequence
Uses
Ornamental
- Use as cut flowers
- Ornamental in pots
- Garden bed planting
Medicinal
- Relaxation effects in aromatherapy
Caution:
No direct medicinal effects recognized
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Flower arrangements
- Potpourri material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs (mild)
Symptoms:
Large consumption of bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but normally not problematic.