Chrysanthemum
Mum
Autumn flower
Scientific Name:
Chrysanthemum × morifolium
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
trust
-
nobility
-
integrity
-
I love you
Description
Native to China, chrysanthemums are one of the oldest ornamental plants beloved in the East. They were introduced to Japan during the Nara period as symbols of longevity and immortality. The flower became the imperial symbol when Emperor Go-Toba used it on his personal belongings, making it one of Japan's national flowers alongside cherry blossoms. Extensive breeding began in the Edo period, creating many classical chrysanthemum varieties.
Trivia
- The Japanese 50 yen coin features the chrysanthemum crest
- The scientific name Chrysanthemum means 'golden flower' in Greek
- The culture of 'kiku ningyo' (chrysanthemum dolls) emerged in the Edo period
- One of the flowers with the most varieties in the world, with thousands of cultivars
Uses
Ornamental
- Used in bouquets and floral arrangements as cut flowers
- Grown as ornamental plants in gardens and pots
- Enjoyed as bonsai plants
Medicinal
- Believed to have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties
- Used for eye fatigue and vision improvement
- Consumed as chrysanthemum tea
Caution:
Those with allergies to Asteraceae plants should be cautious
Other
- Used as fragrance
- Natural insect repellent
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Pink Evening Primrose
Showy Evening Primrose
White Evening Primrose
Scientific Name:
Oenothera speciosa
Family:
Onagraceae
Flower Language
-
deep affection
-
free spirit
-
purity
-
silent love
Description
A perennial plant from North America in the evening primrose family that blooms flowers similar to evening primrose in early summer. It has a hardy nature and grows well when planted in flower beds. It gets its name from blooming not only at night but also during the day. The flowers bloom white in the evening and change to pink by the next morning, showing a beautiful transformation. It has a creeping habit, spreading along the ground, and can be enjoyed for flowers over a long period.
Trivia
- The genus name Oenothera comes from Greek words meaning 'wine' and 'beast', referring to the root's aroma
- Has the unusual characteristic of flower color changing over time
- Can be seen as a naturalized plant throughout Japan
- An important nectar source for nocturnal moths
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted in flower beds and border gardens
- Used as ground cover
- Used in floral arrangements as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Sometimes used in folk medicine for treating wounds
- Used as medicinal herb by Native Americans
Caution:
Consult professionals for medical use
Culinary
Not commonly used for culinary purposes
Other
- Attracts butterflies and bees as a nectar source
- Used as ground cover for soil protection
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Marigold
African Marigold
French Marigold
Scientific Name:
Tagetes erecta
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
health
-
lovely affection
-
champion
-
unchanging love
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
An annual plant of the Asteraceae family native to Central America, centering on Mexico, that blooms in vibrant yellow and orange flowers. Named meaning 'golden flower of the Virgin Mary,' it was introduced to Japan in the early Edo period. Due to its distinctive odor, it has insect-repelling effects and can suppress nematode occurrence, making it valuable as a companion plant. It has a long blooming period, with flowers enjoyed from April to December.
Trivia
- The genus name Tagetes comes from Tages, the Etruscan god of prophecy
- Both African and French marigolds are actually native to the Americas
- NASA has researched them as colorful additions to space food
- Petals are rich in lutein, believed to be good for eye health
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as main plants in flower beds and mixed plantings
- Used in bouquets and arrangements as cut flowers
- Easily enjoyed in container gardening
Medicinal
- Sometimes used in folk medicine for treating wounds
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Consult professionals for medical use
Other
- Used as natural insect repellent in vegetable cultivation
- Sometimes used as a source of lutein
- Can be used as yellow dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
May cause mild skin irritation upon contact