September 05

Birth Flower

Scabious Patrinia
Golden Lace Patrinia Yellow Patrinia

Scientific Name: Patrinia scabiosifolia
Family: Caprifoliaceae

Flower Language

  • Beauty
  • Fleeting Love
  • Kindness

Characteristics

Colors: Yellow

Description

A perennial herb of the Patrinia genus distributed across East Asia, long cherished as one of Japan's seven autumn flowers. It grows naturally at the edges of sunny mountain fields, reaching up to 1 meter in height. The plant produces numerous small yellow flowers at the stem tips, forming flower clusters 15-20cm in size. It blooms from August to September and is known for its distinctive fragrance.

Trivia

  • The name combines 'omina' (woman) and 'eshi' (overwhelm), meaning 'overwhelming beauty'
  • Alternative etymology relates to its resemblance to yellow millet rice eaten by women
  • A white-flowered relative called Otokoeshi (male flower) exists
  • Featured in 17 poems in the ancient Manyoshu poetry collection

Uses

Ornamental
  • Tea ceremony flower arrangements
  • Autumn garden plantings
  • Cut flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Dried roots used for gynecological conditions
  • Anti-inflammatory and blood purifying properties

Caution: Professional guidance required for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Can be used as natural dye
  • Nectar source for insects

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Whole plant

Symptoms: Large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms

Moonflower
Evening Glory Moon Vine Night-blooming Morning Glory

Scientific Name: Ipomoea alba
Family: Convolvulaceae

Flower Language

  • Evening Memories
  • Night Memories
  • Bewitching Beauty

Characteristics

Colors: White

Description

A member of the morning glory family native to tropical America and Asia, blooming large white flowers from evening to night. The funnel-shaped flowers are 10-15cm in diameter with a sweet fragrance, lasting only one day before withering in the morning. While treated as an annual in Japan due to cold sensitivity, it's a perennial vine in its native habitat. The deep green heart-shaped leaves are also attractive and can be used as a natural screen.

Trivia

  • The English name 'Moonflower' comes from its habit of blooming under moonlight
  • Flowers begin opening around 4-5 PM and close by dawn
  • Individual flowers last approximately 12-14 hours
  • Often confused with bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) but they are completely different plants

Uses

Ornamental
  • Night garden accent plants
  • Natural green curtains
  • Arbor and pergola decoration
Medicinal
  • Leaves sometimes used externally in folk medicine
  • Seeds used medicinally in some regions

Caution: Requires expertise for medicinal applications

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Occasionally used in perfume production
  • Attracts nocturnal insects

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Roots

Symptoms: Large quantities of seeds may cause hallucinations and gastrointestinal disorders

Cockscomb
Celosia Woolflower Red Fox

Scientific Name: Celosia argentea
Family: Amaranthaceae

Flower Language

  • Eccentric
  • Fashionable
  • Pretentious
  • Individuality
  • Unfading Love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual plant of the amaranth family native to India and tropical Asia, introduced to Japan via China during the Nara period. The flower heads spread flat in band or fan shapes, resembling a rooster's comb, hence the name cockscomb. The actual flowers are small; what's conspicuous is the modified flower spike at the stem tip. It blooms continuously from May to October, thriving in heat but sensitive to cold. Available in vibrant colors including red, pink, yellow, and orange.

Trivia

  • The genus name Celosia derives from the Greek word 'kēleos' meaning 'burning'
  • Classified into five types: crested, plumed, Kurume, spear, and wild cockscomb
  • Retains color well when dried, making excellent dried flowers
  • Prefers direct sowing as it dislikes transplanting

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower bed plantings
  • Cut flower arrangements
  • Dried flower preservation
Medicinal
  • Seeds sometimes used as hemostatic agents in folk medicine
  • Leaves used externally in some regions

Caution: Professional knowledge required for medicinal use

Culinary
  • Young leaves
  • Seeds
Other
  • Natural dye production
  • Decorative dried flower arrangements

Toxicity

Symptoms: No known toxicity