September 07

Birth Flower

Buckwheat
Common buckwheat Japanese buckwheat

Scientific Name: Fagopyrum esculentum
Family: Polygonaceae

Flower Language

  • loveliness
  • diligence
  • sincerity
  • saving you

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

Buckwheat is an annual herb of the Polygonaceae family native to Central Asia, with the scientific name Fagopyrum esculentum. It produces numerous small white flowers in racemes at stem tips from August to September. What appear to be petals are actually sepals, usually five in number. It can be harvested in the short period of 60-80 days, making it an important 'famine crop.' The flower language meanings 'diligence' and 'sincerity' derive from its hardy nature of growing even in poor soil and producing seeds quickly. Introduced to Japan during the Heian period, it has been deeply integrated into Japanese food culture as buckwheat flour for noodles and cooking. Rich in rutin, it is believed to strengthen blood vessels and prevent arteriosclerosis.

Trivia

  • The word 'soba' derives from 'edge' referring to the angular shape of the seeds
  • Flowers have nectaries, and buckwheat honey is known for its rich flavor
  • One of the world's fastest-growing grains, taking about 75 days from sowing to harvest
  • 100% buckwheat noodles have been treasured as luxury items since the Edo period

Uses

Ornamental
  • Beautiful white flower landscapes in buckwheat fields
  • Autumn countryside scenery
Medicinal
  • Blood vessel strengthening effect from rutin
  • Prevention of arteriosclerosis
  • Blood pressure lowering effect

Caution: Avoid consumption if allergic to buckwheat

Culinary
  • seeds (grains)
  • young leaves
  • flowers
Other
  • Honey source plant
  • Buckwheat hull used for pillow stuffing
  • Green manure for soil improvement

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: raw leaves

Symptoms: Raw leaves contain fagopyrin which may cause photosensitivity in large amounts. Can cause severe reactions in people with buckwheat allergies

Blue star
Tweedia Southern star Star flower

Scientific Name: Oxypetalum caeruleum
Family: Apocynaceae

Flower Language

  • happy love
  • trusting hearts
  • homesickness
  • spirit of stars

Characteristics

Colors: light blue

Description

Blue star is a perennial herb of the Apocynaceae family native to Brazil and Uruguay in South America. The scientific name Oxypetalum caeruleum means 'sharp petals' in Greek, derived from the flower's shape. The five-petaled star-shaped flowers are light blue, truly resembling beautiful stars as suggested by the English names 'Blue star' and 'Southern star.' The flower language 'happy love' comes from its use as 'something blue' in weddings, while 'trusting hearts' derives from blue being the symbolic color of the Virgin Mary. A characteristic feature is the white milky sap that emerges when stems or leaves are damaged, which can occasionally cause skin irritation upon contact. It's popular in wedding bouquets and arrangements, giving an elegant and refined impression.

Trivia

  • Spread from Western to Japanese culture as 'Something Blue' for weddings
  • Buds are light green and change to beautiful blue when blooming
  • When using as cut flowers, cauterizing the cut stem immediately helps preserve them
  • More commonly called 'Tweedia' in English, with 'Blue star' used as a horticultural name

Uses

Ornamental
  • Wedding bouquets
  • Flower arrangements
  • Cut flowers
  • Potted ornamental
Medicinal

Caution: Use as ornamental plant only and avoid contact with white sap

Culinary

Other
  • Dried flowers
  • Preserved flowers

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: stems, leaves, white sap

Symptoms: Contact with white sap may cause dermatitis or skin irritation

Willow-leaf sunflower
Golden pyramid Sawtooth sunflower

Scientific Name: Helianthus salicifolius
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • I'll be by your side
  • admiration
  • bright future
  • worship
  • cheerful personality

Characteristics

Colors: yellow

Description

Willow-leaf sunflower is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, genus Helianthus, native to North America. The scientific name Helianthus salicifolius means 'willow-leaved' in Latin, characterized by its distinctive narrow willow-like leaves. From September to October, it produces numerous small yellow sunflower-like flowers, 3-5cm in diameter, at stem tips. Unlike common sunflowers, it features many small flowers rather than large single blooms, and is also known by the horticultural name 'Golden Pyramid.' The flower language 'I'll be by your side' comes from its bright blooming during the lonely autumn season, while 'bright future' derives from its golden flower color. It's cold-hardy, easy to grow, and popular as cut flowers.

Trivia

  • The horticultural name 'Golden Pyramid' comes from the triangular pyramid-like flowering pattern
  • Unlike common sunflowers, it's characterized by producing multiple small flowers
  • Highly cold-resistant, can withstand temperatures down to about -20°C
  • Naturalized in American prairies, turning autumn landscapes golden

Uses

Ornamental
  • Autumn garden decoration
  • Cut flowers
  • Border gardens
  • Natural style gardens
Medicinal

Caution: Use as ornamental plant only

Culinary

Other
  • Dried flowers
  • Nectar source plant

Toxicity

Symptoms:

Sweet orange
Orange blossom Citrus flower

Scientific Name: Citrus sinensis
Family: Rutaceae

Flower Language

  • purity
  • loveliness
  • bride's joy
  • fertility

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

Orange is an evergreen small tree of the Rutaceae family native to the Assam region of northern India. The scientific name Citrus sinensis, where 'sinensis' means 'of China,' indicates its spread to the world via China. In early summer, it produces beautiful white or pale pink flowers 2-3cm in diameter with an extremely sweet and rich fragrance. This fragrance is so aromatic that it's used in perfumes and aromatherapy. The flower language meanings 'purity,' 'loveliness,' and 'bride's joy' derive from the Western tradition of using orange blossoms in bridal hair ornaments and crowns. Due to their pure white color and sweet fragrance, they have long been symbols of purity and fertility, making them essential flowers for weddings.

Trivia

  • Napoleon's wife Josephine's love for them popularized their use in weddings
  • Orange flower water has been treasured as perfume since medieval times
  • Thousands of flowers bloom on one tree, but only 1-2% develop into fruit
  • The main fragrance component is linalool, which has calming effects

Uses

Ornamental
  • Wedding decorations
  • Bridal bouquets
  • Garden trees
  • Fragrant flowers
Medicinal
  • Orange flower water extracted from flowers has calming effects
  • Aromatherapy for relaxation

Caution: Caution needed for those with citrus allergies

Culinary
  • flowers
  • fruits
  • leaves
Other
  • Perfume ingredients
  • Essential oil extraction
  • Cosmetic fragrances

Toxicity

Symptoms: