Tamura Thistle
Serratula
Japanese Saw-wort
Scientific Name:
Serratula coronata subsp. insularis
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
secret
-
only you
-
I only love you
Description
Tamura Thistle is a perennial herb growing 30-150cm tall, distributed from Honshu to Kyushu and Korea. It closely resembles thistle but lacks thorns on its leaves, blooming purple-red flower heads from August to October. It has creeping rhizomes and grows in grasslands from warm temperate to cool temperate zones.
Trivia
- Only one Serratula species is native to Japan
- Unlike thistle, safe to touch as leaves lack thorns
- Also known as Tamabōki (ball broom)
- Characterized by woody rhizomes
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivated as wildflower in gardens
- Used as cut flower
- Planted in naturalistic gardens
Medicinal
- Roots used in folk medicine
- Believed to have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Consultation with experts recommended before use
Other
- Indicator plant for ecosystem conservation
- Nectar source for insects
Pot Mum
Garden Mum
Florist's Mum
Florist's Chrysanthemum
Scientific Name:
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
noble love
-
I love you
-
pure love
Description
Pot Mums are Western chrysanthemums bred in America in the 1950s for potted cultivation. They grow compact with low height, blooming in diverse colors including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white from September to November. Hardy to heat and cold, they are beginner-friendly perennials that provide annual blooms once planted.
Trivia
- Mum is short for Chrysanthemum
- Potted varieties developed in America in the 1950s
- Japanese imperial crest features 16-petal chrysanthemum
- One of the flowers with most varieties worldwide
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plant appreciation
- Garden planting for autumn color
- Cut flowers for indoor decoration
Medicinal
- Used as chrysanthemum tea
- Believed effective for eye fatigue and inflammation
Caution:
Avoid consumption if allergic
Other
- Use as fragrance
- Natural insect repellent properties
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
May cause dermatitis or allergic reactions
Hardy Begonia
Begonia
Autumn Begonia
Scientific Name:
Begonia grandis
Family:
Begoniaceae
Flower Language
-
unrequited love
-
troubles of love
-
love of nature
-
immaturity
Description
Hardy Begonia is a perennial bulbous plant native to mainland China, introduced to Japan in the early Edo period. Growing to about 70cm tall, it has large, asymmetrical heart-shaped leaves. It blooms pale pink flowers facing downward from August to October and is monoecious. It has strong cold resistance and overwinters with underground bulbs.
Trivia
- One of few begonias that can overwinter in Japan
- Asymmetrical leaves inspired the unrequited love meaning
- Monoecious with male and female flowers on same plant
- Historic garden plant cultivated in Japan since Edo period
Uses
Ornamental
- Shade garden planting
- Tea ceremony flower arrangement
- Potted plant appreciation
Medicinal
- Roots and leaves used in folk medicine
- Believed to have detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Avoid large consumption due to oxalic acid content
Other
- Shade area greening plant
- Food source for wildlife
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems, Bulbs
Symptoms:
Oral and digestive irritation from oxalic acid
Dahlia
Garden Dahlia
Scientific Name:
Dahlia pinnata
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
elegance
-
dignity
-
magnificence
-
gratitude
Description
Dahlia is a perennial native to Mexico and Central America, forming tubers underground. It blooms in almost all colors except blue from June to October, with extremely diverse flower sizes and forms. Starting in early summer, reducing in mid-summer, and continuing until autumn. Countless varieties have been developed through breeding.
Trivia
- One of the flowers with most varieties worldwide
- Called 'water pipe' by Aztecs
- Extremely expensive flower in 18th century Europe
- Tubers originally cultivated as food in native lands
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting for display
- Cut flowers for indoor decoration
- Potted cultivation
Medicinal
- Tubers traditionally used medicinally in Mexico
- Sometimes used for diabetes treatment
Caution:
Medical effects not scientifically proven
Other
- Nectar source for insects
- Used in horticultural therapy
China Aster
Annual Aster
Garden Aster
Scientific Name:
Callistephus chinensis
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
trust
-
change
-
remembrance
-
sympathy
-
believing love
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
China Aster is a semi-hardy annual native to northeastern China and Siberia, reaching 30-100cm in height. It blooms 3-8cm diameter flowers from summer to autumn in various colors including white, purple, red, and pink. Currently classified as the only species in Callistephus genus, cultivated worldwide as ornamental plant.
Trivia
- Currently the only species in Callistephus genus
- Introduced to Japan in late Edo period
- Various flower forms created through breeding
- Good longevity as cut flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed cultivation
- Use as cut flowers
- Potted plant appreciation
Medicinal
- Sometimes used as folk medicine in China
- Believed to have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Scientific evidence limited, caution needed
Other
- Nectar source for insects
- Used as border plant in flower beds