Cosmos
Garden Cosmos
Mexican Aster
Scientific Name:
Cosmos bipinnatus
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Originally from tropical America and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It came to Japan via Europe during the Meiji period. The name derives from the Greek word 'kosmos', meaning harmony, beauty, order, and universe. The stem grows to 2-3m in height, and the leaves are finely divided into thread-like segments. The flowers are 6-10cm in diameter, with white to light pink or deep pink ray petals surrounding yellow disc florets. Known as a representative short-day plant, it blooms beautifully in autumn.
Trivia
- The song 'Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki' by Ishikawa Sayuri features cosmos flowers
- The only flower sharing the same etymology as 'cosmos' (universe)
- Originally grew wild at altitudes above 1600m in Mexico
- A short-day plant that forms flower buds when daylight is less than 12 hours
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers in bouquets and arrangements
- Popular for autumn color in gardens and flower beds
- Enjoyed in container gardens and potted plants
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine to relieve cold symptoms
- Petal tea used to soothe digestive issues
Caution:
Avoid large quantities and use caution if allergic
Other
- Seeds used to extract oil for cosmetics
- Dried flowers for long-term preservation
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic and safe
Diascia
Twinspur
Barber's Diascia
Scientific Name:
Diascia barberae
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Description
A plant from South Africa in the Diascia genus of the Scrophulariaceae family. It blooms from spring to autumn in colors including pink, red, white, and orange, making it valuable for flower beds and hanging baskets. Both annual and perennial types exist, all being hardy and flowering in both full sun and partial shade. The flower's distinctive feature is two spurs on the back of the lower lip, which gives rise to the English name 'Twinspur'. Growing 10-40cm tall, it spreads in a trailing manner.
Trivia
- Name derives from Greek words meaning 'two' and 'sac'
- About 70 species are native to South Africa
- Introduction to Japan is relatively recent, popularized since the 1990s
- Sometimes mistaken for snapdragons due to similar flower shape
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as edging or foreground plants in flower beds
- Trailing effect in hanging baskets
- Popular accent flower in mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Used in South African folk medicine for healing minor wounds
- Flower decoction to soothe throat inflammation
Caution:
Medical effects not proven; consult healthcare professionals
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Nectar source attracting butterflies and bees to gardens
- Used as ground cover
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities
Clematis
Virgin's Bower
Traveller's Joy
Scientific Name:
Clematis florida
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
Traveller's Joy
-
Beautiful Spirit
Description
A climbing plant in the Clematis genus of the Ranunculaceae family, originating from China and Europe. Japan also has native species such as Kazaguruma, Hanshou, and Senninsou. Positioned as the 'Queen of Climbers', it's beloved as a partner plant for roses. What appears to be petals are actually sepals, making it an unusual flower without true petals. The flowering period extends from April to October, with both once-blooming and repeat-blooming groups. The name derives from the Greek word 'klema' meaning 'vine' or 'climbing'.
Trivia
- One of the climbing plants with the most varieties in the world
- Popular plant every year at the Chelsea Flower Show in Britain
- Unusual plant that produces beautiful flowers without true petals
- Some species are highly fragrant, especially at night
Uses
Ornamental
- Three-dimensional effects on garden arches and trellises
- Popular in combination plantings with roses
- Used as cut flowers in ikebana arrangements
Medicinal
- Used in Chinese medicine to treat arthritis and neuralgia
- Used in European folk medicine to treat skin diseases
Caution:
Toxic - must be used only under expert guidance
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Young vines used as basket weaving material
- Used as dried flowers for decoration
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems, Sap
Symptoms:
May cause dermatitis, stomatitis, and gastrointestinal disorders
Great Bulrush
Soft-stem Bulrush
Tabernae's Club-rush
Scientific Name:
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
Family:
Cyperaceae
Description
A perennial plant in the Cyperaceae family native to Japan, North America, China, and Central Asia. It grows in wetlands and shallow ponds, reaching heights of nearly 2 meters as a large plant. The stem has a circular cross-section and is characteristically thick and round with a diameter of 7-15mm. The underground rhizome is thick and creeping horizontally, forming large colonies with sparsely distributed flowering stems. The base of the flowering stem has a sheath with a slightly leaf-like tip. White flowers bloom at the stem tips in early summer. The thick, round stems are used for weaving mats and floor coverings, and have long been used as summer aquatic flower materials in Japan.
Trivia
- Name means 'thick rush' but is actually a different plant from true rush
- Unusual plant with perfectly circular stem cross-section
- Was a luxury material used for tatami edges during the Edo period
- Still valued as summer flower material by long-established tea utensil shops in Kyoto
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivated as aquatic plant in garden ponds
- Summer flower material in ikebana and tea ceremony
- Used for water scenery in Japanese-style gardens
Medicinal
- Used as diuretic herb in Chinese medicine
- Used in folk medicine to treat kidney diseases
Caution:
Medical effects not proven; consult healthcare professionals
Other
- Weaving mats and floor coverings using stems
- Used as roofing material in construction
- Used in wetland restoration as water purification plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic and safe