September 22

Birth Flower

Peacock Aster
Symphyotrichum Fall Aster Many-flowered Aster

Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum cv.
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • love at first sight
  • always cheerful
  • lovely person

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial plant of the family Asteraceae, genus Symphyotrichum, native to North America. It grows to about 1 meter tall with stems that branch into many parts, each bearing small flowers. Named for its resemblance to a peacock's spread tail feathers. Related to fall asters, it's commonly used as cut flowers due to its height. Flower colors include pink, white, and purple, blooming from mid-August to mid-October.

Trivia

  • Also called Peacock Aster and is related to fall asters
  • As a short-day plant, artificial lights like street lamps can prevent flower bud formation
  • Sold for about 200-300 yen per stem, available year-round but most abundant in autumn
  • White flowers are called 'White Peacock' and are considered especially beautiful

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Grown in gardens
  • Cultivated in pots
Medicinal

Caution: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Flower arrangements
  • Stand flowers

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Purple Loosestrife
Japanese Loosestrife Lythrum anceps

Scientific Name: Lythrum anceps
Family: Lythraceae

Flower Language

  • firm will
  • compassion
  • sorrow of love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial plant of the Lythraceae family that grows naturally in wetlands, along streams, and on rice field edges throughout Japan. It grows 50-100 cm tall with square stems and narrow, opposite leaves. From July to September, it produces numerous small dark pink or purple flowers. It has long been cherished as a purification flower offered at Buddhist altars, with alternative names including Bon-bana (Obon flower) and Shoryobana (spirit flower). The custom of purification using flowers soaked in water remains in various regions.

Trivia

  • The name derives from its resemblance to bush clover used in purification rituals (misogi)
  • Has various local names including Bon-bana and Shoryobana depending on the region
  • Has the distinctive characteristic of square-shaped stem cross-sections
  • The custom of using soaked Misohagi for purification still remains in various regions today

Uses

Ornamental
  • Buddhist altar flowers
  • Obon decorations
  • Wetland garden plantings
Medicinal
  • Anti-diarrheal effects
  • Fever-reducing effects
  • Hemostatic effects

Caution: Use only as traditional medicine and under medical supervision

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Use in purification ceremonies
  • Decoction for thirst relief

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Japanese Madder
Madder Rubia Asian Madder

Scientific Name: Rubia argyi
Family: Rubiaceae

Flower Language

  • think of me
  • coquetry

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A climbing perennial plant of the Rubiaceae family that grows wild in the mountains and fields of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The stem is square-shaped with small thorns and grows by clinging to surrounding objects. The roots are thick and fibrous, glossy red-yellow when fresh, turning dark purple when dried. Historically important as a dye plant for madder dyeing, the alizarin and purpurin extracted from the roots produce beautiful red colors. Used as a pillow word 'akane sasu' in the Manyoshu poetry collection, it is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Trivia

  • The 'ko-sei-ken' silk fabric that Queen Himiko of Yamataikoku presented to the Wei king is believed to have been madder-dyed
  • Akane appears in 13 poems in the Manyoshu, all used as pillow words
  • The genus name Rubia means 'red' in Latin, derived from the red dye obtained from the roots
  • Currently, Western madder (Rubia tinctorum) is mainly used for dyeing purposes

Uses

Ornamental
  • Appreciated as a wild mountain plant
  • Used as a climbing plant in gardens
Medicinal
  • Hemostatic effects
  • Emmenagogue effects
  • Fever-reducing effects
  • Antitussive effects

Caution: Professional guidance required when using as herbal medicine

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Madder dyeing
  • Cosmetic pigment
  • Paint ingredient

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: roots

Symptoms: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities