September 24

Birth Flower

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Michaelmas Daisy New York Aster American Aster

Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Staying energetic despite age
  • Energetic even in old age
  • Hindsight wisdom

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii is a perennial from North America that was introduced to Japan during the Meiji period. It produces beautiful flowers in purple, pink, and white colors, and its beauty reminiscent of yuzen dyeing led to its Japanese name. With excellent cold resistance, it continues to bloom throughout the long autumn period, earning it the flower language meaning of 'always energetic'.

Trivia

  • Introduction to Japan began when seeds were brought from Germany during the Meiji period
  • The former genus name was Aster due to the flower's resemblance to European star-shaped decorations
  • Has a history of being widely planted around street trees during the reconstruction period after the Great Kanto Earthquake
  • A single plant can produce hundreds of flowers, sometimes called the 'Queen of Small Chrysanthemums'

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as main feature in autumn flower beds and mixed plantings
  • Used as cut flowers for autumn arrangements
  • Landscape formation through mass planting in gardens
Medicinal
  • Used in folk medicine to relieve cough and cold symptoms
  • Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties

Caution: Medical evidence is limited; self-medication should be avoided

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Can be preserved long-term as dried flowers
  • Attracts butterflies and bees as nectar source

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Rudbeckia
Black-eyed Susan Coneflower

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Justice
  • Fairness
  • Watching you

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Rudbeckia is a member of the Asteraceae family native to North America, with characteristic flower shapes resembling small sunflowers. The striking contrast between yellow or orange petals and the central black disc is impressive, and it continues blooming for long periods despite summer heat. Named after Swedish botanist Olof Rudbeck, the flower language meanings of 'fairness' and 'justice' derive from his impartial research attitude.

Trivia

  • Olof Rudbeck, the namesake, was known as Linnaeus's mentor
  • After flowering, the center extends into a cylindrical shape resembling a pine cone, earning the alternative name Pine Cone Flower
  • Available in both annual and perennial varieties, offering diversity for different uses
  • Some species (Rudbeckia laciniata) are designated as invasive alien species due to their excessive reproductive capacity

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as main feature in summer to autumn flower beds
  • Enjoyable as cut flowers for long periods
  • Popular as dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Native Americans used it to treat colds and infections
  • Believed to have immune-boosting effects similar to Echinacea

Caution: Modern medical evidence is limited; medicinal use should be avoided without expert guidance

Culinary

Generally not considered edible

Other
  • Attracts butterflies and bees as nectar source
  • Seeds serve as food source for wild birds

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant

Symptoms: Large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Eryngium
Sea Holly Thistles

Scientific Name: Eryngium planum
Family: Apiaceae

Flower Language

  • Secret love
  • Hidden love
  • Seeking light

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Eryngium is a perennial of the Apiaceae family native to the western Mediterranean coast to western Asia. It features a distinctive shape where sharp, spiky bracts surround flower heads of small flowers arranged in spherical or cylindrical clusters, displaying beautiful colors with metallic luster. It prefers dry, cool environments, and the flowers are ideal for dried arrangements due to their low moisture content, maintaining their color well for long periods.

Trivia

  • Over 200 varieties exist, each with different shapes and colors
  • Rare plant that maintains colors close to fresh flowers even when dried
  • Called Sea Holly in English because flower shape resembles sea urchins
  • Medieval knights had the custom of giving eryngium to lovers as proof of love

Uses

Ornamental
  • Enjoyable as dried flowers for long periods
  • Creates unique presence as cut flowers
  • Used as accent in wild gardens
Medicinal
  • Believed to have diuretic effects in folk medicine
  • Traditionally said to have anti-inflammatory effects

Caution: Insufficient modern medical evidence; self-medication should be avoided

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Used in handicrafts as craft material
  • Used as motif in architectural decoration since ancient times

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic but beware of physical injury from spikes

Dahlia
Garden Dahlia

Scientific Name: Dahlia pinnata
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Elegance
  • Prosperity
  • Dignity

Characteristics

Colors: yellow

Description

Dahlia is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family native to the highlands from Mexico to Guatemala. With over 30,000 garden varieties, the flower petals come in diverse colors including red, orange, pink, yellow, white, lavender, purple, and multicolored, with 16 different blooming styles. Yellow dahlias particularly have the flower language meanings of 'elegance' and 'prosperity', making them suitable for celebrations and gifts with their bright and gorgeous impression.

Trivia

  • Brought to Europe by Spanish botanists in the 18th century
  • Initially cultivated for food rather than ornamental purposes
  • Full-scale cultivation began in Japan during the Taisho period
  • Recorded as one of the flowers with the most varieties in the world

Uses

Ornamental
  • Mass planting as main feature in autumn flower beds
  • Used in luxurious arrangements as cut flowers
  • Indoor decoration in potted form
Medicinal
  • Used to treat diabetes in Aztec times
  • Believed to have diuretic effects in folk medicine

Caution: Insufficient modern medical evidence; medicinal use requires expert guidance

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Yellow pigment can be extracted for use as dye
  • Some varieties used as perfume ingredients

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic and petals are edible