October 02

Birth Flower

Yellow Cosmos
Orange Cosmos Sulfur Cosmos Golden Cosmos

Scientific Name: Cosmos sulphureus
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • wild beauty
  • natural beauty
  • young love
  • natural charm

Characteristics

Colors: orange

Description

Yellow Cosmos is an annual flower from the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico and introduced to Japan during the Taisho era, becoming popular in the Showa period. The species name 'sulphureus' means sulfur-colored, originally referring to yellow flowers, but now includes orange and red varieties. Unlike regular cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), it's a separate species with broader, serrated leaves rather than thread-like ones, and shorter stems of 30-100cm. It has a long blooming period from June to November and is heat-resistant, continuing to bloom vigorously even in summer. Semi-double flowers are common, with 3-5cm diameter blooms in warm colors of yellow, orange, and red. It prefers sunny locations with good drainage and is highly heat-tolerant.

Trivia

  • Name 'cosmos' derives from Greek meaning 'harmony' and 'beautiful'
  • Japanese cosmos roads are autumn traditions found nationwide
  • Used as food in Mexico, adding color to salads and dishes
  • Shares etymology with 'cosmos' meaning universe

Uses

Ornamental
  • Long-lasting cut flowers
  • Autumn color in garden beds and containers
  • Tourism plantings in cosmos fields
Medicinal
  • Traditional Mexican medicine for digestive aid
  • Folk use for anti-inflammatory purposes

Caution: Scientific evidence is limited; consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Edible oil extraction from seeds
  • Natural dye for yellow and orange colors
  • Nectar source for beekeeping

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Japanese Anemone
Windflower Thimbleweed

Scientific Name: Anemone hupehensis var. japonica
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • patience
  • fading love
  • faint feelings
  • patience

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Japanese Anemone is a perennial from the Ranunculaceae family, native to China and introduced to Japan long ago, now naturalized in forests near human settlements. Despite its name containing 'chrysanthemum,' it's actually a member of the anemone family, with what appears to be petals actually being petaloid sepals. It blooms from mid-August to November, with peak flowering from late September to October. Flowers are 5-7cm in diameter with 5-20+ beautiful sepals. It spreads by underground rhizomes and produces beautiful flowers annually once established. Stems are slender and upright, reaching 60-120cm tall. Leaves are palmate compound with 3-5 lobes, clasping the stem. Also called Kibune-giku after naturalizing in Kyoto's Kibune area.

Trivia

  • What appears to be petals are actually sepals; true petals have degenerated
  • Naturalized plants along Kyoto's Kibune River are considered especially beautiful
  • Ancient flower appearing in the Tale of Genji
  • Spreads by rhizomes, providing annual enjoyment once planted

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers for autumn atmosphere
  • Garden plantings for autumn color
  • Tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
  • Traditional Chinese medicine for analgesic effects
  • Folk medicine for fever reduction

Caution: Contains alkaloids; internal use requires expert guidance.

Culinary

Not edible due to toxicity

Other
  • Natural dye for pale pink and purple colors
  • Pressed flowers for crafts
  • Ground cover in landscape design

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially rhizomes

Symptoms: Contains alkaloids like protoanemonin; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal disorders and dermatitis.

Sneezeweed
Helen's Flower Common Sneezeweed

Scientific Name: Helenium autumnale
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • showy
  • tears
  • tolerant heart
  • good mood

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Helenium is a perennial from the Asteraceae family native to North America, known in Japanese as Dango-giku (dumpling chrysanthemum). This name comes from how the initially flat flower center becomes hemispherical as blooming progresses. The genus name Helenium derives from Helen, the beautiful woman of Greek mythology. Legend says helenium grew from soil where Helen's tears fell, giving rise to the flower language meaning of 'tears.' Blooming from June to October, flowers are 5-6cm in diameter in colors of red, orange, yellow, and bicolor. Plant height varies from 60-150cm depending on variety, with well-branched stems producing numerous flowers. It has excellent heat and cold tolerance and prefers sunny locations.

Trivia

  • English name 'Sneezeweed' comes from pollen triggering sneezing
  • Native Americans actually used it as sneezing medicine
  • One of few flowers named after Helen of Greek mythology
  • Japanese name 'dumpling chrysanthemum' comes from raised flower centers

Uses

Ornamental
  • Long-lasting cut flowers
  • Autumn color in garden plantings
  • Dried flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Native American traditional medicine for respiratory ailments
  • Folk medicine for anti-inflammatory effects

Caution: May cause allergic reactions; consult experts before medicinal use.

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Natural dye for yellow and orange colors
  • Nectar source for beekeeping
  • Wildlife food contributing to ecosystems

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: May cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in some individuals.

Apricot
Armenian Plum Ansu Apricot

Scientific Name: Prunus armeniaca
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • maiden's bashfulness
  • timid love
  • doubt
  • modesty

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Apricot is a deciduous small tree from the Rosaceae family, native to mountainous regions from Shandong to Hebei provinces in China, believed to have been introduced to Japan during the Nara period. The species name 'armeniaca' comes from the misconception that it was from Armenia, though it actually originates from China. It blooms with 2-3cm diameter, 5-petaled flowers from March to April before leaf expansion, in colors from white to pale pink. While similar to plum and cherry blossoms, apricot flowers are larger with multiple flower stalks from one point, producing more flowers, and can be distinguished by reflexed sepals. Yellow-orange fruits ripen in June-July, used more for jams, fruit wines, and almond tofu ingredients than fresh eating. Seeds are used as the herbal medicine 'kyounin' for cough suppression.

Trivia

  • Species name 'armeniaca' comes from European misunderstanding of Armenian origin
  • Almond tofu's 'almond' actually comes from apricot seeds
  • Often sung in Chinese poetry as symbol of beauty
  • One of important fruit trees spread east and west via Silk Road

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers for early spring color
  • Garden trees for spring landscapes
  • Artistic bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
  • Seeds (kyounin) used as herbal medicine for cough and expectorant
  • Fruit pulp believed to improve constipation
  • Leaves used in folk medicine for skin conditions

Caution: Seeds contain amygdalin; excessive consumption is dangerous. Expert guidance required.

Culinary
  • Fruits
  • Seed kernels (small amounts)
Other
  • Seed oil used in cosmetic ingredients
  • Wood for crafts and musical instruments
  • Important nectar source for beekeeping

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Leaves (large quantities)

Symptoms: Amygdalin in seeds produces cyanide compounds; large consumption may cause poisoning symptoms.