Helenium
Sneezeweed
Helen's Flower
Scientific Name:
Helenium autumnale
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Cheerfulness
-
Good family tradition
-
Tolerant heart
Description
Helenium is a North American perennial from the Asteraceae family, characterized by its flower center that starts flat and gradually becomes dome-shaped as it blooms. This unique flower form gives it the Japanese name 'Dangogiku' (dumpling chrysanthemum). It blooms for an extended period from June to October, producing vibrant flowers in red, orange, and yellow. It is hardy to both heat and cold, has strong vitality, and is easy to grow even for beginners.
Trivia
- The English name 'Sneezeweed' comes from the historical use of dried leaves and flowers as snuff.
- Helenium flowers serve as an important nectar source for bees and butterflies.
- Some varieties can grow to over one meter in height.
- The characteristic raised flower center gave it the charming Japanese name 'Dangogiku' (dumpling chrysanthemum).
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as background plants in flower beds
- Enjoyed as cut flowers
- Ornamental container cultivation
Medicinal
- Traditional cold remedy by Native Americans
- Historical use as herbal snuff to induce sneezing
Caution:
Should avoid medicinal use as it can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use.
Other
- Historically used as sneezing agent for hay fever relief
- Creating autumn garden landscapes
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Flowers
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset or dermatitis.
Gaillardia
Blanket Flower
Indian Blanket
Scientific Name:
Gaillardia × grandiflora
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Cooperation
-
Unity
-
Bright personality
Description
Gaillardia is a perennial from North and South America in the Asteraceae family, known for its excellent cold and heat tolerance. It continuously blooms from June to October with vibrant flowers in yellow, orange, and red colors. The flowers are 5-10 centimeters in diameter, and the plant maintains its vigor even on hot summer days and is unaffected by temperatures as low as -10°C. Currently cultivated varieties are mainly hybrids between Gaillardia aristata and Gaillardia pulchella.
Trivia
- The English name 'Blanket Flower' comes from the flower colors resembling Native American blanket patterns.
- It is designated as the state flower of Oklahoma and symbolizes the pioneer era.
- A single plant can produce hundreds of flowers, making it extremely floriferous.
- Through breeding, various colors and flower forms have now been developed.
Uses
Ornamental
- Main constituent plant in flower beds
- Used as cut flowers
- Container garden cultivation
Medicinal
- Traditional use by Native Americans as gastrointestinal medicine
- Root decoction used for treating skin disorders
Caution:
Medicinal use is not currently recommended.
Other
- Important nectar source for bees and butterflies
- Soil improvement effects
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic, but may cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Symphoricarpos
Snowberry
Waxberry
Scientific Name:
Symphoricarpos albus
Family:
Caprifoliaceae
Flower Language
-
Devoted forever
-
Cute mischief
Description
Symphoricarpos is a deciduous shrub from North America in the Caprifoliaceae family. After producing small lily-of-the-valley-like flowers in early summer, it develops beautiful pearl-like white or pink berries from autumn to early winter. The berries can be enjoyed for an extended period from autumn to early winter, and even after leaf drop, the berries remain on the plant for a while. It is a hardy flowering shrub that is resistant to both heat and cold and can be cultivated throughout Japan, mainly distributed as cut flowers.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'Symphoricarpos' means 'clustered fruits' in Greek.
- The berries are non-toxic to birds and serve as an important winter food source.
- As cut flowers, they have good water uptake and can be enjoyed for long periods.
- Berry colors vary by cultivar, including white, pink, and wine red.
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers
- Material for flower arrangements
- Planted as garden shrubs
Medicinal
- Traditional external medicine use by Native Americans
Caution:
The berries contain toxic components, so internal consumption must be absolutely avoided.
Culinary
The berries are toxic and cannot be consumed.
Other
- Important food source for wild birds
- Winter garden landscape enhancement
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Berries
Symptoms:
Saponins in the berries cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain when ingested.
October Daphne
Hylotelephium sieboldii
Stonecrop
Scientific Name:
Hylotelephium sieboldii
Family:
Crassulaceae
Flower Language
-
You are precious
-
Modesty
-
Love of tranquility
Description
Misebaya is a Japanese endemic succulent perennial in the Crassulaceae family and one of the classical horticultural plants. The thick, silver-green, oval succulent leaves are arranged in whorls of three on the stem. From October to November, small pink flowers cluster in spherical formations at the stem tips, creating a charming appearance like yarn pompoms. As autumn deepens, the leaves turn a beautiful red color, making it a valuable plant that offers both flowers and autumn foliage.
Trivia
- It has an elegant alternative name 'Tamawo' and appears in classical literature.
- Kankakei on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture is known as its only natural habitat.
- It is a rare plant that shows beautiful autumn colors despite being a succulent.
- It can be easily propagated by cuttings and has long been loved by gardening enthusiasts.
Uses
Ornamental
- Pot cultivation for ornamental purposes
- Garden ground planting
- Used as tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
- Historical use in folk medicine as a Crassulaceae plant
Caution:
Medicinal use is not currently recommended.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use.
Other
- Part of succulent plant collections
- Easy propagation through cuttings or division
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported, but large consumption should be avoided as with other succulents.
Maple
Japanese Maple
Acer
Scientific Name:
Acer palmatum
Family:
Sapindaceae
Flower Language
-
Precious memories
-
Beautiful change
-
Reserve
Description
Maple is a deciduous tree widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with about 130 species worldwide. About 20 species are native to Japan, with Iroha-momiji being particularly representative. After producing small flowers in spring, the leaves turn beautiful colors of yellow, orange, and red in autumn. This seasonal beauty gave rise to the flower language 'beautiful change'. The wood is also excellent, used as maple timber in construction and musical instrument making.
Trivia
- Botanically, 'momiji' and 'kaede' are the same family, often distinguished by the depth of leaf indentations.
- The maple leaf depicted on Canada's flag is modeled after the sugar maple leaf.
- About 20 species of maple are native to Japan, each showing different autumn color beauty.
- Maple syrup is precious, requiring 40 liters of sap to make just 1 liter of syrup.
Uses
Ornamental
- Planting in parks and gardens
- Used as street trees
- Cultivated as bonsai
Medicinal
- Folk medicine use of bark decoction
Caution:
Medicinal use is not common currently.
Other
- Used as construction timber
- Material for musical instruments (violins, etc.)
- Furniture making
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally non-toxic, but some species may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms if consumed in large quantities.