Crocus
Autumn Crocus
Saffron Crocus
Scientific Name:
Crocus speciosus
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
energy
-
regret of love
-
youthful gladness
-
longing
Characteristics
Colors:
purple
Description
Crocus is a bulbous plant from the Iridaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast. While spring-blooming varieties are commonly known, autumn-blooming varieties also exist. Autumn Crocus (Crocus speciosus) blooms with beautiful purple flowers from September to November, characteristically flowering before the leaves emerge. Flowers are 3-4cm in diameter with six petals and three long pistils in the center. The name derives from Greek 'krokos (thread),' referring to the thread-like pistils. Unlike spring crocuses that herald spring's arrival, autumn crocuses are treasured in gardens as heralds of autumn. The bulbs spend summer underground and bloom when temperatures drop.
Trivia
- Opposite blooming season to spring crocus, flowers appear before leaves
- Name derives from Greek 'thread,' referring to elongated pistils
- Same genus as saffron but only saffron can be used as spice
- Relatively easy to grow among bulb plants, naturally multiplies annually
Uses
Ornamental
- Autumn garden bulb planting
- Rock garden color accent
- Short-term cut flower enjoyment
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb in ancient Greece
- Folk medicine for analgesic effects
Caution:
Medicinal use not currently recommended; professional consultation required.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use (different from saffron)
Other
- Important subject for horticultural research
- Propagation possible through bulb reproduction
- Used as early blooming indicator plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Entire plant
Symptoms:
Contains alkaloids like colchicine; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Great Burnet
Japanese Burnet
Garden Burnet
Scientific Name:
Sanguisorba officinalis
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
changing days
-
change
-
contemplation
-
admiration
-
expectation for tomorrow
Description
Great Burnet is a perennial from the Rosaceae family native to Japan, Korean Peninsula, China, and Siberia. While not one of the seven autumn flowers, it has long been beloved as a representative flower of autumn fields. Growing 50cm to 1m tall, it produces dense spike-like inflorescences of small dark red flowers from July to October. Its most distinctive feature is the unique 'determinate inflorescence' blooming pattern, flowering sequentially from the spike tip downward, causing the overall color to change over time. Flower colors range from dark red to brownish-red, with rare white varieties. The name means 'I too am red,' expressing the flower's modest yet beautiful assertion. The thick roots contain abundant tannins and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as hemostatic agents.
Trivia
- The 'determinate inflorescence' blooming from spike tip is rare in plant kingdom
- Also called 'dango flower' due to resemblance to Japanese dumplings
- Root tannins historically used for leather tanning
- Though not one of seven autumn flowers, continues to be beloved as representative autumn wildflower
Uses
Ornamental
- Treasured as tea ceremony flowers
- Natural autumn garden planting
- Autumn flower material for ikebana
Medicinal
- Used as hemostatic agent 'Diyu' in traditional Chinese medicine
- Wound treatment through tannin astringent action
- Folk medicine for antidiarrheal effects
Caution:
Medicinal use requires expert knowledge; self-medication should be avoided.
Other
- Red-brown dye source
- Leather tanning using tannins
- Contributes to ecosystem as wildlife food
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Water Lily
Pond Lily
White Water Lily
Scientific Name:
Nymphaea alba
Family:
Nymphaeaceae
Flower Language
-
pure heart
-
faith
-
sweetness
-
purity
Description
Water Lily is a perennial aquatic plant from the Nymphaeaceae family, native to lakes and ponds worldwide, with several species also native to Japan. The rhizome is buried in mud at the water bottom, extending long petioles to float circular leaves on the water surface. Leaves are 10-30cm in diameter with a characteristic deep notch. Flowers bloom from May to September with diurnal behavior, opening in morning and closing in evening. Flower diameter ranges 8-20cm in various colors including white, pink, yellow, and red. Considered sacred in ancient Egypt, depicted in pharaoh tomb murals. In Buddhism, symbolizes pure heart for blooming beautiful flowers from mud.
Trivia
- Monet's 'Water Lilies' series are world-famous paintings
- Diurnal behavior of opening in morning and closing in evening, lasting 3-4 days
- Used as perfume ingredient in ancient Egypt
- Leaf surface has special water-repelling structure called lotus effect
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental cultivation in garden ponds
- Small-scale cultivation in water basins
- Large-scale planting in park ponds
Medicinal
- Used for wound treatment in ancient Egypt
- Folk medicine for sedative effects
- Ayurvedic herb for calming mind
Caution:
Medicinal use not currently recommended; professional consultation required.
Culinary
- Rhizomes
- Seeds
- Young leaves
Other
- Environmental plant contributing to water purification
- Nectar source supporting insects
- Important motif in artistic works
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Lobelia
Cardinal Flower
Indian Tobacco
Scientific Name:
Lobelia erinus
Family:
Campanulaceae
Flower Language
-
malice
-
modesty
-
always lovely
Description
Lobelia is an annual from the Campanulaceae family native to South Africa, introduced to Japan in the late Meiji period. Growing 10-20cm tall, it spreads in a trailing manner. Flowers are small (1-2cm diameter) with distinctive labiate form having 2 upper petals and 3 lower petals. Flower colors include blue, purple, white, and pink, with blue varieties particularly renowned for their beauty. Blooming from April to July, it prefers cool climates making spring to early summer its peak season. Leaves are small and elliptical, covered with fine hairs along with the stems. Popular garden plant for hanging baskets, border plantings, and rock gardens. Treated as annual in Japan due to heat sensitivity.
Trivia
- Species name 'erinus' means 'early spring,' representing its spring-blooming characteristic
- Called 'butterfly flower' due to flower shape resembling butterflies
- Over 300 species of Lobelia are native to South Africa
- Treated as annual in Japan as it cannot survive summer due to preference for cool climate
Uses
Ornamental
- Main material for hanging baskets
- Classic border plant for flower beds
- Ground cover in rock gardens
Medicinal
- Used for respiratory conditions in South African traditional medicine
- Some species historically used as medicinal herbs
Caution:
Many species are toxic; medicinal use should be avoided.
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Nectar source attracting butterflies and small birds
- Color balance adjustment in mixed plantings
- Spatial design in small gardens
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially seeds
Symptoms:
Contains alkaloids; ingestion may cause poisoning symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory difficulty.