November 29

Birth Flower

Groundsel Bush
Sea Myrtle Eastern Baccharis Consumption Weed Cotton-seed Tree

Scientific Name: Baccharis halimifolia
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • pioneering spirit
  • worship
  • watching you
  • radiance

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Baccharis is a deciduous shrub from the Asteraceae family native to northeastern North America, growing 2-4m tall. Around October, it extends flower stems bearing numerous small white tubular flowers 3-4mm in diameter in paniculate inflorescences. The gray-green leaves are alternate, elliptical to obovate with coarsely serrated margins. Being dioecious, female flowers produce white fluffy fruits after flowering. Resistant to cold and salt spray, it's used for coastal greening, thriving in sandy and saline soils. The genus name Baccharis derives from Greek, referencing Bacchus the wine god, due to the fragrant aroma of its roots.

Trivia

  • Baccharis genus is one of the most species-rich in Asteraceae with about 500 species worldwide
  • Being dioecious, female plants are more decorative with fluffy seed heads
  • Young shoots used for high-value propolis production
  • Plays important role in coastal ecosystem restoration due to salt tolerance

Uses

Ornamental
  • Coastal landscaping
  • Autumn garden decoration
  • Dried flowers
  • Cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Used by Native Americans for cough relief
  • Traditional medicine for respiratory ailments

Caution: Avoid medicinal use without expert knowledge

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Sandy soil stabilization
  • Wildlife habitat provision
  • Nectar source for pollinators

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Begonia
Wax Begonia Bedding Begonia Semperflorens Begonia

Scientific Name: Begonia semperflorens
Family: Begoniaceae

Flower Language

  • unrequited love
  • declaration of love
  • politeness
  • kindness
  • truth

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Begonia is a perennial from the Begoniaceae family native to Brazil, South America. The scientific name 'semperflorens' means 'always blooming,' derived from its ability to flower for extended periods. The thick, glossy, heart-shaped leaves are asymmetrical, and this distinctive leaf shape gave rise to the flower language meaning 'unrequited love.' Flowers come in rich colors including red, white, pink, and yellow, with both single and double forms. Growing 15-30cm tall in compact form, it blooms continuously from spring to autumn. Currently, there are over 2,000 original species and more than 10,000 cultivated varieties, beloved worldwide.

Trivia

  • Over 2,000 species and 10,000 cultivars exist worldwide
  • Genus named after 18th century French Antilles Governor Michel Begon
  • Asymmetrical leaves evolved for efficient light reception
  • Monoecious with distinctly different male and female flowers

Uses

Ornamental
  • Bedding plants
  • Potted plants
  • Hanging baskets
  • Window decorations
  • Cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Traditional use of leaves for wound treatment
  • Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties

Caution: Medicinal use requires expertise and is not common

Culinary
  • Flowers
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Horticultural education material
  • Breeding research subject
  • Indoor air purifying plant

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: All parts, Especially leaves and stems

Symptoms: Contains oxalic acid which may cause mouth numbness and digestive issues if consumed in large quantities

Toad Lily
Japanese Toad Lily Tricyrtis

Scientific Name: Tricyrtis hirta
Family: Liliaceae

Flower Language

  • eternally yours
  • hidden will
  • eternal youth
  • shyness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Tricyrtis hirta is a native Japanese perennial from the Liliaceae family, primarily found in mountainous regions on the Pacific side. Growing 30-100cm tall with stems covered in short stiff hairs, it blooms 1-3 upward-facing flowers 2-3cm in diameter from leaf axils between August and December. The white flowers with purple spots have 6 recurved tepals with characteristic protruding pistil and 6 stamens. The Japanese name derives from the flower's spotted pattern resembling the breast spots of the Hototogisu bird. The scientific name Tricyrtis means 'three spurs' and hirta means 'covered with coarse hairs,' well describing the plant's characteristics. Preferring shaded, moist locations, it's valued as a tea ceremony flower and represents autumn in Japanese wild flora.

Trivia

  • Tricyrtis genus has about 20 species centered in East Asia, with over half native to Japan
  • Scientific name 'hirta' refers to the hairy stem characteristic
  • Considered high-grade tea ceremony flower known as 'mountain path flower'
  • Spot patterns vary subtly among individuals, making each flower unique

Uses

Ornamental
  • Tea ceremony flowers
  • Shade garden plants
  • Potted plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Wild plant gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditional use of rhizomes in folk medicine
  • Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties

Caution: Medicinal use requires specialized knowledge

Culinary

Not commonly used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Ecosystem conservation plant
  • Parent stock for horticultural breeding
  • Nature education material

Toxicity

Symptoms: