Poet's Narcissus
Poet's Daffodil
Pheasant's Eye
Scientific Name:
Narcissus poeticus
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
poet
-
lovely adornment
-
mystery
Description
Poet's Narcissus is a species of narcissus native to the Mediterranean coast, characterized by pure white petals and a beautiful contrast with a red-edged corona that looks like lipstick. Only one flower blooms per stem, and it has a strong fragrance used in perfume production. It has long been beloved as a subject of poetry and art, and is associated with the legend of Narcissus.
Trivia
- Traded as luxury fragrance called 'Narcisse' in the perfume industry
- Made world-famous by Wordsworth's poem 'Daffodils'
- Named after the beautiful youth Narcissus from Greek mythology
- Beloved by gardeners as a perennial that blooms annually once planted
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
- Planted in gardens and flower beds for spring color
- Used as potted plants for indoor decoration
Medicinal
- Traditionally believed to have analgesic properties
- Records of various medicinal uses since ancient times
Caution:
Contains strong alkaloid toxins, making ingestion dangerous.
Other
- Used as essential oil for perfume
- Fragrance component in aromatherapy
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
bulb, stem, leaves, flowers
Symptoms:
Ingestion can cause severe poisoning symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and coma.
Poinsettia
Christmas Star
Christmas Flower
Scientific Name:
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Flower Language
-
my heart is burning
-
blessing
-
holy night
-
wishing good luck
-
purity
Description
Poinsettia, scientifically named Euphorbia pulcherrima, is an evergreen shrub native to Mexico. What appears to be red flowers are actually bracts (modified leaves). Known worldwide as the Christmas flower, Mexican legend tells of a young girl's blood becoming poinsettias after she died of heartbreak.
Trivia
- Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, first U.S. ambassador to Mexico
- The actual flowers are the small yellow parts in center, red parts are bracts
- December 12 is National Poinsettia Day in the United States
- One of the world's best-selling Christmas plants
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as Christmas decoration indoors
- Popular as potted gift plants
- Used as cut flowers in Christmas arrangements
Medicinal
- Records of use in traditional Mexican medicine for treating fever
Caution:
Not used medicinally today due to toxic compounds.
Other
- Christmas experience events at tourist farms
- Material for flower arrangement classes
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
stem, leaves, bracts, sap
Symptoms:
Ingestion can cause dermatitis, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, and loss of appetite.
Cyclamen
Persian Violet
Sowbread
Scientific Name:
Cyclamen persicum
Family:
Primulaceae
Flower Language
-
jealousy
-
reserve
-
timidity
-
shy bashfulness
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Cyclamen is a bulbous plant of the Primulaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast. Its downward-facing flowers appear shy, leading to flower meanings of 'timidity' and 'reserve'. While beloved as a representative winter potted flower, red cyclamen carries the flower meaning of 'jealousy' and is considered inappropriate for visiting the sick.
Trivia
- Famous in Japan through the song 'Cyclamen no Kaori' by Fuse Akira
- Alternative name 'Kagaribirbana' (bonfire flower) from flower shape
- Nicknamed 'pig bread' because pigs liked to eat the tubers
- Standard winter potted flower that can be enjoyed long-term with proper temperature control
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as potted plants for indoor decoration
- Ground cover and companion planting in gardens
- Used as cut flowers in small arrangements
Medicinal
- Records show tubers were used as food in ancient times
- Used for various purposes in traditional medicine
Caution:
Currently dangerous for food or medicinal use due to toxic compounds.
Other
- Use in horticultural therapy
- Material for flower arrangement classes
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
tuber, roots, leaves, flowers
Symptoms:
Poisoning from saponin glycoside cyclamin causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain upon ingestion.
Zinnia
Common Zinnia
Elegant Zinnia
Scientific Name:
Zinnia elegans
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
thinking of absent friends
-
thinking of distant friends
-
don't neglect caution
-
happiness
-
bond
Description
Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Common Zinnia, is an annual plant of the Asteraceae family native to Mexico. True to its name meaning '100-day grass', it blooms continuously for about 100 days, earning alternative names like 'long-lasting grass' and 'Urashima grass'. With various flower colors available, it's a popular flower that colors gardens from summer to autumn.
Trivia
- Relatively new flower that came to Japan around 1862
- Cultivation experiments have been conducted on space stations
- Designated as the state flower of Indiana
- Now has diverse flower forms and colors through breeding
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as main flower material in summer flower beds
- Used as cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
- Used as potted plants for balcony gardening
Medicinal
- Records of various uses in traditional Mexican medicine
Caution:
Currently used only for ornamental purposes, not commonly used medicinally.
Other
- Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees
- Can be used as dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic.