Erica
Christmas Parade
Winter Heath
Scientific Name:
Erica × hiemalis
Family:
Ericaceae
Flower Language
-
philanthropy
-
humility
-
comfortable
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
Erica Christmas Parade is an evergreen shrub of the Ericaceae family native to South Africa. Named for its long tubular pink flowers arranged straight along the branches, resembling a parade. It blooms from October to February, with buds starting white and gradually turning into gentle pink flowers upon opening. Widely available during Christmas season, it's often enjoyed as potted plants due to its sensitivity to cold.
Trivia
- Named 'Christmas Parade' for its flowers arranged like a parade
- Erica genus is large with about 860 species, mostly native to South Africa
- Called 'Heath' in Europe and symbolic of moorlands
- Important nectar source, with Erica honey traded as luxury product
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as potted Christmas decorations
- Cut flowers for small arrangements
- Ground cover and companion planting in gardens
Medicinal
- Records of use in traditional South African medicine
Caution:
Currently used only for ornamental purposes, medicinal use not recommended.
Other
- Used as nectar source plant for bees
- Can be preserved as dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
leaves, stem
Symptoms:
Large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Blue Daisy
Blue Marguerite
Felicia
Scientific Name:
Felicia amelloides
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
purity
-
good fortune
-
blessed
-
innocence
Characteristics
Colors:
blue
Description
Blue Daisy, scientifically named Felicia amelloides, is a plant of the Asteraceae family native to South Africa. Popular for its beautiful contrast between translucent blue petals and yellow center, it's valued as a naturally rare blue flower. It blooms twice a year in spring and autumn, and is often treated as an annual in Japan due to its sensitivity to cold. The flower meaning 'purity' comes from its translucent blue color.
Trivia
- Blue flowers are extremely rare in nature, comprising only about 5% of all flowers
- Scientific name Felicia derives from Latin meaning 'happiness'
- Treasured as 'Something Blue' bringing good luck in European weddings
- Flower blueness can be influenced by soil pH
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as main attraction in flower beds and mixed plantings
- Used as cut flowers for small bouquets and arrangements
- Used as potted plants for indoor decoration
Medicinal
- Records of use in traditional South African medicine
Caution:
Currently used only for ornamental purposes, medicinal use not recommended.
Other
- Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees
- Can be preserved as pressed flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic.
English Holly
Christmas Holly
European Holly
Scientific Name:
Ilex aquifolium
Family:
Aquifoliaceae
Flower Language
-
foresight
-
I believe in God
-
family happiness
-
eternal radiance
Description
English Holly, scientifically named Ilex aquifolium, is an evergreen small tree of the Aquifoliaceae family native to Europe. Also called Christmas Holly, it's characterized by spiny leaves and red berries. In Christianity, the leaf spines symbolize Christ's 'crown of thorns' and the red berries represent 'Christ's blood', making it beloved as a sacred Christmas plant. The flower meaning 'foresight' derives from predicting winter temperatures based on berry formation patterns.
Trivia
- Scientific name aquifolium means 'spiny leaves' in Latin
- Dioecious plant with red berries only on female plants
- Considered one of Britain's symbolic plants
- Folk traditions of predicting next year's climate from berry formation
Uses
Ornamental
- Material for Christmas wreaths and swags
- Indoor Christmas decorations
- Garden hedges and boundary plantings
Medicinal
- Used in European traditional medicine for fever and arthritis treatment
Caution:
Red berries are toxic and dangerous to consume.
Other
- Wood used for furniture and carving materials
- Contributes to ecosystem as bird food
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
red berries, leaves
Symptoms:
Ingestion of berries can cause severe poisoning symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and coma.
Poinsettia
Christmas Star
Christmas Flower
Scientific Name:
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Flower Language
-
blessing
-
holy night
-
wishing good luck
-
my heart is burning
-
purity
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Poinsettia, scientifically named Euphorbia pulcherrima with formal Japanese name Shōjōboku, is an evergreen shrub native to Mexico. What appears to be red flowers are actually bracts (modified leaves). In the 17th century, missionaries in Mexico saw the red-colored plant as representing 'Christ's pure blood' and used it in Christmas processions, making it beloved worldwide as the Christmas flower. It's called 'Noche Buena' (Holy Night) in Mexico.
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.
Holly Olive
False Holly
Japanese Holly
Scientific Name:
Osmanthus heterophyllus
Family:
Oleaceae
Flower Language
-
foresight
-
caution
-
protecting you
-
protection
-
integrity
Description
Holly Olive, scientifically named Osmanthus heterophyllus, is an evergreen small tree of the Oleaceae family native to East Asia. Named from the ancient Japanese word 'hiiragu' (to ache) because touching the leaf spines causes stinging pain. Long believed to prevent evil spirits from entering, it's been used for garden trees and hedges. From November to December, it blooms with clusters of small white flowers that emit sweet fragrance. Also known for the 'Holly Sardine' tradition of hanging it with sardine heads at doorways during Setsubun.
Trivia
- Scientific name heterophyllus means 'different leaves', as leaf shape changes between young and old trees
- Young tree leaves have spines but old trees lose them
- Holly sardine tradition during Setsubun continues from Edo period
- Flower fragrance resembles sweet osmanthus but is more elegant and subtle
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden hedges and boundary plantings
- Planted in shrine and temple grounds
- Used as bonsai for ornamental purposes
Medicinal
- Leaves decocted for external medicine in folk remedies
- Used for various purposes in traditional medicine
Caution:
Currently mainly ornamental, medicinal use requires expert guidance.
Other
- Used for warding off evil as holly sardine during Setsubun
- Wood used for crafts and comb materials
- Flowers can be used as fragrance
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic, but caution needed for injuries from spines.