[For Seniors] Let’s Have Fun with an Autumn Flower Kanji Quiz! A Collection of Kanji That Look Readable but Aren’t

crape myrtle

Crape myrtle (sarusuberi) is a tree that blooms over a long period from summer to autumn. The kanji 百日 (“one hundred days”) refers to the flowers continuing to bloom for about 100 days, and 紅 (“crimson”) indicates the red-colored blossoms. The name sarusuberi, meaning “monkey slip,” comes from its very smooth trunk, which is said to be so slick that even monkeys would slip. Commonly seen in gardens and parks, it is one of the representative flowers of the summer-to-autumn season.

cosmos

“秋桜” is read as “kosumosu” (cosmos). Although the cosmos flower is native to Mexico, it is widely loved in Japan and is considered a representative flower of autumn. Because of its cute appearance and petals that resemble cherry blossoms, these kanji came to be used with the meaning “cherry blossoms that bloom in autumn.” It’s also a flower familiar to many older people.

bellflower

"桔梗" is read as "kikyō." In Japan, it is one of the representative flowers of autumn and has long been depicted in waka poetry and paintings. Kikyō is also counted among the Seven Flowers of Autumn and blooms with star-shaped flowers in a blue-purple hue. In addition, the root of kikyō is sometimes used as a medicinal herb.

Japanese burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)

Warabi-kō (Sanguisorba officinalis), known in English as great burnet, is a perennial of the rose family that grows wild across Japan and other parts of Asia. Its distinctive feature is clusters of small, reddish-brown flowers that bloom in rounded heads. The name “Ware mo kō” literally means “I, too, am crimson,” evoking a modest, reflective autumn mood of turning red like those around it. It is a familiar autumn flower often celebrated in haiku and waka poetry.

sasanqua

Sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua) is an evergreen shrub in the camellia family that blooms white or pink flowers from autumn to winter. It closely resembles the camellia (tsubaki), but is distinguished by its petals falling one by one. It’s popular as a garden tree and hedge plant. Many older people are familiar with the name from the children’s song “Takibi” (The Bonfire). As a flower that represents the feeling of the season from autumn to winter, it is also used as a seasonal word (kigo) in poetry.

gentian

Gentian (rindō) is considered one of the most beautiful autumn wildflowers and grows naturally in mountains and fields throughout Japan. It is characterized by its blue-purple blossoms and is also popular as an ornamental plant. Its root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, where its bitterness is believed to be the source of its efficacy. For older adults, it may evoke a sense of the autumn season and recall knowledge of traditional medicinal herbs.

Salvia

Scarlet sage (salvia) is one of the representative flowers that bloom in autumn. “Hi” means vivid red, “koromo” means clothing, and “kusa” refers to grasses or flowers. These characters are used because salvia is known for its red blossoms that look as if they are clad in scarlet garments. It is a familiar flower to many older people as it is often planted in flowerbeds at schools and in parks.