What is the language of flowers for Joe Pye weed? Also, learn about its history and fragrance culture!
What is the flower language of Eupatorium fortunei? History and fragrance culture also explained!
One of the seven autumn flowers, Eupatorium fortunei.
It is a charming and beautiful flower with small pale pink or purple flowers gathered together. It is also a popular material for ikebana and flower arrangements.
While it is a lovely flower, do you know what flower meanings Eupatorium fortunei has and what its history is?
This article will provide a thorough explanation of everything about Eupatorium fortunei, from its flower language to the origin of its name, its history, and the fragrance culture that has continued since the Heian period.
Why not delve into the profound world of Eupatorium fortunei and be captivated by its charm? You'll surely want to adorn your space with Eupatorium fortunei.
Basic Information on Eupatorium fortunei
First, let's look at the basic information about Eupatorium fortunei.
What kind of flower is Eupatorium fortunei?
| Plant Name | Eupatorium fortunei |
| Scientific Name |
Eupatorium japonicum |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Eupatorium |
| Origin | China |
| Flowering Season | August to October |
Eupatorium fortunei is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family.
It is characterized by small pale pink or purple flowers that bloom in clusters.
Its refreshing flowers on a straight stem beautifully adorn the autumn fields and mountains.
And its most distinctive feature is that when dried, it emits a sweet and fragrant aroma reminiscent of cherry blossom mochi.
What is the origin of the name Eupatorium fortunei?
The name Eupatorium fortunei (Fujibakama) was given based on the color of its flowers and the shape of its leaves.
Because its flowers are a pale wisteria color (fuji-iro) and its leaves are trifoliate, resembling hakama (traditional Japanese divided trousers), it came to be called "Fujibakama."
Where does Eupatorium fortunei grow wild?
Eupatorium fortunei originally grew widely in riverbanks and fields throughout Japan.
It is also distributed in China and the Korean Peninsula.
However, in recent years, due to development and environmental changes, its natural habitats have drastically decreased, and it is now designated as a near-threatened species.
It is a precious flower for which conservation activities are being carried out in various regions.
What is the English name for Eupatorium fortunei?
Eupatorium fortunei does not have a widely known English name. It is a famous flower in Japan, but not so well-known overseas.
The scientific name "Eupatorium fortunei" is used, but it is also sometimes called "Boneset."
What is the flower language of Eupatorium fortunei?
The flower language of Eupatorium fortunei originated from its delicate appearance and cultural background rooted in history.
1. "Gentle memories"
When Eupatorium fortunei is dried, it emits a sweet and fragrant aroma reminiscent of cherry blossom mochi.
This fragrance has the power to evoke nostalgic memories from long ago.
It is said that this flower meaning originated from its appearance in Heian period love stories, where memories were rekindled by its scent.
2. "Hesitation"
The sight of small flowers blooming in clusters is like someone blooming modestly.
From its unassuming and elegant appearance, the flower meaning of "hesitation" was born, representing someone who finds it difficult to convey their feelings to another.
3. "Wavering"
Eupatorium fortunei, which appears in classical literature such as "The Tale of Genji," also symbolized the wavering heart of love and the feelings of characters who couldn't convey their thoughts.
Furthermore, it was often composed in poems alongside flowers with different meanings within the same verse, becoming known as a flower that expresses mental "wavering."
Eupatorium fortunei acquired these delicate and beautiful flower meanings not only from its appearance but also from its history rich in fragrance and literature.
Is Eupatorium fortunei one of the seven autumn herbs?
Eupatorium fortunei is one of the "Seven Autumn Herbs." Alongside pampas grass and bellflowers, it has been cherished by Japanese people since ancient times as an important flower symbolizing the arrival of autumn.
Derived from a poem by Yamanoue no Okura in the Man'yoshu
The Seven Autumn Herbs originated from a poem composed by Yamanoue no Okura, a poet of the Nara period, in the "Man'yoshu."
The poem is: "Hagi no hana, obana, kuzuhana, nadeshiko no hana, ominaeshi, mata fujibakama, asagao no hana" (Bush clover, pampas grass, kudzu, fringed pink, golden lace, Eupatorium fortunei, and morning glory).
The plants mentioned in this poem became the Seven Autumn Herbs known today. Eupatorium fortunei is explicitly mentioned in this poem.
Difference in roles between the Seven Spring Herbs and the Seven Autumn Herbs
While the Seven Spring Herbs are enjoyed as "food" in a rice porridge, the Seven Autumn Herbs are for "admiration."
Eupatorium fortunei, with its delicate appearance and sweet fragrance when dried, has played a role in making people feel the atmosphere of autumn.
Displaying all of the Seven Autumn Herbs allows you to enjoy a rich sense of the season, as if bringing the autumn fields and mountains into your room.
History of Eupatorium fortunei
Eupatorium fortunei is not just one of the seven autumn herbs; its fragrance and beauty have adorned Japanese history.
History as a medicinal herb
Eupatorium fortunei is believed to have originated in China and arrived in Japan quite a long time ago.
At that time, Eupatorium fortunei was valued not only as a fragrant plant but also as a medicinal herb with antipyretic and diuretic properties.
It was likely brought from the continent as a plant with the power to heal illnesses.
(Reference: Nara Pharmaceutical Association "Fujibakama")
Appears in the Manyoshu during the Nara period
The history of Eupatorium fortunei becomes clear with the "Manyoshu," compiled during the Nara period.
It appears in the poem of the "Seven Autumn Herbs" composed by the poet Yamanoue no Okura. Although there is only one poem in the Manyoshu that mentions Eupatorium fortunei, it was around this time that Eupatorium fortunei became widely familiar to the Japanese people.
It was often featured as a theme in waka poems, and its delicate appearance and fragrance were indispensable for the refined amusements of the aristocrats.
(Reference: Kagiken Flower Encyclopedia "Manyoshu and Fujibakama")
Now a near-threatened species...
Since the Meiji era, with urbanization and river improvements, the natural habitats of Eupatorium fortunei have drastically decreased.
Eupatorium fortunei, once common in fields and mountains, is now a precious species, designated as "near-threatened" on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List.
However, in recent years, conservation activities and "Fujibakama festivals (e.g., Kyoto City)" have been held in various places, and efforts to protect Eupatorium fortunei and pass it on to the next generation are active.
(Reference: Nara Pharmaceutical Association "Fujibakama")
In the Heian period, it was a plant used to enjoy "fragrance."
The fragrance of Eupatorium fortunei was indispensable to the culture of Heian aristocrats.
Heian aristocrats and the value of "fragrance"
Heian period aristocrats highly valued "fragrance", not just superficial beauty.
Fragrance was considered to represent a person's dignity and refinement.
For bathing and scented baths (koto)
"Koto," bathing in water infused with Eupatorium fortunei, was one of the aristocratic grooming practices.
It is said that by emitting a pleasant scent from their bodies, they enhanced their own sense of beauty.
For entertaining and gifting
It was used for various forms of entertainment, such as burning Eupatorium fortunei to fill a room with scent during banquets, or attaching it to gifts.
There was an elegant culture of conveying the seasons and feelings through fragrance.
What does Eupatorium fortunei actually smell like?
When fresh, it has almost no scent.
However, when dried, a component called "coumarin" is produced, giving it a sweet and fragrant aroma like cherry blossom mochi or vanilla.
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Summary
Eupatorium fortunei is a modest flower with the flower meaning of "gentle memories."
As one of the seven autumn herbs and a symbol of fragrance culture, it has been cherished by the Japanese people since ancient times.
Decorating with Eupatorium fortunei will allow you to feel autumn not only through its appearance but also through its scent.
&YOUKAEN offers a wide variety of bouquets and flower arrangements featuring seasonal autumn flowers.
They are perfect for your home, as well as for gifts for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and other special occasions.
Why not choose autumn flowers for a gift to a loved one or for your home decor?
Our expert florists will wholeheartedly support you in your flower selection.
Aug 11, 2025
