Clover, a birthday flower of August 31st

Clover, クローバー, is one of the birthday flowers of August 31st annually. It is also the birthday flower of August 29th. In addition, the four-leaf clover is the birthday flower of April 2nd and red clover, pictured, is the birthday flower of April 18th.  Clover comes in shades of white, red, pink and purple - and even green in the form of the Shamrock, the national plant of my home country!

Clover typically blooms in Japan from April to July, with its peak season in early summer. During these months, you can find it along roadsides, in parks, and across open fields, creating soft patches of white or purple that last for several weeks. Its availability stretches into early autumn in flower shops, but its natural bloom is firmly rooted in the spring–summer window.

Its hanakotoba, flower language, carry a surprisingly rich emotional range. Clover’s general meanings include “think of me,” “good luck,” “promise,” and even “revenge.” Each color and variety has their own meaning too. For example, white clover emphasizes thoughtfulness and promise, while red clover is associated with industry or diligence.