Small Globe Thistle, a birthday flower of July 11th

Small Globe Thistle, pictured, is a birthday flower of July 11th annually. As far as I am aware, July 11th is the only date it appears on the birthday‑flower calendar. This striking summer flower forms perfectly round blue or purple spheres made up of many tiny, spiky florets.

In Japanese it is known as Ruritama Azami 瑠璃玉薊（るりたまあざみ）.  Its scientific name, Echinops ritro, comes from the Greek words for “hedgehog” and “resembling,” referring to the flower’s bristled, thistle‑like appearance. In the Japanese language of flowers, hanakotoba, Small globe thistle carries the meanings "sharp perception" and "a wounded heart". No doubt both meanings come from the spiky florets. But despite its prickly look, the flower has a quiet elegance, especially when its spherical blooms catch the summer light.

Small globe thistle is a summer flower, blooming from June to August in Japan.  Although the species itself originates from southern Europe and western Asia, it has become a familiar sight in Japanese gardens and flower fields.