Mimosa, the birthday flower of Valentine's Day

Mimosa (ミモザ) is one of the birthday flowers of Valentine's Day, February 14th, annually in Japan. Other birthday flowers for the day include Chamomile (カモミール), Cineraria (シネラリア) and Yellow Freesia (黄色いフリージア).

In some parts of Japan the mimosa is already in bloom. It can bloom between February and April. In the Japanese language of flowers, hanakotoba, mimosa has meanings such as “secret love” and “friendship.” The secret love comes from a time in history when young lovers used mimosa flowers to express hidden feelings. Although the name originally belonged to a different plant, the resemblance of acacia leaves to those of the true mimosa led to the affectionate misnaming that persists today. Mimosa is also the birthday flower of April 9th.

I uploaded a video to Instagram of a Mimosa for anyone who's never seen on in real life. I hadn't seen one until I came to Japan. It was love at first sight! I love their vibrant, happy yellow and fluffy blooms. Had you seen a mimosa before you came to Japan? Do they grow in your country?