Glaucidium palmatum

Flower name
Glaucidium palmatum
Scientific name
Glaucidium palmatum
Alias白根葵, Blue mallow
Place of originendemic to Japan.
Place of floweringHigh mountain, Sub-alpine, Specific area
Flowering seasonMay, June, July

What is Glaucidium palmatum

Glaucidium palmatum , also known as Japanese Wood Poppy, or Shirane-ao( scientific name: Glaucidium palmatum) is a perennial herb, native to Japan and belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, genus Glaucidium, with only one species. It grows along streams and forest floors in the (sub) alpine zones from Hokkaido to central Honshu and in the snowy areas along the Japan Sea coast. In snowy regions along the Japan Sea, it survives by using snow as a blanket.

It reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm. The leaves, which are 20 to 25 cm in diameter, are palmately lobed with 7 to 11 lobes and are arranged alternately.

From May to mid-July, it produces pairs of leaves at the top of the flowering stem, each supporting a 7 cm wide four-petaled flower (actually sepals). The sepals are pale pink to pale purple with a yellow mass of stamens in the center, fused at the base. After flowering, it forms flat fruits that burst open in autumn to disperse the seeds.

Etymology:
The species name "palmatum" means "palm-shaped" and refers to the shape of its leaves.

Language of flowers:
"Perfect Beauty"

Common Name: Glaucidium palmatum, Scientific Name: Glaucidium palmatum, also known as Japanese Wood Poppy, or Shirane-ao, Classification: Angiosperms Eudicots Ranunculales Ranunculaceae Glaucidium G. palmatum, Native Habitat: Endemic to Japan, Distribution: Snowy regions along the Japan Sea coast, Environment: Along streams in forests, Height: 30 to 40 cm, Leaf Diameter: 20 to 25 cm, Leaf Shape: Palmately lobed with 7 to 11 lobes, Leaf Arrangement: Alternate, Flower Color (actually sepals): Pale pink to pale purple, Flower Diameter: 7 cm, Flowering Period: May to mid-July.