The Plants of Hakusan

Hakusan City is full of many rare and unique plants, from alpine flowers that grow on the slopes of Mt. Hakusan, to shrubs that grow by the sea.

Hakusan Kozakura Primrose

Primula cuneifolia

Growing to about 15cm (5.9 in), this specific species of primrose is, as the name suggests, endemic to Mt. Hakusan and surrounding mountains. It blooms from June to August, and can be found in muddy valleys fed by snowmelt.

 

Narrow-Leaf Pasque-Flower (Endangered Species)

Pulsatilla cernua

This plant can grow up to 20cm (7.9 in) in height. It boasts beautiful red-dish-purple bell-shaped flowers and its stems are covered in tiny hairs. It is native to East Asia, growing in low mountain areas.

 

Kawara Nadeshiko

Dianthus superbus L. var. longicalycinus

This species of carnation grows up to 30-50cm in height, and flowers from June to September. It can be found throughout parts of Japan, and East Asia. It grows mainly on sunny grasslands and riverbanks, as well as on mountain slopes.

 

Ibukishida Marsh Fern (Endangered Species)

Thelypteris esquirolii

The ibukishida is a local species of marsh fern. It has large pronounced spore pouches on the underside of its soft, leathery leaves.

 

Aizoon Stonecrop

Phedimus aizoon var. floribundus

This perennial succulent grows 5-30cm high, and boasts clusters of bright yellow flowers. It flowers from May to August, and grows in sunny, rocky locations.

 

Japanese Silverberry

Elaeagnus umbellate

Growing up to 3.5m high, this small tree is known for the delicious red berries it grows in the Autumn. It also has fragrant yellow-white flowers, which bloom from April to June. The Japanese name, “akigumi” means “autumn gummy.”

 

Chinese Cinquefoil (Endangered Species)

Potentilla chinensis

This cinquefoil, a type of rose, is a small woody shrub found throughout parts of East Asia. From June to August, many small yellow flowers come into bloom one after the other through-out the blooming season. It grows in gravelly soil, such as by beaches and rivers.

 

Hossugaya Reed Grass

Calamagrostis pseudophragmites

This tall species of reed grass can grow up to 1.5m, and is famous for its tuft of seeds. It can be found growing on damp grassy slopes, and beside rivers.

Beach Rose

Rosa rugose

Native to East Asia, and growing 1 to 1.5m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) high, this shrub can be found in dense thickets along sandy beaches. Like most roses it is covered in tiny thorns, but boasts beautiful pink, fragrant flowers.

 

Sunabikisou

Heliotropium japonicum

Growing 25 to 30cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) high, this small shrub related to the forget-me-not has beautiful aromatic white flowers, which bloom from May to August. It can be found growing on sandy beaches, forming large clumps for protection against strong winds.