Finland is one of the top-ranked countries in the World Happiness Report of 2018. This livable country is known not only for its peace but also for its rich and diverse natural beauty. Finland boasts around 188,000 lakes, vast forests, and stunning Baltic islands. Along with that, its vegetation is incredibly abundant and diverse.
Prominent in the beautiful plant kingdom here are some famous and beautiful flower species, characteristic of the Northern Europe region.
The following article will highlight some famous and beautiful flowers that characterize the Nordic region’s beauty. These flowers often grow wild and are cultivated in gardens and parks. In this article, we will compile the top five most famous flowers in Finland today.
1. Lily of the Valley, the national flower of Finland
The Lily of the Valley has been officially recognized as the national flower of Finland since 1967. This flower resembles a small bell with pure white color and a gentle, captivating fragrance. The Lily of the Valley is a familiar image found in famous Finnish poetry.
In Finland, the Lily of the Valley usually blooms in early summer in forests, meadows, grassy fields, and even in people’s homes. Finnish folklore refers to the Lily of the Valley as the “teardrops of the Virgin Mary,” as it is believed to have sprouted from the tears shed by the Virgin Mary when she saw Jesus being crucified.
The Lily of the Valley symbolizes freshness, purity, and the spirit of freedom in the happiest country in the world. However, all parts of this flower are highly toxic. Ingesting even a small amount can cause nausea, vomiting, decreased heart rate, skin rashes, and blurred vision.
2. Bellflower, faithful purple beauty
Bellflower is a type of flower known for its characteristic shape resembling a bell.In Finland, there are about 300-400 different species of Bellflowers, and they are commonly found in suburban areas and high mountain regions of the country.
The Bellflower belongs to the Campanulaceae family. In Finland, these flowers usually bloom from June to September each year. Although they come in various colors, the purple Bellflower is the most common. Occasionally, white, yellow, and pink Bellflowers can also be found, but they are rare.
They are often cultivated in flower gardens and yards in the suburban areas of Finland, and they can be used as climbing plants or shrubs. Bellflowers have a gentle fragrance and beautiful appearance, serving as prominent focal points in outdoor spaces.
3. Rosebay Willowherb, resilient vitality
The Rosebay Willowherb, also known as Fireweed or Chamaenerion angustifolium, is a herbaceous plant found in various regions around the world, including temperate zones and the Arctic. In Finland, they are commonly found in large fields in suburban areas.
The Rosebay Willowherb has an upright stem with an average height of 1 to 2 meters, and its leaves are thin and elongated. This flower impresses with its vibrant pink color, and the flowers often form dense clusters on the top of the branches, creating a striking landscape in the Finnish summer.
The Rosebay Willowherb is often found in abundance in areas that have been burned, such as grasslands. They have the ability to quickly regenerate after forest fires or earthquakes in Finland, making them an integral part of natural restoration in local environments. Therefore, this flower is highly valued for its resilience, vigorous vitality, and natural beauty.
Moreover, the Rosebay Willowherb holds ecological value as it provides food and energy for many species, including bees, butterflies, and birds. In some regions of Finland, it is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
4. Cluster Cherry Blossom, pure white beauty
The Cluster Cherry Blossom, also known as Hagberry or Mayday tree, has the scientific name Prunus padus. It is a beautiful and famous flower in Finland. The Cluster Cherry Blossom originates from the northern regions of Europe and Asia.
The Cluster Cherry Blossom is a deciduous tree with gray bark, and its average height can range from 6 to 15 meters. Its leaves are feather-shaped with serrated edges. The flowers of the Cluster Cherry Blossom typically bloom in clusters, exhibiting a pure white color that is visually captivating and exuding a delightful fragrance.
In Finland, this flower usually blooms in mid-April and emits a strong, alluring scent. After the flowering season, the tree produces fruit. When ripe, the fruits of the Cluster Cherry Blossom turn black and become a favored food source for various bird species.
The Cluster Cherry Blossom is commonly found in sparse forests, meadows, and lowland areas in Finland. It holds ecological value as it provides food for many bird and animal species. Additionally, the bark of this tree is used in traditional folk medicine for medicinal purposes.
5. John’s Wort Flower, Radiant Yellow
The John’s Wort flower, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically lives for many years. It stands out with its vibrant yellow color, and each blossom usually consists of 5 petals arranged in a star-like shape.
The John’s Wort flower originates from temperate regions of Asia and Europe. In Finland, this flower is commonly found in suburban areas and large fields.
On average, the John’s Wort plant reaches a height of 50 to 100cm. Besides its radiant beauty, this flower is also used by the people of Finland as an herbal remedy for treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, and mood regulation.
In conclusion, this article has provided information about the five most famous and beautiful flowers in Finland. We hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please leave a comment below.