Chinese Forget-Me-Not Cynoglossum amabile
ABOUT
Commonly known as Chinese forget-me-not, Cynoglossum amabile is a charming flowering plant recognized for its lovely blooms and foliage. The flowers of Chinese forget-me-not are typically a serene shade of blue, though they can occasionally display in shades of pink or white. These blooms are small, with each borne on dainty stems that form a cluster, resembling a cloud of color. The petals exhibit a subtle elegance, arranged in a simple yet enchanting bell-like structure. The leaves of Chinese forget-me-not contribute to its overall delicate appearance. They are typically broad at the base and taper to a point, with a lush green hue that serves as the perfect backdrop to accentuate the flowers. The foliage's texture is somewhat rough to the touch, with fine hairs that give the leaves a slightly fuzzy appearance. Chinese forget-me-not emanates an overall aura of daintiness and natural grace. Its flowers and foliage together create a picturesque display that can lend a touch of wildflower charm to any setting in which it is placed. As a plant cherished for its beauty, it finds its way into many gardens as a symbol of remembrance, encapsulated in its poignant common name.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Forget-Me-Not, Chinese Hound's Tongue
Common names
Cynoglossum amabile var. firmum, Cynoglossum coelestinum, Cynoglossum lanceolatum, Paracaryum amabile, Cynoglossum microglochin.
ToxicityTo humans
The Cynoglossum amabile, commonly known as Chinese forget-me-not, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic compounds that can cause liver damage if ingested in large quantities. The toxicity of Chinese forget-me-not to humans usually occurs through the consumption of contaminated herbal remedies or teas. Symptoms of poisoning can include liver damage, jaundice, abdominal pain, and ascites. Chronic exposure may lead to veno-occlusive disease or liver cirrhosis. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of this plant.
To pets
The Cynoglossum amabile, commonly known as Chinese forget-me-not, is also toxic to pets due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These compounds can lead to liver damage if pets ingest the plant. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice, abdominal distension, and signs of liver failure. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. Hence, owners should prevent pets from consuming any part of the Chinese forget-me-not.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cynoglossum amabile, commonly known as Chinese forget-me-not, is often grown for its beautiful clusters of small blue flowers, which add a splash of color to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Chinese forget-me-not are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of surrounding plants.
- Easy to Grow: Chinese forget-me-nots are considered easy to grow from seeds and can thrive in a variety of soil types with minimal care.
- Self-Seeding: This plant often self-seeds, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners who want to enjoy its blooms year after year without replanting.
- Extended Blooming Season: The blooming season of Chinese forget-me-nots can last from spring to fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make for excellent cut flowers, allowing for beautiful indoor floral arrangements.
- Companion Planting: Chinese forget-me-nots can be used effectively in companion planting to benefit other plants by either drawing in beneficial insects or providing ground cover.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Cynoglossum amabile has properties that may reduce inflammation in certain conditions.
- Analgesic: The plant might possess components that can alleviate pain to some extent.
- Antipyretic: It is suggested to have a fever-reducing effect.
- Antimicrobial: There are indications that it could hinder the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chinese hound's tongue is often used as a natural dye for fabrics, its parts containing pigments that can impart a variety of colors.
- In traditional Chinese art, the plant's patterns and colors are sometimes used for inspiration in paintings and textile designs.
- The fibrous stems of Chinese hound's tongue can be used in the manufacturing of paper, offering an alternative to traditional wood pulp.
- Gardeners sometimes use Chinese hound's tongue as a trap crop for pests, diverting them from more valuable plants.
- The flowers of the Chinese hound's tongue can be used as a natural source for a floral-scented essential oil for use in perfumery.
- Its seeds are used in potpourri mixtures due to their decorative appearance and their ability to retain fragrance when treated with essential oils.
- The plant can be used in landscaping as a ground cover to prevent soil erosion because of its dense foliage.
- Chinese hound's tongue might be planted in urban environments to create green roofs, contributing to building insulation and habitat creation.
- The plant can be incorporated into floral arrangements, particularly in dried form, because of its unique shape and color that hold well after desiccation.
- In some cultures, the blossoms of Chinese hound's tongue may be used for edible flower garnishes, provided they are free from pesticides and pollutants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese forget-me-not is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese forget-me-not is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Forget-me-not: Cynoglossum amabile is commonly known as Chinese Forget-me-not. This flower is a symbol of remembrance. It represents lasting memories and a strong connection that survives distance and time.
- True Love: In the language of flowers, the Chinese Forget-me-not is also a symbol of true love, suggesting a deep, meaningful, and enduring affection between two people.
- Respect: Gifting these flowers can be a sign of respect, showing honor and esteem towards someone you admire or appreciate.
- Consolation: They can be offered as an expression of consolation, providing comfort and solace in times of sorrow or loss.
- Faithfulness: Similar to true love, the Chinese Forget-me-not signifies faithfulness and loyalty in a relationship, suggesting a bond that is steadfast and reliable.
WaterThe Chinese Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum amabile) prefers consistent moisture, but it's crucial to avoid overwatering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week depending on the environmental conditions. Provide it with about one to two gallons of water per week to keep the soil evenly moist, ensuring you adjust for rainfall and changes in temperature that may increase the plant's water needs. During the growing season, increase the watering frequency as necessary to maintain the soil moisture. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.
LightThe Chinese Forget-Me-Not thrives best under full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, ensure it is near a window that provides bright, indirect light for most of the day; an east or west-facing window is generally a good choice for this kind of lighting requirement.
TemperatureChinese Forget-Me-Nots perform well in a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer cooler conditions. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and are comfortable in temperatures up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Cynoglossum amabile is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Chinese Forget-Me-Nots is not strictly necessary but can be done to maintain shape and encourage fuller growth. Deadheading spent flowers will promote further blooming and prevent self-seeding if you wish to control spread. The best time to prune or deadhead is after the first bloom cycle, typically in late spring or early summer, which can lead to a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChinese forget-me-not thrives best in well-draining loam or sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. A mix of two-parts garden soil, one-part sand, and one-part peat or compost will promote healthy growth. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
RepottingChinese forget-me-not does not typically require frequent repotting and can typically remain in the same pot for several years. Repotting is generally necessary only when the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil needs refreshing, roughly every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingChinese forget-me-not prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of many indoor environments. Aim to maintain humidity at around 40-60% for optimal growth. Avoid overly dry air or extremely high humidity to support the plant's health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and water when the topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and well-draining soil; keep sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCynoglossum amabile, commonly known as Chinese Forget-Me-Not, begins its life cycle as a seed which, after a period of dormancy, germinates best in cool temperatures with direct exposure to sunlight. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and develop a rosette of leaves during the vegetative stage; this basal cluster of foliage supports photosynthesis and growth. As the plant matures, it elongates and produces a flowering stalk during the reproductive stage, on which numerous small, typically blue flowers are displayed. These flowers are pollinated by insects and subsequently develop into fruit, each containing multiple seeds. After flowering and seed formation, the plant completes its life cycle by senescing and dying, leaving behind seeds that will lie dormant until conditions are suitable for the next generation to germinate. The entire life cycle can be annual or biennial, depending on environmental conditions and cultivation practices.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Chinese forget-me-not, or Cynoglossum amabile, is most commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, or in the fall where winters are mild and the seeds can undergo a natural stratification process. Sowing should be done directly into well-drained soil where the plants are intended to grow, as they do not transplant well. To propagate, scatter the seeds lightly over the soil surface and then cover with a thin layer of soil, roughly 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) deep. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within two to three weeks. Once established, Chinese forget-me-not plants require little care and will often self-seed, continuing their lifecycle in the garden.
