Chop-Suey Greens

Chrysanthemum coronarium

Basic Information

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Genus: chrysanthemum

Plant ID (slug): chrysanthemum-coronarium

Numeric ID: 23252

USDA Hardiness: Coming soon

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Chrysanthemum coronarium is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots and stems - raw or cooked[34, 46, 61, 105, 116]. Strongly aromatic[183, 200]. Flowers - raw[116]. Blanched briefly and added to salads[183]. The centre of the flower is bitter so only the petals are normally used[206].

Medicinal Uses

Aromatic Bitter Expectorant Purgative Stomachic VD The leaves are expectorant and stomachic[218]. In conjunction with black pepper it is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea[240]. The flowers are aromatic, bitter and stomachic[240]. They are used as a substitute for camomile (Chamaemelum nobile)[240]. The bark is purgative, it is used in the treatment of syphilis[240].