1. Mums Were First Grown in China
Chrysanthemums have been around for a long time; they were originally cultivated in China, and were first recorded in writing in the 15th century BC (over 3,000 years ago). It was believed to have medicinal properties as an herb; for example, the boiled roots were used as a cure for headaches. It’s also one of the four noble plants in Chinese culture, along with plum blossoms, orchids, and bamboo. All four plants are widely used in ancient paintings and poems, and are thought to represent the four seasons, and also human virtues (with chrysanthemums representing fall and nobility).
2. Chrysanthemums Have Many Different Meanings
Depending on where you are in the world, mums’ symbolism can be completely different. In some parts of the world, including most parts of the United States, chrysanthemums are associated with joy and optimism. Chrysanthemums are hugely symbolic in Japan (the flower has been used as the crest of the emperor for over 1,200 years), and they celebrate a National Chrysanthemum Day every year on September 9 that’s also known as the festival of happiness. However, in many European countries, including France, Belgium, and Spain, chrysanthemums are associated with death and are often given at funerals or placed on graves to honor the dead.
3. There Are Thousands of Varieties
The name “chrysanthemum” comes from two Greek words; “chrysos,” which means “gold,” and “anthemon” for flower. But though gold is a common, popular color for mums, it’s far from your only option. There are thousands of varieties, and mums can be yellow, red, orange, white, pink, and purple. You can also find plenty of different flower forms; while button mums are one of the most common, you can find anemone, quilled, spider, spoon, and pompon varieties.
4. Mums Are Edible
Chrysanthemum tea is a popular drink brewed with the flowers from the plant. It’s especially popular in China, and is made with the dried flower heads. However, the leaves are also edible, and can be added to salads or cooked like other greens. But don’t start plucking your plant for kitchen ingredients; if you want to try chrysanthemum tea or leaves, it’s best to look for edible leaves or a tea mix at a local Asian market so you know that the plants haven’t been treated with any pesticides or chemicals that would make them unsafe to eat.
5. Chemicals from the Plant Are Used in Insecticides
You might’ve heard before that chrysanthemums can repel pesky insects such as mosquitoes. Unfortunately, just planting a couple of mums won’t free you of mosquitoes, but oil extracted from the flowers of certain chrysanthemum species has been used in insecticides for centuries. Look for pyrethrum in the list of ingredients on your bug spray; it’s one of the most popular ingredients in natural insect repellents.
