Where did the plant come from?

And are mums really edible?

Get the full scoop on autumn’s favorite flower.

detail of colorful chrysanthemum blooms

Credit: Carson Downing

For many of us,chrysanthemumsare the unofficial flowers of fall.

And of course,setting out a few pots of mumson my porch is a fall tradition.

But did you know this classic flower has a long, rich history?

yellow spider chrysanthemum ‘Lava’ variation

This spider type mum cultivar called ‘Lava’ resembles a firework caught mid burst.Credit: Brie Williams

Keep these 7 fun facts in mind as youre picking out and planting your fall mums this year.

Mums Have Many Different Meanings

Depending on where you live, mums symbolism can be completely different.

Mums are so revered in Japan, the country celebrates National Chrysanthemum Day every year in September.

close up of purple mums

Credit: Bob Stefko

a holiday thats also known as the festival of happiness.

There are thousands of varieties, including red, orange, white, pink, and purple mums.

(Some) Mums Are Edible

Can you eat mums?

Yes, with some important caveats.Chrysanthemum tea is a popular drinkbrewed with the flowers from the plant.

Its especially popular in China, and is made with the dried flower heads.

The leaves are also edible, and can be added to salads or cooked like other greens.

“November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum.

Youssef Fadia S., et al.

9,no.10, 2020, pp.

  1. doi:10.3390/foods9101460

Chikutoexpand_more N. Four gentlemen, Nakabayashi Chikuto ^ Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Accessed August 1, 2024. https://collections.artsmia.org/art/117812/four-gentlemen-nakabayashi-chikuto.

“Montana State Unversity.