Also known as garland chrysanthemum and edible chrysanthemum, this cool weather annual is native to the Mediterranean region but is common in California where it grows in disturbed areas and is considered invasive. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. Plants grow 2-4 tall and have well branched stems bearing coarse, alternate, lobed or deeply incised leaves with linear leaflets. The leaves are up to 3″ long, tend to be light green, and slightly clasp the stem. From mid summer into fall, 1.5-2″ wide flowerheads appear with 10-15 yellow ray flowers and numerous darker yellow disc flowers. Cultivars are available that vary most significantly in fullness, height, and ray color. Good choice for a prairie garden. The genus name, Chrysanthemum, comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning gold and anthos meaning flower and refers to the bright yellow color of the ray flowers. The specific epithet, coronarium, is the Latin word meaning relating to a garland, and refers to the use of the flower for making garlands to ward off evil spirits in ancient times.
Type: Cool weather annual
Bloom: Yellow flowerheads l.5-2″ wide from mid-summer into fall.
Size: 2-4′ H x 2′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, moderately moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Not relevant
Care: Deadhead to encourage long bloom time
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed
Companion Plants: Aster spp., Agastache foeniculum, Solidago spp., Veronicastrum virginicum
Outstanding Selections:
‘Flore Plenum’ (light yellow to white ray flowers, 2.5′ tall)
‘Golden Gem’ (golden yellow flowerheads, 1′ tall)
‘Primrose Gem,’ (primrose-yellow ray flowers with darker disc flowers, 2′ tall)
Photo Credit: Davidbena, Wikipedia