Gardening Series: Growing and Using Wild Chrysanthemum

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Wild Chrysanthemum [chrysanthemum indicum] (野菊花 in TCM) or similar White Chrysanthemum (白菊花 in TCM) can be easily grown in many regions in the US and beyond. 

Traditionally it is used to promote liver health. In particular regarded as being especially beneficial to eye health and assisting the body's ability to remove toxins. 

Outside of espoused health benefits it makes an enjoyable tea drink by itself.  It also mixes perfectly with green, white or black tea. 

When living in China the tea (from dried flowers) was something I had on occasion but never thought much of it.  Bags of dried flowers can also be bought at most Asian markets.  However, when grown and used fresh the true brilliance of the flavor and aromatics quickly turned it into one of my favorites.

The plant is recorded to grow best in zones 5-9 in well draining soil.  We are at zone 5b up top a mountain with harsh winters and far from ideal soil and they comes back strong each year.  Ample sunlight is necessary for good flower production.  Most years i only fertilize them with some wood ash and bone meal. 

If picking for storage it's best to pick the flowers right as the buds start opening.  The larger flowers are great for fresh use but fall apart more easily when dried out.  Air dry for a few weeks or put in dehydrator for a few hours.  The dried flowers retain most of their flavor and aroma for about a year then it fades (still usable though).  

The leaves can also be used in culinary in many ways but typically different varieties are grown specifically for the leaves [Glebionis coronaria].

Might be a good one consider for anyone looking for new garden additions!