Chrysanthemum coronarium L.

 

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

 

Medit. Region

 

Garland Chrysanthemum  

 

Crown Daisy            

 

 

                                                 April Photo

 

Plant Characteristics:  Annual,  2-10 dm. tall, stiff; lvs. to 6 cm.,  not succulent, twice pinnatifid into oblong to subovate divisions; heads solitary, 2-4 cm. across, yellow or yellowish-white; ray fls. less than 15, female and fertile; disk fls. 14-15 mm., tubular and perfect, yellow; phyllaries generally in three series, obovate, not keeled; aks. +/- prismatic, angled but not winged, with minor ribs between.

 

Habitat:  Occasionally natur., as at San Diego, El Segundo, Redondo, Monterey Park, Ontario, Ventura, Santa Barbara.  April-Aug.

 

Name:  Greek, chrysos, gold, and anthemon, flower.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 140.  Latin, corona, a crown.  (Jaeger 67).

 

General:  Occasional in the study area, however, where it does occur it usually does so in great profusion.  Photographs from Big Canyon and off Back Bay Dr. near its intersection with Eastbluff Dr. (my comments).      Species of chrysanthemum were cultivated in China as early as 500 B.C.  Chrysanthemum was prized for both its beauty and its food.  Both the leaves and flowers were eaten.  Pick the flowers in the morning and pull off the petals, removing the base of the petal.  For use in salads, they should be dipped in boiling water and sweetened slightly.  Add to fruit or green salads, chicken dishes or soups.  Do not overcook.  (Clarke 234).       Delfina Cuero, a Kumeyaay or Southern Diegueno Indian, made the following comments about Chrysanthemum coronarium in her autobiography:  "Boil stems and leaves and bathe in water when the body aches.  We also boil seeds (without grinding) or dried flowers for tea for stomach trouble to take before or after meals.  We also gave the tea just before and after a baby is born."  (Shipek 87).      About 100 species, chiefly of Northern Hemisphere, and Old World.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 140).

 

Text Ref:  Hickman, Ed. 228; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 140; Roberts 10.

Photo Ref:  April 2 83 # 18A,19A; April 2 84 # 5.

Identity: by R. De Ruff, confirmed by F. Roberts.  

First Found:  April 1983.

 

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 152.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit 7/30/05.  

 

                                       April Photo                                                                        May Photo