The flower commonly known as the mum is a globally recognized ornamental plant prized for its vibrant colors and late-season blooms. Classified under the genus Chrysanthemum, this herbaceous perennial belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. The name is derived from the ancient Greek words chrysos (“gold”) and anthemon (“flower”), reflecting the original color of the wild species. Cultivated for millennia, the chrysanthemum has a rich history that parallels its widespread popularity. Its journey from a simple medicinal herb to a highly valued floral commodity is a story of careful domestication and global dissemination.
The Cradle of the Chrysanthemum
The earliest domestication of the chrysanthemum occurred in East Asia, with its ancestral home firmly established in China. Historical records suggest the plant was first cultivated there over 3,000 years ago, potentially dating back to the 15th century BCE. Wild species, such as Chrysanthemum morifolium and C. indicum, provided the genetic foundation for the thousands of cultivars that exist today.
The early use of the plant was not purely ornamental, as it was considered a flowering herb with both culinary and medicinal properties. Ancient practitioners utilized boiled roots as a remedy for headaches and believed the plant possessed a “power of life.” Young shoots and petals were incorporated into salads, and the leaves were often brewed to create herbal tea. This connection to daily life meant the chrysanthemum quickly gained deep cultural significance in China.
Early Propagation and Cultural Journey
From its center of origin, the chrysanthemum spread regionally to neighboring East Asian nations. The flower was introduced to Japan around the 5th to 8th century AD, often initially as a medicinal import influenced by Chinese culture. Japanese horticulturists embraced the flower, known there as kiku, and began developing distinct new forms through selective cultivation.
The chrysanthemum quickly became deeply embedded in Japanese culture, acquiring a unique symbolic role. By the 12th century, the flower had been adopted as the crest and official seal of the Emperor, signifying the Imperial House and the “Chrysanthemum Throne.” This royal association elevated the flower to a symbol of nobility, longevity, and perfection. The annual Festival of Happiness, or Kiku no Sekku, is still celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month to honor the flower.
to the Western World
The chrysanthemum’s transcontinental journey began much later, shifting from its royal Asian context to a botanical curiosity in the West. Initial reports reached Europe in the late 17th century when a few specimens were brought to the Netherlands, but these early introductions did not become widely established. The flower remained largely unknown outside of East Asia for another century.
The plant’s successful introduction is credited to the French merchant Pierre Louis Blancard, who brought a few cultivars, including the ‘Old Purple,’ from China to Marseille in 1789. The plant was formally named Chrysanthemum by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, combining the Greek roots for “gold” and “flower.” By the late 18th century, the chrysanthemum had made its way to North America, introduced to the United States by nurseryman John Stevens in 1798. Initially treated as a botanical specimen and a novelty, its commercial potential was soon recognized, paving the way for its role as a major floral crop.
Modern Cultivation and Hybridization
The vast array of colors, shapes, and sizes seen today resulted from intensive scientific breeding programs following the plant’s establishment in the West. Modern cultivated chrysanthemums are genetically complex and often polyploid, meaning they possess multiple sets of chromosomes. This complexity enables a wide range of variation. Breeders capitalized on this trait through hybridization to develop the more than 20,000 cultivars estimated to exist worldwide.
Modern forms are categorized based on their intended use, such as the hardy “garden mums” selected for cold tolerance, and the more delicate “florists’ mums” or exhibition varieties. Breeders focused on specific traits to create distinct bloom types, including the tubular-petaled spider forms, the globe-shaped pompons, and the tightly curled incurved varieties. This continuous hybridization process transformed the simple daisy-like ancestor into a plant with unparalleled diversity in the floral industry.