Chrysanthemum indicum aka Indian Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum indicum belongs to Asteraceae, the daisy family. It is a perennial, so it lives for several years. Its names include Indian chrysanthemum and Japanese chrysanthemum. Another name is winter aster. Kew lists five Chinese provinces as its native range. Other sources give a wider range across East Asia. It grows in grassland, thickets, fields and along roads. Wild plants also grow near rivers and on coastal ground. This species comes from areas with a temperate climate. It is a parent of chrysanthemums grown in gardens.

The plant forms an upright clump. It loses its leaves as the seasons change. Stems grow from rhizomes, which lie along the ground. Garden plants reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall and wide. RHS gives an upper garden size of 3.3 feet [1 metre] each way. The leaves have deep cuts and a sweet scent. They smell of lemon and chamomile. The single flower heads are bright yellow. They look like small daisies. Flowers bloom from August to October. They draw insects that pollinate them.

Grow this species in full sun and fertile soil. The soil should stay moist but drain excess water. It accepts sandy soil, loam and clay. It also grows across a broad pH range. RHS rates it H4; PFAF lists USDA zones 5–9. Winter care depends on how cold the site gets. In cool regions, RHS says to lift crowns before frost. Keep them free from frost in compost that stays just moist. Plants can stay outside where winters remain above 23°F [−5°C]. Give them a thick mulch in these sites. Remove this cover in spring once the frost risk passes.

Grow it in borders, cottage gardens, courtyards or containers. It suits wildlife gardens and provides flowers to cut. Growers can raise plants from seed or basal cuttings. These cuttings come from the base of the plant. Divide established clumps in spring. After flowering, cut stems to about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Aphids, capsid bugs and earwigs may attack the plant. Pests also include chrysanthemum eelworm and leaf miner. Red spider mite may attack it too. Diseases may include grey mould and powdery mildew. Chrysanthemum white rust may also occur.

Food uses include cooked young leaves and pickled flower heads. People also use the leaves in herbal tea. PFAF lists the small seeds as edible but gives little detail. Sources report traditional medicinal uses for leaves, flowers and whole plants. These reports do not show that treatments are safe or work. RHS warns that touching the plant can cause skin allergy. Wear gloves and protective clothing when you handle it. This warning still matters, though other sources report no known hazards.