medicinal herbs
Chop-Suey Greens
Chrysanthemum coronarium spatiosum
Herb: Chop-Suey Greens
Latin name: Chrysanthemum coronarium spatiosum
Family: Compositae
Medicinal use of Chop-Suey Greens:
The leaves are expectorant and stomachic. In conjunction with black pepper it is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. The flowers are aromatic, bitter and stomachic. They are used as a substitute for camomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The bark is purgative, it is used in the treatment of syphilis.Description of the plant:
Plant:
AnnualHeight:
120 cm(4 feet)
Flowering:
July toSeptember
Habitat of the herb:
Cultivated ground and waste places.Edible parts of Chop-Suey Greens:
Young shoots and stems - raw or cooked. Strongly aromatic, they are used as a flavouring or as a vegetable. Cooked leaves become bitter if overcooked at a high temperature. Young leaves are excellent in salads. The leaves quickly wilt once they have been picked so it is best to harvest them as required. They contain about 1.85% protein, 0.43% fat, 2.57% carbohydrate, 0.98% ash. They are rich in vitamin B1, contain a moderate content of vitamin C and a little vitamin A. Flowers - raw. Blanched briefly and added to salads. The centre of the flower is bitter so only the petals are normally used. A fragrant pickle known as "kikumi" is made from the petals in Japan.Other uses of the herb:
Possibly a good companion plant, protecting neighbouring plants from caterpillars etc. There is a report that secretions from the roots can be effective in controlling nematodes in the soil, but this has not been substantiated.Propagation of Chop-Suey Greens:
Seed - surface-sow in spring to early autumn in situ. The seed usually germinates within 10 - 18 days at 15°C. Successional sowings can be made at intervals of a few weeks in order to ensure a constant supply of young plants. Autumn sowings succeed in mild areas. An autumn sowing under cover will often supply leaves all winter.Cultivation of the herb:
Cultivated ground and waste places.Known hazards of Chrysanthemum coronarium spatiosum:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.