Herb: Chop-Suey Greens


Latin name: Chrysanthemum coronarium


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:
Annual


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Cultivated ground and waste places.

Edible parts of Chop-Suey Greens:

Young shoots and stems - raw or cooked. Strongly aromatic. Flowers - raw. Blanched briefly and added to salads. The centre of the flower is bitter so only the petals are normally used.

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:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.