Ohio Outdoors: Mum’s the word

It’s mum season, also known as fall or autumn. Chrysanthemums can be found gracing walkways and front porches all over Portage County. These fall bloomers are members of the larger family group of flowers called asters. There are more than 25,000 species of asters scattered across the globe. Chrysanthemums make up around 40 of those species, including 100 different cultivars. 

Scientists believe that chrysanthemums originated in China more than 2,500 years ago. They were used as culinary herbs in salads and teas. In fact, mum leaves and petals are edible, although they should not be eaten raw. Flavors range from sweet and tangy to peppery. Be sure not to let dogs or cats eat them: The plants produce a natural pesticide known as pyrethrum, which can affect the nervous system and may cause shaking, vomiting or coughing, among other things. These same functions make it a natural and effective insecticide against mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. It is also the main component of a cream used in treating lice and scabies.