Yellow chrysanthemum

Focal flower · Asteraceae

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Also known as Mum and Chrysanth

Long-lasting autumn blooms associated with joy and longevity, and in some countries, mourning.

Colour: Yellow

Victorians read it as slighted love; now simply cheerful.

Use in a bouquet All flowers

Toxic to cats and dogs. Read the pet-safety note

Peak season
Sep–Nov
Vase life
10–21 days
Birth month
November
Colours
5

What the chrysanthemum means

In China and Japan the chrysanthemum has been celebrated for centuries as an emblem of longevity, nobility, and autumn, and in Japan it appears on the Imperial Seal. In the United States mums are a cheerful fall and homecoming flower. Across much of Europe, though, including France, Italy, and Belgium, chrysanthemums are traditionally placed on graves and are closely tied to mourning, so they can be an awkward gift there. The Victorian language of flowers read red chrysanthemums as love and yellow as slighted love.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Birthday
  • Get well
  • Thank you
  • Just because

By colour

  • Yellow Victorians read it as slighted love; now simply cheerful.
  • Bronze Associated with autumn and harvest.
  • White Traditionally, truth; in parts of Europe, mourning.
  • Red Victorian lore linked it to love.
  • Pink Often given for friendship and good wishes.

Keeping it fresh

Available year-round; garden and potted mums peak in fall.

  1. 1 Remove all leaves below the waterline; mum foliage breaks down fast and clouds the water.
  2. 2 Pull yellowing leaves as they appear; the foliage fades well before the flowers.
  3. 3 Recut stems every few days and change the water.
  4. 4 Expect a long show; mums often outlast everything else in the vase.

Pet safety

  • cats Toxic
  • dogs Toxic
  • horses Toxic

ASPCA lists chrysanthemum as toxic (sesquiterpene lactones, pyrethrins): vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, incoordination, and skin irritation.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Birth flower · November

November's flower in both the US and UK traditions.

Choose “Birthday” in the studio and pick November — the chrysanthemum leads the bouquet.

Did you know

Pyrethrin insecticides were first made from the dried flowers of a close chrysanthemum relative, Tanacetum cinerariifolium.

Pairs well with

Make your own chrysanthemum bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio