Happy November!

November's Birthday Blossom is the colorful chrysanthemum. The name derives from the Greek words chrysous meaning golden (the color of the original flowers) and anthem meaning flower. First cultivated in China, they were brought to Europe in the 17th century before making their way stateside to adorn autumnal tableaux. Chrysanthemums come in various forms, such as daisyesque, pompom, and buttons, as well as many different colors. In addition to their decorative charms, chrysanthemums possess hidden superpowers. The flower produces pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent, and provide a food source to Lepidoptera larvae aka future butterflies. The beautiful and hard-working chrysanthemum is one of the many natural joys of the fall season.