The autumn Chrysanthemum indicum has begun to form buds in the theme garden of the Geumwonsan Ecological Arboretum in Gyeongnam province.

These buds are expected to bloom into delicate white or light pink flowers by late September.

Chrysanthemum indicum, a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family, is commonly found in Korea’s mountains and fields.

It spreads through underground rhizomes, with stems growing up to about 50 cm tall. The plant’s base leaves are egg-shaped and deeply divided, with four-lobed edges lined with fine teeth.

Its flowers bloom singly at the tips of stems or branches from September to October, starting as light pink and gradually turning white.

The flower is also known as “Gujeolcho,” a name that originates from the belief that its medicinal properties are strongest when picked on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, during the Double Ninth Festival. It’s also called this because the plant often has nine nodes on its stem, symbolizing the festival.

Chrysanthemums that bloom in autumn, such as Chrysanthemum indicum, Aster, and Wild Chrysanthemum, are collectively referred to as wild chrysanthemums.

While Aster and Wild Chrysanthemum boast light purple blooms, Chrysanthemum indicum is distinguished by its white flowers and finely divided leaves. This flower is widely used in oriental medicine for its medicinal properties, and its flower language symbolizes motherly love.

This year, a large number of Chrysanthemums were planted in the arboretum’s theme garden near Kkotsinbawi Rock to enhance the autumn landscape.

As the flowers begin to bloom next week, they promise to create a beautiful scene, providing visitors with a memorable experience of autumn’s charm.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu