Jiangsu Chrysanthemum Greens

Last updated 2026-11-15 — Chrysanthemum greens are one of the traditional specialty vegetables of Jiangsu Province. Also known as "chrysanthemum leaves," they are a perennial herbaceous vegetable that can also be grown as an annual. They are named for their resemblance to wild chrysanthemums. In Jiangsu, chrysanthemum greens have been cultivated and consumed as a vegetable by locals for over 100 years. Legend has it that in the third year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1864 AD), when Zeng Guofan led Qing troops in battle against the Taiping Army and the city of Nanjing (then called Tianjing) was under siege with dwindling supplies, residents turned to wild vegetables for sustenance. They discovered that the tender stems and leaves of chrysanthemum greens were fragrant and delicious, and later began cultivating them. The plant grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters, with green, smooth stems. Its leaves are ovate with pinnate notches, and its small yellow flowers are inconspicuous. It is cold-resistant, heat-tolerant, highly adaptable, easy to cultivate, and grows quickly. It can be planted in corners, in front of or behind houses. It suffers from few pests or diseases, and even if white spots—indicative of rust disease—appear on the leaves, they do not affect yield. Sprinkling wood ash can help suppress the issue. It also boasts high yields and a long market supply period.