The sight of overflowing pots of chrysanthemums signals that the glowing season is upon us...

When you drive through your neighborhood, look at the porches and see if the chrysanthemums have made their appearance. Or maybe your first encounter with them is a trip to your local gardening center where you stumble over pot after pot of pompon shaped blooms in a vast array of fall colors. The chrysanthemum has become a favorite fall flower across the United States, but it's history did not begin here.

According to the National Chrysanthemum Society U.S.A., the flower "was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. In fact, their pottery depicted the chrysanthemum much as we know it today. As an herb, it was believed to have the power of life. Legend has it that the boiled roots were used as a headache remedy; young sprouts and petals were eaten in salads; and leaves were brewed for a festive drink."

Swedish botanist Karl Linnaeus gave the mum its botanical name, which is derived from a combination of Greek words: chrysos which means gold and anthemon which means flower. While it is a member of the daisy family, modern chrysanthemums have been developed into some stunningly showy varieties. First introduced into the United States during colonial times, the chrysanthemum's popularity has continued to grow through the years. It is now considered the "Queen of Fall Flowers." Long may she reign!