The plants called wild chrysanthemums in front and behind rural houses are not exclusive to one kind. What rural people call "wild chrysanthemums" varies depending on the region. There are about three types: wild chrysanthemums, puergens that bloom in early summer, and inulas called June chrysanthemums. They are introduced below.

1. Wild chrysanthemum

In botanical terms, plants called wild chrysanthemums are generally found in mountainous areas. There are some wild chrysanthemums on many hillsides. They are smaller than ornamental chrysanthemums and are golden yellow. In autumn, the wild chrysanthemums bloom all over the mountains and are very spectacular.

This kind of wild chrysanthemum can be used as medicine. Some are dried directly or steamed and then dried to make chrysanthemum tea, which can reduce swelling and fire, and has high health care functions.

2. Inula

Inula is also called golden Buddha grass and June chrysanthemum. It is a perennial herb and is commonly seen on rural hillsides, roadsides, wetlands, in front of and behind houses, etc. A weed of the Asteraceae family. Its flowers are somewhat similar to wild chrysanthemums, but inula blooms in summer, and its leaves are very different from wild chrysanthemums. Inula has slender leaves.

Inula is easily recognized as wild chrysanthemum in rural areas. Remember, wild chrysanthemum has the same leaves as Pugong's chrysanthemum, but smaller, while Inula's leaves are more slender. The flowers of Inula can also be used as medicine to relieve asthma and cough, and help with sleep. Rural areas generally like to pick inula flowers to make pillows.

3. Puerroot

Puergen is a common weed in fields in the south and northwest. It is a plant of the genus Senecio of the Asteraceae family. It is also called cat's ear and dwarf Senecio. Its leaves are round, some are heart-shaped, and some are head-shaped. Unlike wild chrysanthemums, puergens usually bloom in early summer. The whole plant of Pu'er root can be used as medicine and it is a traditional Chinese medicine in my country.

The above are three common plants in rural areas that are often called wild chrysanthemums. Only the first one is the authentic wild chrysanthemum (the last picture in this article is also a wild chrysanthemum)