November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum
The November flower is the Chrysanthemum of the genus of the same name. Chrysanthemums are native to Asia and northeastern Europe where they start blooming in early fall.
The name is derived from Greek words meaning 'gold flower' and wild chrysanthemum flowers are indeed yellow. However there are also many cultivated varieties in colors of white, purple and red.
The center of diversity is China where chrysanthemums are prevalent in many traditions. This flower also features in many Japanese customs and is one of the national flowers of Japan.
In the United States the chrysanthemum is the official flower for the cities of Chicago and Salinas.
In Australia, chrysanthemums bloom in May in the southern hemisphere and are given to mothers on Mothers Day.
The language of flowers introduced in Victorian times says that chrysanthemums symbolize cheerfulness and love.
November Birth Flower: Peony
One source lists the Peony is as a second November flower.
Peonies are a group of about 30 flowering plants and originate in Asia, Europe and western North America. Colors range from purples, reds, yellows and white with more colors in the many cultivated varieties. Peonies flower in late spring to early summer in the Northern Hemisphere, so it is a bit unclear why this is listed as a November flower.
The Greek origin of the word Peony is linked to Paeon, a Greek god of medicine, possibly in reference to the plant's medicinal use.
Birth flower reference: Floriography Today by S. Theresa Dietz (2000)