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Matricaria spp.

German chamomiles and pineapple-weeds

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

Overview

Matricaria spp. is a genus of aromatic annual herbs in the daisy family, native to Europe, temperate Asia, and parts of North America. German chamomile (M. chamomilla) grows 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm) tall with erect, branching stems and feathery, finely dissected leaves that release a sweet, apple-like scent when crushed. Its flower heads are 0.5 to 1 inch (1.5 to 2.5 cm) across, with white ray florets surrounding a raised, hollow yellow disc that becomes more conical as it matures. Pineapple-weed (M. discoidea) lacks ray florets, bearing rounded yellow-green flower heads that smell of pineapple when bruised. Plants are shallow-rooted and short-lived, completing their life cycle in a single season and self-sowing freely from abundant seed. The genus tolerates poor, dry soil but flops in rich ground or shade, and the dense seeding can make plants weedy in beds and paths.

Native Range

Matricaria spp. is native to Europe and temperate Asia, with German chamomile (M. chamomilla) ranging across Europe, the Mediterranean, and western Asia. Pineapple-weed (M. discoidea) is native to northeastern Asia and northwestern North America. Several species have naturalized widely on disturbed and cultivated ground.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb gardens, cottage borders, and pollinator plantings, with the dried flower heads of German chamomile used for tea. Plants are spaced about 8 inches (20 cm) apart and combine with vegetables and other herbs. Self-sowing colonies fill gaps in informal plantings.

How to Identify

Recognized by feathery, finely divided leaves and a sweet, fruity scent when the foliage is crushed. German chamomile is distinguished by a hollow, dome-shaped to conical disc beneath white rays, which separates it from the solid disc of Anthemis spp. and Chamaemelum spp.. Pineapple-weed bears cone-shaped, rayless yellow-green heads and smells distinctly of pineapple.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering runs from late spring into summer, broadly May to August, beginning a few months after germination. Plants from autumn-sown or self-sown seedlings flower earlier than spring-sown plants. Bloom continues for several weeks and is prolonged by removing spent heads.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white rays with a yellow disc; pineapple-weed yellow-green

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.6 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and light, free-draining soil of low to moderate fertility. Seed is sown directly on the surface in early spring or fall, as it needs light to germinate and tolerates light frost. Once established, plants need little water and withstand dry spells. Rich soil and crowding produce weak, leaning stems. Self-sown seedlings appear readily and may need thinning to about 8 inches (20 cm) apart. Aphids and powdery mildew occur but rarely cause serious damage.

Pruning

Pruning is limited to removing faded flower heads to extend bloom and to reduce self-seeding. Whole plants are pulled once flowering ends and seed has set. No woody pruning applies.

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

Early spring or fall; tolerates light frost

Days to Maturity

55–70 days

Plant Spacing

8 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

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Matricaria spp.

German chamomiles and pineapple-weeds

Asteraceae Europe and temperate Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

Overview

Native Range

Suggested Uses

How to Identify

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white rays with a yellow disc; pineapple-weed yellow-green

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.6 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Pruning

Pruning is limited to removing faded flower heads to extend bloom and to reduce self-seeding. Whole plants are pulled once flowering ends and seed has set. No woody pruning applies.