Tripleurospermum maritimum (Sea Mayweed)

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Tripleurospermum spp.

mayweeds

Asteraceae

Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

Overview

Tripleurospermum spp. is a genus of about 40 species of annual, biennial, and short-lived perennial herbs in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, with a few species in North America. Plants form erect, branching stems 6-32 in (15-80 cm) tall above finely dissected, almost feathery leaves divided into thread-like segments. The flower heads are daisy-like, 0.8-1.8 in (2-4.5 cm) across, with white ray florets surrounding a domed yellow disc, borne singly at the branch tips. Unlike true chamomile, the crushed foliage of most species has little or no scent, giving the common name scentless mayweed. The widespread T. inodorum is an annual or biennial weed of arable land, roadsides, and waste ground across the northern hemisphere, while coastal T. maritimum is a fleshier-leaved perennial of sea cliffs and shingle. Flowering extends through summer and into autumn, and a single plant can produce many thousands of seeds. The genus grows in open, disturbed, well-drained sites and is often regarded as an agricultural weed.

Native Range

Tripleurospermum spp. is native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, with a few species in North America. Several species, especially T. inodorum, have spread as weeds across temperate regions worldwide. Plants occur on cultivated land, roadsides, waste ground, and coastal shingle.

Suggested Uses

Ornamental and coastal Tripleurospermum spp. species are grown in informal, wildflower, and seaside plantings for their long succession of white daisies. The cut flowers last well in arrangements. Most weedy species are not planted intentionally and are managed where they appear in cultivated ground.

How to Identify

Identify Tripleurospermum spp. by daisy-like heads with white rays and a domed yellow disc above finely divided, thread-like foliage. The crushed leaves of most species lack the apple scent of true chamomile. The solid (not hollow) receptacle and the three-ribbed seeds separate it from Matricaria spp. and Anthemis spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'8"

Width/Spread6" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering runs through summer and into autumn, roughly May to October in temperate regions. Plants bloom over a long span, with new heads opening as older ones set seed. In mild areas some flowering continues into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white with yellow center

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 Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tripleurospermum spp. species grow in full sun in average, well-drained soil with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5 and adapt to poor, disturbed, and gravelly ground. They tolerate drought and exposure once established, and coastal species withstand salt spray. Annual and biennial species complete their cycle from seed in one or two seasons, while perennial species regrow from the crown. The genus self-sows freely, and seedlings appear readily on bare soil. Most species need no supplemental feeding. Removing seed heads before they ripen limits the heavy self-seeding.

Pruning

Spent flower heads are removed before seed ripens to curb prolific self-sowing, the main maintenance concern with this genus. Annual and biennial plants are pulled once they finish flowering. Perennial species can be cut back after bloom to tidy the clump.