Matricaria recutita L.
Scented Mayweed
Scented mayweed, also known as German chamomile, is an aromatic annual of the daisy family with a sweet, apple-like fragrance when crushed. It carries finely divided, feathery leaves and small daisy flowerheads, each with white rays surrounding a domed, hollow yellow centre that becomes more conical as the flower ages, distinguishing it from related mayweeds.
About
Scented mayweed, also known as German chamomile, is an aromatic annual of the daisy family with a sweet, apple-like fragrance when crushed. It carries finely divided, feathery leaves and small daisy flowerheads, each with white rays surrounding a domed, hollow yellow centre that becomes more conical as the flower ages, distinguishing it from related mayweeds. In Britain it is an archaeophyte, introduced long ago with early agriculture rather than truly native.
It favours open, light, neutral to alkaline soils in full sun and is a plant of arable fields, disturbed ground, tracks, gateways and waste places, often appearing in quantity from long-buried seed when soil is freshly turned. Flowering through the summer, the blooms attract bees and hoverflies. It is the chamomile traditionally dried for herbal tea, and its quick-growing, free-flowering habit makes it a cheerful addition to annual cornfield-style mixes and pollinator plantings.
Also known as
Scented mayweed
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.