Also known as English chamomile, garden chamomile, ground apple, low chamomile, mother’s daisy or whig plant, this herbaceous perennial is native to dry sunny fields of Western Europe and northwestern Africa. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, sunflower and lettuce. Plants grow 3-6″ tall and form a low evergreen mat to 12″ wide. The fern-like leaves are finely dissected and emit a ripe apple-like fragrance when bruised. Solitary, terminal daisy-like flowerheads appear from summer to early fall. They are up to 3/4″ across and consist of white ray florets surrounding a mass of yellow disc florets in the center. Roman chamomile makes an attractive ground cover but does not tolerate much foot traffic. The genus name, Anthemis, is from the Greek word ἀνθεμίς (anthemís), meaning flower or bloom. The specific epithet, nobilis, is the Latin word meaning notable, and refers to the esteemed medicinal and aromatic qualities of the plant.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Small daisy like flowerheads from summer to early fall
Size: 3-6″ H x 10-12″ W
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained; drought tolerant once established
USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Care: Low maintenance; control spread
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, division
Companion Plants: Chives, dittany of Crete, lamb’s ear
Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Karen