Identifying German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Take great care when identifying wild plants and fungi, this blog is not a resource to be taken by itself and further resources will be linked. Consult other sources and double check. While foraging is an extremely rewarding and useful skill, numerous common plants and fungi can make you sick or kill you. Be absolutely sure of what you’re eating and, when gathering, ensure you leave enough not only to ensure the survival and growth of the species but also enough for others to enjoy, from the human and more-than-human communities. Also cultivate an awareness of contamination and pollution – wastewater runoff, spraying, exhaust fumes – as this should affect your decision to harvest.

The Plant

Matricaria chamomilla is a flowering annual plant from the Asteraceae family. It is native to Southern and Eastern Europe but is cultivated and grows wild around the world. The name chamomile comes from the Greek word “chamaimēlon” which means “earth-apple”, referring to the apple-like scent that comes from the plant. Matricaria comes from the Latin word “matirx” meaning womb, which refers to the use of chamomile in ancient herbalism to treat cramps and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Description

German chamomile is an annual plant which grows easily and prolifically in New Zealand gardens (intentionally and non-intentionally), as well as popping up wild along riverbanks and meadows. The plant grows up to 15-60cm tall and has hairless, erect, branched stems. They have long, narrow, feathery leaves. The flowers are arranged in pannicles, growing one flower at the tip of each branchlet. They have a bright yellow round or cone-like centre and white petals with three gentle points at the ends. The white petals sometimes droop towards the earth while others stick outright. The flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies and spread through seed dispersal.

Ecology

I have come across Matricaria chamomilla growing wild all around the Pōneke region and I assume it grows prolifically throughout most of New Zealand. Most people intentionally plant chamomile as a herb but can be found growing wild in meadows and especially along riverbanks. They are quite a tolerant plant but require full sun as they don’t do well in the shade. Chamomile flowers throughout spring and summer.

Nutritional & Medicinal Information

German chamomile oil is used for irritated, flaky, or red skin and can be used to heal ailments such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and other wounds.

Chamomile has calming effects and so works wonderfully for menstrual and digestive discomfort, cramps, or bloating.

Traditionally German chamomile has been taken as a tea to help with premenstrual syndrome and menopause. It is particularly good for sleep disorders and reducing stress.

Possible Lookalikes

Scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum) looks similar to German chamomile and grows as an invasive species here in Aotearoa. The leaves of scentless mayweed are much more feathery. It is somewhat edible but can become toxic if eaten in high doses so this plant is best avoided.

Lawn daisy (Bellis perennis) is grows much shorter than German chamomile and doesn’t have the cone-like yellow centre. Daisy flowers and leaves are edible.

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) looks very similar and is also edible and useful for their oils, however this chamomile does not have the same properties that German chamomile has, so it is not useful for the same ailments.

Interesting Facts

The flowers contain a bright blue essential oil due to it’s high concentration of chamazulene.

Chamomile flowers have been used to lighten hair.

Chamomile plants can help repel mosquitos.

Storage & Cooking

German chamomile flowers are best harvested when the flowers are in full bloom and open. You can use them fresh or dry them.

Chamomile flowers make a delicious tea and can also be used in desserts and salads.

Enjoy my fellow foragers!

Further Reading

iNaturalist

Mount Sinai

Herb Federation of New Zealand