mayweed chamomile
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Anthemis cotula
Other Common Names:
stinking chamomile
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Maruta cotula
Habit
This bushy plant is a summer annual, although it can be a winter annual with the right conditions. Germination takes place in early spring, with flowering occurring from late April through early September.
Leaves
The alternate, slightly hairy, leaves are deeply divided and pointy. The leaves can grow from 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches in length, and when crushed, will emit a foul odor.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant is similar to pineapple-weed. Its leaves, however, are more finely divided, and when crushed, pineapple-weed releases a pineapple odor.
Flower Seed Head
The 2/3 to 1 1/3 inch flowers grow individually on long stems. Each flower is composed of two types of flowers, white ray flowers on the perimeter, and yellow disk flowers occurring in the center of the flower.
Seed Fruit
The seeds develop in achenes approximately 1.2 to 1.8 mm in length.
Where Found
This plant can be found growing in waste grounds, although it will adapt to most conditions.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
dime,
nickle,
quarter,
half dollar
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
not symmetrical
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
lobed
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb