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Chamaemelum nobile

Previously known as:

  • Anthemis nobilis
Phonetic Spelling
kam-ay-MEL-um NO-bee-lay
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Roman chamomile is a low growing herbaceous perennial  in the Asteraceae (daisy) family.  It is native to Europe and western Asia.  Its roots are creeping and sturdy which allows it to spread and keep a firm foundation.

This plant needs 2-4 inches of space when planting to allow it to grow to its greatest potential. It blooms in the summer on those lazy, summer days and can even bloom into the fall.

Consider using this problem free plant as a groundcover in a children's grade, cottage garden or near a rock wall as it has a meandering habit. The delicate-looking flowers make for a wonderful edging for any border in your garden or planted along a patio or walkway so the calming fragrance can be enjoyed.   

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It may cause contact dermatitis in some people.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#white flowers#easy to grow#fragrant leaves#cottage garden#fast growing#edging#fields#daisy-like#children's garden#herbaceous perennial#playground plant#victorian garden#groundcover#border planting#pollinator plant#dried arrangements#garden walls#foot traffic tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#contact dermatitis#perennial#herb garden#tea
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#white flowers#easy to grow#fragrant leaves#cottage garden#fast growing#edging#fields#daisy-like#children's garden#herbaceous perennial#playground plant#victorian garden#groundcover#border planting#pollinator plant#dried arrangements#garden walls#foot traffic tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#contact dermatitis#perennial#herb garden#tea
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaemelum
    Species:
    nobile
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Use dried flowers for soothing tea, potpourris, or herb pillows. Chamomile has been used as a folk medicine remedy for many ailments.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, India and Western Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant attracts bees, other insects and other pollinators. The foliage is aromatic when crushed.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Fragrance
    Wildlife Food Source
    Edibility:
    Use dried flowers for tea. Drink no more than one cup of tea per day as it contains thuaone. Do not use if pregnant.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    This plant has white daisy-looking flowers with a wonderful aroma/ herbal. It blooms in the summer on those lazy, summer days and can even bloom into the fall.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long-lasting
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Filiform
    Linear
    Pinnatisect
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Evergreen, fragrant, finely divided leaves. They are sometimes covered in thin, downy hairs.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Recreational Play Area
    Rock Wall
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Foot Traffic
    Poor Soil
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions. Long term use can lead to bleeding tendencies.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Volatile oil; bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid, tannic acid
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Leaves