Matricaria discoidea, Pineappleweed

Common Name: Pineappleweed

Matricaria discoidea, more commonly known as Pineappleweed, is an introduced species that has become a widespread 'weed' of disturbed ground, such as pavements and roadsides and gardens. It has feathery leaves and yellowish flower heads.

Introduced into the UK during the late 19th century, its rapid spread has been attributed to the growth of motor transport - the seeds being picked up on tyre treads, along with the mud of the then unpaved roads, and being deposited miles away as rain washed them off.

Pineappleweed lives up to its name - its crushed leaves have a distinctive pineapple smell. Its leaves are finely divided and feathery, and its yellowish, conical flower heads which look remarkably like tiny pineapples appear from May to November, growing to a height of 12-15cm. Like other members of the daisy family, it is a composite flower, so has a flower head made up of lots of individual blooms, but it has no 'ray florets', so appears to have no 'petals'.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.