Matricaria recutita, Scented Mayweed

Common Name: Scented Mayweed

Matricaria recutita, commonly known as Scented Mayweed, is a daisy-like annual with finely divided leaves and an aromatic smell when crushed. It is superficially like Corn Chamomile but is hairless with more finely divided leaves. Note that until recently this species was known by the old botanical name of Matricaria chamomilla.

It has a branched, erect and smooth stem, which grows to a height of 15–60cm. The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate. It is a native of southern Europe, introduced to these islands with the spread of agriculture. It is now a common annual of arable land (particularly cereal crops) and all types of waste lands. It thrives best on lighter soils but can grow on loams and heavy clays. Flowers June to October.

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