Roman Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile Asteraceae

Other names

Chamomile, Garden Chamomile, Russian Chamomile

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived perennial

Native distribution

Western Europe

Biocultural value

Ancient Greeks called it ground apple due to its fruity scent. An infusion of the dried flowers has antispasmodic effects and has been useful for relieving cramps and intestinal gas.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Richters, Sandy Mush Herb Nursery

Description

Pleasantly aromatic, creeping, much-branched perennial reaching 12" in height. Stems decumbent or ascending, downy; leaves to 2" long, sparsely hairy, 2-3-pinnnately divided, the segments linear-bristly orfiliform. Flower heads to 1" across, receptacle conical, disc florets yellow, rays white; achenes 3-angled.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

fragrance, medicinal/pharmaceutical