Matricaria

These hardy annuals and perennials are natives of the Mediterranean region, South Africa and the Orient, and are naturalized in North America. They grow from 1 to 2 feet high and have feathery foliage. They produce terminal clusters of small flowers, which resemble daisies. M. inodora is an annual that has white flowers. M. Tchihatchewii, the Turfing Daisy, is a mat-forming plant that grows 6 to 12 inches high. M. recutita, Sweet False Chamomile or German Chamomile, is an annual that grows 2 feet high and 6 to 8 inches wide. Its flowers are slightly smaller than those of the Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and they have hollow, yellow central disks. The foliage isn't as fragrant, but the dried flowers are less bitter than those of C. nobile and many times are substituted in teas and tisanes.

Pot Cultivation

Sweet False Chamomile prefers full sun and sandy, well-limed soil. These plants must be controlled or they will become a weedy pest, since they produce a lot of seeds. When the plants are in full bloom, cut off the flower heads with the stem tips and let them dry. Seed-eating insects commonly infest the drying flowerheads; if insects are a problem, spread the flowerheads on a cookie sheet and bake them at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for a half-hour. Gently sift them through a colander. Use the dried flowers for teas or tisanes.

Propagation

Sow seeds outside in the spring or late autumn.

M. recutita

VARIETIES

• M. recutita (Sweet False Chamomile);
• M. inodora & double flowered variety plenissima;
• M. Tchihatchewii (Turfing Daisy).