Matricaria discoidea 

'Pineapple Weed'

[Syn. Matricaria matricarioides]

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Asteraceae: annual growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The flower head is cone-shaped, composed of dense-packed yellowish-green corollas, the flowers exude a chamomile/pineapple aroma when crushed. The leaves are pinnately dissected and sweet-scented when crushed. Found growing by waysides and waste places, especially along tracks, paths and by trampled gateways. Native to North America, and said to have been introduced to Britain accidentally in 1871.

USES:

The flower heads can be eaten raw or cooked, and can be a tasty nibble. The dried flowers are used to make herb teas. They are pineapple scented when steeped in hot water.

The flowering plant has antispasmodic, carminative, galactogogue, sedative, skin and vermifuge properties. This plant is rarely used medicinally, though it is sometimes employed as a domestic remedy in the treatment of intestinal worms and also as a sedative. The plant is harvested when in flower in the summer and is dried for later use. Some caution is advised since some individuals are allergic to this plant.

The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds in spring or late summer in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position. Vary easy!

HARVESTED: 2020

APPROX. 100+ SEEDS