Corn Chamomile
Anthemis arvensis
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Anthemis arvensis or scentless chamomile is considered to be one of the best febrifuge species indigenous to France. Commonly known as corn chamomile, mayweed, scentless chamomile, or field chamomile.
Anthemis arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
A locally common calcicolous plant of arable land and waste places throughout Britain.
Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
This species is considered to be one of the best febrifuge species indigenous to France. The flowers and leaves are used.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 2
Can be used as an ornamental plant.
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
How it is grown
Prefers a sunny position and a well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acid. Succeeds in heavy clay soils.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown outdoors as soon as it is ripe. Most of the seed germinates in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Colorado (scentless chamomile) B list (noxious weeds)