Pineapple Weed
Matricaria matricarioides

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Matricaria matricarioides is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 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 Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Waysides and waste places, especially along tracks, paths and by trampled gateways.

N.E. Asia. An introduced and increasing weed in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Flower heads - raw or cooked. A tasty nibble. The dried flowers are used to make herb teas. They are pineapple scented when steeped in hot water.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The flowering plant is antispasmodic, carminative, galactogogue, sedative, skin and vermifuge. 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.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Other

Rating:

The plant repels insects. The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position. The bruised or sun-warmed leaves emit the appealing odour of ripe apples.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or late summer in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Some people are allergic to this plant.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. discoidea. DC. M. suaveolens. non L.