Yellow Camomile, Golden chamomile, Dyers' Chamomile, Golden Marguerite
Anthemis tinctoria
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling, Upright or erect.
Anthemis tinctoria is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Sunny slopes, rocks, railway tracks and walls, usually on limestone.
Europe - Mediterranean. A casual in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant is antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue and vesicant. It is used internally as a tea, which can be made either from the flowers or the whole plant. Applied externally, it is used as a poultice on piles and can also be applied to the bath water.The leaves are rubbed onto insect stings.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Vesicant: A blistering agent.
Other
Rating: 2
A distinctive yellow dye is obtained from the flowers.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing, Seashore. Prefers a well-drained sweet soil and a sunny position. Grows well on chalk. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. Hardy to about -15°c. Another report says that it is hardy to about -25°c. This species has formerly been cultivated as a dye plant, the var. 'Kelawayi' is said to be the best form. Plants are apt to over-flower and exhaust themselves. It is best to remove the flowering stems as soon as they stop flowering in order to stimulate the production of basal shoots for the following year. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow March/April in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Light aids germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of soft wood early summer in a frame. Very easy. Division in spring or autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-6
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist