Common Chamomile, Roman chamomile
Anthemis nobilis

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 10-30 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. It has a creeping stem which is much branched. The leaves are divided and downy. They are feathery. They have a scent. The flower heads occur singly. There are white ray florets and yellow disk florets. The base of the flower head is solid and this enables it to be distinguished from German chamomile (Matricaria recutita).

There are 4 Chamaemelum species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is drought resistant. It needs full sun. It suits hardiness zones 4-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Asia, Australia, Argentina, Britain, Europe, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Portugal, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The oil is used to flavour liqueurs. The fresh or dried leaves are drunk as a tea. The flower heads are harvested and dried and the essential oil extracted by steam distillation. This oil is used to flavour liqueurs and herbal teas. CAUTION: It should be used only in small amounts as a flavouring agent.

Edible parts

Flowers, herb, leaves - drink

How it is grown

It is grown from seed or rooted sections.

Its other names

Local names

English chamomile, Garden chamomile, Noble chamomile, Rimska divja kamilica, Russian chamomile

Synonyms

Anthriscus nobilis; Anthemis nobilis L.; Chamaemelum nobile (L.) Au. Ormenis nobilis (L.) J. Gay ex Coss. & Germ.;