Chamomile is a popular herbal plant known for its delicate, apple-like fragrance and small, daisy-like flowers. Accurate identification is important for gardeners and foragers. Distinguishing chamomile from its look-alikes requires paying close attention to specific visual markers, including the plant’s overall shape, the structure of its leaves, and the unique characteristics of its flower head. This guide provides the visual details necessary to correctly identify the widely used chamomile species.
General Appearance and Growth Habit
Chamomile plants are herbaceous, low-growing annuals or perennials. Most German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) grows upright on smooth, branched stems, reaching heights between one and two feet. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is noticeably shorter, typically forming a dense, low-spreading mat that rarely exceeds six to twelve inches in height. A primary identification cue is the plant’s distinct aroma, often described as resembling apples or pineapple. This scent releases readily when the leaves or flowers are crushed or bruised.
The Distinctive Flower and Foliage
Chamomile flowers are easily recognized by their resemblance to miniature daisies. Each flower head features a ring of 10 to 20 white ray florets, commonly called petals, surrounding a prominent, bright golden-yellow central dome composed of numerous tiny disc florets. The foliage is finely divided, giving the leaves a delicate, feathery, or fern-like appearance. The leaves are typically a light to medium green color and are arranged alternately along the stems. A unique identifier for German chamomile is the central receptacle, which is distinctly hollow inside if the flower is sliced down the middle.
Visual Differences Between Varieties
German and Roman chamomile have contrasting growth habits and subtle floral differences. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an annual plant that grows taller and more upright, with flowers borne singly on long, branching stems. Its central flower cone is hollow, which confirms its identity. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial that maintains a low, creeping, ground-cover habit with substantial, grayish-green leaves. Its flowers tend to be smaller, and its central cone is solid or pithy inside. The Roman variety often has slightly thicker stems that may appear hairy.
Common Plants Mistaken for Chamomile
Several plants in the Asteraceae family are often confused with true chamomile, necessitating careful examination. Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea) is a common look-alike that shares the chamomile scent but lacks white ray petals entirely, featuring only a simple, greenish-yellow cone. Other plants like Mayweed (Anthemis cotula) or Scentless Mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum) are visually similar with their white petals and yellow centers. However, these species generally lack the characteristic sweet, apple-like fragrance. Neither possesses the hollow receptacle of German chamomile, making the fern-like leaves, scent, and hollow base key for correct identification.