Chamomile, German

Matricaria recutita, commonly called German chamomile or sweet false chamomile, is an annual aromatic Eurasian herb that is commonly grown in herb gardens for harvest of its flowers which are principally used to make chamomile tea which is a mild sedative herbal drink recommended for a large number of applications including calming nerves, relaxing tense muscles, alleviating stress, dispelling insomnia and treating indigestion. This plant has escaped garden plantings and has naturalized in open areas and along roads in various parts of North America. It typically grows to 12-24" tall and to 12" wide on stems clad with aromatic but bitter tasting double pinnate leaves (to 3" long). Showy daisy-like flowers bloom summer to fall. Each flower features 10-20 petal-like white rays surrounding a showy bright yellow domed center disk of tubular yellow florets. For herbal use, harvest flowers when fully open.