Chamomile

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an annual native of Europe and western Asia. An adaptable plant, it likes full sun and will tolerate almost any type of growing conditions. A light, sandy, somewhat-moist loam will produce optimum growth. It appreciates lots of water during its growing season. Growing from one to two feet high, its stem is smooth and shiny and finely divided leaf segments cover its numerous branches. By the time it reaches blooming season, which is usually late spring, the plant looks a bit sprawly. Harvesting the flowers and lightly cutting back the plant will produce a second crop before the plant dies. Less fragrant than A. Nobilis, German Chamomile flowers are slightly bitter tasting.

There are several other plants that are covered by the “Chamomile” umbrella. The Scotch Chamomile of commerce is sometimes known as the Wild Chamomile. It has a strong aromatic odor and a very bitter taste. It flourishes in rather dry, sandy soil that resembles the wild, open land of its natural habitat. It is considered the most powerful of all the chamomiles in curative properties. The powerful alkali contained in its single flowers is liable to destroy the coating of the stomach and bowels.