CHAMOMILE ROMAN Chamaemelum nobile

Characteristics

• Type: Perennial Herb • Bloom Description: White rays with • Family: Asteraceae yellow centers • Native Range: Western Europe • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Zone: 4 to 9 • Water: Medium • Height: 0.25 to 0.50 feet • Maintenance: Low • Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet • Flower: Showy • Bloom Time: June to September • Leaf: Fragrant

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in well-drained sandy soils. Tolerates some drought. Easily grown from seed. Spreads by creeping stems that root as they go. Can be aggressive in optimum growing conditions. Best in cool summer climates. If grown as a lawn substitute, plant seedlings or divisions 6-12” apart. It can be regularly mowed as a lawn, but tolerates only minimal foot traffic.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chamaemelum nobile, commonly called chamomile or Roman chamomile, is a low-growing evergreen perennial that forms a spreading mat of aromatic foliage typically growing 3-6” tall and spreading by decumbent stems to 12” wide. Daisy-like flowers with white rays and yellow centers bloom throughout the summer and into early fall. Finely-dissected, fern-like foliage emits a fruity scent when bruised. Flower heads may be dried to make chamomile tea, a soothing herbal tea that has been an historic folk medicine remedy for a variety of ailments including headache, colds, flu, stomach disorders and gastrointestinal disorders.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for possible spread.

Garden Uses

Herb gardens. Rock gardens and border fronts. Ground cover. Fill in between flag stones. Lawn substitute.

Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder