Matricaria discoidea aka Pineapple Weed
Taxonomy
Matricaria discoidea, also known as pineappleweed, wild chamomile, disc mayweed, and rayless mayweed, is an annual plant that is native to northeast Asia and North America but has become a widespread weed. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, this plant grows up to 30cm tall and has feathery, grey-green leaves that emit a sweet scent when crushed. Its yellowish-green flowerheads, which appear in early summer, have white papery bracts and exude a delightful pineapple aroma when crushed. The flowers are edible and have been used in salads and herbal tea, although they may become bitter as the plant matures. Pineappleweed has also been utilized for its medicinal properties, including relieving gastrointestinal discomfort, treating infected sores, alleviating fevers, and addressing postpartum anemia. This plant thrives in disturbed areas with poor, compacted soil and can be found blooming along footpaths, roadsides, and similar locations in spring and early summer. It is native to regions such as Russian Far East, Hokkaido, and parts of the Middle East, and has naturalized in Britain and various areas in North America, from Alaska to California and Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.
Common names
Pineapple Weed, Wild Chamomile, Disc MayweedHow to care for Pineapple Weed
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Pineapple Weed is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Pineapple Weed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Pineapple Weed loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Pineapple Weed prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Pineapple Weed plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Matricaria Genus
