# Chamomile (*Anthemis L.*)

Chamomile is a lovely flower that can be made into tea. It has small, white petals and a sweet smell!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Gardens and fields
- **Also known as:** German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Wild Chamomile

![Chamomile](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426950/objects/4958.jpg)

## Appearance

The Chamomile plant has slender, branched stems topped with small, daisy-like flowers. Each bloom features a yellow, cone-shaped center surrounded by bright white petals. Its feathery, finely divided green leaves give it a delicate appearance.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Asterales
- **Family:** Asteraceae
- **Genus:** Anthemis

## Interesting facts

- Ancient Egyptians believed chamomile could cure illnesses and even worshipped it!
- Astronauts have even taken chamomile to space for its calming effects!
- Farmers sometimes plant chamomile near crops to help other plants stay healthy!
- Its name means "ground apple" because its flowers have a sweet, fruity scent!

## Special abilities

- **Soil Helper:** Chamomile roots can improve soil health by making certain nutrients more available, helping it and nearby plants grow stronger.
- **Natural Bug Repellent:** Chamomile produces aromatic oils that can deter some common garden pests, helping to protect its leaves and flowers.
- **Healing Aroma:** The plant releases compounds that may inhibit the growth of nearby weeds, helping it to compete and thrive.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 15-60 cm
- **Spread:** 15-60 cm
- **Flower Size:** 1-2 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer to early fall
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Annual
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers.
- **Pollinates:** Common eastern bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — Visits chamomile blooms for sweet nectar.
- **Pollinates:** Painted Lady butterfly (*Vanessa cardui*) — Sips nectar, helping spread pollen between plants.

## Traits

- [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Medicinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/medicinal): Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Chamomile?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Chamomile?

15-60 cm

### How wide does Chamomile spread?

15-60 cm

### How big are the flowers on Chamomile?

1-2 cm

### When does Chamomile bloom?

Summer to early fall

### Is Chamomile edible?

Yes

### Is Chamomile toxic?

None

### What is Chamomile's lifecycle?

Annual

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Chamomile: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/chamomile)