pineapple-weed
ExplorePlants
pineapple-weed
Matricaria discoidea
Pineapple-weed is a special plant that smells like pineapple when you crush its leaves! It has small, yellow flowers and grows close to the ground. It's often found in sunny places and is fun to spot on nature walks.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The pineapple-weed is a low-growing plant with finely divided, feathery green leaves. It has distinctive dome-shaped, yellowish-green flower heads that lack the white ray petals found on many daisy-like flowers, making it look like tiny green buttons.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusMatricaria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its unique flowers are entirely green-yellow and surprisingly lack any white petals!
This tough plant often pops up in sidewalk cracks or playgrounds where other plants struggle!
When you crush its leaves, it releases a surprisingly sweet, fruity aroma!
You can steep its fresh or dried flowers to make a mild, apple-scented tea.
Special abilities
Ability
Aromatic Shield
Pineapple-weed releases a strong, sweet, pineapple-like scent when crushed, which might deter some grazing animals.
Ability
Tough Blooms
Its cone-shaped, petalless flowers are very sturdy and can withstand being stepped on, helping it survive in busy, disturbed areas.
Ability
Pioneer Plant
Pineapple-weed can quickly grow in compacted, disturbed soils, helping it colonize new ground where other plants struggle.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-30 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen from its flowers.
pollinates
Common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Painted lady
Vanessa cardui
sips nectar from its small blooms.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before touching or picking plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is pineapple-weed?
5-30 cm
How wide does pineapple-weed spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on pineapple-weed?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does pineapple-weed bloom?
Late spring to fall
Is pineapple-weed edible?
Yes
Is pineapple-weed toxic?
None
What is pineapple-weed's lifecycle?
Annual
How is pineapple-weed pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park13 sightings12 species
California, US
Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park
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Park116 sightings11 species
Washington, US
Gas Works Park
You might spot Canada Goose, Daisy, and Duck.
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Zoo12 sightings10 species
Bern, CH
Bärenpark
You might spot House Sparrow, Wall-Rue, and Duck.
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