# Sea Chamomile (*Anthemis maritima*)

Sea chamomile is a cheerful flower that grows near the coast. Its bright white petals and yellow center make it look like a tiny sun shining on the beach!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Coastal areas

![Sea Chamomile](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Anthemis_maritima.JPG&width=800)

Photo: User:Xemenendura, CC BY-SA 2.1 es · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anthemis_maritima.JPG)

## Appearance

The Sea Chamomile has delicate, daisy-like flowers with bright white petals surrounding a sunny yellow center. Its finely cut, silvery-green leaves are feathery, creating a soft, low mat that stands out against sandy coastal environments.

## Taxonomy

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

## Interesting facts

- Its scientific name means 'sea flower', perfect for where it loves to grow!
- Its tiny seeds can float on water, spreading to new beach homes!
- Rubbing its feathery leaves can release a unique, slightly apple-like scent!
- This tough plant quickly bounces back, even if accidentally stepped on!

## Special abilities

- **Salt Shield:** Sea Chamomile can grow right by the ocean thanks to special glands that help it handle salty conditions in the soil and air.
- **Wind Warrior:** Sea Chamomile has a low, sprawling growth habit and tough stems that help it resist strong coastal winds.
- **Water Keeper:** Sea Chamomile has thick leaves and a deep root system that helps it store water, surviving dry, sunny beach environments.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-30 cm
- **Spread:** 20-50 cm
- **Flower Size:** 2-4 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer to early Autumn
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.
- **Pollinates:** Buff-tailed Bumblebee (*Bombus terrestris*) — Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
- **Pollinates:** Small White Butterfly (*Pieris rapae*) — Nectars from the abundant flower heads.

## Traits

- [Aromatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aromatic): Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't pick flowers unless you have permission.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Sea Chamomile?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Sea Chamomile?

10-30 cm

### How wide does Sea Chamomile spread?

20-50 cm

### How big are the flowers on Sea Chamomile?

2-4 cm

### When does Sea Chamomile bloom?

Summer to early Autumn

### Is Sea Chamomile edible?

Yes

### Is Sea Chamomile toxic?

None

### What is Sea Chamomile's lifecycle?

Perennial

## 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: [Sea Chamomile: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sea-chamomile)