Corn chamomile Anthemis arvensis
Table of Contents
Corn chamomile is a small, fragrant wildflower with daisy like flower heads. This attractive cornfield annual was once considered a weed in arable farmland and was nearly wiped out by modern agricultural practices. Thankfully, it’s making a comeback, as it’s included in many wildflower seed mixtures.
Plant family: Asteraceae
Aliases: Scentless chamomile, mayweed
Flowering period: May – August
Flower colour: Yellow & white
Preferred soil type: Most types
Habitat: Field margins, grassland, disturbed soil, waste areas
Status: Vulnerable
General information
A low-growing annual wildflower and a member of the daisy family, growing to a height of 20 – 40cm. Corn chamomile is an aromatic plant, giving off an ‘apple like’ scent when the feathery leaves are rubbed together or crushed. It is frequently included in cornfield annuals seed mixtures, which also includes corn marigold, cornflower, common poppy and corncockle.
As with other cornfield annuals, chamomile is thought to have been introduced to these shores from Europe, during medieval times. Traditionally it was a common sight in arable fields, prior to the use of agricultural herbicides, which all but wiped them out, as they were considered a weed by farmers.
However, they are making a resurgence, as they’re often included in wildflower seed mixtures. As well as arable farmland, corn chamomile grows on waste ground, bare areas, garden borders and grassland. It will grow on most types of soil, especially free draining, calcareous types that are exposed to sunlight.
Identification
Flowers: The solitary, ‘daisy like’ flowers measure between 20-30mm in diameter, consisting of yellow central disc florets, surrounded by multiple white ray florets, each floret, 3 toothed at the tip. As the flower ages the white petals curl back towards the stem.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, finely divided with a fern-like and feathery appearance. They’re aromatic and grey-green in colour and can measure up to 50mm in length.
Value for wildlife
This lovely, annual plant is rich in nectar and attracts bees and butterflies, that come to feed on it.
Uses for corn chamomile
Corn Chamomile is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat diarrhoea, muscle spasms, inflammation and various other ailments.
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