Herbs
Matricaria chamomilla
German chamomile
Also known as: Annual chamomile · Scented mayweed
An upright annual with finely divided leaves and white daisies surrounding raised yellow centers. Different from creeping Roman chamomile. Watch for aphids and mildew.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Mature size
- Up to 2 ft. tall
- Water
- Moist to dry; well-drained soil
- Bloom
- White and yellow; early–midsummer
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sizes & prices
- 3.5"$5.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Drought
- Tolerates drier, poor soils.
- Wet soil
- Avoid heavy or waterlogged soil.
Pollinators & wildlife
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Keep in mind: May trigger reactions in people allergic to ragweed. Keep pets and horses from grazing.
Culinary uses
- Edible part
- Flowers, traditionally used for tea or garnish.
- Identity
- German chamomile is an annual, not the creeping Roman species.
Growing & care
- Transplanting
- Avoid disturbing established roots.
- Harvest
- Snip flowerheads near full bloom. Use fresh or dry them for later use.
Avoid heavy, wet soil. Handle transplants gently to protect the taproot.
Sources & photo credits
University of Wisconsin Extension
Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust · CC BY 4.0
Image notes: species photo; resized and recompressed, not cropped.
Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.