Pineapple Weed

(Matricaria discoidea)

Other Names:
wild chamomile, and disc mayweed

Range:


Family:
Asteraceae - Composite Family

Growth Type:
Herbaceous annual

Height:
2 to 16 inches tall

Leaves:
The compound leaves are pinnately dissected, arranged alternately along the stem, and when crushed, they exude a sweet chamomile/pineapple aroma.

Stem/Trunk:
The short stems are glabrous (hairless), erect or spreading, and multi-branched from the base.

Root:
Thin, shallow, spreading roots

Flower Season:
May to September

Flower Appearance:
The flower head and are cone-shaped, composed of dense-packed yellowish-green corollas, and lacking ray-florets.

Seed/Fruit:
Not observed

Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A

Habitat:
Disturbed areas, roadsides, yards, parks, along forest edges.

Parts Used:
Flower heads, leaves, stems

Culinary Uses:
The entire plant can be eaten raw, or as a cooked vegetable. The older plant can often become bitter. The plant makes an excellent herbal tea. The plant can be dried and powdered and sprinkled on meat to reduce spoilage and keep away flies.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Pineapple weed has historically been used to relieve gastrointestinal upset, fever, sores, and postpartum anemia.

Medicinal Actions:
Antipyretic, Aromatic, Astringent, Carminative, Febrifuge