Anthemis cotula L.

Stinking Chamomile; Stinking Mayweed; Dog Fennel

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Stinking Chamomile is an introduced herbaceous annual in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to Europe and Northern Africa. In Alabama, it can be found state wide. Stinking Chamomile occurs in pastures, on roadsides, and on vacant lots. It is an annual with a taproot. All parts of the plant produce an unpleasant odor when injured. Stems are 1-3 feet in height, branched from the base (usually) and green in color. The stems are glabrous or pubescent and gland dotted. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, and 1-2 pinnately lobed. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads have 10-15 white ray flowers and 50-100 yellow disc flowers. The fruit is an achene. Stinking Chamomile is related to and resembles Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). They were once placed in the same genus. Stinking Chamomile is toxic and the plant can cause dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, other allergic reactions, and death. It is avoided by cattle and horses, and can become quite abundant in over grazed pastures.--A. Diamond

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Not Native FACU+ (NWPL) G5 (Global Rank)

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