German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a fragrant annual herb cherished for its delicate daisy-like flowers, sweet apple-like aroma, and centuries of culinary and herbal use. The finely divided, feathery foliage creates a soft, airy appearance, while masses of cheerful white flowers with bright golden centres bloom from late spring through summer, attracting bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

The flowers are most commonly harvested fresh or dried to prepare soothing herbal teas, but they are also used in homemade bath products, potpourri, floral crafts, syrups, and natural skincare preparations. The edible blossoms can be used as an attractive garnish for salads and desserts, while their gentle fragrance makes them a favourite addition to cottage gardens and herb gardens.

German Chamomile readily self-seeds under favourable conditions, often returning year after year in the garden. It grows quickly in sunny locations with well-drained soil and makes an excellent companion plant by attracting beneficial insects that help support healthy vegetable and herb gardens. Its graceful habit also makes it well suited to borders, raised beds, containers, and pollinator plantings.

In Alberta, German Chamomile grows vigorously throughout the summer, providing continuous blooms and harvests until autumn fros