MATRICARIA inodora (TRIPLEUROSPERMUM maritimum ssp inodorum, MATRICARIA perforata) Scentless Mayweed, Scentless Chamomile, Corn Mayweed, Corn Feverfew ____________________________________ Type: Annual Height: 1' (30 cm) Flowering Time: Summer Flower Colour: White ____________________________________ Botanical Classification: Class: Angiospermae (Angiosperms) Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons) Superorder: Asteridae (Daisy Superorder) Order: Asterales (Daisy Order) Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family) Genus: Matricaria (Mayweed) Species: inodora (without a smell) ____________________________________

Matricaria inodora is a common weed of cultivated land, whether it is fields or gardens. It is generally a small plant, reaching up to a foot high, although it can form flopping little bushes over a foot across. It has feathery leaves and long stalks holding single flat white daisies with a yellow centre. There are several similar plants, but one of the main differences is that Matricaria inodora has no smell.

Matricaria inodora has been used in traditional medicine to induce sleep, to treat consumption, and to deter insects.

Other similar species are: Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita (Wild Chamomile or Scented Mayweed) which has slightly smaller flowers, with a raised central disc, and smells similar to Chamomile when crushed. Anthemis cotula (Stinking Chamomile) has an unpleasant smell when crushed. Anthemis arvensis (Corn Chamomile) has downy stems and downy undersides to the leaves. Matricaria matricarioides or Matricaria suaveolens (Pineapple Mayweed) has flowers with only the central raised disc and no white petals.

____________________________________

Harvesting and Growing from Seed:

				Germination: Autumn Outside (9 days)
Seed Pod There is no seedpod. The seeds are held in a domed seedhead. There are many seeds on a seedhead. Seed The seeds are tiny sticks. Seedling The seedling has feathery leaves.