Chamomile: Roman versus German

Chamomile: Roman versus German

Common names of plants can be confusing because many plants have more than one common name and their usage can vary by location. Different plants can also have the same common name. Chamomile is one such name. There are two commonly propagated chamomile species plus many other wild chamomile species and although they share a common name, they are not all in the same genus.

The two commonly grown/used chamomile species are German chamomile or Matricaria recutita, also known as M. chamomilla, and Roman chamomile or Chamaemelum nobile. Although they share the common name of chamomile they belong to different genera, but do share the same family, Asteraceae, or the aster family. If you are allergic to plants related to chamomiles, including daisies, ragweed, chrysanthemums, or marigolds you may also be allergic to chamomiles.

Chamomiles share a similar fragrance and flavor, often described as apple-like, and look like each other as well, although there are differences. German chamomile is probably the most well-known chamomile, commonly found in teas, especially those thought to promote sleep. Wild chamomile, or Pineappleweed (Matricaria discoidea) is native to much of the United States and Canada (BONAP map). Pineappleweed, although edible in salads or teas, is considered a weed by many and generally not cultivated. Both cultivated chamomiles have been used for their potential healing properties since Egyptian times, although most modern studies have not proven a connection. Both chamomiles grow best in full sun to partial shade and tolerate dry soils.

German chamomile from my flower garden steeping in a pot of green tea.

German chamomile is native to Europe and perhaps Asia, although it now grows wild throughout much of the United States (BONAP map). It is the taller of the two commonly grown chamomiles, reaching 2-3 feet in height. It has feathery leaves and flowers that resemble daisies. German chamomile is an annual, but it will self-seed prolifically if you allow the flowers to go to seed. Because German chamomile is not a native plant, I try to limit its spread by picking the flowers soon after opening. In addition to being used in teas, German chamomile is also harvested for its essential oil which is a deep blue color, resulting in another common name of blue chamomile. 

Roman chamomile, also known as English chamomile, looks similar to German chamomile but it is shorter, growing up to 9 inches-1 foot in height. Roman chamomile is a perennial, hardy to zone 3 or 4, often grown as a ground cover, and some believe it has medicinal properties. The flowers are also daisy-like but grow larger than German chamomile flowers and tend to have a stronger fragrance. Roman chamomile is native to Western Europe but can now be found in parts of the United States, particularly the Northeast and California (BONAP map). German chamomile can also be used in teas and for aromatherapy.

References and Resources

1. Chamomile. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Nov 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile
2. Kowalchik, Clarie and Hylton, William H. (Eds.) (1987) Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. Chamomile. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.