Essential characteristics to identify chamomile for tea
Chamomile is not a single plant but a common name for several daisy-like flowers within the Asteraceae family. For tea, the most common species are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Learning the specific traits of these two will prevent accidental consumption of toxic lookalikes.
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
This annual plant is the most widely used for commercial tea production and is typically found growing taller and more upright, up to 2 feet in height.
- Flowers: The flowers are smaller and more numerous than Roman chamomile, featuring a rounded, dome-shaped yellow center that becomes noticeably hollow as it matures. The white petals droop downwards, away from the central cone.
- Scent: The most reliable identifier for German chamomile is its pleasant, crisp, apple-like aroma when the flowers or leaves are crushed. This distinct scent is a reliable sign you have the correct plant.
- Leaves: The foliage is finely dissected and feathery, with alternating, bright green leaves arranged along the stems.
- Stem: The stems are hairless and branched, with several small flowers on each branch.
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman chamomile is a perennial plant that grows much shorter, often forming a low, creeping mat that makes a suitable lawn substitute.
- Flowers: It produces fewer, larger flowers than German chamomile, with the white petals arranged flatter around a broad, yellow central cone. A key distinguishing feature is that its flower base, when cut, is solid, unlike the hollow center of German chamomile.
- Scent: The aroma is also apple-like but can sometimes be lighter than German chamomile's.
- Leaves: The leaves are finely divided and feathery but may have a more dense, moss-like appearance due to its low-growing habit.
- Stem: Each stem typically supports only a single, large flower head.
A list of crucial steps for identification
- Conduct a scent test: Crush a leaf or flower head and smell it. A sweet, apple-like scent is a strong indicator of true chamomile. Avoid any plant with an unpleasant or onion-like odor, as this could be stinking mayweed.
- Inspect the flowers: Observe the shape of the flower's yellow center and the angle of its white petals. German chamomile has a hollow, cone-like center with drooping petals, while Roman chamomile has a more solid, flatter center.
- Check the growth habit: German chamomile is an upright annual, whereas Roman chamomile is a low-growing perennial. This distinction is especially helpful when foraging wild chamomile.
- Confirm the flower receptacle: For absolute certainty with German chamomile, carefully cut the yellow central cone in half. If the receptacle is hollow inside, you have German chamomile. This test helps rule out mayweed species which have a pithy or solid base.
- Examine the leaves: Pay attention to the leaves' texture and division. Chamomile leaves are finely divided and feathery, in contrast to the broader leaves of an ox-eye daisy.
Comparison table: Chamomile vs. lookalikes
| Feature | German Chamomile (M. recutita) | Roman Chamomile (C. nobile) | Scentless Mayweed (T. inodorum) | Stinking Mayweed (A. cotula) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scent | Strong, sweet, apple-like aroma when crushed | Milder, apple-like scent | No scent when crushed | Unpleasant, foul odor |
| Flower Center | Hollow, conical yellow receptacle | Solid, flatter yellow receptacle | Solid, flatter receptacle | Solid, flatter receptacle |
| Petal Position | White petals droop downwards | White petals are flatter and more spread | White petals are flatter and more spread | White petals are flatter and more spread |
| Growth Habit | Upright annual plant | Low, mat-forming perennial | Upright annual plant | Upright annual plant |
| Leaves | Finely dissected, feathery | Finely dissected, feathery | Finely dissected, but hairless | Finely dissected, hairy |
Potential risks and considerations
While identifying chamomile for tea is generally safe when following proper procedures, a few critical points should be noted:
- Allergies: Individuals with allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, marigolds, or daisies, may experience an allergic reaction to chamomile.
- Contamination: When wild harvesting, there is always a risk of cross-contamination with other plant species, including potentially toxic ones. Be absolutely certain of your identification.
- Pesticides: Foraging near roadsides or agricultural fields can expose the plants to chemical sprays. Always choose clean, uncontaminated areas for harvesting.
- Mayweeds: As noted in the comparison table, several mayweed species look very similar to chamomile but are either inedible, ineffective, or even mildly toxic. The scent and hollow receptacle test are the most effective ways to differentiate.
Conclusion
Learning how to identify chamomile for tea requires a keen eye and reliance on key sensory details beyond a simple visual check. By focusing on the characteristic apple-like scent, the shape of the flower's central cone, and the plant's overall growth habit, you can confidently distinguish German and Roman chamomile from their deceptive counterparts. Always be cautious, especially when foraging, and perform the receptacle test for German chamomile to ensure your tea is both safe and beneficial. For more information on plant biology and medicinal herbs, consider visiting the Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a reliable resource for plant identification and uses.
