stinking chamomile
(Anthemis cotula)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Anthemis cotula is an annual herbaceous plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) growing up to 2 ft (0.61 m) in height. The stems are erect, branching and become dark red with age. A. cotula has a fibrous root system along with a taproot. It is native to the Mediterranean but is now found worldwide.
Foliage
A. cotula leaf blades are about 0 .75 - 2.5 in. (1.9-6.35 cm) long and 1 in. (2.54 cm) wide. The first leaves are opposite but become alternate as they ascend up the stem. Leaves are thick, finely dissected, slightly pilose and an unpleasant odor.
Flowers
Flowers of A. cotula are held at the end of branches and are approximately 0.66 in. - 1.33 in. (1.68 - 3.38 cm) in diameter. Ray flowers are white with three distinct teeth and disk flowers are yellow.
Fruit
A. cotula fruits are achenes approximately 0.05 - 0.07 in. (1.2 - 1.8 mm) long.
Ecological Threat
A. cotula is allelopathic, requires control in cropping systems, and may contaminate seed crops, requiring costly seed cleaning. Caution: Contact with A. cotula can cause irritations and rashes to workers and livestock. Milk of dairy animals develops a strong unpleasant flavor after consuming A. cotula.
Anthemis cotula is an annual herbaceous plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) growing up to 2 ft (0.61 m) in height. The stems are erect, branching and become dark red with age. A. cotula has a fibrous root system along with a taproot. It is native to the Mediterranean but is now found worldwide.
Foliage
A. cotula leaf blades are about 0 .75 - 2.5 in. (1.9-6.35 cm) long and 1 in. (2.54 cm) wide. The first leaves are opposite but become alternate as they ascend up the stem. Leaves are thick, finely dissected, slightly pilose and an unpleasant odor.
Flowers
Flowers of A. cotula are held at the end of branches and are approximately 0.66 in. - 1.33 in. (1.68 - 3.38 cm) in diameter. Ray flowers are white with three distinct teeth and disk flowers are yellow.
Fruit
A. cotula fruits are achenes approximately 0.05 - 0.07 in. (1.2 - 1.8 mm) long.
Ecological Threat
A. cotula is allelopathic, requires control in cropping systems, and may contaminate seed crops, requiring costly seed cleaning. Caution: Contact with A. cotula can cause irritations and rashes to workers and livestock. Milk of dairy animals develops a strong unpleasant flavor after consuming A. cotula.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Asteroideae |
| Tribe: Anthemideae |
| Genus: Anthemis |
| Anthemis cotula |
Other System Links
Plants: ANCO2
Bayer: ANTCO
GRIN: 103883
ITIS: 36330
NPDN Pest: PBFAHBB
NPDN Host: 36314
Synonyms and Other Names
Other Common Names:
chamomile, dog fennel, dogfennel, mayweed, mayweed chamomile, mayweed dogfennel, stinkweed
Related Scientific Names:
Maruta cotula L. (Synonym)
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.