Blue Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla L.
Matricaria chamomilla L., a member of the Asteraceae family, is an annual plant known by common names such as Blue Chamomile. It is native to regions including Greenland, Newfoundland, and parts of Europe and Asia. The species has a complex nomenclatural history, with M. recutita L. also being used for the same plant. Applequist (2003) supports M. chamomilla as the correct name, based on historical usage. The plant is widely used to make herbal tea and is sometimes referred to as German chamomile or wild chamomile.
Description
Matricaria chamomilla L. is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, commonly referred to as Blue Chamomile. It is native to areas such as Greenland, Newfoundland, and parts of Canada, as well as regions in Europe, Central Asia, and South America. The species was first described in 1753. There has been taxonomic debate regarding its correct name, with M. recutita L. also historically used. Applequist (2003) concluded that M. chamomilla is the valid name, citing earlier nomenclatural priority. The plant is widely cultivated and used in herbal preparations, particularly for making chamomile tea. Other species within the genus are also used for similar purposes.
Other common names
Blue ChamomileChamomileCommon ChamomileCrown MayweedFragrant ChamomileGerman ChamomileGerman MayweedHungarian ChamomileMatricariaScented ChamomileScented MayweedSweet False ChamomileSweet-False ChamomileTrue ChamomileWild Chamomile
Distribution
Greenland · Newfoundland · Alberta · British Columbia · Manitoba · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Ontario · Quebec · Saskatchewan · Faial Island · Pico Island · IE · UZ · KG · BY · AR · QA · SE · CZ · PL · AM · AU · Galápagos Islands · IS · CO · CR · NO · DK · BR
