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Stinking chamomile
Also known as: Dog fennel, Chigger-weed
Stinking chamomile (Anthemis cotula) gets its common name because it resembles traditional chamomile in appearance, but produces an offensive odor. Stinking chamomile is a bushy annual herb covered in white, daisy-like flowers. Originated in the Mediterranean region.
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Toxic to Pets
Toxicity
Summer
Harvest Time
25 cm to 56 cm
Plant Height
20 cm to 30 cm
Spread
2.5 cm
Flower Size
White, Yellow
Flower Color
Semi-evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Stinking chamomile

Distribution of Stinking chamomile

Distribution Map
Stinking chamomile, naturally thrives in regions of Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Southwest Asia. The plant has since been introduced to ecosystems across various continents including South America, North America, Asia, and Oceania, demonstrating its ability to adapt to diverse climates beyond its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Waste places
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
Despite its strong, unpleasant smell, the stinking chamomile produces attractive flowers and foliage that add interest to any garden. They thrive in moist wildflower or coastal gardens, often planted in garden beds as an accent for other wildflowers or as a quickly spreading ground cover. The flowers add interest all through the summer.
Symbolism
Money, Sleep, Love
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Toxicity

Stinking chamomile poses a moderate toxicity risk to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause poisoning, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is essential if poisoning is suspected to ensure the animal's health and safety. Cat and dog owners should prevent their pets from consuming stinking chamomile and monitor their access to it.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Stinking chamomile

Weed Control

Stinking chamomile is originally from Europe and parts of Asian regions. Being a weed, it possesses certain characteristics that deem it harmful, especially in a gardening context. First, it has an incredible reproduction capacity as it produces a high volume of seeds that can survive in soil for several years and germinate under favorable circumstances. Second, it has an aggressive growth habit that enables it to invade and sometimes even outcompete other native and cultivated plants for essential resources like nutrients, water, and sunlight. This infestation can result in a significant reduction in plant diversity and crop yields. Besides, it emits a foul odor that can be unpleasant for many gardeners. The prime method of stinking chamomile's spread is through its prolific seeds, which can be dispersed by wind, water, wildlife, and even through human activities such as farming and gardening.
How to Control It
The best season for removing stinking chamomile is in late spring or early summer, just before the plant starts to flower. The weed should ideally be removed in the vegetative state, before flowering, to prevent seed production and spreading.
  1. Manual Pulling: For small infestations, use gloves and pull stinking chamomile out manually. Be sure to pull from the base of the plant to ensure removal of all roots. The pulled weeds can then be disposed of properly to prevent further spread.
  2. Solarization: Prior to stinking chamomile growing season, you can prepare the area using solarization. Cover the desired area with a clear plastic sheet during the heat of the summer. The increase in temperature and UV radiation will kill the plant seeds and young plantlets.
  3. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch on the garden surface, at least 3 inches thick. The mulch not only suppresses the growth of stinking chamomile, but also enriches the soil as it breaks down.
  4. Vinegar Spray: Prepare a natural spray using 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water. Spray directly onto the stinking chamomile, focusing on the roots, during a sunny day. Be careful to avoid other plants as it could harm them too.
  5. Introducing Predatory Insects: Some bugs and insects such as Aphids and Ladybugs are natural predators to stinking chamomile. They can control the growth of these weeds naturally without harming beneficial flora.
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Care Guide for Stinking chamomile

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Originating from a temperate climate, stinking chamomile thrives in moderate moisture levels. It requires consistent soil moisture, with weekly watering to support its health. Mulching is advised to retain moisture during dry spells, especially in its active growing season.
Propagation: Stinking chamomile is a hardy annual with a pungent odor, thriving in disturbed soils. Propagation is best through sowing in full sun with well-draining soil. Ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging to promote germination and thin seedlings for adequate space as they develop.
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