Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, Fl. Pedem. 1: 185 (1785))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) All.

Bibliography: Fl. Pedem. 1: 185 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chamaemelum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, W. Europe to NW. Africa

Description

Roman chamomile is a perennial herb that has been cherished for centuries for its ornamental beauty and potent medicinal properties. Scientifically known as Chamaemelum nobile, this aromatic plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, sharing a botanical lineage with daisies and sunflowers.

Native to regions ranging from the Azores to Western Europe and extending to Northwest Africa, Roman chamomile thrives in sunny habitats with well-draining soil. It is often found gracing lawns, gardens, and natural meadows, where its low-growing, spreading habit creates a charming carpet of green and white.

Characterized by its feathery, finely dissected leaves and a delightful scent reminiscent of fresh apples, Roman chamomile produces small, daisy-like blossoms with white petals surrounding a bright yellow center. These flowers, which bloom from late spring to summer, are not only a visual delight but are also harvested for their numerous applications.

Since ancient times, Roman chamomile has been utilized for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. The flowers are often dried and used to prepare a soothing herbal tea that aids in alleviating stress, inducing sleep, and soothing digestive issues. Beyond its role in herbal medicine, Roman chamomile is prized for its essential oil, a key ingredient in aromatherapy that promotes relaxation and alleviates anxiety.

In the garden, Roman chamomile is a versatile and hardy plant. It can serve as a fragrant ground cover, a beautiful addition to rock gardens, or a calming presence in sensory gardens designed to engage multiple senses. Its resilience and low maintenance make it a preferred choice for those seeking an easy-to-grow and beneficial garden herb.

Roman chamomile’s historical and cultural significance is bolstered by its mention in classical herbals and botanical works, including “Flora Pedemontana” by Allioni, published in 1785, which remains a notable reference for the botanical identification and classification of this cherished herb.

In conclusion, Roman chamomile is more than just a garden plant; it is a botanical treasure with a rich history of use in culinary, medicinal, and horticultural practices. Its soothing properties and charming appearance ensure that it continues to be beloved by herbalists, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: echte römische kamille, römische kamille
Eng: english chamomile, roman chamomile, russian chamomile, chamomile, common chamomile, corn chamomile, garden chamomile, noble chamomile, sweet chamomile
Dan: romersk kamille
Spa: camomila de jardín, manzanilla fina, manzanilla romana
Fra: camomille romaine
Swe: romersk kamomill
Cym: camameil, camamil, camri, camri cyffredin, dailfam, milwydd
Por: camomila romana, macela
En: Roman chamomile, Russian chamomile, Chamomile, Garden chamomile, Sweet chamomile, Corn chamomile, Common chamomile, English chamomile, Noble chamomile, Creeping Chamomile, Perennial Chamomile
Ca: Àntemis romana
Da: Romersk kamille
Nl: Roomse Kamille
Fr: Camomille romaine, Anthémis noble, Anthémis odorante, Camomille noble, Camomille d’Anjou, Camomèle, Chamaémélum
De: Römische Kamille, Echte Römische Kamille, Edle Spornkamille, Römische-Hundskamille
It: Camomilla romana
Pt: Camomila romana, Macela
Es: Manzanilla fina, Manzanilla romana, Camomila de jardín
Sv: Romersk kamomill
Cy: Camameil, Camamil, Camri, Camri Cyffredin, Dailfam, Milwydd

Synonyms

• Matricaria parthenioides ((Bernh. ex Hornem.) Desf.)
• Chamomilla nobilis ((L.) Godr.)
• Chamaemelum nobile f. nudum ((Gray) P.D.Sell)
• Chamaemelum nobile f. duplicatum ((Gray) P.D.Sell)
• Chrysanthemum partheniodes ((Bernh. ex Hornem.) Voss)
• Chamaemelum nobile var. aureum ((L.) Ladero, C.J.Valle, M.T.Santos, Trin.Ruiz & Fern.-Arias)
• Anthemis nobilis var. multiplex (N.H.F.Desp.)
• Ormenis nobilis var. discoidea (Boiss. ex Willk.)
• Ormenis nobilis subsp. aurea ((L.) Maire)
• Anthemis apiifolia (R.Br.)
• Chamaemelum nobile var. nudum (Gray)
• Anthemis parthenioides (Bernh. ex Hornem.)
• Chamaemelum romanum (Garsault)
• Marcelia aurea (Cass.)
• Matricaria nobilis (Baill.)
• Anthemis nobilis (L.)
• Anthemis chamomilla-romana (Crantz)
• Chamaemelum nobile var. discoideum ((Boiss. ex Willk.) A.Fern.)
• Chamaemelum nobile var. duplicatum (Gray)
• Anthemis santolinoides (Munby)
• Anacyclus nobilis (B.D.Jacks.)
• Anthemis nobilis var. discoidea ((Boiss. ex Willk.) P.Silva & G.Sobr.)
• Anthemis nobilis var. aurea ((L.) Cout.)
• Ormenis nobilis ((L.) J.Gay ex Coss. & Germ.)
• Chamaemelum nobile f. discoideum ((Boiss. ex Willk.) Benedí)
• Dendranthema parthenioides ((Bernh. ex Hornem.) Des Moul.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Papadakis Kostas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2017 by Fernando Lozano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2018 by Kim Sun (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by Ricardo Aperador Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2018 by Fran Fran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2020 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by laurence petro (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by natalie gruber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by natalie gruber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Vicky Johnson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by JenniferLobrit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by christine Lesca Maillard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Vicky Johnson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Yvonne van Holsteijn (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 14, 2022 by JeanMichel Crussefond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Béverly Ghesquier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by emanuel nobre (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Lago Lidia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Tracey Macavoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 31, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by John Thompson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 22, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Megan Andrews (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2021 by Poulain Mayo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2018 by Alena Korbelikova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2016 by Emeline Dufresne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2022 by Caner Dilsiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Liz McLelland (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5391599)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:192489-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Sowing: Direct seed shallowly – seeds require light for germination

Row spacing: {‘cm’: 30}

Spread: {‘cm’: 30}

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 4