Scentless Camomile, scientifically known as Tripleurospermum inodorum, is a herbaceous flowering plant native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. This species belongs to the Asteraceae family and is often considered an invasive weed in many parts of the world.
The plant derives its common name, Scentless Camomile, from the fact that it lacks the characteristic strong fragrance typically associated with other members of the same family, such as German or Roman Chamomile. Its stems are slender, erect, and can reach a height of about two feet, typically branching out near the top. The finely divided leaves give the plant a feathery appearance, with each segment being linear or lanceolate in shape.
Scentless Camomile produces solitary flower heads, about an inch in diameter, consisting of numerous white or cream-colored rays surrounding a yellow center. These flowers bloom from mid-spring to late autumn, attracting various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Although often considered a weed due to its invasive nature, Scentless Camomile has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. Its flowers have been employed to prepare soothing herbal infusions, creams, or lotions used externally for skin conditions like rashes, eczema, or burns. Additionally, Scentless Camomile is sometimes used as a natural insecticide or absinth, and its dried flowers can also be used to make herbal potpourris or floral arrangements.
