Stinking mayweed, also known as Anthemis cotula, is a common weed with a strong and unpleasant odor. The word "stinking" is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "k" sound at the end. "Mayweed" is pronounced /ˈmeɪwiːd/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "w" sound at the end. The spelling of the word reflects its pronunciation, with each letter representing a specific sound. Despite its stench, stinking mayweed has been used for medicinal purposes in the past.
Stinking mayweed, scientifically known as Anthemis cotula, is an annual plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is also commonly referred to as stinking chamomile, dog's-fennel, or mayweed chamomile. This plant is native to Europe but has spread widely across North America and other regions of the world.
Stinking mayweed typically grows in disturbed areas, such as fields, gardens, roadsides, and waste areas. It has a distinctive odor, similar to that of a mixture of camphor, citrus, and tar, which intensifies when the plant is crushed or disturbed.
The plant has a slender, branched stem that can reach heights of up to three feet. Its alternate leaves are finely divided, feathery, and have a fern-like appearance. The flowers of stinking mayweed are small, with white petals surrounding a yellow center. They are arranged in terminal clusters, blooming from summer to early fall.
While stinking mayweed may be considered aesthetically pleasing with its delicate flowers, it is often regarded as a bothersome weed due to its invasiveness and tenacity. Additionally, the plant can cause skin irritation and allergies in some people upon contact.
In traditional medicine, stinking mayweed has been used as a remedy for various ailments such as digestive issues, headaches, and as a sedative. However, the efficacy and safety of its medicinal use require further scientific investigation.
The word "stinking mayweed" is made up of two parts: "stinking" and "mayweed".
The term "stinking" is derived from the Old English word "stincan", meaning "to emit a strong smell or odor". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stinkaną" and further back to the Proto-Indo-European root "stengh-" meaning "to resound, make a noise". In the context of "stinking mayweed", the word "stinking" refers to the strong, unpleasant odor emitted by the plant.
"Mayweed" is a combination of the word "may" and "weed". "May" is derived from the Old English word "mǣg", meaning "the fifth month of the year", referring to the month of May.