Sweet false chamomile is a plant with the scientific name Anthemis arvensis. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "an" is pronounced as "æn," the second syllable "them" is pronounced as "θɛm," the third syllable "is" is pronounced as "ɪz," and the last syllable "arvensis" is pronounced as "ɑːrˈvɛnsɪs." Overall, the word is pronounced as /ænˈθɛmɪs ɑːrˈvɛnsɪs/. Sweet false chamomile is often used in herbal medicine due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet false chamomile, scientifically known as Anthemis arvensis, is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a low-growing annual herb that is native to Europe and has now been naturalized in various parts of North America. "Sweet" refers to its fragrant aroma, while "false chamomile" denotes its resemblance to true chamomile plants, particularly in its flower structure.
The plant typically reaches a height of about 20-60 centimeters and features feathery, fern-like leaves that are pinnately divided. The stems are slender and erect, bearing solitary flower heads at their tips. The flower heads consist of white to pale yellow, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and distinctive overlapping bracts or ray florets. These flowers bloom throughout the summer.
Sweet false chamomile is known for its pleasant fragrance, reminiscent of apple or pineapple, which is often emitted when the foliage is crushed or bruised. It has been used for its aromatic and medicinal properties, including the preparation of herbal teas. However, it should be noted that it is not related to true chamomile, which belongs to the Matricaria or Chamaemelum genus.
This herb is adaptable to various growing conditions and can thrive in both cultivated fields and waste areas. It tends to spread rapidly due to its self-seeding nature, making it potentially invasive in some regions. Consequently, efforts have been made to control its growth to prevent ecological imbalances.