stinking chamomile

Anthemis cotula L

Appearance: Anthemis cotula is an annual herbaceous plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) growing up to 2 ft (0.61 m) in height. The stems are erect, branching and become dark red with age. A. cotula has a fibrous root system along with a taproot. It is native to the Mediterranean but is now found worldwide.
Foliage: A. cotula leaf blades are about 0 .75 - 2.5 in. (1.9-6.35 cm) long and 1 in. (2.54 cm) wide. The first leaves are opposite but become alternate as they ascend up the stem. Leaves are thick, finely dissected, slightly pilose and an unpleasant odor.
Flowers: Flowers of A. cotula are held at the end of branches and are approximately 0.66 in. - 1.33 in. (1.68 - 3.38 cm) in diameter. Ray flowers are white with three distinct teeth and disk flowers are yellow.
Fruit: A. cotula fruits are achenes approximately 0.05 - 0.07 in. (1.2 - 1.8 mm) long.
Ecological Threat: A. cotula is allelopathic, requires control in cropping systems, and may contaminate seed crops, requiring costly seed cleaning. Caution: Contact with A. cotula can cause irritations and rashes to workers and livestock. Milk of dairy animals develops a strong unpleasant flavor after consuming A. cotula.

Plant(s)
Michael Shephard, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Plant(s)
Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Plant(s) in flower
Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Flower(s)
Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, , Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage
Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, , Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage