Mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as scentless chamomile or scentless mayweed has a delicate and wispy appearance. It is characterized by its branching stems that bear finely dissected leaves, which are feathery in texture and green in color. The plant displays numerous daisy-like flowers, each composed of a yellow disk at the center and white ray florets surrounding it, creating a classic wildflower look. These flowers are usually conspicuous, with a flat and open form, inviting to various pollinating insects. The entire plant is known for its lack of strong aroma, which distinguishes it from other similar-looking plants that tend to have a noticeable fragrance. Scentless chamomile blooms during the warmer months and puts forth a profusion of flowers that can cover the plant, offering a soft visual appeal in the settings where it grows. Despite its name and lookalike appearance to the popular chamomile, it does not share the same aromatic properties or uses.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Scentless Chamomile, Scentless Mayweed, Scentless False Mayweed, Wild Chamomile, Baldr's Brow, False Chamomile, German Chamomile.
Common names
Tripleurospermum maritimum subsp. inodorum, Matricaria inodora, Matricaria perforata, Matricaria maritima var. inodora, Chrysanthemum inodorum, Tripleurospermum perforatum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as mayweed, specifically Tripleurospermum inodorum, is typically not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence of poisoning from ingestion of this plant in the available literature, and it generally isn't noted for toxic properties to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could possibly cause minor adverse reactions.
To pets
For pets, mayweed, or Tripleurospermum inodorum, is also not known to be a toxic plant. There is no widely reported evidence to suggest that ingestion of mayweed would result in significant toxicity for pets. But as with humans, pets could potentially experience individual allergies or sensitivities that may cause minor adverse reactions. Always monitor pets around plants and consult a veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Tripleurospermum inodorum, commonly known as mayweed, is a food source for bees and other pollinating insects, enhancing pollination for gardens and farms.
- Ecosystem Support: Provides habitat and food for various insects, which in turn supports local biodiversity.
- Soil Enhancement: Mayweed has deep roots that can help to prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure over time.
- Ornamental Use: With its daisy-like flowers, mayweed can be used to add aesthetic value to wildflower gardens and natural landscapes.
- Wildlife Food Source: Its seeds are a source of food for birds and small mammals during the winter months.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: May be used to reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: Possesses potential activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Carminative: Helps in relieving flatulence.
- Diuretic: Could be employed to promote the production of urine and relieve fluid retention.
- Emmenagogue: Traditionally used to stimulate menstrual flow.
- Spasmolytic: Might be used to relieve spasms of involuntary muscle.
- Wound healing: Applied topically in traditional medicine to aid in healing of minor wounds.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The flowers of mayweed can be used to add a pop of color in floral arrangements, particularly wildflower bouquets, due to their dainty white petals and yellow centers.
- Mayweed, when dried, can serve as a component in potpourri mixtures, offering a subtle, herbaceous fragrance and texture variance amidst other dried blooms and spices.
- The essential oils extracted from mayweed might be utilized in perfumery as a fragrance component, representing a fresh, green, and slightly herbal undertone in compositions.
- As a companion plant in agriculture and gardening, mayweed can potentially attract beneficial insects that help in pest control or pollination of nearby plants, though specific interactions vary.
- Dried mayweed plants can be included in crafting materials for making natural dyes, providing varying shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- In the kitchen, fresh mayweed flowers could be incorporated into edible flower garnishes for salads or desserts for a touch of elegance and subtle flavor.
- Dried stems and flowers of mayweed might be woven into wreaths or other rustic decorative items for use in home decor or at events like country weddings.
- Mayweed has been used traditionally in some cultures as a natural insect repellent when placed among linens or when dried leaves are burned like incense.
- The seeds of mayweed can be used as a bird feed or incorporated into seed mixes to attract wildlife to gardens and feeders.
- Pressed mayweed flowers can be a creative addition to handmade paper, providing visual interest and texture to the finished product.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Mayweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Mayweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Tripleurospermum inodorum, also known as "scentless mayweed," can thrive in harsh conditions, which symbolizes the ability to persevere and adapt.
- Purity: Its often white daisy-like flowers are associated with purity and innocence in the language of flowers.
- Peace: Scentless mayweed is reminiscent of chamomile, which is traditionally associated with tranquility and peacefulness.
- Simplicity: The plant's simple, unassuming appearance represents a love for simplicity and an unpretentious nature.
WaterScentless mayweed, as Tripleurospermum inodorum is commonly known, should be watered moderately, ensuring that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings to avoid over-saturation. During active growth periods in the spring and summer months, it typically requires watering once every one to two weeks. Provide about 1 inch of water at each watering, which equates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. It is crucial to water the plant at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the dormant winter months, reduce the watering frequency as the plant's water requirements decrease.
LightScentless mayweed thrives best in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant would be an open area free from the shade of larger plants or structures that could block sunlight. While it can tolerate some light shade, excessive shade may lead to lanky growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureScentless mayweed prefers temperate conditions and is hardy in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20°F to as high as 90°F. However, its ideal growing temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive light frosts, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F can be damaging or lethal to the plant.
PruningPruning Scentless mayweed is often done to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back the plant by about one-third to promote new growth. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to control its size and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScentless mayweed thrives in well-drained, sandy to loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost creates an ideal environment for its growth.
RepottingScentless mayweed does not typically require frequent repotting; it is often treated as an annual.
Humidity & MistingScentless mayweed is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and well-drained soil for indoor scentless mayweed.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil; tolerate various conditions.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Tripleurospermum inodorum is Scentless Mayweed or Scentless Chamomile. The plant begins its life cycle with the germination of seeds, typically in the spring, after which the seedlings establish themselves with a rosette of leaves at ground level. As the plant matures, it develops an erect stem and branching occurs, leading to the formation of further leaves and the characteristic finely dissected foliage. During the flowering stage in the summer months, Scentless Mayweed produces abundant daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers give way to seeds, which are then dispersed by wind, water, or animal movement. The plant is an annual or short-lived perennial and completes its life cycle within one or two growing seasons, after which the plant dies, leaving seeds to start the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Tripleurospermum inodorum, commonly known as scentless chamomile, is by seed. This plant tends to self-seed prolifically and can easily do so in suitable conditions without much intervention. To cultivate intentionally, it is best to sow the seeds directly into the ground during the fall or early spring. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be scattered on the surface of the soil and lightly pressed in rather than covered. It's important to keep the soil moist until germination occurs. Thin the seedlings to about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to provide enough space for the plants to mature.
