Roman Chamomile

Perennials, 10–20(–30) cm across. Stems mostly prostrate (much branched, often forming mats), ± strigoso-sericeous to villous. Leaves sessile; blades oblong, 1–3(–5) cm, 2–3-pinnately lobed. Involucres 4–6 × 7–10+ mm. Phyllaries: margins and apices greenish or lacking pigment, abaxial faces ± villous. Paleae 3–4+ mm, margins greenish or lacking pigment. Ray florets usually 13–21+, rarely 0; laminae 7–10+ mm. Disc corollas 2–3 mm. Cypselae 1–1.5 mm. 2n = 18.

A perennial, ± pubescent, 10 – 30 cm tall, pleasantly aromatic herb with decumbent or ascending shoots from the base. Leaves sessile, oblong, 1.5 – 5 cm long, 2-3-pinnatisect into linear-subulate or filiform, ± hairy, mucronate ultimate segments. Peduncles 2 – 4 cm long, unthickened in fruit. Capitula radiate, 1.8 – 2.5 cm across. Phyllaries oblong, 3 – 5 mm long, 1.5 – 2 mm wide, obtuse with broad scarious margins, sparsely hairy on midrib. Receptacle conical, chaffy all over, paleae oblong, ± keeled, obtuse. Ray-florets female, fertile, ligules 7 – 10 mm long, white, occasionally absent. Disc-florets yellow, as long as paleae, corolla tube basally swollen, hairy. Cypselas obovoid, 1 – 1.5 mm long, smooth, with 3 faint striae on inner side, bald.

Distribution: Europe, N Africa, W. Asia; introduced in N America and elsewhere.

Fl. Per.: June-July.

“Scotch or low chamomile” is cultivated in Kashmir in flower beds and borders (R.R.Stewart, 1972).

Anthemis nobilis Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 894. 1753

Anthemis nobilis L., Sp. Pl. 894. 1753; L.H.Bailey, Man. Cult. Pl. (Rev. ed.) 990. 1949; R. R. Stewart, Ann. Cat. Vasc. Pl. W. Pak. & Kashm. 714. 1972.