FoodFood InformationHerbs&Spice
CHAMOMILE (Anthemis nobilis)
There are several species of Anthemis, but A. nobilis, called Roman or Englishchamomile, is the one used most often in herb gardens. It is perennial andevergreen, growing in a soft textured mat 3 inches high when not bloomingbut rising to 12 inches high when the flowers are allowed to develop. Itsaromatic leaves are a light, bright green and finely cut, resembling fingerson a hand. The summer blooming flowers have white daisy like rays and yellowcenters. Chamomile is a creeping herb and the stems root themselves as theyspread.
Roman chamomile, or ground apple, has always had an important part in herbgardens. When bruised or walked on, it emits a delightful fragrance; Shakespeare'sFalstaff says of it, "the more it is trodden on the faster it grows,"and it has been a traditional ground cover over garden paths and walks.Old fashioned garden seats of earth also were covered with chamomile. Apopular belief held that chamomile was the garden's doctor and when plantednear sick or dying plants it would cure them. They are also used in a hairrinse preparation.
Chamomile grows best in sun or semi shade and moist, light, well drainedsoil. It does not seem to last long in dry summer areas, and brass buttons(Cotula squalida) is often substituted for it there. Sow seeds in the earlyspring or late fall. Once plants are established they will spread by runnersand can be divided for additional plantings. When mowed, chamomile makesa good lawn substitute.
A tea may be brewed from chamomile blossoms, The flowers are used to flavora dry Spanish sherry, and a tea brewed from the flowers has been taken fornervousness.