Herbs in Our Garden

Chamomile

Chamomile is the 2025 Herb of the Year. The International Herb Association (IHA) since 1995 has selected an Herb of the Year based on the plant’s excellence in at least two of the following three categories: Medicinal: The herb’s historical or current use in medicine Culinary: The herb’s use in cooking Decorative: The herb’s use as an ornamental plant

Chamomile is native to disturbed ground in Europe, North Africa, Eurasia, and Asia. The name for Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is derived from the Ancient Greek word chamaimelon, with “chamai” meaning “on the ground” and “melon” meaning “apple.”

German chamomile (Matricaria recrutita) is the chamomile grown in The St. Louis Herb Society Herb Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. German chamomile grows in bushy, branching clumps up to 2 feet tall and 8 to 12 inches wide, with finely divided feathery foliage and small, white, daisy-like, summer flowers with dark yellow centers. Both the leaves and flowers are aromatic.

Chamomile may be grown from seed sown directly into a sunny, well-drained spot in fall to early spring. It will self-sow if the flowers are left to seed. Harvest open flowers in summer for fresh use or drying. It has been used as a hair rinse (from tea allowed to cool) to bring golden highlights to brown hair. Dried as potpourri, it brings a mellow long-lasting scent. In medieval England, chamomile’s delightful apple fragrance was used as strewing herb and placed in bed clothes and linens. The flowers make a pleasant soothing tea. A cup of chamomile was the choice drink for Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit.