German Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla — Asteraceae

Italiano: Camomilla — Camomilla/Erba camomilla

Description

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Cultivated fields, Roadsides, Gardens, Disturbed soils environments across regions including All Europe, Mediterranean, USA. Botanically, German Chamomile is classic calming tea flower. Distinctive apple scent. Flowers dried tea anti-inflammatory.. It is also known locally as Camomilla/Erba camomilla. The edible parts include Flowers. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July, June, May and September. Nutritionally, German Chamomile stands out for its Iron (0.5mg, 3% DV), Vitamin C (2.0mg, 2% DV) and Vitamin K (2.0mg, 2% DV). It also provides 0.8g protein and 1.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, German Chamomile offers a Sweet apple honey flavor profile. Dried flowers tea fresh minor. Common culinary applications include tea, infusion, calming brew. Popular preparations include Chamomile tea, Chamomile infusion, Candied flower petals, Flower salad garnish. For storage, dried 12mo. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no significant antinutrients. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Cultivated fields, Roadsides, Gardens, Disturbed soils across All Europe, Mediterranean, USA.

🍳 Recipe: Chamomile tea

Preparation method: Dried flowers tea fresh minor
Flavor profile: Sweet apple honey
Edible parts: Flowers

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Lookalike (safe): No apple-scented lookalike safe
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Dog fennel Anthemis TOXIC no apple scent
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

8/10
Toxicity: No toxicity
Antinutrients: No significant antinutrients
Safe lookalikes: No apple-scented lookalike safe
Dangerous: Dog fennel Anthemis TOXIC no apple scent

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Flowers
Preparation: Dried flowers tea fresh minor
Flavor: Sweet apple honey

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 0.8g
Fat: 0.1g
Fiber: 1.0g
Vitamin C: 2.0mg (2%DV)
Vitamin A: 3mcg (0%DV)
Vitamin E: 0.1mg (0%DV)
Vitamin K: 2mcg (1%DV)
Folate (B9): 1mcg (0%DV)
Calcium: 20.0mg (1%DV)
Iron: 0.5mg (2%DV)
Magnesium: 3mg (0%DV)
Potassium: 45mg (0%DV)
Zinc: 0.1mg (0%DV)

Culinary Uses: tea, infusion, calming brew Storage: Dried 12mo

Recipes

  • Chamomile tea
  • Chamomile infusion
  • Candied flower petals
  • Flower salad garnish
  • Flower petal syrup
  • Wild winter pesto made from German Chamomile
  • Traditional German Chamomile soup
  • German Chamomile and potato frittata

Where It Grows

Continent: Europe
Regions: All Europe, Mediterranean, USA
Habitat: Cultivated fields, Roadsides, Gardens, Disturbed soils
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Related Plants

🌿 Black Locust🌿 Blackberry🌿 Blackthorn

Sources & References

Kew Plants of the World USDA PLANTS Wikipedia (EN)