Edge/ Pineapple Weed

COMMON NAME: Pineapple Weed

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): False Chamomile, Rayless Chamomile

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Matricaria matricarioides

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 6 to 18 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late April to October

FRUITING TIME: Late May to late October

DISTRIBUTION: Scattered statewide in NJ

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: A low inconspicuous plant resembling Wild Chamomile ~ Leaves are alternate and finely cut ~ Flowerheads are cone-shaped, greenish-yellow and smell of pineapple

GENERAL INFORMATION: This large family (Asteraceae), commonly called the Aster Family, consists of 1,314 genera and 21,000 species of herbs, shrubs, climbers and a few trees is found chiefly in temperate and subtropical regions.  The plants are of value to man as ornamentals; a few are insecticides and fish poisons. The fresh or dried flowers make a pale golden pineapple-scented tea. Native Americans used a leaf infusion (medicine prepared by steeping flower or leaves in a liquid without boiling) for stomach gas pains and as a laxative. A decoction (medicine prepared by boiling thick parts of a plant; ingested hot or cold) was a tonic used for fever, indigestion, colds, “the heart”, and for convulsions in infants.  A dried-seed head decoction was taken for colds and indigestion.  The plant was used as a  fragrance in the steambath.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.