Scentless Chamomile (Matricaria perforata Merat)
Scentless chamomile is an herbaceous forb with white, daisy-like flowers and finely divided, fern-like leaves. It may grow as an annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial depending on environmental conditions.
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Plants produce smooth, erect, branching stems and may reach between 6 and 36 inches tall, occasionally up to 3 feet in ideal conditions. When growing without competition, plants often appear bushy with multiple flowering branches.
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Leaves are green, 1–2 inches long, pinnate, and finely dissected, often resembling dill. The delicate, feathery foliage helps distinguish it from similar daisy species.
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Flowers bloom from late spring through early fall. Each flower consists of a yellow center of disk florets surrounded by small white ray florets. Flower heads measure approximately 0.75–1.25 inches across and grow individually at the ends of branches. Unlike oxeye daisy or Shasta daisy, scentless chamomile typically produces several to many flowers per stem, and its white rays are smaller and more sparsely arranged.
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The root system is shallow and fibrous and does not spread by creeping roots.
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Seeds are small, dark brown to black achenes (about 2 mm long), rectangular in shape, with three prominent, pale wing-like ribs.
Quick ID Guide
Life Cycle:
• Annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial
Height:
• 6–36 inches tall
• May reach up to 3 feet
Roots:
• Shallow, fibrous
• Non-creeping
Leaves:
• Green• 1–2 inches long
• Finely divided, fern-like
• Dill-like appearance
Flowers (Late Spring–Early Fall):
• White ray florets
• Yellow center disk
• 0.75–1.25 inches across
• Multiple flowers per stem
Seeds:
• Small (2 mm) achenes
• Dark brown to black
• Three pale ribs
Management Options
Prevention strategies should be emphasized whenever possible. Maintaining competitive vegetation and minimizing soil disturbance can reduce establishment.
Cultural control through reseeding or revegetation is effective in promoting desirable plant competition, which can suppress scentless chamomile.
Because of its shallow, fibrous root system, small infestations can be managed by hand pulling or digging, ensuring the root is removed. Tillage may provide control, but chopping alone is ineffective because roots are not fully removed.
Mowing and grazing will not eliminate established stands but may help reduce flower and seed production if properly timed. Avoid mowing when seeds are present to prevent spread.
Larger infestations can be treated with herbicides. Spring and fall applications targeting young plants are recommended, though bolting or flowering plants may also be treated to reduce seed production. Always read and follow herbicide label instructions. Contact Sublette County Weed & Pest for assistance with product selection, rates, and application timing.
