XScentless Chamomile (Tripleurospermum perforata)X
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Scentless Chamomile, Scentless False Mayweed, Wild Chamomile, Mayweed, False Chamomile, German Chamomile, Baldr's Brow - LOTS of common names - (Tripleurospermum perforata) (was Matricaria perforata), family Asteraceae (Aster)
This is a pretty flower that was growing off the side of a walking path. A late bloomer still holding on to the last vestiges of the season, this was the only flower still in bloom. Much more other foliage could be seen of plants that had finished their display. The genus Tripleurospermum (mayweed) has a whopping population of two species, according to the USADA Plant Database. Our specimen perforata is the more widely distributed in the United States and Canada. The species Maritimum is found only in about a dozen states in America. WIKIPEDIA, however, mentions there could be as many as 38 members. WIKIPEDIA has this on the classification issue; 'Tripleurospermum inodorum is the type species of Tripleurospermum. Historically included the genus Matricaria, Tripleurospermum inodorum has been the subject of some controversy, with many revisions in recent years. The Flora Europaea uses Matricaria perforata for this species. Synonyms/other scientific names include Tripleurospermum perforatum (M?rat) Lainz, Tripleurospermum maritimum subsp. inodorum.' End quote. Further data is offered under the genus page; 'Tripleurospermum is a genus in the family Asteraceae in the tribe Anthemideae. The classification of the 38 annual and herbaceous perennial species is problematic. Most of the species are from Europe and temperate Asia although a few are from North America and North Africa. The species are placed in Matricaria by some authors. Plants typically have lobed leaves that are composed of one to three opposite pairs cut almost to the leaf mid rib: they have indehiscent one celled fruits that have 3-ribs and two resinous glands at the base, Matricaria species are distinguished from these species by lacking fruits with 3-ribs and the two glands.' End quote. This species should not be confused with any medicinal properties known to be characteristic with other plants called Chamomile. The most common is German Chamomile. Much detail on the herbal uses of German Chamomile can be found on Wikipedia.
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Plant location: Clear Creek Trail in Arvada Colorado on October 6, 2008. Habitat; montane and subalpine. The distribution in the United States and Canada is huge. The plants were introduced from Eurasia and North Africa. Here they have been classed as invasive weeds. Plant -
Bloom season: June through October.Foliage -
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