Pineapple weed
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| Pineapple Weed | ||||||||||||||
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The pineapple weed is an annual plant native to western North America and NE Asia but which has become a cosmopolitan weed. It is in the family Asteraceae. The flower head is cone-shaped, composed of dense-packed yellowish-green corollas, and lacking ray-florets. The leaves are pinnately dissected and sweet-scented when crushed. The plant grows 3 to 12 inches (7.5 - 30 cm) high.
According to ITIS the specific name is Matricaria discoides DC, but many synonyms are in the literature, including M. matricarioides, M. suaveolens, and Chamomilla suaveolens(an accepted name according to Flora Europaea).
The plant grows well in disturbed areas, especially those with poor, compacted soil. It can be seen blooming on footpaths, roadsides, and similar places in spring and early summer. Can be found from central Alaska down to California, and east into the Rocky Mountains.
The flowers have a chamomile/pineapple aroma (press between your fingers to release this scent). They are edible and quite good in salads (although they may become bitter by the time the plant blooms), and can also be used to make a delicious tea [1] (http://www.nps.gov/klgo/flora/pineappleweed.htm)[2] (http://www.arthurleej.com/a-pineapple.html).
Pineapple weed has many useful medicinal properties. In a tea, it acts to calm the nerves and stomach, as well as expell gas from the digestive tract. The plant when crushed and applied externally acts to hinder itching and sooth sores.
References and External Links
- Robbins, W. W., Margaret K. Bellue, and Walter S. Ball. 1970. Weeds of California. Documents and Publications, Sacramento. 547 p.
- Gregory L. Tilford. 1997. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West. Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula. 110 p.
- University of California (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/WEEDS/pineapple_weed.html), Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program