Pineapple Mayweed (Matricaria matricaioides) is an annual, 10 - 40 cm tall with a non-rayed composite flower head. It has a distinctive pineapple scent. Its leaves are pinnate.
Pineapple Mayweed is found in waste areas. It can be seen growing in cracks in the pavement in the centre of some towns but is nowhere near as common as it used to be. The use of weedkillers on pavements and streets has killed of many weeds in towns and cities. I remember walking with GB in Edinburgh a couple of years ago and being delighted to see lots of weeds on the edges of the pavements. They are such a rarity it was really noticeable.
Pineapple Mayweed may be eaten as a tasty snack item while hiking or added to a wild salad. It makes a calming tea when steeped in hot water. The crushed leaves, stems, and flowerheads may be applied to the skin as an insect repellent. A wash made of pineapple weed will remove greases from the hair and act as a general shampoo and natural hair tonic. It can be used as a treatment for diarrhoea, stomach aches, flatulence, as a mild relaxant, and for colds and menstrual problems. Externally it can be used for itching and sores.
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteI was perusing articles on the pineapple weed. I notice that they are growing all along the country road by my house, here is the U.S. I am considering adding it to my garden of useful plants, etc.
Mrs. G.