Chamomile (Anthemis): A Non-Native Ground Cover with Daisy Charm
If you’re drawn to the simple beauty of daisy-like flowers and looking for a low-maintenance ground cover, chamomile from the Anthemis genus might catch your eye. These cheerful little plants have made themselves quite at home across North America, though they originally hail from much farther away.
What Exactly Is Anthemis Chamomile?
Anthemis is a genus of herbaceous plants that goes by the common name chamomile. Don’t let the fancy botanical term forb intimidate you – it simply means these are soft-stemmed plants without woody growth above ground. Think of them as the friendly neighborhood flowers that pop up in fields and along roadsides.
These plants can be annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the specific species, which gives you options whether you want a quick seasonal display or a longer-term garden companion.
The Not-So-Native Truth
Here’s something important to know upfront: Anthemis chamomile isn’t native to North America. These plants originally come from the Mediterranean region and Europe but have become naturalized across the continent. They’ve proven quite adaptable, establishing themselves from Alaska to Hawaii and everywhere in between, including all the lower 48 states and most Canadian provinces.
While they’re not invasive in the aggressive sense, their ability to self-seed and spread means they can pop up where you least expect them. This isn’t necessarily bad – just something to keep in mind if you prefer a more controlled garden aesthetic.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Worry About) Anthemis
The appeal is pretty straightforward: these plants are tough as nails and produce masses of classic daisy flowers with white petals and sunny yellow centers. They’re the kind of flowers that make you think of cottage gardens and wildflower meadows.
The pros:
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant
- Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Self-seeding for natural garden expansion
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
The considerations:
- Can spread more than you might want
- Not contributing to native ecosystem support
- May outcompete native wildflowers in naturalized areas
Growing Anthemis Successfully
If you decide to give Anthemis chamomile a try, you’ll find it refreshingly undemanding. These plants generally thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making them suitable for most North American gardens.
Ideal growing conditions:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-drained soil (they actually prefer slightly poor soil)
- Minimal watering once established
- No special soil amendments needed
The beauty of chamomile is that it basically grows itself. Plant it in spring, give it some water until it gets established, then step back and let nature take its course. It’s perfect for gardeners who want results without fuss.
Where Anthemis Fits in Your Landscape
This chamomile works wonderfully in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, or naturalized areas where you want that English countryside look. It’s also excellent for filling in difficult spots where other plants might struggle – think dry slopes, rocky areas, or that weird strip between the sidewalk and street.
Just remember that it will self-seed, so place it where you don’t mind it wandering a bit.
Consider Native Alternatives
While Anthemis chamomile certainly has its charms, you might want to explore native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems. Look into native asters, fleabanes, or other daisy-family plants native to your region. These will offer the same cheerful flowers while providing better habitat and food sources for native wildlife.
Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify the best native chamomile-like options for your specific area.
The Bottom Line
Anthemis chamomile is a reliable, low-maintenance choice for gardeners who want easy-care flowers with classic appeal. While it’s not native and can spread enthusiastically, it’s not considered aggressively invasive. If you choose to grow it, just keep an eye on its wandering tendencies and consider balancing it with native alternatives to support your local ecosystem.
Whether you’re a beginning gardener looking for something foolproof or an experienced one wanting to fill a challenging spot, Anthemis might just be the cheerful, undemanding companion your garden needs.
