Corn Chamomile: A Delicate Annual for Informal Gardens
If you’ve ever spotted small, cheerful white daisies dotting roadsides and fields, you might have encountered corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis). This unassuming annual brings a touch of old-world charm to gardens with its delicate blooms and feathery foliage, though it comes with some considerations for the conscientious gardener.
What is Corn Chamomile?
Corn chamomile is an annual forb—essentially a soft-stemmed herbaceous plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. Despite its common name, it’s not actually used for chamomile tea (that would be German chamomile). This plant produces small white daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers that bloom from late spring through fall, creating a cottage garden aesthetic wherever it grows.
Origins and Distribution
Here’s where things get interesting: corn chamomile isn’t native to North America. Originally from Europe and western Asia, this plant has made itself quite at home across the continent. It now grows wild in an impressive range of locations, from Alabama to Wyoming, and from British Columbia to Newfoundland. The plant has naturalized so successfully that it reproduces on its own without human intervention across Canada, Hawaii, and the lower 48 states.
Should You Grow Corn Chamomile?
This is where gardeners need to weigh their options. While corn chamomile isn’t currently listed as invasive in most areas, its non-native status and tendency to self-seed prolifically means it can potentially outcompete native wildflowers. If you’re committed to supporting local ecosystems, consider these native alternatives instead:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for similar cottage garden appeal
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for daisy-like flowers
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) for cheerful yellow blooms
That said, if you’re dealing with disturbed soil, challenging growing conditions, or want to establish quick groundcover in informal areas, corn chamomile does have its merits.
Garden Appeal and Uses
Corn chamomile shines in informal garden settings. Its delicate flowers and finely divided, almost feathery foliage create a soft, naturalized look that works beautifully in:
- Cottage gardens and informal borders
- Wildflower meadows and naturalized areas
- Areas with poor or disturbed soil
- Cut flower gardens (though stems are relatively short)
The plant typically reaches 12-24 inches in height and spreads through self-seeding rather than expanding roots.
Growing Conditions
One of corn chamomile’s strongest suits is its adaptability. This tough little annual thrives in conditions that might challenge other plants:
- Sun requirements: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil preferences: Tolerates poor, sandy, or clay soils; prefers well-draining conditions
- Water needs: Drought tolerant once established; actually prefers drier conditions
- Hardiness: Grows as an annual in USDA zones 3-10
Planting and Care Tips
Corn chamomile is refreshingly low-maintenance. Here’s how to grow it successfully:
- Seeding: Direct sow seeds in spring after last frost or in fall for spring emergence
- Spacing: Scatter seeds lightly; they’re small and don’t need deep planting
- Watering: Water gently until established, then let nature take its course
- Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary—this plant actually prefers lean soil
- Maintenance: Deadhead flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
The small daisy-like flowers attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. While not as valuable to native wildlife as indigenous plants, corn chamomile does provide some nectar and pollen resources during its extended blooming period.
A Word of Caution
Remember that corn chamomile can be quite the prolific self-seeder. If you choose to grow it, consider deadheading spent flowers before they set seed, especially near natural areas or native plant gardens. This simple step helps prevent it from spreading beyond your intended planting area.
The Bottom Line
Corn chamomile offers easy-care charm for informal gardens and challenging sites, but thoughtful gardeners might want to explore native alternatives first. If you do decide to grow it, enjoy its delicate beauty while keeping an eye on its spreading tendencies. Sometimes the most successful garden is one that balances personal enjoyment with environmental responsibility.
