Anthemis cotula

RHS Plant Profile
stinking mayweed

Other common names

chiggerweed, dillweed, dog's fennel, fetid chamomile, Johnny Appleseed's weed, madders, maise, manthern, mather, mawther, mawthern, maythic, mazes, moithern, morgan, Morgan's weed, pathweed, pigsty daisy, stinking chamomile, dog daisy, dog's chamomile, flake, hog fennel, mathes, mayweed, ox-eye chamomile, camri'r cŵn

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

A branching annual to about 60cm tall, with bright green pinnately lobed leaves, and pungently-scented flowers in flowerheads to 30mm across, white with a yellow disk, the rays spreading at first but becoming reflexed and produced through summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Anthemis can be perennials or annuals, with finely divided, aromatic leaves and showy white or yellow daisies
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any sharply-drained (sandy or gravelly) soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews