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(Matricaria occidentalis)
Valley Mayweed (Matricaria occidentalis)
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© Madeleine Claire
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
© Madeleine Claire
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Madeleine Claire | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: madily | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Hartford, Connecticut
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 52" - 62" | 45" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 83°F - 99°F | 86°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 20°F - 43°F | 17°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.
Summary
Matricaria occidentalis, commonly known as valley mayweed, is an annual herb that is native to North America. It thrives in disturbed sites such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas, primarily in California and Oregon. It can grow up to 18 inches high and is characterized by its finely divided leaves and small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite numerous, giving the plant a delicate, lacy appearance.
Valley mayweed is appreciated for its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions and its resilience, making it a potential choice for areas in need of stabilization or as a filler plant in garden designs. However, it is not commonly used in cultivation due to its potential invasiveness. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. In areas where it is not invasive, it can be used as a ground cover or for naturalized plantings. Gardeners should be cautious, as it can spread rapidly and may outcompete other plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Valley mayweed is appreciated for its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions and its resilience, making it a potential choice for areas in need of stabilization or as a filler plant in garden designs. However, it is not commonly used in cultivation due to its potential invasiveness. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. In areas where it is not invasive, it can be used as a ground cover or for naturalized plantings. Gardeners should be cautious, as it can spread rapidly and may outcompete other plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type:
- Height: 1.5-3 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Primarily found in disturbed sites such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas in California and Oregon
Other Names
Common Names: Western chamomile
Scientific Names: Matricaria occidentalis , Chamomilla occidentalis , Matricaria discoidea subsp. occidentalis
GBIF Accepted Name: Matricaria occidentalis