Ontario Weeds: Pineappleweed

Table of Contents

1. Name
2. Other Names
3. Family
4. General Description
   • Photos and Pictures
5. Stems and Roots
6. Flowers and Fruit
7. Habitat
8. Similar Species
9. Related Links

Name: Pineappleweed, Matricaria matricariodes (Less.) Porter,

Other Names: matricaire odorante, matricaire suave, Chamomilla suaveolens Rydb.

Family: Composite or Aster Family (Compositae) 

General Description: Annual, reproducing only by seed.

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Photos and Pictures

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Stems & Roots: Stems erect, much-branched, 5-40cm (2-16in.) high, smooth, hairless; leaves very finely dissected, light green, smooth, hairless and slightly fleshy, alternate (1 per node)

Flowers & Fruit: Flower heads small, conic or egg-shaped, 5-9mm (1/5-¾in.) across, yellowish-green, and without ray florets. The whole plant, and especially the flower heads, when crushed has a distinct pineapple-like odour, hence the common name. Flowers from spring until autumn.

Habitat: Pineappleweed occurs throughout Ontario, especially around farmyards, waste places and roadsides. It is an occasional weed in the compacted soil along the edges of pathways. Also see Prostrate knotweed.

Similar Species: It is distinguished by its small stature, its small flower heads without white ray florets, its smooth hairless stems below the flower heads, and its pineapple odour.

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Related Links

... on general Weed topics
... on weed identification, order OMAFRA Publication 505: Ontario Weeds
... on weed control, order OMAFRA Publication 75: Guide To Weed Control

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