Pineapple Weed
(Matricaria discoidea)

The common name 'Pineapple Weed' is derived from the pineapple scent that is emitted from the crushed leaves and flowers.

This leafy stemmed annual of the sunflower family has a distinct pineapple scent and can grow from 5 to 30cm. tall.

LEAVES:

- the leaves on the stem of the Pineapple Weed are feathery and fern-like; divided 1 to 3 times into short, narrow segments (1-5 cm.)

- the leaves around the base of the plant tend to have wilted by the time the flowers appear.

FLOWERS:

- sit on a domed-shaped base

- the flower heads are composed of disk and not ray flowers

- the disk flowers are greenish-yellow

- broad, pale bracts in rows beneath the flower cluster

- fuzzy appearance

FRUIT:

- 1 seeded, dry, nut-like

HABITAT:

- Pineapple Weed grow at low to mid elevations.

- Pineapple Weed prefers disturbed areas, particularly where soil has been compacted

FASCINATING FACTS:

- when crushed, the flowers and leaves of Pineapple Weed emit a pineapple smell.

- Pineapple Weed is commonly used as a potpourri.