Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) Cota tinctoria
Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) (Cota tinctoria) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Europe to the Caucasus and Iran. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe to the Caucasus and Iran |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, flowers
A skin allergen for people sensitive to the daisy family; not a food.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite)
- How far apart should I plant Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. A skin allergen for people sensitive to the daisy family; not a food.
- What grows well with Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dyer’s chamomile (golden marguerite). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science (Cardon, 2007), Archetype Publications, London
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Formerly Anthemis tinctoria. Masses of yellow daisies over feathery grey-green leaves; shear after the first flush for more. The flower heads dye wool yellow to khaki. Short-lived; replace every few years.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus