Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) Chamaemelum nobile
Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) (Chamaemelum nobile) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asteraceae family, native to Western Europe and North Africa (Atlantic Europe to Morocco). It grows 5–30 cm (2–12 in) tall and 20–45 cm (8–18 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 5–30 cm (2–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–45 cm (8–18 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flower heads (tea) |
| Native to | Western Europe and North Africa (Atlantic Europe to Morocco) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: flowers, leaves
Can cause allergy in people sensitive to the daisy family. The ASPCA lists chamomile as toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, dermatitis).
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 Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile)
- How far apart should I plant Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–45 cm (8–18 in).
- Does Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) flower?
- From about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Can cause allergy in people sensitive to the daisy family. The ASPCA lists chamomile as toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, dermatitis).
- What grows well with Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Roman chamomile (lawn chamomile). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Herbal monographs (European Union herbal monographs and assessment reports), European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products
Notes and assumptions
- A low, apple-scented mat; the non-flowering cultivar 'Treneague' makes chamomile lawns and seats (as at Sissinghurst). Light foot traffic only. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the annual tea crop.
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