Does Pineapple Weed or Wild Chamomile Grow in Your Lawn?

06Apr 2017 by Vincent Summers No Comments

I take a measure of pride in being able to identify various tiny weeds in the spring of the year. Pointing them out to a car-group of friends, one of them adventured out on their own and brought back a tiny plant I felt sure I could make quick work of. But the little plant, with its almost lacy leaves and tiny egg-shaped yellow ‘flower’ mystified me completely. I sniffed it and detected a most unusual odor that nevertheless was not unpleasant. It resembled a cross between a tiny evergreen tree and an egg or pineapple. It was not a pineapple, but it was wild chamomile or the pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea).

Research cited below, by Daise Lopes & Paul P. Kolodziejczyk references the essential oil composition of pineapple weed as containing the following major fractions:

myrcene (28.5%)
(E)-β-farnesene (23.4%)
germacrene D (6.8%)
geranyl isovalerate (6.4%)
(Z)-en-yn-dicycloether (8.1%)

During our time, many have become interested in herbal uses for generally unfamiliar plants. This article cites chemical components and the evident uses of those substances both by this edible plant itself and by manufacturers.

Myrcene

Myrcene is a monoterpene. That is, it can be derived from just two small isoprene units. Its primary function may be to impart a pleasant fragrance.

β-Farnesene

β-farnesene is a sesquiterpene. It is composed of three isoprene units. It appears it may primarily serve as an insect repellant.

Germacrene D

Germacrene D is well-known as the prevalent essential oil component of the all-too-abundant lawn weed Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum). It renders two, perhaps three, useful services to the Pineapple Weed. It is antimicrobial and insecticidal. And it may act as a plant pheromone.

Geranyl Isovalerate

Pineapple Weed. Geranyl isovalerate imparts an odor reminiscent of apples, pineapples, and roses. Among flavor enthusiasts, it has the reputation of offering distinctive blueberry notes.