Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea)
Common Names:
Pineapple Weed, Wild Chamomile, Disc Mayweed.
Description:
Pineapple Weed grows in diverse environments, from cracks in pavements to walls. Despite its inconspicuous locations, it has a remarkable pineapple taste.
The leaves are very fine and feathery, and the flowers lack petals but have a distinctive yellow center. When crushed, the petals and leaves emit a strong pineapple scent.
Habitat:
Prefers to grow on very stony, scrubby soil and is often found in rubble piles, driveways, gateways, footpaths, and other areas with frequent footfall.
Food Uses:
The entire plant is edible. Flowers can be eaten raw in salads, jellies, syrups, and cordials. Leaves and flowers make a fragrant tea.
The flavor is sweet and reminiscent of pineapple. The plant is noted for its calming effect and is used as a mild sedative by herbalists.
Medicinal Uses:
Historically used for uterine conditions, as a sedative, antispasmodic, and anthelmintic (wormer). Caution is advised, and consultation with a doctor is recommended if there are medical concerns.
Other Uses:
Pineapple Weed has been used to repel insects, either by rubbing the juice on the skin or hanging it in a room.
The plant contains the essential oil myrcene, which is significant in the perfume industry.
Identification:
Pineapple Weed is unmistakable when its flower is crushed, emitting a distinctive fruity pineapple-mango-apple scent.
It grows 5 to 35cm tall with finely divided leaves and daisy-like flowers without white petals.
The flowers are yellow with a hint of green, resembling the shape of an acorn, with the compound flower 'cupped' in rounded sepals.
Distribution and Habitat:
Common throughout the UK, Europe, Asia, and America. It arrived in the UK from America and is native to North-East Asia.
Thrives in disturbed, compacted ground and is typically found at farm gates, field entrances, and areas with poor, compacted soil.
Harvesting and Sustainable Harvesting:
Harvesting the flower heads is preferred, as they contain most of the fruity flavor. The leaves can be added to salads or used for tea.
Pineapple Weed is prolific and fast-growing, making over-harvesting unlikely. Common foraging sensibilities should be applied.
Pineapple Weed is not only a delightful and surprising edible plant with a distinctive flavor but also boasts versatility in the kitchen, making it a star of the wild food year.