Mayweed (Stinking Chamomile)

This is another daisy-like member of the Sunflower family. The flowers are about one inch wide, and have a nice yellow ball in the center. The leaves are fern-like and grow directly from the plant stems. Mayweed (Anthemis cotula) produces a strong odor that most guidebooks described as unpleasant; to me, it was not bad, more of a natural, outdoorsy smell. This time of year the plant is widespread in fields and on roadsides. Acres of it are blooming now at Jackson Bottom Wetlands! (6/10/2013).

Anthemis cotula is also known by a wide variety of other names, including mather, dog- or hog's-fennel, dog-finkle, dog-daisy, pig-sty-daisy, chigger-weed, mayweed, maroute, Maruta cotula, Cotula Maruta foetida, Manzanilla loca, wild chamomile, and Camomille puante.