Chamomile
Anthemis spp.
Asteraceae, Sunflower Family
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases…the life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him
Psalm 103:2-3, 15-17 NIV
Find chamomile in the NIV God’s Word for Gardeners Bible among the "Native Plants from the Desert" of Egypt near Genesis 47, part of the Garden Tour, Introduction on page a-14.
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field… The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:6,8 NIV
Cultural Information
| Type | Herbs & Spices |
| Height | 12 inches |
| Soil | moist, well-drained, evenly textured |
| Exposure | full sun in cooler climates, sheltered sun in heat-intensive regions |
| Leaves | finely divided, grass-like, linear or filoform, to 2 inch long, happy green color |
| Flowers | tufted, bright yellow centers encircled by petite white petals, classic "daisy" appearance, approximately 1 inch across, blooming late spring throughout the summer |
Planting Tips
- Anthemis palestina is one of the species from the Bible lands, similar to Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile) which is more widely available in Britain and North America
- perennial in Zones 4-9
- Roman chamomile has a spreading habit, making an excellent groundcover or lawn replacement
- temper sun exposure if planting in a hot summer climate
- monitor water needs until plants are established; chamomile is neither water demanding nor drought tolerant
- Roman chamomile will endure light traffic once established, though best to provide stepping stones for busy areas
- leaves and flowers have uniquely fruity scents, releasing their fragrance when brushed or lightly tread upon
Garden to Table
- chamomile flowers bring adorable, humble beauty to the table; enjoy their wildflower-like spirit in small vases or pitchers grouped as a centerpiece
- use blossoms as garnish for salads and desserts
- steep flowers in hot water for garden-grown chamomile tea
- consult herbalists and medical authorities for information on the renowned healing properties of chamomile
- for help with the distinction between chamomiles, click for this article: “How to Grow, Use and Identify the Chamomile Herb”
Additional Resources
See Blog Posts on ChamomileAnd so with flowering, we enjoy a paradox: Fleeting flowers help showcase the enduring ways of the Lord… drawing us into the “intangible gifts” of spending quiet, personal time arranging each flower, considering individual blooms against a backdrop of foliage and filler, lingering a bit, creating a “little garden” in a vase, infusing the time-crunched landscape of our lives with meditative moments, taking in [God’s] wonder…
-from the NIV God's Word for Gardeners Bible
A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field… The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:6,8 NIV
Photo Credits
©2011 Andrey Zharkikh Flickr Creative Commons Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) from Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City, Utah
©2016 Shelley S. Cramm Roman chamomile foliage, grass-like in its color and texture, brings deeper dimension to God’s Word, “the grass withers and the flowers fall (Isaiah 40:8 NIV)”
©2016 Shelley S. Cramm Roman chamomile little "flower of the field" in a Texas garden
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