Austrian Chamomile: A Cheerful Non-Native Addition to Your Garden
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance flowering plant that brings a touch of European charm to your garden, Austrian chamomile (Anthemis austriaca) might catch your eye. This delightful little forb produces masses of classic white daisy-like flowers that can brighten up any space, though it comes with some considerations worth exploring.
What is Austrian Chamomile?
Austrian chamomile is a non-native annual to biennial plant that has found its way into North American gardens and wild spaces. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without woody stems, featuring feathery, finely-divided foliage that creates a soft, textural backdrop for its cheerful blooms. The plant produces small white flowers with bright yellow centers that look like tiny daisies scattered across the landscape.
Where Does It Grow?
Originally hailing from Europe and western Asia, Austrian chamomile has established itself as an introduced species that reproduces on its own in the wild. In the United States, it’s currently documented in Washington state, where it has naturalized and persists without human intervention.
Garden Appeal and Design Role
Austrian chamomile brings several appealing qualities to garden spaces:
- Produces abundant small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers
- Features delicate, feathery foliage that adds fine texture
- Works well as a ground cover or filler plant
- Perfect for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas
- Adds a cottage garden feel to informal landscapes
This plant fits beautifully into relaxed garden styles where a natural, slightly wild appearance is desired. It’s particularly suited for meadow plantings, informal borders, and areas where you want to encourage a naturalized look.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of Austrian chamomile’s best qualities is how easy it is to grow. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-drained soils; adaptable to various soil types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; minimal watering needed
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9
- Maintenance: Very low maintenance; self-seeding
As an annual to biennial plant, Austrian chamomile will complete its life cycle in one to two years, but its self-seeding nature means you’ll likely see it return year after year without replanting.
Benefits to Pollinators and Wildlife
Austrian chamomile offers valuable resources to garden visitors. Its small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a useful addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. The extended blooming period provides nectar and pollen when many other plants may not be flowering.
Should You Plant Austrian Chamomile?
As a non-native species, Austrian chamomile presents both opportunities and considerations. While it’s not currently listed as invasive, it’s worth being mindful of its self-seeding nature and potential to spread beyond where you initially plant it.
Consider planting it if you:
- Want a low-maintenance flowering plant
- Are creating a wildflower or cottage garden
- Need ground cover for informal areas
- Want to support pollinators with extended blooms
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you prefer to stick with native plants, consider these alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Wild chamomile species native to your region
- Native asters for similar daisy-like flowers
- Regional wildflowers with white blooms
- Native ground covers suitable for your area
Consult with your local native plant society or extension office to find the best native alternatives for your specific location and garden goals.
Final Thoughts
Austrian chamomile can be a charming addition to informal gardens, offering easy care and cheerful blooms. While it’s not a native species, it’s not currently problematic either. Whether you choose to grow it or opt for native alternatives, the key is selecting plants that fit your garden’s style and your environmental values. Happy gardening!
