Prostrate Chamomile: A Mysterious Member of the Chamomile Family
If you’ve stumbled across the name prostrate chamomile (Anthemis secundiramea) in your gardening research, you’re not alone in wondering what exactly this plant is all about. This annual forb is something of an enigma in the gardening world, with limited information available even among botanical circles.
What We Know About Prostrate Chamomile
Prostrate chamomile belongs to the Anthemis genus, which includes many well-known chamomile species. As its name suggests, this plant has a low-growing, spreading habit that distinguishes it from its more upright relatives. Like other members of the chamomile family, it’s classified as a forb – essentially a non-woody flowering plant that completes its life cycle in a single growing season.
Geographic Distribution and Native Status
This species has been documented in Virginia, where it grows as an introduced plant that has naturalized in the wild. While it’s not native to North America, it appears to have established itself without human intervention in at least this one state.
The Mystery Factor
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for curious gardeners): Anthemis secundiramea is remarkably under-documented. Unlike popular garden chamomiles, there’s limited information available about its specific growing requirements, appearance details, or ecological impact. This could mean several things:
- It’s an extremely rare species with minimal distribution
- It may be a regional variant or subspecies of a more common chamomile
- The species name might be outdated or require taxonomic revision
Should You Grow It?
Given the lack of specific information about this plant’s characteristics and potential impact, it’s difficult to make a strong recommendation either way. Since it’s non-native and we don’t know its invasive potential, the cautious approach might be to explore native alternatives instead.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to chamomile-like plants, consider these native options that will support local ecosystems:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – aromatic and pollinator-friendly
- Partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) – bright yellow flowers
- White wild indigo (Amorpha alba) – elegant white flower spikes
- Local aster species – diverse options depending on your region
General Chamomile Growing Tips
If you do encounter prostrate chamomile, most Anthemis species prefer:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soil
- Moderate water (not too wet, not too dry)
- Cool weather for germination if grown from seed
The Bottom Line
Prostrate chamomile remains something of a botanical mystery. While it’s fascinating to learn about lesser-known plants, the lack of detailed information makes it challenging to recommend for home gardens. Your gardening energy might be better invested in well-documented native species that will provide known benefits to local wildlife and ecosystems.
If you believe you’ve encountered this plant in the wild, consider reaching out to local botanists or extension services – you might be contributing valuable information about a rarely documented species!
