Mayweed
Anthemis cotula
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Pl. C157 — Anthemis cotula
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IOverview
Overview
Mayweed (Anthemis cotula) is an annual herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe and into Asia, from the Mediterranean to Central Russia. Native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, and other parts of Eastern and Western Europe, this plant has adapted well to diverse climates. Known for its edible leaves, which can be used fresh or dried, Mayweed is also appreciated for its ornamental value in gardens. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light requirement; it thrives best in full sun. Additionally, its adaptability to different soil types and water conditions—from dry to moist—makes it a resilient choice for gardeners. With a height of up to 0.6 meters, Mayweed can add a touch of greenery to any sunny spot while providing a culinary treat.
Quick answers
What is Mayweed?
Mayweed (Anthemis cotula) is an annual herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe and into Asia, from the Mediterranean to Central Russia. Native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, and other parts of Eastern and Western Europe, this plant has adapted well to diverse climates.
What is Mayweed used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Mayweed
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Mayweed appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used for calming the mind and reducing anxiety.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mayweed thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is medium to heavy (clay). It can tolerate dry conditions but benefits from moist soil as well. This annual plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate Mayweed through seeds sown directly in the garden after the last frost. Harvest its edible leaves throughout the growing season for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mayweed for the first time
8steps
Mayweed is a straightforward annual plant for beginners, requiring minimal care and attention.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late spring after the last frost, when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with medium or heavy texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows 30-45 cm apart, or transplant seedlings into the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin plants if they overcrowd each other.
- 6
Ongoing care
Mayweed prefers full sun and dry to moist conditions. Water only when necessary, and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from going to seed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor drainage soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls for beginners.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqKazakhstan
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Czechoslovakia, Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · c157b384-4898-44ab-9a28-887cc7813df5
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