Roman chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile
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Pl. 82CD — Chamaemelum nobile
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IOverview
Overview
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low-growing perennial herb native to Algeria, Azores, Great Britain, Ireland, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. This plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 5–5.5, making it adaptable but preferring drier, well-drained conditions. Known for its ornamental value and culinary uses, Roman chamomile is often grown for its small white flowers and soft, feathery foliage. It can be propagated by direct seeding shallowly, ensuring the seeds are exposed to light for germination. The plant's edible parts include both its flowers and shoots, adding a mild apple-like flavor to dishes.
Quick answers
What is Roman chamomile?
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low-growing perennial herb native to Algeria, Azores, Great Britain, Ireland, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. This plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 5–5.5, making it adaptable but preferring drier, well-drained conditions.
What is Roman chamomile used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Roman chamomile
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Roman chamomile appears in herbal sources around evening relaxation and bedtime routines, often as a traditional preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Traditional-use note: Roman chamomile appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a aromatherapy. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate 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.
Roman chamomile support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Roman chamomile thrives in well-drained to moist soils with a pH of 5–5.5 and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and requires partial to full sun. For propagation, sow seeds shallowly directly into the ground; they need light for germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Harvest flowers and shoots as needed.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m × 0.6 m
Soil pH
5–5.5
- Propagation
- Direct seed shallowly - seeds require light for germination
- Row spacing
- 30 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Roman chamomile for the first time
8steps
Start with Roman chamomile by planting it in a well-prepared soil and following basic care instructions.
- 1
What you'll need
Roman chamomile seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a tray for starting seeds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 5-5.5, and ensure containers are at least 10 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds shallowly in the soil, covering them lightly as they need light to germinate.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until seedlings are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Trim back after flowering to encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain shape and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough light, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersShoots
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:CompanionCompostDyeEssential OilantifungalHairAnimal feedStrewingDynamic accumulatorGround coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 23 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 7 native· 23 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (4)IrelandPortugalSpainUnited Kingdom
introduced (6)FranceGermanyItalyPortugalRussiaUkraine
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Pakistan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Haiti
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Baltic States, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Wisconsin
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
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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