Pineapple Weed
Matricaria matricarioides
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Pl. C81F — Matricaria matricarioides
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IOverview
Overview
Pineapple Weed (Matricaria matricarioides) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, and parts of Russia such as East European Russia, Krasnoyarsk, and Magadan. This plant can be found in various habitats across North America and Eastern Siberia, thriving in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7. While it is primarily known for its edible flowers, Pineapple Weed also has ornamental value due to its distinctive aroma reminiscent of pineapple. Its light energy requirement and ability to grow in diverse soil conditions make it adaptable in gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Quick answers
What is Pineapple Weed?
Pineapple Weed (Matricaria matricarioides) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, and parts of Russia such as East European Russia, Krasnoyarsk, and Magadan.
What is Pineapple Weed 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 Pineapple Weed
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Pineapple Weed 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.
Pineapple Weed support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pineapple Weed thrives in light to medium soils that can be sandy, loamy, or clayey. It prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7 and is moderately drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular moisture. This annual plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. Pineapple Weed requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Propagate through seeds, which can be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors before transplanting. Harvest its edible flowers for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Pineapple Weed for the first time
8steps
Pineapple Weed is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at growing herbs.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small pot or garden bed, and basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Ensure containers have drainage holes if you're planting in pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors, covering them lightly with soil. Alternatively, start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings once they are strong enough.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Keep an eye out for pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch around plants to retain moisture. Pinch back flowers to encourage bushier growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain plant shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Harvest flower heads for use in teas or infusions.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough sunlight, and using the wrong type of fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Americas2 regions
native (2)GreenlandUnited States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, California, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Newfoundland, Yakutskiya, Maine, Manitoba, Michigan, New Brunswick, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, Saskatchewan, Washington, Wisconsin, Yukon, Aleutian Is., Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho
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
Back to the cataloguePlant id · c81f82f5-8698-4ca8-a140-d8ba6e6e9e8e
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