Anthemis cotula
Mayweed, Mayweed
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Anthemis cotula (Mayweed) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by (A. arvensis). Key differences: strong scent, thread-like leaf segments, larger size, widespread distribution.
Mayweed is a naturalized annual herb found in northwestern California, Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, central and southern coastal California, Transverse Ranges, Peninsular Ranges, and Mojave Desert in disturbed areas, fields, coastal dunes, chaparral, and oak woodlands at elevations below 2,600 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces white ray flowers with yellow disk centers in heads 5 to 11 millimeters wide. Growing with strongly scented erect stems up to 60 to 90 centimeters tall that are slightly puberulent and dotted with resin glands, it spreads quickly in open ground. Its finely divided leaves are 10 to 55 millimeters long with thread-like lobes, creating a delicate, lacy appearance. The small fruits are 1.3 to 2 millimeters long, lacking a pappus.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species (A. arvensis). Key differences: strong scent, thread-like leaf segments, larger size, widespread distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Disturbed areas, fields, coastal dunes, chaparral, oak woodland
Elevation: < 2600 m
Outside California: native to Europe
Bloom period
Anthemis cotula blooms Apr-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Matricaria: Matricaria has a domed receptacle center; Anthemis has chaffy scales among disk flowers.; vs Chamaemelum: Chamaemelum is perennial with sweet apple scent; Anthemis is annual with unpleasant odor.; vs Tanacetum: Tanacetum flowers are button-like without white rays; Anthemis has white-rayed daisy flowers.; vs Argyranthemum: Argyranthemum is woody-based with less finely divided leaves; Anthemis is herbaceous annual.; vs Bellis: Bellis has simple spoon-shaped basal leaves; Anthemis has finely divided feathery leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anthemis cotula native to California?
No. Anthemis cotula is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Anthemis cotula bloom?
Anthemis cotula blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Anthemis cotula belong to?
Anthemis cotula is in the Asteraceae family, genus Anthemis.
What habitat does Anthemis cotula grow in?
Anthemis cotula grows in Common. Disturbed areas, fields, coastal dunes, chaparral, oak woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.