Chamaemelum fuscatum
Chamomile, Chamomile
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Chamaemelum fuscatum (Chamomile) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Mediterranean introduction establishing in disturbed grasslands, differs from native Matricaria species.
Chamomile is a naturalized perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges near Sonoma County and the Sacramento Valley in disturbed sites and grasslands at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces white ray flowers with yellow disk centers, creating delicate daisy-like blossoms approximately 2 to 3 centimeters wide. Growing with slender stems 5 to 20 centimeters tall, occasionally reaching up to 35 centimeters, it has a spreading, somewhat delicate growth habit. Its leaves are distinctively divided, with lower leaves having a broad ovate to elliptic shape that are two-pinnately cut, while upper leaves are narrower and less divided. The fruit is small, approximately 1 to 1.3 millimeters long, with ray and disk fruits of equal size.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Mediterranean introduction establishing in disturbed grasslands, differs from native Matricaria species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed sites, grassland
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: native to Mediterranean
Bloom period
Chamaemelum fuscatum blooms Mar-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Matricaria: Matricaria is annual and grows taller; Chamaemelum is perennial and mat-forming.; vs Anthemis: Anthemis has unpleasant odor when crushed; Chamaemelum smells sweet like apples.; vs Tanacetum: Tanacetum flowers lack white rays or have button-like heads; Chamaemelum has classic white-rayed daisies.; vs Argyranthemum: Argyranthemum is woody-based shrub; Chamaemelum is herbaceous mat-forming perennial.; vs Glebionis: Glebionis has fleshy, less-divided leaves and yellow rays; Chamaemelum has finely divided leaves and white rays.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chamaemelum fuscatum native to California?
No. Chamaemelum fuscatum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Chamaemelum fuscatum bloom?
Chamaemelum fuscatum blooms Mar-Apr.
What plant family does Chamaemelum fuscatum belong to?
Chamaemelum fuscatum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Chamaemelum.
What habitat does Chamaemelum fuscatum grow in?
Chamaemelum fuscatum grows in Disturbed sites, grassland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.