Pineapple Weed

Identity

Common Name

Pineapple Weed

Scientific Name

Matricaria discoidea

Botanical Family

Asteraceae

Native Region

North America and Europe

Cultivation Regions

North America, Europe, temperate regions

Plant Parts Used

Flower heads, Leaves

Synonyms

Disc Mayweed, Wild Chamomile, Rayless Chamomile

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A low annual with finely divided feathery green leaves and small rounded cone-shaped greenish-yellow flower heads resembling tiny pineapples; the flower heads are used.

Historical Background

Pineapple weed has been a gentle European and North American wayside herb for centuries, its tiny pineapple-scented flower heads steeped into a sweet chamomile-like tea. Foragers and children alike enjoy this pleasant, calming, caffeine-free cup gathered from paths and disturbed ground.

Earliest recorded uses: European and North American folk traditions for centuries; a gentle chamomile-like wayside tea.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Sweet, apple-like, mildly chamomile, fruity

Tea Information

Research Summary

Pineapple weed has a tradition as a gentle calming, digestive, and skin tea much like chamomile (its close relative); preclinical work shows mild antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory activity. Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for anxiety, indigestion, or any disease, though it remains a pleasant, foraged, caffeine-free cup.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources