Pineapple Weed

Matricaria matricarioides

Pineapple Weed can grow as either a summer broadleaf weed or a winter annual broadleaf weed. This versatile plant is also referred to as Chamomilla suaveolens, Matricaria suaveolens, Matricaria discoidea and Rayless Chamomile. Its scientific name is Matricaria matricarioides.

Identify

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Pinnate

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Pineapple Weed can be identified as a low-growing, bushy, branching broadleaf weed. Its elongated stems are smooth, hairless, vertically spreading and branched. The leaves are hairless and fleshy. Pineapple Weed has a shallow taproot with a secondary fibrous root system, and its leaves give off an odor similar to pineapple when broken or crushed. Blooming from May through October, Pineapple Weed produces tiny yellow flowers on distinct, rounded flower heads. The absence of ray flowers lends to its nickname, Rayless Chamomile.

Life Cycle

Pineapple Weed is often found growing in rocky open ground, including pastures, waste grounds, disturbed sites and along roadsides and railroads. This broadleaf weed can also be found in newly seeded or thin areas of residential lawns. It is abundant throughout North America, with the exception of a few of the southernmost areas in the United States.

Control

Matricaria matricarioides is a difficult weed to control. Lawn management and other cultural weed control practices are unable to provide a sufficient enough defense to discourage this invader from taking over your lawn. Professionally applied broadleaf weed killers are almost always necessary for removal.