Chamaemelum

Strongly aromatic perennials, with dissected, low foliage and the typical daisy-like flowers, a central yellow boss, surrounded by white ray florets. 2 species in Europe, chamomile, C. nobilis, used in herbal teas and as an alternative green lawn. C. fuscatum is relatively unknown.

All forms of chamomile produce nectar and pollen in the disc-flowers at the centre of the daisy-like flowerhead, although in doubled cultivars the supply is much reduced. The flowers attract and are pollinated by many insects with flies being especially well represented, while the mats of leaves provide shelter for many ground-dwelling invertebrates as well as food for the larvae of a number of moths. In core areas of its natural distribution (south-central and south-western England and south-western Ireland) care should be taken to avoid the establishment of non-native cultivars away from gardens to avoid 'genetic pollution'.