Chamomile is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. It has a branched, erect and smooth stem, which grows to a height of 15–60 cm (6-24 inches). The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate.

The flowers are borne in paniculate flower heads (capitula). The white ray florets are furnished with a ligule, while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German chamomile from Corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to midsummer, and have a strong, aromatic smell.

common names & nomenclature
The word chamomile comes from the Greek chamaimēlon meaning "earth-apple", which is derived from chamai meaning "on the ground" and mēlon meaning "apple". It is so called because of the apple-like scent of the plant.

Also known as:
matricaria chamomilla, german chamomile, hungarian chamomile, pin heads, camomile, wild chamomile, scented mayweed, stinking mayweed, pineapple weed