365 Urban Species. #134: Pineapple Weed

[urbpan]

Urban species #134: Pineapple weed Matricaria matricarioides

Some plants just don't seem to mind being stepped on. Pineapple weed is one of those weeds that seems to grow right in the path of foot traffic. It is tolerant of well-compacted, nutrient-poor soils, so it's a natural for those areas between roads and sidewalks, driveways and front doors, and footpaths and parks. As you tread through it, you may notice the faint pineapple aroma it gives off. Crush one of the small flower tops (a little smaller than a pencil eraser, usually) with your fingers and you can really smell the pineapple flavor. A close relative of chamomile, pineapple weed's essence can be likewise be enjoyed in a mild tea.

Unlike many wild plants found in cities in North America, pineapple weed actually originates on this continent. It once was found only on the west coast, but has become an urban species all across the country.




This slope is continually washed by storm runoff from the Jamaicaway, leaving the soil sandy and nutrient-depleted, and probably polluted.

Comments

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Strangely, the healthiest looking group of pineapple weeds I ever saw was in an athletic field in Anchorage AK. The whole plants were larger, and the flower tops were twice the size of the ones I was familiar with. It seems as though it's actually native there. (Same story with fireweed--it was so common there, along roadways, that I assumed it was invasive, but it's native.)