What Is the Difference Between Roman & German Chamomile?

Species

• Roman chamomile is listed botanically as Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla or Chamomilla recutita and is native to Europe and the Middle East. German chamomile is referred to botanically as Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile. It is native to Europe and North Africa.

Annual or Perennial

• German chamomile is an annual easily grown from seeds sown directly in the garden. It is also a prolific producer of seeds and will reseed itself in your garden for many years. Roman chamomile is a perennial, growing anew from its roots each spring. It is cultivated by root division.

Growth Habit

• Roman chamomile is a low-growing, spreading plant reaching only about 1 foot high. It does not tolerate hot, dry conditions. German chamomile grows more upright, reaching a height of up to 2 1/2 feet.

Flowers and Leaves

• The leaves of German chamomile are divided twice into linear segments. Its daisylike flowers have a hollow, cone-shaped yellow center disk surrounded by white ray flowers. Roman chamomile also has divided leaves, although they can be divided either twice or three times and are flatter and thicker than the German variety. Their flowers are similar, but Roman chamomile flowers' center disk is more broad than conical. The center disk of the flowers is the main distinguishing difference between the two varieties: German chamomile has a hollow center disk and Roman chamomile has a solid center disk.