Mayweed chamomile, often called dog fennel, is an annual bushy broadleaf plant that germinates in early spring. In California it is found in the northwestern region, central-western region, central Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, South Coast, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular ranges up to 6600 feet (about 2000 m).
What is the difference between fennel and Dog Fennel?
Both have very thin feathery leaves and produce pungent odor when crushed. Edible fennel contains non toxic oils, whereas Dog Fennel contains chemical defense toxins. One suggested use for Dog Fennel is as a “strewing herb” to control insects.
What is Dog Fennel good for?
Essential oils of Dog-fennel have shown activity as an insecticide and antifungal agent; leaves have been used to repel mosquitoes and juice from the plant extracted to treat bites of reptiles and insects. Livestock usually avoid consuming Dog Fennel since the plant contains liver-damaging alkaloids.
Is there another plant that looks like chamomile?
Often mistaken for chamomile, pineapple weed is a close sister and is an annual plant. It grows from May to September. Pineapple weed may be confused with young mayweed chamomile; however the mayweed does not emit a pineapple-like odour when crushed.
What is false chamomile?
False chamomile (Matricaria perforata) is an annual to short lived perennial in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is also known as Matricaria inodora, Matricaria maritime ssp. inodora, Tripleurospermum inodorum, and Tripleurospermum perforatum.
What is another name for dog fennel?
Eupatorium capillifolium (Dogfennel, Dog Fennel, Thoroughwort) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
Is dog fennel edible to humans?
Dog fennel contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to birds and mammals, including people. Pyrrolizidines cause the veins in the liver to clog and retain fluid and ultimately fail.
Does fennel raise blood pressure?
Blood pressure
Dietary nitrates in fennel and other foods have vasodilatory and vasoprotective properties. Because of this, they can help lower blood pressure and protect the heart.
Is fennel good for anxiety?
Fennel tea has traditionally been used to calm anxiety. Although more research is needed, one 2018 study did find that fennel had anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in postmenopausal people. Best used for: Fennel is best used for digestive problems, which are common anxiety symptoms.
What are the three types of chamomile?
Chamaemelum nobile, Roman chamomile. Cota tinctoria, dyer’s, golden, oxeye, or yellow chamomile. Eriocephalus punctulatus, Cape chamomile. Matricaria discoidea, wild chamomile or pineapple weed.
What can be mistaken for chamomile?
Plants that could be mistaken for German chamomile are:
- Roman chamomile: pithy base.
- Mayweed: pithy base.
- Scentless mayweed: pithy base.
- Wild chamomile: lack of white ray florets.
What is the common name for chamomile?
Matricaria chamomilla is one of several different species in the daisy family (Asteraceae) that have the common name chamomile. Also known as German chamomile or wild chamomile, it is one of two species commonly used for making the tisane (herbal infusion) called chamomile tea.
Who should not use chamomile?
Precautions about its use are advised for pregnant people, breastfeeding people, children under 12 years old, and people with liver or kidney disease. Those who have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should not use Roman chamomile.
Can chamomile cause liver damage?
Extracts, oils and teas made from chamomile are used for its soothing qualities as a sedative, mild analgesic and sleep medication. Chamomile has not been implicated in causing serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent liver injury.
Is chamomile a carcinogen?
In vitro and animal studies indicate that chamomile extracts have anti-inflammatory (11), anti-hyperglycemic (12), antigenotoxic (13), and anticancer (14) properties.
Does dog fennel have a smell?
Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium) is a tall annual or short-lived perennial plant native to North America. Typically, this plant has densely hairy stems that arise from a woody crown. Leaves are deeply dissected, giving it a hairy or feathery appearance. When crushed, the leaves give off a distinct, pungent smell.
Do butterflies like dog fennel?
Dog Fennel can become aggressively weedy but is very attractive to butterflies and other insects.
Does dog fennel repel fleas?
It has a distinct aroma when it is mowed. It is said that when the plant is cut and dried, placing the dried material around dog pens can help repel fleas and other pests. It has no forage value; however, some landscapers use it as a decorative plant because of its tall, showy foliage.
What does dog fennel taste like?
The plant tissue of dogfennel contains an alkaloid toxin, pyrrolizidine. In mammals this compound causes liver damage and potentially fatal fluid retentions, if consumed in large quantities. A bitter taste is present in the adult male Scarlet-bodied Wasp Moths which consume the toxin laden leave tissues.
Is fennel a hallucinogenic?
Spices such as fennel, dill, cinnamon, saffron, and anise also contain psychoactive substances that are chemically similar to myristicin, which can induce sedation, stimulation, or hallucinations.
Can fennel be toxic?
Although rare, side effects might include stomach upset and seizures. When applied to the skin: Fennel is possibly safe. Fennel can make skin extra sensitive to the sun and make it easier to get a sunburn.