Is Chamomile Calendula?

Chamomile flowers look like daisies.

Chamomile and calendula are two different plant varieties. Both chamomile and calendula belong to the sunflower (Compositae) family. Each of these distinct flowers is dried and used in teas, potpourris and herbal sachets.

Considerations

Calendula is also known as the pot marigold.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an annual flower that blossoms from summer to fall. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial plant, but is also available as the annual German chamomile (Matricaria recutita).

Significance

Calendula and Chamomile plants prefer full to partial sun exposure. Both plants grow up to 24 inches in height. Neither plant tolerates drought conditions very well.

Benefits

Calendula plants produce gold, red and yellow blossoms. The centers are darker than the petal color and the ray-shaped petals give calendulas a ruffled appearance. Chamomile flowers resemble daisies, with white petals surrounding yellow centers.

History

Calendula originates from southern Europe. This flower was used by American colonists to color butter and cheese. They also used the flower heads to flavor soups. Chamomile is a southern Europe native as well and was brought to North America by Spanish colonists, who used it as a medicinal herb.

References

• North Carolina State University: Calendula
• North Carolina University: Chamomile
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Growing Herbs
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Calendula
• University of Texas Herbal Safety: Chamomile