Weeds: Pineappleweed – Matricaria discoidea

• Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
• Cycle: Annual
• Plant type: Broadleaf

Biology

Pineappleweed grows to over one foot in height, with leaves finely divided into narrow, feathery segments. Cone-shaped or rounded yellow-greenish flowers are produced singly at the ends of branches. Each flower head is surrounded by several overlapping bracts with papery edges. Pineappleweed has no ray flowers. It gives off a strong pineapple odor when crushed. Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula) looks similar, but has a repulsive odor and white ray flowers.

Habitat

Pineappleweed is native to North America, and commonly occurs along roadsides, in gardens, and in cropland.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Reduce weed infestation by handpulling weeds.
• Careful digging is useful to manage weed populations. However, digging can carry undesirable weed seed to the surface and foster further germination.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Apply according to label instructions.
• Not a problem in healthy established turf.
• Glyphosate products should be applied as spot treatments only!
• NOTE: Some ingredients listed here are only available in combination.
• Read the label carefully on combination products to make sure the product is suitable for your specific situation.

Additional Images