Noxious Weed of the Month: chamomiles

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Photo courtesy Jamie Jones
Doppelgängers to the oxeye daisy, two species of chamomile are classified as noxious in Colorado: mayweed and scentless.

By Ethan Proud
PREVIEW Columnist

 The doppelgängers to oxeye daisy, these chamomiles are not your cup of tea. Two species of chamomile are classified as noxious in Colorado: mayweed and scentless. They are nearly identical, but mayweed chamomile gives of an offensive odor and is also known as stinking chamomile. To differentiate between oxeye daisy and an invasive chamomile, look at the leaves. Oxeye daisy has broad, waxy leaves, while chamomile leaves are fern-like and immature plants could be mistaken for dill. Flowers have a yellow center and white petals.

Small infestations of chamomile can be controlled by hand as they are annual or short-lived perennials with a basic root structure. However, upon flower formation, seeds are viable and each plant can produce up to 1 million seeds. A single year of neglect is enough to ensure years upon years of management. If manually removing chamomile, bag the plant to prevent any seeds from escaping. Due to high seed production, this species can establish quickly and crowd out native vegetation.

Scentless chamomile can be found in Chromo and on properties along South Pagosa Boulevard. For recommendations to control this plant, call the Archuleta County Weed and Pest Department at (970) 264-6773.

Archuleta County Weed and Pest is your local resource for managing noxious weed populations and controlling other pests.

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Visit us on the Web at https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/ or Like us on Facebook and get more information: https://www.facebook.com/CSUARCHCTY.

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