Pineappleweed
Matricaria discoidea
A low annual with finely divided leaves and rounded green-yellow flower heads without white ray petals. The crushed plant has a pineapple-like scent. Flowers and leaves have documented culinary uses, including flower tea. It often grows in compacted disturbed soil.
Native range
North America and northeastern Asia; introduced to other temperate regions. References differ on the precise Old World range.
Typical season
Flowering growth is the usual food reference. Moisture, disturbance and climate affect timing; a North American flowering description is not a validated Toronto monthly harvest calendar.
Identification
Check finely divided leaves and the rayless, cone-like flower heads together; scent alone is insufficient. Distinguish other mayweeds and chamomiles, including irritating or unsuitable lookalikes. Avoid flower use with known daisy-family allergies. Growth along paths or parking areas does not make a site clean or a harvest permitted.