Foetid Chamomile
Anthemis cotula
Last reviewed: August 2026
Foetid Chamomile is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Native alternatives to Foetid Chamomile
Foetid Chamomile is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaFoetid chamomile is a small annual wildflower with daisy-like white blooms and finely divided foliage. Despite its name suggesting an unpleasant odor, it produces cheerful flowers throughout the summer months. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements.
In an HOA neighborhood
Foetid Chamomile takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Common name includes 'stinking' which creates negative perception
- Can appear weedy and informal in maintained landscapes
- Annual growth habit means gaps and inconsistent coverage
Wildlife value
The daisy-like flowers attract a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies during its summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Foetid Chamomile need?
- Foetid Chamomile grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Foetid Chamomile bloom?
- Foetid Chamomile blooms in June, July, and August.
- Is Foetid Chamomile toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Foetid Chamomile is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Foetid Chamomile toxic to cats?
- Yes. Foetid Chamomile is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Foetid Chamomile attract?
- Foetid Chamomile draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Foetid Chamomile HOA-friendly?
- Foetid Chamomile takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Foetid Chamomile and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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