Matricaria chamomilla

Native to Macaronesia, North Africa, and temperate Eurasia east to Indochina, this annual herb develops erect, branching stems that can reach about 2 feet tall. Small fragrant flower heads have white ray florets surrounding a raised golden-yellow centre of tubular florets. Flowering occurs from early to midsummer. The species grows in fields, meadows, roadsides, and other disturbed ground. Its flowers are used to make herbal tea and attract bees and flies. It may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed. Photographed in Colombia.