Pineapple-weed

Matricaria matricarioides

Weed Description
A summer or winter annual with finely dissected leaves that emit a sweet pineapple-like odor when crushed. Pineapple-weed is primarily a weed of landscapes, nurseries, and turfgrass, but also occurs in compacted areas like gravel roads or walkways. Pineapple-weed is found throughout the United States.

Leaves
Individual leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are from 1/2 to 2 inches long. Each leaf is hairless and divided into many narrow segments (1 to 2 mm wide) that give off a pineapple-like smell when crushed.

Stems
Smooth, hairless, branched, reaching a maximum of 16 inches in height.

Flowers
One or several flowers are produced at the ends of the stems on short flower stalks (peduncles). Individual flowers are cone-shaped, from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. Flowers are greenish yellow in color.

Fruit
An achene.

Roots
A taproot with secondary fibrous roots.

Identifying Characteristics
Low-growing plants with finely divided foliage that gives off a pineapple smell when crushed. Pineapple-weed may be confused with young Mayweed Chamomile (Anthemis cotula) or Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium) seedlings, however neither of these species emits a pineapple-like odor when crushed. Additionally, both mayweed chamomile and dogfennel grow much taller than pineapple-weed.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Pineapple-weed

Matricaria matricarioides

Trouble identifying a weed?