October 06, 2023 https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/186469405
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/186469405
Matricaria discoidea or Pineapple weed is from the Ateracae family and is also known as wild chamomile. It is an invasive weed that is said to have originated in Kodiak only to flourish all over the state. It stands about 6 inches tall but can be up to 12 inches, a leafy plant with a yellow cone-like head. It can be eliminated by weeding, though it may take several attempts. Surprisingly there is not much literature on this little weed for how common and widespread it is. In my area is grows along road sides, along houses or buildings and always out of gravel. From what I have seen gravel/dirt is the common denominator, there doesn’t appear to be a preferred habitat such as swamp, wetlands, drainage areas, tundra, etc. As a matter of fact, I’ve been told that animal urine helps it to grow and spread. I am not sure if that is true, but it is PLENTIFUL in the area where my dog uses the bathroom.
According to the Alutiiq Museum pineapple has a wide variety of medicinal uses. These are all internal and include help to new mothers by cleansing their systems, producing milk and even cleaning baby’s system via milk. It can be used to clear out baby’s black meconium stools if a small is given directly to baby. Aside from maternal benefits, pineapple weed can be used as a laxative, relaxant, sleeping aid and cold relief. I believe this to be a reliable source and most of this I have heard passed down via word of mouth.
Pineapple Weed, wild chamomile. Alutiiq Museum. (n.d.). https://alutiiqmuseum.org/medicinal-plants/pineapple-weed
Bauder, P., Bella, E., Heutte, T., Lapina, I., & McKee, C. (n.d.). Invasive Plants of Alaska.