Chamomilla suaveolens

[Tom]

I believe the common name is pineapple something or other. Is it toxic? Lot's of my animals eat it with seemingly no ill effect, but they were eating oxalis too, before I knew better.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4332093736_8b4fe2591e_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4332092442_69ff257bc1_b.jpg

 

[Yvonne G]

Here's a great site for images of weeds that grow in the L.A. basin:

http://gardenawillows.org/commonweeds.pdf

But it doesn't say whether or not your weed is toxic.

But this other site says, " Source:

Simon, J.E., A.F. Chadwick and L.E. Craker. 1984. Herbs: An Indexed Bibliography. 1971-1980.
The Scientific Literature on Selected Herbs, and Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Temperate Zone. Archon Books, 770 pp., Hamden, CT.

Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All ., and German chamomile, Matricaria recutita , are two different species of plant commonly known as the same herb.

Formerly classified as Anthemis nobilis L . and called English or Russian chamomile, Roman chamomile is a creeping, herbaceous perennial native to western Europe and North Africa. Reaching a height of about 0.3 meters, the aromatic plant is characterized by downy stems and yellow-disc, white-ray flowers that appear in late spring or early July. Roman chamomile is cultivated in Europe, especially in Belgium, France, and England.

German chamomile, Matricaria recutita L ., is also known as matricaria, wild chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, and sweet false chamomile. This many-branched, erect-growing annual, formerly classified as Matricaria chamomilla L ., reaches a height of about 0.3 meter and has yellow disc white ray flowers. Cultivated in Germany, Hungary, Russia, and several other European countries, German chamomile is native to Europe and western Asia and naturalized in North America. Dried flowers from Roman and German chamomile are employed in herbal teas. Flower heads of Roman chamomile have been used in the manufacture of herb beers. The essential oils are used as agents in alcoholic beverages, confections, desserts, perfumes, and cosmetics. Roman chamomile is often grown as a ground cover or as an ornamental in flower gardens.

As medicinal plants, the chamomiles have been traditionally considered to be antispasmodics, carminatives, diaphoretics, emmenagogues, sedatives, and stomachics. The plants have been used as bitters, tonics, insect repellents, and as a folk remedies against asthma, colic, fevers, inflammations, and cancer. German chamomile has been used to induce sleep and as an anthelmintic.

Roman chamomile is a pharmaceutical aromatic bitter and chamazulene, obtained from German chamomile, is a pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic agent. Extracts of Roman chamomile have shown anti tumor activity and extracts of German chamomile are reported to have antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

Chamomile in tea may cause toxic reactions in individuals sensitive to ragweed or allergens.
The chamomiles can also cause contact dermatitis"

I would think that if your tortoises eat it its ok. But I wouldn't pull it and feed it ... let them eat it on their own.