Pineapple weed (Matricaria matricariodes)
Pineapple weed is the first medicinal herb I learned in the
wild country of northern Minnesota. Like plantain, it grows in an incredibly
broad climate range. A close American relative of European chamomile
(Matricaria recutita), pineapple weed shares many of the same medicinal qualities:
a soothing nervine, calming digestive tonic. It commonly grows in driveways and
gravelly areas, so it is especially important to avoid harvesting flowerheads
from high traffic areas. Also, only harvest summer flower heads as they are more flavorful and better medicine. Pineapple weed makes a yummy tincture, or can be dried
and taken as tea.