Paul Johnston is the founder and master herbalist of The Herb Prof, with decades of clinical experience in naturopathic medicine, herbal remedies, detoxification and holistic wellness. After overcoming his own serious health challenges, he now dedicates himself to helping others reclaim their health naturally.
Chamomile and daisy are easy to confuse. Both produce white petals around a yellow centre and belong to the same Asteraceae family. The differences become clear once you know what to look for: size, leaf shape, scent, and how each plant is actually used.
Chamomile comes in two main species. German chamomile is an annual that grows up to two feet tall and produces a strong, bitter tea. Roman chamomile is a perennial, shorter at around one foot, and yields a sweeter, fruitier flavour. Daisies are generally larger, hardier, and come in far greater variety, with over 20,000 species ranging from the compact Bellis perennis to the tall Shasta daisy.
Characteristics of Chamomile vs Daisy
While chamomile and daisy share a family resemblance, several physical features set them apart. The table below breaks down the key differences at a glance.
| Feature | Chamomile | Daisy |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Up to 1–2 ft | Up to 3 ft |
| Petals | White, small | White, pink, or yellow; larger |
| Leaves | Feathery, thread-like | Broader, serrated edges |
| Scent | Sweet, apple-like | Mild, slightly sweet |
| Pollen buds | Elongated, less compact | Round, tight |
| Bloom time | Spring–Summer | Summer–Fall |
Beyond the features in the table, the stems of these two plants are also noticeably different. Chamomile stems are thin and delicate, and the plant tends to grow low to the ground in a loose, mat-like shape. Daisy stems are sturdier and more upright, giving the plant a taller, more structured appearance in the garden.
Smell as an Identification Tip
One of the easiest ways to tell chamomile and daisy apart in real life is simply to crush a leaf or flower between your fingers and smell it. Chamomile has a distinctive sweet, apple-like scent that is immediately recognisable. Daisies, by contrast, have a much fainter, more neutral smell. If you are ever unsure which plant you are looking at, the scent test will give you an answer within seconds.
Similarities Between Chamomile vs Daisy
Both Members of the Daisy Family
Daisies and chamomile share a common family, which is the Asteraceae family. This family is also known as the daisy family, and it includes many other plants such as sunflowers, marigolds, and asters. Both chamomile and daisies have a similar appearance with white petals and yellow centers. However, chamomile flowers are much smaller than daisy flowers.
Can Have Medicinal Uses
Both chamomile and daisies have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Chamomile tea, which is made from the dried flowers of German chamomile, Roman chamomile, or Matricaria chamomilla, has a calming effect and many people drink it to treat anxiety and insomnia Similarly, daisy tea, which is made from the dried flowers of Bellis perennis, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat respiratory problems and digestive issues.
Practitioners also use both chamomile and daisies in alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy and homeopathy. Chamomile essential oil is used to relieve stress and anxiety, while daisy essential oil is used to soothe skin irritation and inflammation.
Growing and Using Chamomile vs Daisy
When it comes to tea and culinary use, chamomile is the clear choice. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal remedy for relaxation and sleep, and it can also be used in baking and cooking. Daisy does not feature commonly in either.
Growing requirements differ between the two. Chamomile prefers full sun and well-draining soil, while daisies tolerate a bit more shade and prefer slightly moist soil. Both can be grown from seed, but chamomile also spreads through division. There are different types worth knowing: wild chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is hardier and handles hot, dry summers well, while Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) needs more watering but works beautifully as a low-growing ground cover that releases its scent when walked on.
If your goal is medicinal use or tea, chamomile is the better choice. For visual impact, cut flowers, or low-maintenance borders, daisies offer far more variety in colour, height, and bloom time. If space allows, growing both is worth considering as they complement each other well and serve entirely different purposes once harvested.
References – Chamomile vs Daisy
- Royal Horticultural Society – Chamomile
- Britannica – Daisy
- PubMed – Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future
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Frequently Asked Questions – Chamomile vs Daisy
What distinguishes chamomile from other daisy family members?
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is often confused with other members of the family, such as daisies. However, you can distinguish chamomile from other daisy family members by its small, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres. Chamomile flowers have a sweet, apple-like fragrance, which is another distinguishing feature.
Can chamomile leaves be used in herbal remedies?
Herbalists commonly use chamomile leaves in herbal remedies. Chamomile leaves contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. You can use them to make teas, tinctures, and poultices to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, anxiety, and skin irritations.
How can I identify true chamomile seeds for planting?
True chamomile seeds can be identified by their small, oblong shape and light brown color. They are also slightly curved and have ridges running along their length. When planting chamomile seeds, it is important to choose a variety that is suitable for your growing conditions, as some types of chamomile prefer cooler temperatures and moist, well-drained soil.
What are the medicinal properties of daisy flowers?
Daisy flowers offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. Daisy flowers also contain antioxidants that can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Are there any toxicities associated with chamomile plants?
Chamomile is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, some people may be allergic to chamomile, and it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid chamomile, as it may cause uterine contractions.
Which plant is commonly confused with chamomile and how can I tell them apart?
One plant that is commonly confused with chamomile is pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea). Pineapple weed is a member of the same family as chamomile and has similar flowers, but it has a distinctive pineapple-like scent when crushed. Another way to tell the two plants apart is by their leaves, pineapple weed has fern-like leaves, while chamomile has feathery, finely divided leaves.
Can you make tea from daisy flowers?
Daisy tea can be made from the dried flowers of Bellis perennis, the common daisy. Traditional herbalists have used it for centuries for its mild anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used to ease digestive discomfort and respiratory issues. However, daisy tea is far less widely consumed than chamomile tea and has a much milder, more neutral flavour.