Water
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
Valley Mayweed (Matricaria occidentalis) is a fragrant annual herb native to western North America, often found in open, disturbed areas and meadows.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Regular
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce in cooler months.
Well-drained, sandy, loamy, clay
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers mild to warm temperatures. Can tolerate light frost once established.
Light
25% intensity
A light feeding in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
Deadheading spent flowers regularly encourages more blooms and prevents self-seeding if unwanted. Light pruning can be done to maintain a tidy appearance or shape.
Remove any yellowing or diseased foliage promptly to promote plant health.
Valley Mayweed readily self-seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature flower heads and sown directly in the garden in autumn or early spring. It can also be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring.
As an annual or short-lived perennial that often self-seeds, repotting is rarely necessary. If grown in containers and it becomes root-bound, repot into a slightly larger container in spring using well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Valley Mayweed (Matricaria occidentalis)
Where Valley Mayweed (Matricaria occidentalis) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Matricaria |
| Species | Matricaria occidentalis |
Similar in genus Matricaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data