Pineapple Weed

Recognise this plant? It's a common wild plant you'll see growing on the edges of paths and footways and in grassy areas and lawns.

It's Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea), also sometimes called May Weed (it first appears in May and sticks around until October) or Wild Chamomile.

Technically, it's an invasive species as it is originally from Asia and was introduced to the UK in the 18th century. Apparently, it escaped from Kew Gardens and became one of the fastest spreading plants in the British Isles. It's a relative of both the common Daisy and Chamomile. 

You might think it's called Pineapple Weed because the flower heads look a little bit like pineapples. However, while that is sort-of true, it's actually because of the way the plant smells and tastes. 

Next time you see some, pick it up and have a sniff. It gives off a lovely fresh fruity smell. Give it a wash before tasting - you never know what might have trampled (or worse) on it - but I reckon you'll be pleasantly surprised. The flower heads are the best part of this plant and taste very like pineapple. You can nibble them or use them to refreshing drinks such as tisanes, iced teas or cordials. Pineapple weed tea can also be used as a base for sorbet or granita. The leaves can be added to salads or nibbled as you're out walking.

Like its relative, Chamomile, it's credited with helping to reduce stress. But it has traditionally also been used to treat tummy upsets, sores and fevers. It's also considered to be an effective insect repellent.

Always remember the Golden Rule of Foraging - Unless you are 100% sure of identification LEAVE IT ALONE. 

In this instance you're fine as only closely-related plants look or smell like it and none of them are toxic.

However, some people might have an allergy to the chemicals in the plant so always take a tiny nibble first to see if there's any reaction.