The Germans think that a 2-to-3-foot-tall (0.6- to 1-m) annual from Europe and western Asia (Matricaria recutita, or German chamomile) is the only true chamomile, while the English think that a 9-inch (23-cm) creeping perennial from western Europe and Ireland (Chamaemelum nobile, or Roman chamomile, featured in the image below) is the only true chamomile.

Most people compare the scent of the chamomile flowers and foliage with apples. The Spanish call it “little apple” — manzanilla — and use it to flavor a sherry of the same name.

Both plants look and smell a great deal alike and are used to make a relaxing tea. Chamomile does contain some sedative chemicals, and many herbalists are convinced that it’s also good for heartburn. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds make a chamomile compress or ointment worth trying for rashes and other skin problems. Try an infusion in your bath if you have poison ivy.

Both chamomiles have delicate, threadlike leaves and daisylike flowers with white rays and an endearing, cone-shaped button center.

German chamomile is taller, more upright, and produces more flowers per plant. Roman chamomile has thicker and flatter leaves, but the acid test is to tear open the receptacle — the swelling behind the flower head — and see whether it’s hollow (German) or solid (Roman).

You can grow both chamomiles from seed, but the annual German chamomile is both easier to find on seed racks and to germinate. It prefers light, moisture retentive soil but is forgiving, and tolerates drought and alkaline soil. Sow in spring or fall; thin seedlings to 8 inches. Heat launches the flowering season, and you should be able to get about three good harvests every two weeks.

When conditions are right, German chamomile reseeds into every nook and cranny. Fortunately, having chamomile as a companion is said to make every plant healthier. You won’t get more than two or three cups of chamomile tea from a single plant, so cheer on all the volunteers.

Roman chamomile, hardy through Zone 3, also grows almost anywhere. It doesn’t like hot dry weather, though. In very hot regions, give plants some afternoon shade; elsewhere, full sun. Start Roman chamomile from seed, cuttings, or division, and space plants about 1 foot (30 cm) apart.

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