Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 845 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tanacetum
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Medit. to Krym and Iran
Description
Costmary: A Versatile Herb with Historical Significance
Costmary, known scientifically as Tanacetum balsamita, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. With its origins traced back to the Eastern Mediterranean region, stretching to areas such as Crimea and Iran, this plant has been revered for centuries for its multifaceted uses and pleasant, balsamic scent.
Historically, costmary gained prominence due to its wide range of applications. It was often cultivated in medieval and early modern gardens for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The leaves of costmary, which are aromatic and lanceolate, were commonly employed as a flavoring agent in dishes and beverages. The plant’s refreshing scent also made it a favorite for use as a bookmark in Bibles, giving it the nickname “Bible leaf.”
In terms of medicinal properties, costmary was traditionally used in herbal remedies to treat various ailments. Its leaves were believed to have antiseptic and astringent properties, making it useful for wound care and other minor health issues. Additionally, the plant was often utilized in making teas and infusions to aid digestion and alleviate headaches.
The scientific community first formally recognized costmary in 1753, when it was catalogued in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by Linnaeus, a pioneering Swedish botanist whose contributions laid the groundwork for modern botanical nomenclature.
In the garden, costmary is valued for its resilience and ease of growth. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. The plant typically grows to a height of about 2 to 3 feet and produces clusters of small, yellowish flowers that bloom in mid to late summer.
Today, costmary continues to be a valued herb in various cultural and regional practices, maintaining its legacy as a versatile and historically significant plant. Whether used for its aromatic properties, healing potential, or simply as an ornamental addition to gardens, costmary holds a treasured place in the world of herbal plants.
Common Names
Deu: balsam-wucherblume, balsamkraut
Dan: balsam-rejnfan
Eng: costmary, alecost, costmary chrysanthemum, mint geranium, mint-geranium
Swe: balsamblad, luktsalvia
Nno: balsamkrage
Nob: balsamkrage
Fra: tanaisie balsamite, balsamite, chrysanthème balsamique, grande balsamite, herbe-au-coq, menthe-coq, menthe-de-notre-dame
Cym: llys mair fadlen, mintys mair, tansi mair
En: Costmary, Alecost, Mint geranium, Costmary chrysanthemum, Mint-geranium
Ca: Cost
Da: Balsam-rejnfan
Nl: Balsemwormkruid
Fr: Tanaisie balsamite, Balsamite, Chrysanthème balsamique, Grande balsamite, Herbe-au-coq, Menthe-coq, Menthe-de-Notre-Dame, Menthe de Notre Dame
De: Balsam-Wucherblume, Balsamkraut
It: Erba di Santa Maria, Erba-amara balsamica
Nb: Balsamkrage
Nn: Balsamkrage
Sv: Balsamblad, Luktsalvia
Cy: Llys Mair Fadlen, Mintys Mair, Tansi Mair
Synonyms
- Leucanthemum balsamita ((L.) Over)
- Chrysanthemum apetalum (Steud.)
- Chrysanthemum balsamita f. tanacetoides ((Boiss.) B.Boivin)
- Pyrethrum majus ((Desf.) Tzvelev)
- Tanacetum simplicifolium (Salisb.)
- Pyrethrum balsamita ((L.) Willd.)
- Pyrethrum tanacetum (DC.)
- Matricaria apetala (DC.)
- Pyrethrum balsamita var. tanacetoides (Boiss.)
- Balsamita vulgaris (Willd.)
- Chamaemelum balsamita ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
- Chrysanthemum balsamita ((L.) Baill.)
- Matricaria balsamita ((L.) Desr.)
- Tanacetum balsamitum (St.-Lag.)
- Balsamita balsamita ((L.) Rydb.)
- Balsamita suaveolens (Pers.)
- Balsamita major var. tanacetoides ((Boiss.) Moldenke)
- Chrysanthemum majus (Asch.)
- Balsamita major (Desf.)
- Tanacetum ovatifolium (Stokes)
Distribution
- Cyprus (native)
- Iran (native)
- Krym (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Albania (introduced)
- Baltic States (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Colorado (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Corse (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Hungary (introduced)
- Idaho (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Kansas (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- Montana (introduced)
- Nevada (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Nova Scotia (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Saskatchewan (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
- South Dakota (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Switzerland (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
- Utah (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
- Wyoming (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Pham Lotus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Gaynor Schild (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Diána Janicsek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2018 by Pere Valls (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 25, 2022 by vicki b (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2022 by maksimovanechka maksimovanechka (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2018 by Pere Valls (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2018 by Pere Valls (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Alexandr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2020 by nasrin norozi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Manu_ (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Jean-Louis Denereaz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2018 by Pere Valls (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Joey F (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3118254)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:249302-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tanacetum balsamita L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 7
