Medieval herb garden blog 85: Alecost

Week 85 volunteer update

Carole was on her own today. She only really had time to tackle the lavender again. Some was cut and prepared for giving away in the shop. Another batch was cut for hanging on the drying racks for later use. Whilst preparing the lavender she chatted to the many visitors to Pontefract Castle. This included two completely separate familes from the east coast of Australia!

Although the garden is still looking very dried up, the little bit of rain we had last week has brought some life back to the creeping thyme. So there may yet be hope for the garden and the other 'dead' plants.

Plant of the week: Alecost / costmary (tanecetum balsamita)

'Tanacetum' or 'atanacetum' comes from the ancient Greek word 'athanasia' ('αθανασία'). This means 'immortality'. It refers to the long-lasting flower heads of certain species of the plant. 'Balsamita' comes from the Latin word 'balsamum' (meaning 'balm' or 'aromatic resin'). This in turn comes from the ancient Greek 'βᾰ́λσᾰμον' ('bắlsămon').

The name 'costmary' comes from the Latin 'costus'. This is the name of another plant, whose roots were used as a spice and as a preserve. 'Mary' is in reference to the Virgin Mary. 'Alecost' refers to the plant being used to flavour beer.

Its other names are sweet Mary, bible leaf, English maudlin, balsam herb, camphor plant, cologne plant, lady's balsam, lady's flower, lady's herb and mint geranium.

Alecost is native to the Mediterranean. It is an aromatic, spreading, woody-based, deciduous perennial. It prefers to grow in any well-drained, non-clay-based soil. It grows in any aspect but north-facing. Alecost grows well in full sun to partial shade. It won't flower if it is grown in full shade. It grows to a height of 3 ft (90 cm) with a spread of 18 inches (45 cm). The roots are rhizomatous. Because of this, their spread can need to be controlled.

Alecost has grey-green leaves. These are elongated and oval-shaped. The leaves are 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) long and 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 cm) wide. They are soft and smooth, with toothed edges. The leaves have fine, silky hairs when they are young. These become smoother as the plant ages. They give out a distinct balsam or minty smell when crushed.

Alecost flowers between July and September. The colour of the flowers is different depending on the variety. They can be either yellow, tansy-like button flowers or form a loose corymb of small, daisy-like flowers with yellow disk florets and short white rays. The Medieval Herb Garden has the white daisy-like variety.