Bible Leaf Tanacetum balsamita
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Chrysanthemum balsamita
- Phonetic Spelling
- TAN-uh-SEE-tum bal-SAM-it-uh
- Description
-
A perennial herb with oval serrated leaves that have a eucalyptus fragrance. Sweeter and more aromatic than Tansy, when clipped, Costmary also makes an attractive, fragrant hedge in the herb garden or perennial border. Often called mint geranium but it is related neither to the mint nor the geranium family. It is in the Asteraceae family.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- tanacetum
- Species:
- balsamita
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Herb/edible garden, fragrant hedge, perennial border
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mediterranean
- Edibility:
- Edible
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 4 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Herb
- Perennial
-
-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Eucalyptus fragrance. Sweeter and more aromatic than Tansy. It can be used in place of mint in iced drinks and as a sage substitute in stuffing. It pairs well with egg and seafood dishes, and also sweet dishes like fruits and cake. Use sparingly as a little goes a long way, the leaf has a sharp tang and can rapidly be overpowering in any dish.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
