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COSTMARY


COSTMARY (Chrysanthemum balsamita)

Costmary is another perennial member of the large chrysanthemum clan. Leavesare large-to about 7 inches long-and have toothed edges; flower stems areerect and stiff, and grow 24 feet tall. Plants that have flowers withoutpetals are C. b. variety tanacetoides. Although its appearance is somewhatweedy, the sweet scent of the foliage makes it a pleasant herb for the garden.

Costmary (or alecost, as it has been called in the past) has always beenvalued for its fragrance and flavor. The leaves were once used in brewingbeer and ale, in sausage making, and in salads. It was also used to makea sweet water for washing. In many European countries costmary is dedicatedto the Virgin Mary, but it also has associations with St. Mary Magdaleneand is known as "Sweet Mary." Early American colonists used theleaves as a book marker in their Bibles, bringing about another common name,Bible leaf. Leaves could be chewed on during a long and tiring sermon; theminty flavor was meant to keep the listener (or non listener) awake.

Give costmary a good, well drained garden soil and full sun or sun filteredshade. It dies to the ground in cold winter climates but will return inthe spring. Grow new plants from divisions taken in the spring or fall.If the leggy stems are cut back, the fragrant, gray green clumps of leavesmake a good looking edging for other
plants.

The minty flavored leaves can be used as a garnish in iced drinks or canbe brewed into a tea. If used very sparingly, the young tips are good forseasoning a simple green salad. Leaves are frequently placed in drawersand closets to give linens a pleasant aroma.