Alecost (Tanacetum balsamita)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Tanacetum balsamita is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in soups, beer etc. — Leaves - raw or used as a flavouring in soups, beer etc.; They can be chopped and added sparingly to salads.; They have a very pleasant aroma, but can be overpowering in the food if you are not careful.; The leaves were at one time widely used in brewing beer, before being superseded by hops (Humulus lupulus).

Habitat & North American Range

An introduced weed of roadsides in eastern N. America. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)