Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) Tanacetum balsamita
Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) (Tanacetum balsamita) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Caucasus, Türkiye and Iran. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 45–90 cm (18–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 45–90 cm (18–35 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves (sparingly) |
| Native to | Caucasus, Türkiye and Iran |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves
Contains camphor and some thujone-type oils: a flavouring in small amounts, not a salad leaf. No reliable data for pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Costmary (alecost, bible leaf)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Costmary (alecost, bible leaf)
- How far apart should I plant Costmary (alecost, bible leaf)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 45–90 cm (18–35 in).
- Does Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Costmary (alecost, bible leaf)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Costmary (alecost, bible leaf) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Contains camphor and some thujone-type oils: a flavouring in small amounts, not a salad leaf. No reliable data for pets.
- What grows well with Costmary (alecost, bible leaf)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Costmary (alecost, bible leaf). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Spreads by rhizomes; long, balsam-scented leaves. Brewed into ale in medieval England (alecost); American colonists pressed a leaf in their Bibles ("bible leaf"). Flowers poorly in shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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