Tanacetum balsamita

Common name(s): costmary, alecost, bible leaf

Description: a versatile perennial herb that has fallen into obscurity as of late. Native to Southern Europe and West Asia. Popular in old world herbalism and knot gardens. Strongly aromatic leaves have been dried and used as a bookmark (typically in bibles) and are said to repel silverfish and book lice. 

Height: to 6 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- used to flavor ale, potpourri, dried for bookmarks, 

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below