Dalmation Pellitory




There are about 70 species of mostly aromatic annuals, perennials, and subshrubs in this genus, which ranges throughout northern temperate regions. It includes members of the daisy family, formerly classified in Balsamita, Chrysanthemum, Matricaria, and Pyrethrum. Many are aromatic, containing pungent volatile oils and insecticidal compounds that may cause unpleasant reactions if handled, or consumed in excess. Most are invasive and need vigilant control in the garden. These members of the daisy family are rich in volatile oils, bitters, and sesquiterpene lactones, which inhibit allergic, inflammatory responses, and are insecticidal. They are extremely pungent, potent herbs and should be used with caution. Tanacetum balsamita is an attractive plant for the silver or white garden. Its leaves were once used as fragrant bookmarks, hence the obsolete common name "bibleleaf". The word "cost" in its more widely used common names "alecost" and "costmary" is from the Sanskrit kustha, an aromatic plant, while "ale" recalls its roll in brewing, and "mary" refers to the Virgin Mary, to whom the plant was dedicated. Tanecetum parthenium (feverfew) was described in old herbals as a remedy for headaches but forgotten until the 1970s when Mrs Anne Jenkins, a doctors wife in Cardiff, Wales, found that it cured her migraine and reported its effectiveness. Clinical trials in the 1980s supported evidence that it is indeed an effective and relatively safe remedy in many cases of migraine. Insecticides based on pyrethins were first made from the flowers of red pyrethrum (T. coccineum syn. Chrysanthemum coccineum, Pyrethrum roseum), and were known as Persian Insect Powder. The flowers of T. cinerariifolium were later found to be more effective. Dried flowers and powder retain their insecticidal properties almost indefinately. Pyrethrins are non-toxic to mammals. Tanacetum vulgare was important as a strewing herb in the 16th century. It contains thujone, and insecticidal substance also found in Artemisia absinthium (See, Wormwood), which is highly toxic in excess. Tansy featured in a number of Easter rituals in the British Isles, as a cleansing herb after the Lenten fast, and symbol of the bitter Passover herbs. Tansy cakes, a kind of omelet, were traditionally eaten at this time, and awarded to the victor in a handball game played in the parishes between clergy and congregation. Tanacetum is from the Greek athanasia, "immortality", possibly referring to the long-lived flowers of certain species, or to the practice of packing corpses with tansy leaves to preserve them and deter insects until burial.

Perennial with slender stems, and gray-green, lanceolate to oblong, deeply divided leaves, 10-20cm (4-8in) long. Solitary flowers, about 3cm (1¼in) across, with white ray petals and yellow disk florets, appear from early summer to early autumn.

Common Name:	Dalmation Pellitory
Other Names:	Pyrethrum
Botanical Name:	Tanacetum cinerariifolium syn. Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, Pyrethrum cinerariifolium
Genus:	Tanacetum
Family:	Asteraceae
Native Location:	Balkans and Albania
Cultivation:	Well-drained to dry, stony soil in sun. Remove dead flower heads or Tanacetum parthenium to prevent excessive self-seeding. Tanacetum vulgare is invasive.
Propagation:	By seed sown at 10-13°C (50-55°F) in spring (species and some variants only); by division in spring or autumn; by basal cuttings in spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Whole plants (T. parthenium, T. vulgare) are cut when flowers, and leaves are picked as required, and used fresh or dried in infusions, liquid extracts, powders, and tinctures. Tanacetum vulgare is distilled for oil. Leaves (T. parthenium) are sometimes eaten fresh, or dried for use in tablets to treat migraine, rheumatism, and arthritis. Flowers (T. cinerariifolium are picked as they open and are dried for powder.
Height:	30-75cm (12-30in)
Width:	30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z4-9
Parts Used:	Flowers
Properties:	An aromatic herb with strong insecticidal effects.
Ecomonic Uses:	Dried flowers are used in insectides and fumigants, especially in sprays to control pests and insect-borne diseases in aircraft.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg. 381