Costmary
Costmary, (Tanacetum balsamita), aromatic perennial herb of the aster family (Asteraceae) with yellow button-shaped flowers. Its bitter, slightly lemony leaves may be used fresh in salads and fresh or dried as a flavouring, particularly for meats, poultry, and English ale. The dried leaves are also used as a tea and in potpourri.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Costmary
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
14 November 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026