A herbaceous perennial, on a stout rootstock, 1-1.2 m (3-4 ft.) tall, with irregularly pinnate, inversely lance-shaped leaves and dense corymbs of fluffy, creamy flowers in summer. Leaves have a more pleasant, aromatic scent than the sickly, hawthorn-like smell of the flowers.
History and traditions
The Dutch named this herb “reinette” (little queen) and it is known in several European languages as queen of the meadows. It features in the poetry of Ben Jonson as “meadow’s queen” and John Clare celebrates its beauty in his poem “To Summer”. It is said to have been Queen Elizabeth |’s favorite strewing herb.
Growth
Grow in moist to boggy soil, or by a pond margin, in sun or partial shade dislikes acid soil. Propagated by seed sown in spring or in autumn and over wintered in a cold frame, or by division in autumn or spring.
Uses
Medicinal
A traditional remedy, taken as an infusion, for heartburn, excess acidity and gastric ulcers. Also said to be helpful for rheumatism, arthritis and urinary infections.
Culinary
The leaves may be used to flavor soups and stews. Aromatic Leaves and flowers, dried, are added to pot-pourri the scent of the flowers improves with keeping.
