Practical
Plants

Achillea ageratum

Mace

a perennial member of the Achillea genus in the family Compositae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.6 m
Spread
0.6 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Leaves - raw or cooked. The initial flavour is mild and pleasant, though it becomes stronger and aromatic when the leaves are chewed, and leaves a tingly sensation in the mouth[K]. They make an acceptable addition to mixed salads, the plant is very productive, though the leaves are rather small and fiddly to pick in quantity[K]. They are also used in soups, stews etc., and as a flavouring in potato salad etc[3]. The aromatic leaves are used as a tea substitute[3].

Product or use
Condiment
Product or use
Tea
Plant part
Leaves

Environment

Range
Europe - Greece.
Habitat
The origin of this plant is uncertain, it is possibly a hybrid, A. ptarmica x A. macrocephala[4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring or early autumn in a cold frame[2]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months[2]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If this species is a hybrid it might not breed true from seed. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of new shoots in spring. Very easy, collect the shoots when they are about 10cm tall, potting them up individually in pots and keeping them in a warm but lightly shaded position. They should root within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out in the summer.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position[1][6]. It also succeeds in partial shade[4]. Plants live longer in a poor soil[6]. Established plants are very drought tolerant, they can show distress in very severe droughts but usually recover[5]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[7]. Hardy to about -20°c[4]. An excellent plant to grow in a large pot, the long stems will tend to arch down and continue to flower for a long time[8]. The leaves have a pungent aroma, especially when the plant is grown in a hot sunny position[9]. The plant is intermediate between A. millefolium and A. ptarmica in its characteristics[7]. There is at least one named variety, selected for its ornamental value[7]. Hybridizes freely with other members of the genus[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. 1987-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30725-8

    ↩

  9. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

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