It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.
Find out more about their blog series here.
Today, a new volunteer called Lillie joined us. Carole introduced Lillie to the other volunteers and showed her around the Medieval Herb Garden. Lillie had to read the MHG-specific health and safety guidance (with photos of the plants to be “wary of”). She then got to see them outside in situ.
Carole then chopped back some of the spent flowers, such as alecost, marigolds, and chicory. These are currently at least three weeks ahead of last year. She also harvested some lovage seeds for sowing next year.
Helen and Dave were kept busy weeding the MHG in the meantime.
Some unexpected, but most welcome, visitors this morning were three members of the Brazilian punk rock band 'Anti Virus'. Their lead singer was especially interested in the herbs. He translated our words for the other members of the band. He also explained to us how some of them are used in Brazil today.
Plant of the Week - Dyer's chamomile (cota tinctoria)
The word 'chamomile' comes from the Greek 'chamai', meaning 'on the ground', and 'mēlon', meaning 'apple'. This likely refers to the plant's low-growing habit and its flowers' apple-like fragrance.
The term 'dyer's' is added because the plant has been historically used to produce a yellow dye for fabrics. The name 'tinctoria' itself means 'dyeing' in Latin.
Its other names are yellow chamomile, golden marguerite and ox-eye chamomile.
In horticulture this plant is still widely referred to by its synonym, 'Anthemis tinctoria'.
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Dyer's chamomile growing in the Medieval Herb Garden |
Dyer's chamomile is native to Europe, the Caucasus and Iran. This amazingly bright yellow flowered plant can flower from May to October. Last year in the MHG, it flowered for 30 weeks!
It is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial. However, it tends to go leggy and needs a good 'haircut' after flowering. It can sometimes die after two years of growth.
It will grow in any neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil. It can grow anywhere but north-facing, in full sun to part shade. It will even survive maritime exposure. It grows to a height and spread of up to 2ft.
It has deeply-cut, ferny foliage. This is mid to dark green above and downy-grey beneath, and has a pleasant smell.
It has long-lasting yellow, daisy-like flowers, with darker yellow dome-shaped centres. The flowers are borne on long, thin angular stems. They have an apple-like scent.
Culinary uses of dyer's chamomile
Dyeing with dyer's chamomile
Dyer's chamomile flowers can be used either fresh or dried. They have been used for centuries to dye fabrics.
Dyer’s chamomile contains several chemicals that contribute to its yellow dye. These include flavones like apigenin and luteolin, as well as flavonols such as quercetagin and patuletin. These compounds, when extracted and used with a mordant, can produce a range of yellow shades. Mordants, like aluminium sulphate (alum), are crucial for fixing the dye to the fibres and intensifying the colour. Without a mordant, the colour may be very pale or even colourless.
The plant is said to work better on wool and silk than on cotton.
Folklore and other facts about dyer's chamomile
Dyer's chamomile may be used in combination with yarrow and nettles to create a liquid fertilizer.
It is pollinated by bees, butterflies, moths, flies and beetles.
Medieval uses*
Some traditional medicine may have used dyer's chamomile. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-muscle spasm and soothing properties.
It was drank as a tea, which could be made either from the flowers or the whole plant. Applied externally, it was used as a poultice on haemorrhoids. It could be applied to bath water. The leaves were also rubbed onto insect stings.
Care must be taken, however, as it is possible that dyer’s chamomile can raise blisters on the skin.
*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.