Mace
Achillea ageratumfam. Asteraceae
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Pl. B609 — Achillea ageratum
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IOverview
Overview
Mace, scientifically known as Achillea ageratum and belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a perennial plant native to regions including Baleares, Belgium, Corse, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Spain, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in full sun and adapts well to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, making it versatile in various growing conditions. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, Mace is often used in culinary applications due to the edibility of its leaves, which can be used as a condiment or in tea. Additionally, it has been documented for its medicinal uses, making it a valuable plant in traditional medicine. Mace can grow up to 0.6 meters in height, contributing to its ornamental value. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. One can propagate Mace through division or seed sowing. While Mace is generally safe, caution should be exercised when using it medicinally, as individual reactions may vary.
Quick answers
What is Mace?
Mace, scientifically known as Achillea ageratum and belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a perennial plant native to regions including Baleares, Belgium, Corse, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Spain, and Yugoslavia.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used for calming the nervous system.
Digestive Comfort
digestiontea
Traditionally brewed to soothe digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mace prefers full sun and thrives in well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. Water moderately to ensure the soil remains consistently damp but not soggy. Mace is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.6 meters. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mace for the first time
8steps
Start with Mace for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly perennial.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Mace seeds or small plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare by loosening the topsoil to about 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in rows 30-45 cm apart, covering them lightly with soil. For transplants, space plants 30-60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the newly planted Mace regularly to keep the soil moist until it establishes roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when the soil is dry. Deadhead flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back old growth in early spring to promote new growth and a fuller plant.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting deadheading, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 13 native· 2 introduced
Europe9 regions
native (8)BelgiumFranceGermanyItalyPortugalRomaniaSpainUnited Kingdom
introduced (1)Portugal
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:New York
VIIIGarden companions
1 pair
Garden companions
1 pairPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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