SafePlants

Cedronella canariensis: Canary Balm (Balm of Gilead)

Cedronella canariensis, commonly known as Canary Balm or Balm of Gilead, is a perennial flowering plant appreciated for its aromatic foliage and attractive flowers.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has highly scented foliage, which may be attractive to some animals.

Considerations for Children

• The leaves can be harvested and dried, suggesting potential handling of plant parts.
• The plant is known for its sweet odor when the leaves are gently rubbed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cedronella canariensis (L.) Willd. ex Webb & Berthel.
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
• Tribe: Mentheae
• Subfamily: Nepetoideae
• Synonyms:
  • Brittonastrum triphyllum (Moench) Lyons
  • Cedronella madrensis M.E.Jones
  • Cedronella triphylla Moench
  • Dracocephalum balsamicum Salisb.
• Other names found: Cedronella triphylla

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Canary Islands.
• Grows in clearings and at the edges of forests, as observed in Tenerife.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial plant growing up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height and 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in spread.
• Half-hardy perennial with a height of approximately 3 feet and a spread of 2 feet.
• Multi-stemmed.
• Produces pink flowers.

Ecological Role

• Acts as a fly deterrent.

Traditional and Modern Uses

• Leaves are harvested and dried for later use.
• The leaves of this shrub (a native of the Canary Islands) give off a very sweet odor when gently rubbed
• Used as a spice and natural seasoning/flavoring (food additive).
• Traditionally used for its warm camphor scent, which is described as refreshing and healing.
• Historically used for putting in a claret cup.
• Extracts have been tested for analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities in rats and mice.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is attractive to the brimstone butterfly (insect), according to Italian language sources.
• The plant is visited by a number of island plants, especially Cedronella canariensis, Anacyclus radiatus and Galactites tomentosa.

Quirky Facts

• The "True Balm of Gilead" is a camphor-smelling resin from a tree, not Cedronella canariensis, which can sometimes cause confusion.
• Some sources erroneously list buds under the scientific name Cedronella canariensis in catalogues, indicating potential misidentification issues.

Further Information

• Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne holdings include information on Cedronella canariensis.
• The Plant List includes taxonomic information on the genus Cedronella.
• CalPhotos provides images of Cedronella canariensis.