Last winter, strangely, there appeared many dark bluish purple berries on a very large shrub rather lost in a foresty section of the garden, that I must confess, I had not fully researched to identify. The berries were very enticing that particular morning as they were encased in the ever so slightest of moisture, appearing to be glazed. They were enchanting and I ran for my camera to capture them. So glad I did.
I wondered about these berries, then, for a few days. Quite honestly I wanted to eat them, but I didn’t know what they were, so knew that was definitely not an option. And I simply did not take the time to snap off a branch and take them to a local nursery in hopes of someone telling me what they might be. In part this was due to suspecting they were planted many decades ago by a woman, I learned not long after moving into this home nearly four years ago, who had served as president of the local gardening club. (To her I owe much of my mature garden.) So I suppose I suspected this particular plant might be something not so easily recognized in the modern world, particularly as I could not recall ever seeing it before. Part of my reluctance was also fueled by not having seen a single bird eating those lovely berries in those early days of their emergence, so assumed they must be decorative, lessening my interest. You can imagine my surprise when I went out into the garden one morning shortly after and found not a single berry on the shrub. So someone liked them. I’m guessing robins who infrequently, but regularly swoop through like clockwork when there is something yummy on their radar. And then they disappear for months. So fascinating. And that’s how that went down.
Now here it is early summer and the shrub is fully in gorgeous flower and finally is fully within my own curiosity sites. How could it not?
Yesterday I took the initiative to snap off that branch at last, wrap it in a wet paper towel and rush it off to John, everyone’s favorite nurseryman, and asked his opinion. He scratched his head and muttered something in Latin and fortunately I caught the first part: myrtle. Google helped with the rest, and Myrtle communis is what I have to be thankful for. Lucky me. Intrigued and now fully engaged I set to work to learn all I could about true myrtle.
First, I can, indeed, eat them, though apparently jam would be a higher option. Interestingly I can dry the berries and use them as a substitute for pepper, which I might explore, as I do not use black pepper in my kitchen ever, though I do use cayenne. (The body likes it better.) The leaves, I learned, have sometimes been used as a substitute for bay. Good to know, though a bay laurel is just outside the front door. But duly noted.
True myrtle is repeatedly referred to as a very old plant. It’s been with civilization for a very long time and is many times referred to in the Bible. It is most commonly associated with the Mediterranean region. In Greek mythology true myrtle is ascribed to have been sacred to Aphrodite, and, indeed, as Venus emerges from the sea, she is said to have hidden herself among the myrtle trees. In Rome Virgil states, “the poplar is most dear to Alcides, the vine to Bacchus, the myrtle to lovely Venus.” This was extended to the practice of women carrying myrtle in their bridal bouquets or of weaving wreathes of myrtle, worn in their wedding rituals. Frequent readers will not be surprised at all that this bit of information completely captured my imagination and I resolved immediately to make a wreath this morning, which I did, and enlisted the support of my very beautiful daughter to share the lovely result with all of you.
Indeed, it was Antonia who noticed immediately how beautifully fragrant the myrtle was when I gathered some yesterday morning and coupled with some pink hydrangea for a breakfast bouquet. It has a deeply spicey perfume emanating that is very rich and attractive. I do hope you will find some in your environs to enjoy. I also would encourage you to grow it, particularly for those of you who are water conscious as it proves to be not a fussy plant, and needing very little water, undoubtedly contributing to its longevity and easy survival. The one in my garden has been given free reign for a long time so it has become very large, indeed. Here you see just how much it has expanded over time. Conner wanted to be included in the frame. Enjoy.
Love and many gardening blessings,
Kathryn xoxo
Posted on June 27th, 2009 by Kathryn
Filed under: Plants
Anyone in “need of myrtle” must have a special reason. Yes, I will email you, Erin. Kathryn xoo
Hi Kathryn, I enjoyed reading this. Have finally got around to hauling out the 17metres of garden privet (4 days tiring work). I was wondering, do you think common myrtle could succeed in a hedgerow? I was also wondering, being ever more conservation conscious these days, if the bush is popular with bumblebees? I don’t seem to have anything which flowers in late summer you see. Many thanks.
Hi, Jonathan, Liverpool and welcome! Glad you enjoyed the True Myrtle post. I’d say it’s moderately popular with bumblebees. i don’t think it’s your highest option. And knowing what I know from the myrtle that grows here I’d think twice using it as a hedge. I don’t think it would be happy. And I don’t think it grows close enough to itself to fill in. It likes to spread its wings and go rogue, actually. 🙂 I wonder if there’s any chance Texas sage would grow in the UK? Probably not, but BEES LOVE IT! You could check. 🙂 Kathryn xoxo
Thank you for your informative article. I purchased a couple of myrtus communis plants
a few years ago, wintered one plant over (St Louis) but they did not survive a third winter.
I am wondering if you know a nursery where I might purchase a few plants. They are
lovely as a small bush, aromatic and stately. My wife is a wedding minister, uses herbs in a head wreath as part of her ceremony , and incorporates herbs in her wreath. She used the myrtle when we had it – it was historically and symbolically very appropriate. I would appreciate any
source you might be able to recommend. Thank you for your posting.
— Bob LaRouche, St Louis
Hi, Bob, As the true myrtle was here when I got here and is probably decades old (and very large) I wouldn’t know where to begin to replace. I wish you the best and am glad to hear there are other fans. Kathryn xoox
I am so thrilled to learn about True Myrtle. I remembered my Daddy talking about making Persimmon Beer and using Pine Needles in the process. Got curious and “googled” Persimmon Beer and found out that wild Myrtle sprigs were used in making it—- baked sweet potatoes and cornbread were also ingredients; the green pine needles were used as a filter.. Then somehow I came upon your site and saw the picture of the blue berries..My son lives in the country and we have been seeing a shrub like plant with blue berries and could not identify it. I just bet it’s Wild Myrtle! Thanks for the article.
Hi, Jeanne, and welcome! I have a special place in my heart for True Myrtle, too, so I’m glad you share that enthusiasm. I wish more folks knew about it, since it was treasured for so very long. The Persimmon Beer story is fascinating! Kathryn xoxo
It seems your enthralled with myrtle. I too am looking to grow some. would you be able to send me a few sprigs or direct me to where I can buy established plants?
Avrohom
Hi, Avrohom, and welcome! Yes, I treasure it. I have no idea where to purchase it. Did you google? Where are you? Kathryn xoxo
I am in Brooklyn NY. I tried googling it but found it confusing. I also read that plants are easier to start from the seeds in the berries than from twigs. Do you still have berries on your bushes? Would you be able to mail me some seeds/berries?
Hi, Avrohom, Yes and yes. Leave your address as a comment. I won’t post. And I will put some berries in the mail for you. Let me know how it works. I did google, btw, and I found nurseries selling true myrtle (though the one I found was selling a smaller version). I didn’t look further. Good luck. And you’re welcome. 😉 Kathryn xoxo
Hi Kathryn, it’s so nice to meet you. I love your life story (the little bit I’ve read). This is my first time on your site. But I do have a true myrtle, it has bloomed but has not fruited yet. The way I found out what it was, I did take it to a nursery. My goal is to have fruit, but I have kept it around because it is in the Bible. I think I got the plant at the 99 cent store or it just popped up in my yard. Thank you for your blog.
Hi, Hope and welcome! I’m glad you have true myrtle in your garden and that you appreciate its ancient roots. Mine is just now beginning to get ripe fruit. I hope you find yours does the same. Kathryn xoxo