Dittany of Crete

Also known as hop marjoram, dittany is a beautiful low-growing herb with rounded downy gray leaves, arching stems, and lilac-purple bracted flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and are lovely in dried flower arrangements. Dittany of Crete has played an important part in Greek Mythology, as a medicinal herb through Medieval times, and as a perfume and flavouring for drinks such as vermouth, absinthe, and Benedictine liqueur. Flowers are dried and brewed into an herbal tea for all sorts of ailments. It also adds a unique nuance to foods and is often combined with parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.