Medicinal Herbs

This member of the Solanaceae (tomato family) is from India. While it is easy to grow, it does not do well in cool, wet conditions. (Withania somnifera) Medicinal: The roots...

An extra-hardy medicinal marshmallow that has a higher concentration of active muco-polysaccharides than common marshmallow. (Althea officinalis) Medicinal: See common marshmallow. Growing instructions: Perennial in zones 4-9. Stratification for 2...

Compared to cultivated yarrows, common yarrow is the hardiest and most medicinally active. Flowers are usually white with occasional pink flowers, borne in flat-topped clusters. Yarrow self-sows readily. For the...

Nettles are found in rich moist soil, especially along shaded stream banks. They are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and trace minerals. The young shoots and leaves are...

Also known as Toothache Plant. A spreading, highly ornamental plant with gold and red cone-shaped flowers borne above glossy green leaves. Easy-to-grow annual that can be brought indoors and grown...

Also called Virginian Skullcap or Mad-Dog Skullcap. The latter name refers to its historical use in treating rabies. Small purple-blue flowers are borne in slender one-sided racemes in the leaf...

Native wildflower grows as a rosette of very woolly, gray-green leaves the first year, producing a tall spike of bright yellow 3/4" flowers in the second year. First year plants...

Ornamental herb with lacy leaves topped with buttons of gold flowers that dry nicely in arrangements. Strong-scented foliage is used to repel flies. (Tanacetum vulgare) Growing instructions: Perennial in zones...

Also known as Golden Root Skullcap and Chinese Skullcap. Small purple-blue flowers are borne on many simple racemes. Long, lanceolate leaves. (Scutellaria baicalensis) Medicinal: In traditional Chinese medicine the root...

The classic medicinal plantain with many healing properties. (Plantago major) Medicinal: A popular topical remedy for bug bites, stings, cuts, and bruises, the leaves can be chewed and applied immediately...

Upright stems with pungent leaves shaped like a lion's tail. Used as a source of green dye for wool. (Leonurus cardiaca) Medicinal: Traditionally used for menstrual and uterine conditions as...

Also known as Japanese Catnip. Wonderfully aromatic herb with highly dissected foliage and small, clustered lavender blooms borne in spikes above the foliage. Belongs to the same family as catnip...

Woad is an attractive plant with blue-green leaves and yellow flowers in May. Though a biennial, in mild winter areas it may grow as a short-lived perennial, and may also...

Requires a moist cold treatment for germination. Sow seed on the surface of sterile soil and place in refrigerator for 4 to 8 weeks then transfer to 70°F. Transplant to...

Small aromatic white flowers are borne in sprays on tall plants. Naturalizes easily. (Valeriana officinalis) Medicinal: Pharmacological studies have shown valerian root to be an effective tranquilizer and calmative. Growing...

A woody-stemmed herb with balsam scented leaves and clusters of yellow, lemon-scented flowers. (Hypericum perforatum) Medicinal: Harvest flowers shortly after the plant comes into bloom. Olive oil extracts of the...

Red clover is healthful for people and their gardens! It fixes nitrogen in the soil and is a valuable insectary plant. (Trifolium pratense) Medicinal: Red clover has a plethora of...

Hardy herb from China and Siberia, producing a dense basal growth of large, deeply divided palmate leaves. Flowers in three months to form 5" tall spikes of red-purple racemes with...

Tall, ornamental, velvety leaved plant with large, soft pink flowers clustered in the leaf axils. A plant of many uses, the seeds, flowers, and young leaves of marshmallow make a...

Goldenseal is an herbaceous perennial, native to the eastern and central hardwood forests, where it prefers rich woods and the dappled shade of the forest understory. Goldenseal is easy to...