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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Pot Marigold. Yellow-orange, 3" flowers add a nice color to salads. Flowers also used as a food color, natural dye, and substitute for saffron. (Calendula officinalis) Medicinal:...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Originally native to northern Europe, angelica is now used and cultivated in medicinal gardens world-wide. The plant consists of a basal clump of tall, hollow stems giving rise to large,...

A common plant worth cultivating. Grows as a rosette of leaves about 6 to 10 inches long. Upon flowering it sends up a single stalk of small inconspicuous flowers borne...

Grown mostly for its sweetly scented foliage, its ornamental value, its use in wreath making, and for use in pressed leaf and flower arrangements. Seed is difficult to clean and...

Wormwood has been used as a traditional bitter herb, but is now considered hazardous for internal use. Its attractive feathery, silver-green foliage is ornamental and can be used fresh or...

Also known as Herb of Grace and Herba Sacra. In England, Vervain is found by roadsides and sunny pastures. It was brought to America by the Puritans. Somewhat undistinguished in...