Symphytum × uplandicum 24–48" tall. Great companion plant for orchards. Excellent addition to the compost pile. Rich in silica, nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Z3.
Arnica chamissonis 8-12" tall. Low spreading groundcover with bright yellow daisy-like flowers used externally in oils and salves to treat bruises, sprains, inflammation. Z3.
Verbena hastata 5-7' tall. Elegant tall branching spikes of vibrant blue-purple flowers. Attractive to pollinators. Used as a nervous-system tonic and mild sedative. Full sun. Native to North America. Z3.
Eupatorium perfoliatum 5-7' tall. Flat-topped clusters of white to lavender flowerheads. Stimulates the immune system. Fetching addition to the perennial border. Z3.
Symphytum officinale 24-48" tall. Clusters of pinkish purple flowers above bristled foliage. Known for skin-soothing properties. Recommended as an orchard companion. Z3.
Thymus vulgaris 10-15" tall. Fragrant sprawling perennial brings depth of flavor to soups, gravies, casseroles. Said to calm the nerves, soothe headaches. Bees love it! Z4.
Origanum vulgare 18-20" tall. Fragrant green and purple leaves used for culinary purposes. Given plenty space in full sun, it sprawls and is attractive to pollinators. Z4.
Echinacea purpurea 3-5' tall. Spiny seedheads are a beautiful coppery yellow-brown, surrounded by a single row of reflexed lavender-purple petals. Tinctured roots boost the immune system. Z3.
Urtica dioica 3-6' tall. Young shoots are high in minerals and leaves are delicious steamed as early spring greens. Cooking removes the sting. Spreads readily; choose your site carefully. Z2.
Monarda fistulosa 3-4' tall. Our native wildflower species with aromatic lavender blossoms. This is the variety most commonly used for medicinal purposes. Z3.
Echinacea paradoxa 3-5' tall. Bright pure-yellow flowers with drooping petals surround spiky dark brown seed cones—irresistible to gobbling goldfinches! Z3.
Pycnanthemum virginianum 24-36" tall. Makes a tasty minty tea traditionally used to settle indigestion. Spreads readily. Densely flowered, attractive to pollinators. Native. Z4.
Acorus americanus 24-36" tall. Water-loving bog plant with broad sword-like foliage that smells sweetly of citrus and vanilla when crushed. Roots traditionally used as an aromatic bitter for digestive upsets. Z3.
Viola sororia 6-10" tall. North American native with cheery blue-purple flowers and attractive heart-shaped leaves, all edible. Larval host plant for multiple species of butterflies. Z3.
About medicinal herbs: Archeological evidence dates the medicinal use of herbs back 60,000 years to the Neanderthals. 85% of the world’s population employ herbs as medicines, and 40% of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. contain plant-derived materials. Fewer than 10% of higher plant species have been investigated for their medicinal components. Interest in traditional herbal remedies continues to grow.
Statements about medicinal use of plants have not been evaluated by the FDA, and should not be used for the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any ailment. Before using or ingesting any medicinal plant, consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with botanical medicine.
Takinagawa Burdock and Resina Calendula, as well as oats, mammoth red clover and alfalfa in the Farm Seed section, also have medicinal uses. Medicinal herbs such as black cohosh, licorice, and many more are available as plants, and shipped in the spring with orders from our perennial plants warehouse.
Culture: Some herbs are customarily grown from divisions because they cannot come true from seed, such as scented thymes and flavored mints. Some require fall sowing of fresh seed, such as sweet cicely and angelica.
Using herbs: Drying herbs at home is not difficult. Whole leaves retain their flavor at least a year. To substitute fresh herbs for dried in cooking, use triple the dried quantity called for in a recipe.
