Herbs 2016 Herb Definition A plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Typically the herbaceous parts leaves and stems. Herbs Are defined by use, not by horticultural classification May be trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, or bulbs Move in and out of plant lists Based on popularity Author s choice Are more numerous than those listed in this presentation Were considered luxuries 1
Other Qualities Attract beneficial insects Deter pests Exhibit interesting foliage Strong odors Historical Uses Preserve foods Enhance taste Mask household smells, clean and freshen laundry, closets, clothes Repel mice, fleas, and other unwanted pests Treat ailments Spring tonic Color yarns Ceremonial rites Origins Followed trade routes China, India, Middle East, Europe, Africa Philippines, Mexico, Chile, Spain North America, Europe Between Native Americans Chinese first to document herbal (medicinal) use Assyrians documented Egyptians and Greeks documented Often worth their weight in gold 2
Primary Uses of Herbs Culinary (hint: officinalis, vulgare) Medicinal Landscapes Dyes (hint: tinctoria) Many have multiple uses Format of Slides Area of origin know what plant expects Annual/perennial/biennial Height Zone, if perennial Soil requirements Sun/shade requirements Parts to Use Other characteristics Container yes/no Culinary Herbs Basil Bay Caraway Chives (onion and garlic) Cilantro/Coriander Dill Epazote Fennel Garlic Horseradish Juniper Lemon balm Lemon verbena Lovage Mints Oregano and Marjoram Parsley Rosemary Saffron Sage Salad burnet Savory Scented geranium Shallot Sweet cicely Tarragon Thyme 3
Basil Lamiaceae Ocimium basilicum From tropical India Annual Well-drained, moist, nutrient rich soil, protect late afternoon 18 Use leaves, tear Purples, greens, Thai, repels flying insects Bay Lauraceae Laurus nobilis From central Asia Woody evergreen perennial, 23, it s a tree Zone: frost free area Well-drained soil, partial shade Use leaf for seasoning Caraway Apiaceae Carum Carvi From Asia Minor (central Asia) Annual or biennial, 2 at maturity Zone: 3-9 Well-drained sandy soil, some compost added Use seeds for seasoning 4
Chives Liliaceae Allium schoenoprasum, A. tuberosum From China? Marco Polo reported Herbaceous perennial 8 (onion) to 3 (garlic) Zone: 3-10 Medium rich, well-drained soil Use leaf for seasoning, onion and garlic Cilantro (or Coriander) Apiaceae Coriandrum sativum From China (?) Romans brought to Mediterranean area Herbaceous annual, 2 to 3 Plant away from fennel Well-drained, rich soil, part shade Taprooted Use leaf (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) for seasoning Dill Apiaceae Anethum graveolens From southwest Asia Herbaceous annual, 1 ½ to 5 Well-drained, medium rich soil Use leaf and seeds for seasoning Away from fennel Newer more compact varieties Bouquet, Fernleaf 5
Epazote Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium ambrosioides From tropical Central America Herbaceous annual/ 6 Average soil, part shade Use leaf for seasoning Younger leaves, milder Use with dried beans Fennel Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare From southern Europe (two species) Herbaceous perennial or annual 2-5 Zone 6-9 Well-drained, moist, rich soil, tolerates part shade Use leaf, seeds (perennial) Use bulb (annual, Florence) Bronze is variety of perennial Food for larva of swallowtail butterfly Garlic Liliaceae Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon From India or central Asia Bulb, perennial 2-3 Zone 4 Well-drained, rich soil Use bulb parts, stem eaten in Asia Hardneck German, Spanish Rioja, Rocambole Plant on shortest day, harvest on longest 6
Horseradish Brassicaceae Armoracia rusticana From southeast Europe Root, perennial 2-3 Zone 3 Well-drained, rich soil, midday shade Coarse, weedy looking, one plant only Use root, raw Container: no Juniper Cupressaceae Juniperus spp. From Mediterranean Woody perennial shrub 25 Zone 2 Well-drained, dry soil Use berries (e.g. gin) Dioecious Lemon Balm Lamiaceae Melissa officinalis From southern France Herbaceous perennial, 1-2 Zone 5-8 Well-drained, average soil: tolerates poor soil, part shade, full shade in NM Use leaves 7
Lemon Verbena Verbenaceae Aloysia triphylla From South America (Chile, Peru) Half hardy shrub, 2-4 Zone 8 Well-drained, medium-rich soil, part shade Use leaves Best lemon scent Lovage Apiaceae Levisticum officinale From southern Europe Herbaceous perennial. 3-5 Zone 4-8 Well-drained, moist medium rich soil Partial or filtered shade Use leaves Interesting leaf shape Container: no Mints Lamiaceae Mentha spp. From Europe Herbaceous perennial. 2 Zones 5-9 Moist soils, moderate fertility, likes alkaline Part shade, tolerate full sun Use leaves: spearmint, apple mint, peppermint, chocolate mint!!! 8
Oregano and Marjoram Lamiaceae Origanum vulgare, O. majorana From North Africa, Asia Herbaceous perennial (oregano), annual (marjoram) 2 (oregano), 8-12 (marjoram) Zones 5-9 Well drained, average soil Use leaves Parsley Apiaceae Petroselinum crispum From southern Europe, western Asia Herbaceous biennial, 8-12 Zone 5-9 Well-drained, medium rich soil, filtered shade Use leaves Curly and Italian flat leaf Rosemary Lamiaceae Rosmarinus officinalis From Mediterranean Woody perennial, 2-6 Zone 8-10 Well-drained, poor alkaline soil Use leaves From prostrate to Arp, Tuscan 9
Saffron Crocus Crocus sativus From western Asia Perennial corm, 1 Zone 6-9 Well-drained, average soil Use style & stigma, hand harvested Container: no Sage Lamiaceae Salvia officinalis From Mediterranean Perennial shrub, subshrub, 2 ½ - 3 Zone 4-8 Well-drained, average alkaline soil Use leaves Many varieties including purple Salad Burnet Rosaceae Sanguisorba officinalis From Europe and Asia Herbaceous perennial, 1-2 Zone 4-9 Dry, alkaline, sandy loam, part shade Use leaves Great looking foliage 10
Savory Lamiacae Satureja montana (winter), S. hortensis From southern Europe, North Africa Herbaceous perennial (winter), annual (summer), 16 Zone 5-10 Well-drained, alkaline soil, tolerates filtered shade Use leaves Summer and winter varieties Scented Geranium Geraniaceae Pelargonium spp. From South Africa Tender evergreen perennial, 1-3 Zone 10, will freeze here Pot in humus rich medium, well-drained, tolerates filtered shade Use leaves Numerous varieties!! Shallot Liliaceae Allium cepa From western or central Asia Bulb, biennial, 8 Zone 5-10 Well-drained sandy to loamy soil Use bulb French red, a good variety 11
Sweet Cicely Apiaceae Myrrhis odorata From western Europe Herbaceous perennial, 3 Zone 3-7 Well-drained, rich, moist soil Shade, part shade Use leaves, seeds, and roots Smells like anise Start with plants Source of myrrh Container: no Tarragon Compositae Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa From central Asia Herbaceous perennial, 2 Zone 4-8 Well-drained, medium rich, dry soil, tolerates part shade Use a few leaves Thyme Lamiaceae Thymus spp. From Mediterranean Herbaceous perennial, 6-15 Zone 5-9 Well-drained, low to moderate fertility soil Use leaves Many, many varieties 12
Herbs in Medicine Today s pharmacopeia evolved from herbal remedies. Medicinal Herbs Betony Bearberry Chamomile Clary Comfrey Elder Feverfew Horehound Rose St. John s Wort Skullcap Southernwood Tansy Valerian Yarrow Betony Lamiaceae Stachys officinalis From Europe, Asia Herbaceous perennial, 2-3 Zone 4-8 Well-drained, average fertility soil Part shade, tolerates full sun Use leaves for headaches, anxiety 13
Bearberry (Kinnikinnick) Ericaceae Arctostaphylos uva-ursi From North America Perennial evergreen woody groundcover, 6 Zone 5-8 Moist acidic soil, from conifer mountain areas Shade below 7000 Use leaves for cystitis Chamomile (Roman) Asteraceae Chamaemelum nobile From Europe Herbaceous perennial, 8-10 Zone: 5-9 Light, well-drained soil, but prefers cool summers Use flowers as tonic or leaves for a relaxing tea Allergic to ragweed, avoid chamomile! Clary Sage Lamiaceae Salvia sclarea From western Europe, Asia Herbaceous biennial, 2 1/2 3 Zone 4-7 Well-drained, sandy, average soil Use seeds as eyewash 14
Comfrey Boraginaceae Symphytum officinale From Asia, Europe Herbaceous perennial, 3-5 Zone 3-9 Moist, fertile soil Use leaves or roots for wounds Mineral miner Do not use internally Elder: Caprifoliaceae Sambucus nigra From Europe, North Africa, Asia Deciduous, woody perennial shrub 20-23 Zone 5 Well-drained chalky soil Use flowers for respiratory problems and coughs. Gargle for sore throat Container: no Feverfew Asteraceae Tanacetum parthenium From southwest Europe Herbaceous perennial, 2 Zone 5-7 Well-drained, average soil, tolerates part shade Use leaves for headaches, arthritis relief short term basis only Bees dislike keep plants that need bee pollination away 15
Horehound Lamiaceae Marrubium vulgare From central and western Asia, southern Europe, and northern Africa Perennial subshrub, 18 Zone 3-10 Dry sandy or stony soil, low water Use leaves for colds or sore throat, cough medicine Scruffy looking Rose Rosaceae Rosa spp. From Persia, China Woody perennial shrub, 4-8 Zone 5-8 Well-drained, loamy soil, part shade Shelter from hot winds Use rose hips for vitamins, rosewater for eyewash, flowers in oil for massage Many varieties, see Wyoming Rose Garden to find mildew resistant ones St. John s Wort Clusiaceae Hypericum perforatum From Europe, western Asia Herbaceous perennial shrub 1-3 Zone 4-8 Semi-dry, moderate fertility soil, light shade Use leaves and flowers for mood improvement 16
Skullcap Lamiaceae Scutellaria lateriflora From North America Herbaceous perennial 6-8 Zone 3-8 Semi-dry, moderate fertility soil, light shade Use leaves and flowers as anti-inflammatory, room for large root system Southernwood Asteraceae Artemisia abrotanum From southern Europe Woody perennial shrub 3-5 Zone 4-8 Well drained, light moderate fertility soil Use in compress to treat frostbite Do not use internally Do not cut back hard Container: no Tansy Asteraceae Tanacetum vulgare From Europe, Asia Herbaceous perennial, 3 Zone 4-8 Moist, average fertility soil, part shade Use in a compress for rheumatism and sprains Do not use internally Insect repellant 17
Valerian Valerianaceae Valeriana officinalis From Europe, western Asia Herbaceous perennial, 2-5 Zone 4-7 Rich, moist, well drained soil, tolerates part shade Dangerous to use internally Insect repellant Yarrow Asteraceae Achillea millefolium From Europe, western Asia Herbaceous perennial, 1-3 Zone 2-8 Well drained, moderate fertility soil, tolerates part shade Drought tolerant Chew leaf for a toothache, infusion for fever Attracts beneficial insects, mineral miner, hybrids Landscape Herbs Catnip/Catmint Curry Plant Germander Hyssop (agastache) Lamb s Ear Lavender Monarda Nasturtium Rue Santolina Soapwort 18
Landscape Functions Edging or separator Along walkways Near patios Ground cover Focal point Pest repellant (rabbits, deer, mosquito ) Beneficial attractant Two Approaches Herb garden Herbs in the garden Herb Garden 19
Herb Garden Designs Brick circle Brick diamond Square w/i a square Diagonal paths Interlocking diamonds Oblongs and right angles Diamonds and squares Wheel beds Sample Garden Plan Wheel Herb Garden Sample 1. Rosmarinus officinalis 2. Symphytum officinale 3. Myrrhis odorata 4. Alchemilla mollis 5. Foeniculum vulgare dulce var. Atropurpureum 6. Allium schoenoprasum 7. Sanguisorba minor 8. Satureja spp 9. Levisticum officinale 10. Artemisia dracunculus 11. Ocimum basilicum var. Dark Opal 12. Melissa officinalis var. Aurea 13. Lavandula angustifolia 14. Thymus 15. Petroselinum crispum 16. Cynodon transvaalensis 20
Herbs in the Garden Sample Landscape Plan Using Herbs Why Herbs? Fragrant smells Foliage or form Attracts beneficial insects Repels other insects, deer, and rabbits 21
Catmint/Catnip Nepeta mussinii, N. cataria From Eurasia Herbaceous perennial. 2-3 Zone 3-9 Moist, well drained soil of average fertility or part shade Use in borders, as ground cover A favorite of cats Curry Plant Asteraceae Helichrysum angustifolium From southern Europe Woody perennial subshrub, 18 Zone 5-8 Infertile soil, even clay, low water Use for aroma, silver foliage Snow may cause hole Germander Lamiaceae Teucrium chamaedrys, T. aroanium From Mediterranean Herbaceous perennial 6-18 (creeping), 3 (mat) Zone 5-10 Rocky well drained, poor soil, part shade Use as ground cover, edging, low hedge, rock garden Aroma (mat), attracts bees 22
Hyssop, Hummingbird Mint:Lamiaceae Agastache cana, A. rupestris, A. neomexicana From North America Perennial subshrub, 3 Zone 4-8 Well drained, moderate fertility Use for licorice smell, late summer bloom Attracts hummingbirds, use near kids area Varieties: A. cana, A. rupestris, A. neomexicana Container yes, if large Lambs s Ear Lamiaceae Stachys byzantina From the Caucasus, Iran Herbaceous perennial, 1 ½ Zone 4 Well drained, rocky soil, part shade Use as ground cover, for edging paths, as contrast with dark green leaves Attracts bees, fuzzy attracts kids Container yes, but not indoors Lavender Lamiaceae Lavandula angustifolia, L.intermedia, L. stoechas From Mediterranean Woody perennial subshrub, 18-3 Zone 5-8 Well drained, moderate fertility, alkaline soil, tolerates part shade Use along walkways, gray green aromatic foliage Attracts bees English, French, Spanish (tender) Grosso aromatic, long wands 23
Monarda Lamiaceae Monarda didyma, M. fistulosa From North America Herbaceous perennial, 3-5 Zone 3-9 Moist, fertile soil Part shade, tolerates full sun Attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies Wichita Mountains variety (M. fistulosa) is xeric Nasturtium Tropaeolaceae Tropaeolum majus From South America: Peru, Bolivia Annual, 1-6 Well drained, moderately fertile, but not too rich soil, tolerates part shade, but has less bloom Attracts aphids and house fly, repels white fly, ants Yummy flowers Use in low borders, no fertilizer Rue Rutaceae Ruta graveolens From southern Europe, Mediterranean Perennial subshrub, 2 Zone 4-9 Well drained, low fertility, alkaline soil, tolerates part shade Drought tolerant Use for foliage, insect repel, swallowtail attract Use away from paths allergy causing for some 24
Santolina Asteraceae Santolina chamaecyparissus From Middle East, Mediterranean area Perennial evergreen (gray) shrub, 1-2 Zone 5-8 Well drained, sandy, not rich soil gets aphids and loose growth with overwatering Use as filler, cushion shape attractive in gray or green, hedging, edging Repels insects, odiferous Container: no Soapwort Caryophyllaceae Saponaria ocymoides From southern France Herbaceous perennial, 1-3 Zone 3-8 Well drained, poor soil Use in rock garden, along paths, as ground cover, cascades over walls Not near pond, can stun fish Herbs that Attract Beneficials Plants have small flowers like those in the Apiaceae or Asteraceae families (easy to land on) Anise, dill, caraway, fennel, yarrow, sweet cicely, and marigold Thyme and catnip Plants that offer nectar, pollen (food), or larval food Lambs quarters attracts lady beetles Lemon balm, monarda, borage, lavender attract bees Plant that offer shelter 25
Herbs that Attract Pests Often called trap crops! Nasturtiums for aphids Dill and lovage for tomato hornworms Yarrow for aphids, scale, and whitefly Toss plant once it s covered with the offending pest Herbs that Repel Insects Ants Aphids Cabbage loopers Coddling moth Beetles Mosquitos Slug and snails Spider mites Squash bugs Tomato hornworm Whiteflies Tansy, spearmint, wormwood Chives, cilantro, garlic, peppermint, spearmint Agastache, borage, chives, nasturtiums, pennyroyal, sage, thyme Garlic, wormwood Catnip, chives, rue, tansy, wormwood Basil Fennel, garlic, rosemary Cilantro, garlic Catnip, nasturtiums, tansy Borage, dill, opal basil Nasturtiums, thyme, wormwood Herbs that Repel Deer Monarda Juniper Lavender Mints Rosemary 26
Herbs that Repel Rabbits Catmint Juniper Lambs Ear Lavender Lemon Balm Sage Tarragon Yarrow Herbs for Dye Colors Chamomile Comfrey Elder Juniper Madder Marigold Nettle Onion Parsley Safflower Tansy Weld Woad/indigo Bright yellow Yellow Purple Olive brown Red Pale yellow Soft gray green Orange Cream Yellow and tan Mustard yellow Green-yellow Blue 27
Sources Complete Book of Herbs Lesley Bremness Herbs for the Home Jekka McVicar Your Backyard Herb Garden Miranda Smith World of Herbs and Spices Ortho books plants.usda.gov www.highcountrygardens.com www.seedsofchange.com www.burpee.com www.parkseeds.com www.hirts.com www.reimerseeds.com Questions?? 28