| Binomial Name | Abutilon theophrasti |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | Leaves are a rich source of rutin. Roots contain pentoses, pentosans, uronic acid34 |
| Bloom | early spring to autumn23; flowering July-August34 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in diarrhea from deficient spleen, use cautiously during pregnancy36 |
| Days to Germinate | 100% germ in 2 days with scarification, 5-25% germ in 1-10 weeks without scarification33 |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Fruit | schizocarp- mericarps about 15, long-awned apically, many-seeded,; mericarps in a single whorl, each with 2-9 seeds in a single, longitudinal row18; fr. hemispherical 1.5-2 cm. across, sections sharply beaked34 |
| Functions/Uses | important fiber plant in China51; sweet, cold entering large intestine, small intestine, bladder, promotes urination, used for hot, bloody, or sandy painful urinary dysfunction, also used as an adjunctive herb for edema without painful urinary dysfunction, this herb is especially useful when these conditions ar accompanied by constipation, benefits the breasts, used for insufficient lactation, painful swollen breasts , or early stage breast abscess, moistens the intestines and moves stool, used as an adjunct for constipation from insufficient fluids in the intestines36; important fiber plant in China18; seed ground with honey and used externally for keratitis, for deafness; ground into powder and taken orally for dysentery, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, stomachic. Plant decocted with talc and Agastache for dysuria, used for dysentery, fevers, as a diuretic, shows CN-depressant activity in mice50; Formerly cultivated as a fiber plant34 |
| Germination notes | also immediate germ if seed immersed in water at 140F for 10min; sulfuric acid also works33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Hardiness | Z423 |
| Leaf Description | to 25cm diam, cordate-acuminate, crenate23; lvs ovate, orbicular, uop to 1 ft across, acuminate, cordate, velvety-pubescent18; entire plant covered by stellate velvet hairs; lvs. cordate, 3-9 cm. long, 2.5-7 cm. wide, irregularly crenate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Parts Used | seed, plant50; Leaves, roots34 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Semen Abutiloni seu Malvae |
| Preparation | 2-4 qian32; Administering: 9-31 g. of leaves decocted for dysentery, poultice used for ulcers. 30-60 g. of roots decocted for dysentery and gatism (urinary incontinence)34 |
| Propagation Method | easily grown from seed34 |
| Range | major agricultural weed in America, introduced from China51; naturalized SE Europe, Mediterranean, and US23; naturalized and weedy in U.s.18 |
| Scarification | faster to germinate with higher germ33 |
| Seed Description | seed kidney-shaped34 |
| Soil Requirements | Average garden soil34 |
| Binomial Name | Achillea millefolium |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | Jun-Oct1, Jun-Jul5 |
| Cultivation Notes | may require staking |
| Days to Bloom | 120-17626 |
| Days to Germinate | 7 days or less5, 15 days26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | indoors 8-10 wks before last frost, bottom water, direct sowing outdoors not recommended26 |
| Family | Compositae, Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene1 |
| Functions/Uses | all-around remedy, for colds, fevers, wound healer, crushed flowers applied topically to stop bleeding26 |
| Genus | Achillia |
| Germination Light | light required4,26,33 |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless or paper towel33,26 |
| Germination Temp | 70F (21C)9,33, higher germ alternating moderate incubation temps4; 65-72F26 |
| Habitat | common in pastures1, “roadside weed”, |
| Hardiness | poor growing conditions throughout Eastern U.S.5, excels in cultivation |
| Indication for Harvest | flower heads turn dark brown and bracts with nutlets apparent5 |
| Leaf Description | bipinnately parted, segmented linear, 3-5 cleft1 |
| Medicinal Origin | Asia |
| Mulch Req | 2-3 inches to reduce weeds and keep soil from drying out5 |
| Opt Divide Time | early spring (also possible in late summer)5; divide every 3-4 yrs for vigor26 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Summer or Autumn, after flowering period5 |
| Opt Planting Time | sow seeds indoors in late winter or outdoors in seed flat in late April5; spring26 |
| Parts Used | Aerial Parts |
| Processing Req | lots of chaff surrounds nutlets, collect seed heads one month or more after flowering, bring indoors to air dry for at least 1 week before cleaning, crush heads to remove nutlets, sieve and screen5 |
| Propagation Method | plant division or by seed, division is quicker and easier propagation method5; direct seed or transplant26 |
| Pruning | mature plants should be divided every 2-3 years9, divided every other year5 |
| Range | N. America, Australia, New Zealand |
| Scarification | none required |
| Seed Storage Req | Cold Storage (44 F), Low Humidity |
| Seedling Care | grow seedlings for 3-5 wks at 70-72F in full light26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 200,00026 |
| Soil Ph | any26 |
| Soil Requirements | avg. garden soil5; well-drained26 |
| Spacing | 2 feet7; 12-24”26 |
| Species | millefolium |
| Stratification | dry storage of 6 months at 70F to break germ inhibitors33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | to pots when 1st true lvs apper (3 wks after sowing), harden off and to plant outdoors after danger of frost26; transfer seedlings to containers after 6 wks and place in permanent spot in garden after one month |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Achyranthes bidentata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | triterpenoid saponin24; contains calcium oxalate, saponin, and a hemolytic alkaloid, ecdysterone, inokosterone, and oleanolic acid49 |
| Bloom | summer2 |
| Cautions | warning: contraindicated for pregnancy10 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Achyranthes bidentata ox-knee, niu-xi Hardy, 3ft high, heat-loving perennial named for “knees” at its leaf nodes, showing tiny greenish flowers on spikes in summer. This China native has naturalized throughout the subtropics. For medicinal potency, direct seed or transplant starts in late spring in deeply dug bed of rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. However, it can be grown anywhere and easily self-seeds. Germination in 5-7 days. Thin to 6” when 3” high and mulch with manure. Keep a close eye on nui-xi, it has a tendency to invade. Best to pinch back flowering heads, thereby putting more energy into the root. Harvest root after 1-2 yrs in fall. Sun dry. Quality of root measured by size. 8250 seeds/oz. Grown commercially in eastern provinces of China, niu-xi root is traditionally used to strengthen liver and kidneys, as well as supporting muscle and bone structure. Current research shows effects in lowering blood pressure. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. |
| Cultivation Notes | grows best in warm areas10 |
| Days to Germinate | 5-7 days |
| Direct Sowing Req | rows covered lightly with soil10 |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Fruit | ascocarp, long-rounded containing 1 seed2 |
| Functions/Uses | neutral, bitter and acrid to taste, beneficial to liver, kidneys, strengthens muscle and bone structure. Promotes menstrual regularity, diuresis, pus drainage, resolves bruises2; expels blood stasis and reduces swelling, invigorates liver and kidneys and strengthens bones and tendons, used in prescriptions for turbid urine, difficult urination with blood, suppressed menstruation, difficulty in childbirth, difficulty in expelling the placenta, blood stasis after giving birth causing abdominal pains, sore throats, carbuncles with swelling, and traumatic injuries; used for waist, knee, and bone pains, and for stiffness, muscle spasms, pain, flaccidity and high blood pressure, used to nourish “kidney and liver” and to strengthen bone and sinews10; Current research: may lower blood pressure by reducing heart rate and dilating peripheral arteries24; leaf for chronic malaria, root as diuretic, demulcent, brewed for kidney and liver trouble, pain in the back, waist, and knees, and weakness in general, emmenagogue, used to expedit expulsion of placenta. Plant as antirheumatic, anodyne, used for ague, amenorrhea, carbuncles, dystocia, fever, gonorrhea, hematuria, pueperium, skin and urinary ailments, for pain in the knuckles and joints, arthritis, Chinese import the old stems in to Malaya for medicine, diuretic, emmenagogue, tonic. Clinically shown to lower the blood pressure, slows down duodenal peristalsis, causes uterine contraction49 |
| Habitat | wild along roadsides and waste places2; in China at the edge of forests, along streams, and amid bushes24 |
| Hardiness | hardy to 10F10 |
| Indication for Harvest | after leaves shriveled10; root unearthed in winter once the foliage has died back23 |
| Leaf Description | opposite, ovate-lanceolate, apexes acute, bases cuneate, margins intact with petioles2; lvs opposite and ovate-oblong, 2-4” long and 1.5-2” wide, dense velvety hairs on both surfaces10 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Mulch Req | liberal supply of good quality well-rotted manure10 |
| Opt Harvest Time | autumn or winter (late fall)10 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | after 1-2 years, in fall10 |
| Opt Planting Time | late spring10 |
| Origin | NJBG |
| Parts Used | Root, for decoction2; leaf, root, plant49 |
| Processing Req | after digging, wash, remove lateral rootlets,tie into bundles, dry in sun until surface wrinkled (not 100% dry), fumigate with sulfur, crown of root cut off and dried to 100%. Or...clean root, cover with moist cloth, cut crown, cut root into slices, sun dry. Top quality root is 16 hands, 2-6 hands (6-20”) common on market10 |
| Propagation Method | seed10 |
| Pruning | to stimulate root growth, lower leaves removed from first 8 inches of main stalk |
| Range | naturalized to Gulf States, nat. in subtropics and southern US, warmer pts of Asia and elsewhere10 |
| Root Description | fine, long, dirt yellow2 |
| Seedling Care | when 3-4”, thin to 6 inches, keep weeded |
| Seeds per OZ | 82500 |
| Soil Ph | Slightly Acidic, does not like alkaline or clay10 |
| Soil Requirements | rich, loose, sandy, well-drained10, needs deep soil for high quality root |
| Spacing | rows, 1.5 feet10 |
| Stem Description | erect, spindle-shaped, oblong nodes enlarged, young branches pubescent2; squared-stemmed, branching stems with swollen nodes10 |
| Binomial Name | Achyranthes bidentata fo. rubra |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Origin | NJBG |
| Binomial Name | Achyranthes bidentata var. japonica |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Binomial Name | Acorus gramineus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | B-asarone, asarone, cayophyllene, ahumulene, sekishone36; b - asarone34; essential oils 0.5-0.9% with principal constituent asarone, other components palmitic acid and a phenol compound15 |
| Cautions | Use cautiously in deficient yin with heat signs; use cautiously in cases of irritability with excessive sweating, vomiting blood, or spermatorrhea, Massive overdoses in mice studies have lead to convulsions, exquisite sensitivity to external stimuli and death36; Although no records of toxicity have been seen, this species belongs to a family where most of the species are poisonous, at least in the fresh state. The following notes are from the related A. calamus -the fresh root can be poisonous[7]. When using the plant medicinally, the isolated essential oil should not be used[165]40 |
| Cultivation Notes | Numerous cultivars (variegated) available34; A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties[208, 238]. The cultivar 'Pusillus' can be grown as a submerged aquatic plant[238]40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stand the pot in about 3cm of water40 |
| Family | Araceae |
| Functions/Uses | leaf to wash eruptions and leprous sores; root for pains of abdomen, back and side, rheumatism, numbness, boils, epilepsy, convulsion, coma, dyspepsia, hyperacidity, piles, purulent otitis media, anorexia, excessive dreams, deafness, chest and abdominal congestion, endless diarrhea, rhizome regarded as antirheumatic, stomachic, and tonic, powdered rhizome applied to bleeding gums; plant for convulsions, stomach (hangzhou), broken bones, anodyne, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, digestive, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermicide. Folk cancer remedy. Volatile oil vermicidal. Probably the medicinal virtues of this and A. calmus ar confusingly interchangable49; sometimes planted in bog gardens or an ornamental pot plant indoors18; pungent, warm, affinity to heart and liver, resuscitive, dissolves phlegm in respiratory tract, stomachic, digestive, for fainting due to heat excess or excess phlegm, hysteria, ringing in the ears, and deafness, oppression in the chest, chronic dysentery, sedative in insomnia, also a good digestive19; acrid, slightly warm, aromatic, entering heart, liver, spleen, opens the orifices and vaporizes phlegm, used for phlegm blockages that prevent the clear yang of consciousness from becoming fully manifest, associated symptoms include deafness, dizziness, and dulled sensorium, as well as seizures or stupor, Harmonizes the Middle Burner and transforms turbid dampness, used for such symptoms as chest and epigastric fullness and abdominal pain due to Dampness distressing the spleen and stomach. Clinical rsrch indicates sedative effect, gastrointestinal effect increasing digestive secretions and relaxing intestinal spasm, effect on temperature regulation36; Edible Uses- Condiment; Root. Root - raw or cooked[105, 177]. It should be peeled, finely chopped and soaked in several changes of water first[183]. A stronger and more pleasing taste than A. calamus[2, 183]. The root is also used as a ginger substitute[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Medicinal Uses- Anodyne; Antibacterial; Antifungal; Antiperiodic; Antirheumatic; Antispasmodic; Aromatic; Cardiac; Carminative;Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Sedative; Stimulant; Stomachic; Tonic; Vermifuge. Antiperiodic, antispasmodic, cardiac, emmenagogue, febrifuge, vermifuge[4, 7, 9, 21, 61, 165, 176, 178]. The root is antifungal, antibacterial, antirheumatic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[4, 147, 218, 238, 240]. It is also powdered and applied to bleeding gums[218, 238]. It is used internally in the treatment of digestive problems and depression[238]. The root can be harvested at any time of the year, except when the plant is in flower[238]. The whole plant is anodyne, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, digestive, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge[218]. Other Uses- Essential; Ground cover; Insecticide; Repellent. The dried root repels insects[178]. It is probably also insecticidal[178, 240]. An essential oil is obtained from the plant[240]. A useful ground cover plant, forming a spreading clump[208]40; pungent flavor, warm property entering heart and liver, opens orifices, expels phlegm and turbidity, replenishes intelligence for epilepsy, wind diseases, coma due to accumulation of phlegm, amnesia, excessive dreaming, arthralgia due to wind cold and dampness, obstruction of dh’i, deafness, diarrhea. Research indicates stomachic effect, stimulating secretion of digestive juices and preventing abnormal fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, analgesic effect relieving spasms of intestinal tract smooth muscle, sedative effect, volatile oil inhibits excitation of the DNS and decreases spontaneous activities in mice, antifungal effect, diuretic action and improving topical blood circulation, external application causes local skin irritation15 |
| Habitat | marshy places18 wetlands51; in wet places along ponds and streams, in rocky mountain gullies34; Wet places by streams and around ponds in C. and S. Japan[58]40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs arising from horizontal rhizomes, not aromatic, lvs rarely more than 1/4” wide, without distinct midrib, spadix slender, to 3” long18; lvs 8-50cm, equitant, sheathing, grass-like, glossy, sedge-like, finely tapering, arranged in a fan23; lvs linear, grass-like, 2-6 (8) mm. wide, shining, dark green, without midrib34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | Grows well in shallow water margins of ponds etc[1, 2], though it can also succeeds in drier habitats[56]40 |
| Opt Divide Time | Division in spring just before growth starts[1]. Very easy, the plants can be divided at any time in the growing season and can be planted direct into their permanent positions[K]40 |
| Opt Planting Time | as soon as ripe40 |
| Origin | Richters |
| Parts Used | leaf, root, plant49; rhizomes19 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Rhizoma Acori Graninei |
| Preparation | dry 3-8 g, fresh 10-15g19; 1-3 qian in either decoctions, pills, or powders, when used topically can either be prepared as a powder or as a decoction for a wash36; Administering: Dried root used in decoction, or juice of fresh root, as analgesic stomachic, for abdominal pains, rheumatism, epilepsy, boils, numbness34 |
| Propagation Method | division18; propagate by root division34 |
| Root Description | rhizome slender18; creeping, much-branched, 5-8 mm. in diameter34 |
| Seedling Care | Pot up young seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle, keep them wet by standing the pots in shallow water and overwinter for the first year in a greenhouse or cold frame40 |
| Soil Requirements | moist rich soil34 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or dappled shade34; Requires a sunny position[200]40 |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Binomial Name | Agastache rugosa |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | volatile oil, including methyl chavicol, anethole, anisaldehyde, and limonene24 |
| Bloom | summer/ fall2 |
| Bloom Date | June 12, 1998 |
| Catalog Prose | Agastache rugosa Korean Mint Huo-xiang A native of Japan, Vietnam, Laos and Manchuria, this aromatic perennial has thick spikes of blue-purple flowers and a strong minty, anise-like scent. We have direct-seeded this in our gardens with excellent results. Pinching tops back early will help the bush to become more stable as the plant matures. Thin to 18 inches apart. The tea is delicious and is traditionally used to strengthen the stomach, helping with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and sluggish energy. 2-3 ft. Ordinary loam. Full sun. Aromatic perennial, 2-3 ft tall, native to East Asia with thick spikes of blue-purple flowers in Aug-Nov. Direct-seed in spring in sandy, moist, well-drained loam. Full sun. Pinch back and thin to 18”. Harvest herb in late summer or fall when flowers appear. Shade dry. Tea used to strengthen the stomach, helping with nausea, vomiting, and sluggish energy. 1999 Agastache rugosa Korean mint , huo-xiang Native to Japan, Vietnam, Laos and Manchuria, this aromatic perennial has thick spikes of blue-purple flowers in Aug-Nov and a strong minty, anise-like scent. Direct-seed in spring in sandy, moist, well-drained loam. Full sun. Pinch back and thin to 18”. 2-3 ft tall Harvest herb in late summer or fall when flowers appear. Shade dry. 196,000 seeds/oz. The tea is delicious and is traditionally used to strengthen the stomach, helping with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and sluggish energy. Current reteach indicates treatment for fungal infections. |
| Days to Bloom | 12026 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | nut, long-oblong, yellow2 |
| Functions/Uses | warming, pleasant yet acrid, clears fevers, resolves moisture, strengthens stomach, stops vomiting, diarrhea, angina2, warming to dampness in digestive system resulting in poor digestion and loss of vitality, relieves abdominal bloating, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, prevent morning sickness, treats viral infections, combined with Scutellaria baicalensis to treat malaise, fever, lethargy, used externally to treat fungal conditions. Research: effective against fungal infections24 |
| Genus | Agastache |
| Habitat | Hillsides16, stream banks, common cultivar2 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +10 TO +20 DEGREES F; -12.2 TO -6.7 DEGREES C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | plant is beginning to flower16 |
| Leaf Description | opposite, ovate-deltate, apexes acuminate, bases rounded to cordate, margins coarsely serrate with long petioles2, 6-8cm, ovate, apex acute to acuminate, serrate, glab, to hirtellous23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Opt Harvest Time | summer or autumn16 |
| Parts Used | Dried Aerial Plant16, aerial parts24 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Plant spacing | 18 inches |
| Range | East Asia, also found in Japan, Korea, Laos, and Russia, grows wild on slopes and along roadsides, cultivated throughout China24 |
| Seeds per OZ | 196,000 |
| Species | rugosa |
| Stem Description | erect, oblong2, to 120cm, branching above23 |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Agrimonia pilosa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, including luteolin, volatile oil, and polysaccharides24; agrimonol, agrimonolide, prytocatechol, pyrogallic acid, phlobaphene, leaf, stem contains luteolin-7-B-glucoside, apigenin-7-B-glucoside15 |
| Bloom | summer24 |
| Bloom Date | 07/05/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Agrimonia pilosa agrimony, xian he cao With loose flowers of pale yellow in summer, this softly hairy, aromatic perennial to 6 ft ranges from eastern Europe to Japan. Preferring hilly grasslands and marshes in its native lands, agrimony easily grows in well-drained sandy loam under full sun. Direct seed in springtime after danger of frost, propagate in subsequent years by rhizome division. Space at 2-3 ft and harvest herb when in bloom. Clean and sun dry. Xian he cao has traditionally been used to heal wounds and treat vomiting with blood, blood in urine, stomach pain and exhaustion. Current research in China supports this, finding that xian he cao stimulates platelet formation and hastens blood coagulation. It also shows promise as an antibacterial, anticancer, and cardiotonic. Flowers are a source for golden yellow dye. |
| Days to Germinate | 3weeks0 |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Fruit | achene enclosed in persistent calyx with hooks16; bristles on fruit incurved, connivent apically18 |
| Functions/Uses | heals wounds because it staunches bleeding and encourages clot formation. Astringent and mildly bitter, helpful remedy for diarrhea and gentle tonic for digestion, for cystitis, urinary incontinence, kidney stones, sore throats, rheumatism, arthritis; current research has established blood staunching abilities24; nature is bitter, cold for lungs, liver, spleen, astringent, hemostatic, for all forms of hemorrhage, increases number of thrombocytes (blood-clotting cells) which improves coagulation capacity by 40-50%, strengthens osmotic resistance of blood vessel walls, cardiotonic19; sweet, cold, enters channel of liver, spleen, and lung meridians, cools blood, controls bleeding disperses stagnant blood, for hematemesis, epistaxis, functional bleeding, hematuria, bleeding due to external trauma, dermal ulcer, toxic furuncle. Pharmacology: hemostatic effect stimulates platelet formation and hastens blood coagulation, hypotensive effects, anti-inflammatory effects for conjunctivitis, antibacterial, anticancer, cardiotonic- regulates heart rate, in high doses slows heart beat, anthelmintic (root)15; hemostatic for treatment of spitting blood, vomiting blood, hematuria, bloody stool, bud used as antihelmintic for treatment of taeniasis16; source of golden-yellow dye, treats vomiting of blood, dysentery, blood in urine and stools, bleeding of uterus, pain in stomach, exhaustion from overwork14 |
| Germination Temp | 60F0 |
| Habitat | marshes, wet meadows, open areas24; hilly grasslands16 |
| Indication for Harvest | Fully Matured Plant (flowering)16 |
| Leaf Description | densely villose, lvs alternate imparipinnately divided with 3-9 lflts elliptically shaped, 2-6 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, under surface with yellowish glandular spots16; light, aromatic, hairy with lobes lvs with basal ones arranged in a rosette while those along stem are alternate14; lflts glandular, pubescent, toothed23; lflts with 3-7 teeth on each side, cuneate ate base, pubescent b beneath on veins only 18 |
| Medicinal Origin | China24 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring18 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | when blooming24; summer or autumn when fully grown16 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | bud with rhizome collected in late autumn or early spring16 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring18 |
| Origin | NJBG, Beijing |
| Parts Used | Dried Aerial Plant24,16; leaves and stems19; dried whole herb15; dried buds bearing short pieces of rhizome16 |
| Preparation | 15-30g15 |
| Processing Req | cleaned and dried in the sun15; bud cleaned and dried in sum or by gentle heat16 |
| Propagation Method | propagated by division or seed18 |
| Range | throughout China16 |
| Root Description | rhizome23 |
| Stem Description | cylindrical at lower part, reddish-brown, and tetrangular and greenish brown at upper parts (when dried)16 |
| Sun Requirement | partial shade18 |
| Binomial Name | Allium tuberosum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | Summer-autumn23 |
| Bloom Date | July-Aug;:Aug 28, 1998; May 12, 1998 (front garden); |
| Catalog Prose | Oriental Garlic Jiu-Zi This striking, white-flowered perennial looks great as a border plant, blooming from September through October. Its edible leaves are garlic flavored and tidy. The plant increases in volume each year, and is divided easily like setting out onions. Likes compost! Used in Chinese medicine to warm the kidneys and stomach, it is also used to treat urinary incontinence, impotence, sore lower back and knees. 1-2 feet. Average garden soil. Full sun. 1999 Allium tuberosum Oriental garlic, jiu-zi Striking, white-flowered perennial blooms Sept- Oct. Edible leaves are garlic-flavored used in its native China for medicine and cooking. Direct seed or divide in the spring. Cover well with average garden soil in area of full sun exposure. Prefers dark to germinate and will sprout within 14 days. Grows to 2 ft. Likes compost, especially in cold winter climes. Harvest chives before flowering or collect seed in fall. Used to warm kidneys and stomach, also for treatment of urinary incontinence, impotence, sore lower back and knees. |
| Collection Data Other | Bought from Companion Plants 90-95 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1426 |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Functions/Uses | cooking26 |
| Genus | Allium |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= 0 TO +10F; -17.7 TO -12.3C23 |
| Leaf Description | 35-0.8cm, 4-9, solid, keeled23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Mulch Req | mulch when winter temps below -10F26 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26 |
| Plant height | 1-2 feet |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant; easy26 |
| Range | South East Asia |
| Scarification | no |
| Seeds per OZ | 15,0000; 640026 |
| Spacing | 6-8”26 |
| Species | tuberosum |
| Stem Description | to 50cm, angled23 |
| Stratification | no |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26 |
| Binomial Name | Angelica archangelica |
| Ann/Per | Biennial Perennial |
| Active constituents | volatile oil (betaphellandrene), lactones, coumarins24; root oil of phellandrine, alpha-pinene, and limonene, coumarins of osthol, angelicin, umbelliferone, bergapten, and psoralene, seed oil similar to root and contains imperatorin12 |
| Bloom | 2nd year26 |
| Cautions | Do not take during pregnancy24; can cause skin sensitivities if taken internally, avoid sun exposure12 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Angelica archangelica garden angelica, archangel Aromatic biennial showing greenish-cream blooms in summer of second year. This European native prefers rich, slightly acidic soil close to running water. Direct-seed in fall or stratify for spring planting. Light required for germination in 30 days. Spaced at 1-2ft, will grows to 6ft in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to -30F. Harvest root in fall of 2nd year. Sun dry. In the European tradition, all parts of the archangel have medicinal use. Young stalks are eaten in salads, albeit sparingly, and Angelica oil is used to flavor liqueurs. The archangel is also used as a tonic to improve energy while current research indicates antibacterial and antifungal properties. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. May cause sun sensitivity after internal ingestion. |
| Cultivation Notes | likes cool climate, stinging nettle planted as a companion increases angelica’s oil content by 80%, subject to aphid attacks, spray with garlic water12; shelter from wind47 |
| Days to Germinate | 3026; germ in one month or more12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | tamp into soil in 1/2” deep prepared bed12 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Fruit | monocarpic23; 20-30 vittae adhere to seeds in each fruit12 |
| Functions/Uses | tonic against infection, improves energy, stimulates circulation, antibacterial, antifungal, warming expectorant26; antispasmodic and remedy for menstrual disorders, flavoring in liqueurs such as Benedictine and Chartreuse10; warming tonic useful in wide range of illnesses, all pts relieve gas, indigestion, colic, useful for poor circulation, bring relief from bronchitis and chest conditions24; diaphoretic, expectorant, nervine, carminative, stimulant, emmenagogue, next to juniper, angelica arch is main flavor of gin, angelica-root oil antibacterial and antifungal12 |
| Germination Light | light required12, 47 |
| Germination notes | press seeds into soil surface, for spring sowing (after overwinter storage), plant seeds on a bed of damp sphagnum moss and keep in refrigerator for several weeks before exposing to light47 |
| Habitat | prefers damp sites, especially near running water24 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -30 TO -20 F; -34.4 TO -28.9 C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | seeds ripen12 |
| Leaf Description | leaf blades to 60cm, 2-3-pinnate; seg. 3-parted, upper lvs with inflated petiole base23; aromatic, large bright green leaves24; leaves with many leaflets divided into two or three main groups, which are again divided into smaller groups, edges finely toothed, petioles flattened horizontally clasping to main stem12 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe12 |
| Moisture Req | likes closeness to running water12 |
| Opt Harvest Time | August26; seeds as they ripen in late summer24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | leaves and stems are harvested in early summer24; lvs in 1st fall so main stem not damaged12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots in late autumn after one year’s growth24; 1st or 2nd fall or spring of 2nd yr, 2nd yr roots more desirable12 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring, fall26; best to plant in late summer or early autumn soon after ripening12, 47 |
| Parts Used | all26,12; root, leaves, stems, seeds24 |
| Planting Rate per Acre | 20,000 plants/acre12 |
| Preparation | culinary: young stalks peeled and eaten sparingly in salads or cooked in parboiled 2x, add honey to sweeten, or cook in milk with Rumex to make a coagulated dish stored for winter, leaves as tea substitute, powdered root as flour for bread, fish preserved by wrapping in Angelica leaves12 |
| Processing Req | umbels dried in shade at 80F, roots cleaned before drying, larger roots sliced in smaller pieces, dried angelica subject to insect infestations12 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed, transplant26; from seeds or by dividing offshoots from old roots, tamp rather than bury12, transplants easy if dig without disturbing root, can grow to 8 feet. when seedlings 3-4 inches, transplant at 1-ft spacing in rows 2-3 ft apart, 20,000 plants per acre, 1 acre can produce 8-11 lbs of seed and 800-1300lbs dried root (12000lbs fresh root per acre). Lge roots may weigh up to 3 lbs, companion plant with stinging nettle which increases oil content by 80%, subject to aphids. lvs harvested in 1st fall (not damaging to stem), root in 1-2nd fall or in spring of 2nd yr. 2yr old roots most desirable, umbels as seeds ripen and dried in shade at 80F. roots cleaned before drying, larger cut into slices, dried and subject to insects so store in sealed containers, roots must be harvested soon after seeds ripen, will quickly rot in ground after maturation. young stalks peeled and eaten sparingly in salads or cooked in 2waters as veg, add honey to 2nd boiling. |
| Range | grows in temperate regions as far apart as W Eur, Himal, and Siberia24 |
| Root Description | taproot short, thick, fleshy with numerous rootlets12 |
| Scarification | not required |
| Seed Description | 1/4” long, flattened on one side and convex on other with 3 ribs, thin, paperlike, winged sides12 |
| Seed Storage Req | cold, dry26; seed refrigerated for planting the following spring, stored at 41F12; may last overwinter in airtight refrigerated container47 |
| Seed Viability Time | limited, remains viable for 6mo without proper storage12; very short lived47 |
| Seedling Care | transplant seedling in spring when 3-4”12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 550026 |
| Soil Ph | prefers slightly acid soil with pH of 5 to 712 |
| Soil Requirements | fairly rich, light, well-drained but moist loam, adaptive to most garden soils12; rich soil47 |
| Spacing | 12-24”26; 1-2 ft in rows 2-3 feet apart12; 3ft apart47 |
| Stem Description | ridged upright hollow stems24; large, ribbed, smooth, hollow with purple cast12 |
| Stratification | seeds in moist medium and refrig before planting26, moist chilling before planting helps47 |
| Sun Requirement | sun to pt. shade26; loves partial shade12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | easy if can dig without disturbing roots12 |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Angelica dahurica |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | byak-angelicin, byak-angelicol, olypeucedanin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, angelic acid, angelicotoxin, santhotoxin, marmesin, scopoletin, isobyakangelico,l, neobyakangelicol36; volatile oil and the coumarins imperatorin, marmesin, and phellopterin24; Byak-angelicol, Byak-angelicin, Oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, xanthotoxin, nodakenetin, anhydrobyakangelicin, neobyakangelicol, scopoletin, oxypeucedanin hydrate, and bergapten34 |
| Bloom | fruiting July-August34 |
| Bloom Date | 04/28/99 to 05/20/99 |
| Cautions | very drying, use cautiously if sores have already burst or if the pus drains smoothly36; do not take during pregnancy24; Known Hazards: All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight andmay cause dermatitis[238]40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Angelica dahurica Chinese angelica, bai zhi Growing to 8 ft, this aromatic perennial blooms with subdued, lacy greenish-white flowers in summer. Native to mountains and thickets ranging from eastern Siberia to Japan, today, bai zhi is cultivated throughout eastern and central China for its medicinal strength. Best to start seeds in flats outdoors in fall to naturally cold stratify, tamp softly, light required to germinate. Like all Angelica, fresh seed does best, so plant on delivery. If planting in spring, cold stratify at 40F for 3 mo before planting. Once established, transplant in fairly rich, well-drained moist soil under full sun to part shade. Harvest root of mature plant in spring, and divide to produce more. Sun dry. Enjoying a long medicinal history in China, bai zhi is commonly used to relieve cold symptoms including headache, sinus congestion, and fever. Folk tradition reveals cancer and toothache relief. Pharmacological research suggests antibacterial, analgesic, stimulant showing promise to treat facial pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy, do not apply to open sores. |
| Cultivation Notes | plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[200]40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | best sown in a cold frame, seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe40 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Fruit | fr glabrous, elliptical, flat, 8-9 mm. long, slender dorsal ribs, winged lateral ribs34 |
| Functions/Uses | acrid, warm enters lung, stomach, expels wind, alleviates pain, used for supraorbital pain, nasal congestion, toothache, warming, reduces swelling, expels pus, in early stages of surface sores and carbuncles to expel wind and reduce swelling, discharges pus, expels dampness, alleviates discharge opens up nasal passages, for sinus congestion, pharmacological antimicrobial, used in ophthalmology, a burn ointment to promote healing, use in otolaryngology when inhaled through nose effective for headache and toothache36; pain killer for use in common cold, headache, and fever, treat boils and abscesses, itching, diphtheria, blood in in urine, snake bites, vaginal discharge14;pharmacology with antipyretic effect, antibacterial effect, analgesic effect, antifungal effect, stimulation of central nervous system, traditional applications for headache, toothache, ocular irritation, rhinorrhea, fresh hematochezia, hemorrhoids, pinkish and white leukorrhea, dermal dryness, pruritis15; pungent bitter for headaches, aching eyes, nasal congestion, toothache, warming tonic, sores, boils, ulcer of skin, valuable in treating facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia24; Root used as an analgesic, anodyne, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, diaphoretic, stimulant, and suppurative. Used in headache, toothaches, neuralgia, gonorrhea, hematuria, snakebite, and folk cancer remedy. Externally the root is used for abscesses, boils, and cuts34; Edible Uses: Leaves. Leaves - cooked[105, 177]. Medicinal Uses:Analgesic; Antibacterial; Antidote; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Poultice; Stimulant. Analgesic, antibacterial, antidote, diaphoretic, poultice[176, 178]. The root is anodyne, carminative, diuretic and stimulant[218]40 |
| Genus | Angelica |
| Germination Light | light preferred33; requires light for germination[200]40 |
| Habitat | wild in thickets24; mountains34; Damp habitats in mountains, C. Japan[58, 200]40 |
| Leaf Description | aromatic, large 3-branched lvs24; stout, erect, glabrous, lvs 2-3 ternately pinnate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China24 |
| Opt Divide Time | early spring34 |
| Opt Planting Time | sown immediately after ripening34; as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[200]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower40 |
| Origin | NJBG |
| Parts Used | root36, 14, 24; roots, leaves, stalks34 |
| Pollination Req | insects, self-fertile40 |
| Propagation Method | seeds and division18; seeds, dividing off-shoots from crown34; Seed40 |
| Range | E. Asia - Japan, Korea, Siberia40 |
| Soil Requirements | likes a fairly rich, moist soil with good drainage34; deep moist fertile soil40 |
| Species | dahurica |
| Stem Description | hollow24 |
| Sun Requirement | likes full sun, but will tolerate partial shade34; dappled shade or full sun[200]40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for ther first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring40 |
| Synonyms | Callisace dahurica |
| Binomial Name | Aralia cordata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | Diterpenic acids A,B, and C, grandifloric acid, 17-dihydroxy-16-beta-l-kauran-19-oic acid, l-pimarar-8(14)15-dien-oic-acid, and l-pimara-8(14) 15-dien-19-olic acid34 |
| Bloom | summer23, August34 |
| Bloom Date | 07/04/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Aralia cordata udo, jiu yan du huo Known also as Japanese spikenard, this member of the ginseng family hails from East Asia growing wild alongside streams in rich woods. To 4 ft, udo’s tiny flowers appear in summer. Direct seed in fall or stratify for early spring planting in rich humus under partial shade. Space with 2 ft centers and harvest roots in fall or early spring. Slice and sun dry. Today, udo is cultivated in Japan and it’s young spring shoots are eaten as a vegetable. Traditionally, udo root in decoction was used to relieve pain, excess gas, swelling, headaches and pulmonary problems. |
| Cultivation Notes | In Japan it is much much cultivated as a vegetable for the shoots. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in N. America34 |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Functions/Uses | treats pain and/or swelling in joints and muscles from wind, damp, cold particularly in lower half of body, includes chronic arthritis that is worse in damp, cold weather, roots and stems used, spicy, warming, contains no poison, dispels wind, harmonizes blood, dries dampness, moves blood, stops pain and reduces swelling, can be used for lower back pain or stiff lower back muscles, due to wind, damp, diaphoretic, relieves pain, removes edema through diuresis, clears wind and strengthens weakness25, root used in decoction as tonic, stimulant, and anodyne in headaches, stomach ache, toothache, rheumatism, lumbago, and lameness. The roots are also used in pulmonary ailments, including tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and asthma. The young shoots are eaten as a pot herb in Japan34 |
| Genus | Aralia |
| Germination Temp | Warm1 |
| Habitat | Hardy to Zone 5; occurs in rich woods along streams and in ravines34 |
| Leaf Description | unarmed herbaceous, leaves 2-3x compound, uppermost trifoliate or simple; lflts ovate, to 15-10cm, finely toothed23, stout herb with spreading branches, leaves large, 3-5 pinnate, petioles 15-30 cm. long; leaflets glabrous above, slightly pubescent below on veins, long-ovate, to obovate, 4-15 cm. long, 3-10 cm. wide, coarsely serrate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China34, 24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | Roots can be harvested in autumn or early spring before vegetative growth commences, sliced and dried34 |
| Opt Planting Time | Early Spring; sown after ripening34 |
| Parts Used | root, young leaf shoots34 |
| Processing Req | roots are dug up and placed in dark drying shed, or young shoots are covered with leaf mold or sawdust to blanch the shoots before harvesting as a vegetable, shoots are harvested like asparagus34 |
| Propagation Method | by seeds or by division of roots34 |
| Range | Japan, Cultivated in US |
| Soil Ph | Normal Range |
| Soil Requirements | likes a rich, moist soil, well-supplied with organic matter34 |
| Spacing | Up to 9’ Tall1 |
| Species | cordata |
| Sun Requirement | grows best in partial shade34 |
| Binomial Name | Arctium lappa |
| Ann/Per | Biennial |
| Active constituents | bitter glycosides (arctiopicrin), flavonoids (arctiin), tannins, polyacetylens, volatile oil, inulin (up to 45%), sesquiterpens24 |
| Bloom | summer |
| Catalog Prose | Great Burdock Niu-Bang Zi A familiar North American plant of Eurasian origin, Burdock has a well deserved reputation for multiple medicinal uses. It is a biennial, producing huge leaves to three feet, followed by a lilac flower and burr seedpods. A beautiful, dramatic plant! Yes, it is invasive, but very easy to control. The leaves of the self seeded plants appear in fall, and by spring are the perfect size for eating. They can be easily removed from where you don’t want them, and won’t re-sprout. A great plant for rotation through a garden bed, we discovered that it got rid of some terribly tenacious quack grass. Historically all parts of the plant have been used. From gout to gonorrhea, eczema, flu and leprosy, the great Burdock has been there. In China, the seed is used for fever, sore throat and cough. 1-3 feet. Average garden soil. Sun or shade. 1999 Arctium lappa great burdock, niu-bang zi A familiar North American plant of Eurasian origin, this biennial grows to 3 ft and produces huge leaves followed by a lilac flower and burr seedpods. Direct seed in spring in deep, loose garden soil. Grows best in full sun but also shade tolerant. Very hardy and yes, invasive, but easy to control. Leaves of self seeded plants appear in fall, and by spring are the perfect size for eating. Great plant for rotation through a garden bed, we discovered that it got rid of some terribly tenacious quack grass. Attention seed collectors: be careful, plants need to be distanced 1/2mile to ensure seed purity. Harvest midsummer. Historically all parts of the plant have been used. From gout to gonorrhea, eczema, flu and leprosy, the great burdock has been there. In China, the seed is used for fever, sore throat and cough. Current research suggest antibiotic and antibacterial activity in the root. |
| Collection Data Other | Also bought from P.E. Allen Farm Supply |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene, obovate and covered with stiff hairs2 |
| Functions/Uses | roots used in Japanese dishes3, cold, bitter, biting, clears fever, detoxifies, dispels wind, influenza, tonsillitis, boils2, cleansing, mild diuretic, antibiotic, antiseptic. Research: antibiotic effect of root, antibacterial and antifungal, diuretic, lowers blood sugar levels, antitumor action. Arctiin is a smooth muscle relaxant. History: gout, fevers, kidneys stones, seeds remove toxins, skin problems and fever/infections24 |
| Genus | Arctium |
| Habitat | Hillsides and Grasslands16, mostly cultivated2 |
| Hardiness | hardy, can tolerate high and low temps; MINTEMP= -40to -30F; -40.0to -34.5C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | Ripe Fruit16 |
| Leaf Description | basal leaves clustered, stem leaves opposite, large, broad-ovate-cordate, leaf surfaces glossy, underside pubescent2, Basal lvs to 50cm, ovate, cordate; petioles solid23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Opt Harvest Time | Autumn, seeds harvested in summer24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | whole plant is dug up in midsummer24 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring |
| Parts Used | Dried Ripe Fruit, seed, roots, leaves (externally), all24 |
| Plant height | 1-3 feet |
| Pollination Req | flowers self-pollinating, will cross pollinate so caging necessary when growing for seed. Isolation of 1/2 mile will ensure seed purity. Does not cross-pollinate with A. minus3 |
| Propagation Method | seed |
| Range | North America, Japan and China, grown extensively in Japan, grows in temperate regions throughout world24 |
| Root Description | can grow to 36”, fleshy3 |
| Root Storage Pref | Dried in the Sun Before Storage16 |
| Seed Viability Time | 5+ years, under ideal conditions3 |
| Soil Requirements | Deep, Loose |
| Species | lappa |
| Stem Description | multibranced, height 1-2 m. |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Type | Both Chinese and Indigenous |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Binomial Name | Artemisia annua |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | artemisinin10; volatile oil (abrotamine, beta-bouronene), Sesquiterpene lactone (artemisinin) Vit A24 |
| Bloom | summer-autumn23 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Artemisia annua sweet annie, quing-hao Sweet annie is a fast growing, sweet-scented annual with tiny green-yellow blossoms. Sow directly in early spring in any soil and full sun. With light can germinate in one week. Thin to 2 ft when seedlings established. Bright green, fern-like foliage grows to 6 ft and lasts into late October when the seed ripens. Not invasive. Sweet and easy, it invites no pests, is hardy in driest times and will grow anywhere. Harvest herb in summer before flowering and sun dry. In Chinese medicine, sweet annie leaves are used mainly for heat relief but also for colds, dysentery, indigestion and fevers related to sunstroke and tuberculosis. Currently the World Health Organization is researching sweet annie seeds to treat malaria. Sweet Annie Quing-Hao Sweet Annie is a fast growing, sweet-scented annual with tiny green-yellow blossoms. Sow directly in early spring and thin to two feet. The bright green, fern-like foliage makes a full backdrop for smaller plants and lasts into late October when the seed ripens. Not invasive. Sweet and easy, it invites no pests, is hardy in driest times and will grow anywhere. Heat relief is the main use in Chinese medicine. It has also been used for treatment of colds, dysentery, indigestion and fevers related to sunstroke and tuberculosis. Currently the World Health Organization is doing research using the seeds of Sweet Annie for treatment of malaria. 1-9 feet. Any soil. Full sun. |
| Days to Bloom | 12026 |
| Days to Germinate | after 1 wk10; 7-21days26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | only in areas with long growing seasons, barely cover26 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | dispels heat, cools blood, removes fever, reduces summer heat syndrome10; prevents and cures malaria and free from side effects24 |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination Temp | 70-75F26; 7033 |
| Greenhouse Req | indoors 6-8wks before last frost, barely cover26 |
| Habitat | found throughout China on mountainsides, disturbed soil, fallow ground, and along roadsides, grows in waste places in NA10 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= +10 TO +20F; -12.2 TO -6.7C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | flowers in bud10,24 |
| Leaf Description | erect, glabrous, leaves (1-)2-3-pinnatisect, lobes to 5x1mm, linear-lanceolate, entire or toothed23 |
| Opt Divide Time | autumn24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | Aug-Oct, before flowering, artemisinin max in late July or Aug10; summer before flowers bloom24 |
| Opt Planting Time | early spring before the last spring frost10; spring, after last frost24 |
| Parts Used | leaves24 |
| Plant height | 1-9 ft |
| Plant spacing | 2 ft |
| Processing Req | cleaned and used fresh or dried, avoid drying under direct sun10 |
| Propagation Method | easily grown from seed direct sown10; prop by seed or dividing rootstock24 |
| Range | Asia, North America, widely nat in cent and south Eur10 |
| Seedling Care | seedlings frost tolerant10; bottom water, keep moist26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 400,0000; 1,600,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | no particular soil conditions, grows in wide variety of soils10 |
| Spacing | thin to 24-23”26 |
| Stem Description | often red23 |
| Stratification | seed must be dried in order to germ33 |
| Sun Requirement | prefers full sun10 |
| Transplanting Req Est | to seed packs after 2nd set of true leaves, harden and transplant after danger of frost26 |
| Binomial Name | Artemisia capillaris |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | scoparone, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, B-pinene, capillin, caplilone, capillene, capillarin, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidid acid36 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in cases of deficiency jaundice with pale yellow skin, normal urination, and soggy pulse, led to development of Adams-Stokes syndrome in 2 women being treated for hepatitis36 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Artemisia capillaris Chinese moxa weed, yin chen hao Light greenish-purple leaves of this perennial reach up to 6 feet in full sun. Softly aromatic, cool and lacy, native to northern China, Japan and Taiwan, yin chen hao is hardy in the coldest climes. Plant seeds in a cell in spring or direct seed and water to stimulate germination. Temperatures to 70F inspire growth in beds of any soil. Space at 2 ft, and stake when tall. Harvest young shoots and leaves in spring after 2nd yr. Easy. Bitter and acrid, yin chen hao works on the liver, stomach, spleen and gall bladder to clear jaundice, fever and treat hepatitis. Recent studies show antibacterial, antiviral, and hypotensive effects of essential oil. Strong medicine of the Chinese tradition, it increases bile and may suppress autonomic response. Use only under physicians care. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | bitter, acrid, cool, enters channels of liver, spleen, gall bladder, stomach, clears damp heat form liver and gall bladder and relieves jaundice, clears heat and releases exterior conditions, used for heat patterns with such symptoms as intermittent fever and chills, a bitter taste in mouth , a sense of constriction in the chest, flank pain, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite, pharmacological rsrch: effect on biliary system slightly increase bile flow and cause contractions in gall bladder, effect on liver decrease rate of hepatic dell death, treatment of icteric hepatitis- fevers subside quickly ,jaundice disappears and liver returns to normal size, effect on temperature regulation (antipyretic), effect of blood pressure (decreases), diuretic, antifungal- essential oil, used to treat hepatitis36; essential oil to have antifungal and antibacterial effects, cools the body system, treats infectious hepatitis, jaundice, constipation, fever, increase urine flow14; bitter, neutral, spleen, stomach, liver, gall bladder, diuretic, antipyretic, for jaundice due to damp-heat excess, effective remedy for jaundice, also promotes secretion of bile19; antipyretic, stimulates bile, hypotensive, effect on fats lowering serum cholesterol, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral to influenza, anthelmintic on spineless round worms, may inhibit motor reflexes and activities15 |
| Germination Temp | all Artemisia are D-70 germinators33 |
| Habitat | herb survives cold winter until next spring and its sprout grows form the old dried stem15 |
| Medicinal Origin | China36 |
| Origin | Hunning BG (No Robert Packet) |
| Parts Used | young shoots and leaves36; young plants14; stems and leaves of young shoots19; dried sprout15 |
| Plant height | 6 ft |
| Preparation | 3-5 qian, in serious condition up to 1 liang36; 10-15 qian19 |
| Stem Description | purplish14 |
| Binomial Name | Artemisia vulgaris |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | volatile oil, sesquiterpenen lacton, flavonoids, coumarin derivative, and triterpenes24, artemisin, tannin, resins, essential oil, (variable composition; mainly cineole and thujone), plus adenine, pinene, quebrachitol, tauremisin, sitosterol, tetracosanol, fernenol, alpha-smyrin, stigmasterol, vulgarol, isoquercitrin, rutin, and quinovic acid34 |
| Bloom | Summer-autumn24, August-October34 |
| Bloom Date | June 12, 1998 |
| Cautions | Do not take during pregnancy24 |
| Catalog Prose | Mugwort Ai-Ye This unusually hardy and vigorous perennial will not disappoint you. Direct seeded in early spring and thinned to two feet, this aromatic Amazon can grow to over six feet tall. The luscious foliage, dark green with a fuzzy silver underside, makes seed in late August. Makes an excellent hedge, screen or large element in the garden. Easily divided fall or spring. A bit invasive, we always have some to give away to a friend who becomes enchanted. After processing, the leaf is used in Chinese medicine as moxa, which is burned over acupuncture points to warm and stimulate the energy of the meridians. As a tea it has been used as a nerve and stomach tonic, diuretic, and to clear coldness. Mugwort has a long and uninterrupted history as a friend and healer to humans. 2-6 feet. Any soil. Full sun. 1999 Artemisia vulgaris mugwort , ai ye This unusually hardy, aromatic, and vigorous perennial native to Eurasia can be direct- seeded after stratification in early spring, thinned to 2 ft. Grows to over 6 ft tall in full sun. Prefers rich, moist soil. Luscious foliage, dark green with a fuzzy silver underside, seeds in late August. A bit invasive . Makes an excellent hedge, screen or large element in garden. Easily divided fall or spring. Harvest leaf in late summer before flowering. Shade dry. Ai ye leaf is used in Chinese medicine as moxa, which is burned over acupuncture points to warm and stimulate the energy of the meridians. As a tea it has been used as a nerve and stomach tonic, diuretic, and to clear coldness |
| Cultivation Notes | easy to cultivate34 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-2426 |
| Direct Sowing Req | surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out40 |
| Disease and Insect Problems | Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]40 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | digestive tonic, milder than other Artemisia, improves appetite, digestion and absorption of nutrients, elimination of worms, increases bile flow, induces menstruation24, treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, colic, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal spasms, indigestion, stimulates bile production12; womens herb- balancing for menstrual and menopausal problems, stimulates and improves memory of dreams (dream pillow ingredient)26, leaves are used externally as poultice on headache, ulcers, sores, abscesses, bruises, sprains, swellings; smoked for asthma; decocted for hemostatic, tonic, stomachic, antiemetic, carminative, antirheumatic, antidiuretic, nervine, and antispasmodic properties. Also used in dysentery and as a vermifuge for ascarids. Drug acts as a uterine sedative for abdominal and labor pains. Most famous use is in preparation of moxa for use to stimulate acupuncture meridians and points34 |
| Genus | Artemisia |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Habitat | flourishes in open areas and along roads24, herb of brushland, fields, waste places, etc.34 |
| Hardiness | tolerant of cold, does not need winter protection12; MINTEMP= -40to -30F; -40.0to -34.5C23 |
| Leaf Description | aromatic, Lvs 1-pinnatisect, glab. and dark green above, white and downy beneath, seg. entire, pinnatifid or coarsely dentate24, Fragrant, much-branched, erect, glabrous, leaves ovate in outline, 10 cm. long, white-cotton beneath, green above, 2-pinnately cleft, lobes lanceolate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | established plants are drought tolerant[200]40 |
| Opt Divide Time | in spring (while still dormant)12; division in spring or autumn, basal cuttings in late spring40 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | gathered in late summer just before flowering24 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring or Fall26; late winter to early summer40 |
| Parts Used | leaves24,34, roots24 |
| Plant height | six feet tall, 2-6 feet |
| Plant spacing | two feet |
| Processing Req | lvs dried into shade, though dried in sun in China12 |
| Propagation Method | creeping rhizome, prop by dividing rhizomes12, 34; direct seed or transplant26, 34, cuttings34 |
| Range | Europe, Asia and North America, found in temperate regions of northern hemisphere24, naturalized in N America34 |
| Seeds per OZ | 280,00026 |
| Soil Ph | Prefers a lightly acid soil34; neutral to alkaline, tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 8.240 |
| Soil Requirements | relatively rich, moist soil12, prefers a moderately rich, well-drained soil34; easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[245]40 |
| Spacing | 12-18”26 |
| Species | vulgaris |
| Stem Description | red or purple, sparsely hairy24 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26 |
| Sun Requirement | grows in wide variety of situations but prefers full sun12; full sun26, 34; preferring a sunny position and a moist soil[1, 14, 200]40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. If growth is sufficient, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out in the spring40 |
| Other Propagation Req | harvest the young shoots when about 10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy40 |
| Binomial Name | Asclepias curassavica |
| Ann/Per | Annual Perennial |
| Bloom | summer-later autumn23; almost all year45 |
| Bloom Date | 07/01/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Bloodflower A beautiful milkweed used in Chinese medicine. An easy annual or tender perennial has red flowers with orange hoods and bright yellow centers. This lovely plant produces a typical milkweed pod which hosts Monarch Butterflies and makes them taste awful to the birds! A stunning large ornamental that bloomed all summer. Known as an emetic and vermifuge this plant is has also been used for its fiber and it’s down like floss. To 4 feet. Full sun. Average soil. 1999 Asclepias curassavica bloodflower, matal A beautiful milkweed native to South America, this easy annual or tender perennial has red flowers with orange hoods and bright yellow centers. Produces typical milkweed pod which hosts Monarch Butterflies and makes them taste awful to the birds. A stunning large ornamental that blooms all summer, start indoors and transplant after danger of frost in spring in well-drained sandy loam. Space at 2-3 ft in full sun. Matal will grow to 4 ft but does not transplant well after seedling stage due to its long taproot. Annual in areas with winter temps dipping below 20F, mulching improves longevity. Traditionally , matal was used as an emetic and vermifuge. It has also been used for its fiber and down-like floss. |
| Days to Bloom | 15026 |
| Days to Germinate | 14-21 days26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | indoors recommended26 |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Fruit | follicles fusiform, 5-10 x 1-1.5 cm45 |
| Functions/Uses | root extracts used as a emetic and laxative, leaf juice used to kill intesinal parasitic worms and to hasten sweating during fevers, flower juice has been used to stop bleeding, Chinese villages brush dogs with twigs to repel fleas45 |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination Temp | 65-70F26 |
| Greenhouse Req | sow 10-12wks before last frost, press seeds26 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= +20F to +30F; -6.6to -1.2C23 |
| Leaf Description | leaves to 15cm, elliptic-lanceloate, acuminate, opposite23; opposite, petiole to 1 cm, leaf blade lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 6-15 x 1-4 cm, glabrous or abaxially puberulent along veins, base decurrent into petiole, apex acuminate or acute45 |
| Opt Divide Time | cannot divide due to taproot26 |
| Opt Planting Time | after last frost26 |
| Parts Used | root, leaf, flowers45 |
| Plant height | to 4 ft |
| Pollination Req | wind33 |
| Propagation Method | transplant26 |
| Range | pantropical weed23, 45 |
| Root Description | taproot26 |
| Seed Description | ovate, 6-7 x ca. 3 mm, coma 2-4cm45 |
| Seed Storage Req | dry33 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained, sandy-loam to poor26 |
| Spacing | 24-36”26 |
| Species | curassavica |
| Stem Description | pale gray, puberulent to glabrous45 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | to pots 3-5 wks after indoor sowing, harden and transplant out after danger of frost, to permanent site outdoors as cannot be moved due to long taproot26 |
| Binomial Name | Asclepias tuberosa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | cardenolides and flavonoids, estrogenic24 |
| Bloom | late May lasting to Sept in north12 |
| Bloom Date | June- July; May 27, 1998; 06/12/99 |
| Cautions | Do not take during pregnancy24 |
| Catalog Prose | Pleurisy Root Butterfly Weed With strikingly brilliant orange flowers, this hardy perennial of the milkweed family is often found in poor soils along the roadsides. The plant is more touchy than you would expect. Try and put it where you want it the first time. It doesn’t like being transplanted and will not tolerate over watering while in the seedling stage. It grows larger and more beautiful each year. We have a lovely old stand in the garden with an understory of portulaca, a dazzling sight in the summer. Asclepias is often known as Pleurisy Root. It has been used for lung ailments in many cultures. As a poultice, it is used for bruises, swellings and rheumatism. 1-3 feet. Sandy loam, average garden soil. Full sun. 1999 Asclepias tuberosa pleurisy root, butterfly weed With strikingly brilliant orange flowers, this hardy perennial of the milkweed family is often found in poor soils along the roadsides. Native to the southeastern US, pleurisy root can withstand temperatures to -40F, but it doesn’t like being transplanted and will not tolerate overwatering while in the seedling stage. Direct-seed in fall or stratify for indoor spring planting. Prefers dark for germination, so cover with with soil and plant in area of full sun. Likes sandy, slightly acid soil growing larger and more beautiful each year. Takes 2-3 yrs to flower and reaches 1-3 ft in height. Pinch buds for fuller plant and sustained blooms. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Harvest mature root in fall and dry. 4500 seeds/oz. Pleurisy root has been used for lung ailments in many cultures. As a poultice, it is used for bruises, swellings and rheumatism. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. |
| Collection Data Other | 1 lb. bought from Applewood Seed Co. Jan. 1996 |
| Cultivation Notes | attracts butterflies26 |
| Days to Bloom | plants grown from seed to 2-3yrs to flower12 |
| Days to Germinate | 6-1426; 2-726 |
| Direct Sowing Req | seed germ readily w/out strat, and can be sown in fall, soon after collection12 |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Functions/Uses | useful for hot, dry conditions of chest, promotes coughing up phlegm, reduces inflammation, reduce fever by stimulating perspiration, root for chronic diarrhea and dysentary24, diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, antispasmodic12; valued by Plains Indians to heal lung ailments and wounds, respiratory expectorant and diaphoretic26 |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26; light has no effect33 |
| Germination Temp | seeds germinate well at a temp of 75F, planted at 1/4 “ deep12; 70F33 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -40 TO -30F; -40.0 TO -34.5C23 |
| Leaf Description | Lvs to 11.5cm, narrow-lanceolate, loosely spiraling23 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Opt Divide Time | spring or fall12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | root unearthed in spring34, harvest roots in fall12, |
| Opt Planting Time | sown in late autumn to germinate the following spring12; Spring or Fall26 |
| Parts Used | Root24 |
| Plant height | 1-3 feet |
| Propagation Method | root cuttings (each section should have eye), seeds, or by stem cuttings taken before flowering12; direct seed or transplant26 |
| Pruning | pinch flower buds to encourage branching and sustain longer blooming12 |
| Range | New Eng. West to ND South to FL & NM |
| Root Description | tuberous-rooted23 |
| Scarification | none required |
| Seeds per OZ | 4,5000; 640026 |
| Site Preference | moist areas in fields and prairies, hardy perennial along the roadsides |
| Soil Ph | 4.5 to 6.512 |
| Soil Requirements | dry, sandy, well-drained, slightly acid, once established thrives in poor, dry soils, and is drought tolerant12 |
| Spacing | 12”26 |
| Species | tuberosa |
| Stem Description | Erect, hispidulous, woody-based23 |
| Stratification | cold, moist stratification pd of 90days at 41F12; cold, moist26; 3mo. at 40F33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | soon after obtaining 1st two true leaves12 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Binomial Name | Aster tartaricus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | arabinose, quercetol, shionone, astersaponin, friedelin, epifriedelinol, lachnophyllol, lachnophyllol acetate, anethole, asterprosapogenin, and hederasapogenin34 |
| Bloom | August - October34 |
| Bloom Date | took 2-3 yrs to bloom (does not bloom 1st year), beautiful long lasting bloom beginning in Sept |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Aster tartaricus tartarian aster, zi wan Dramatic bunches of round, dusty purple blooms atop 6-7 ft tall stems mark falls arrival on this late-blooming perennial. Dotting roadsides of its native northern Asia, zi wan is extremely cold tolerant, requiring neither winter mulching or fertilizing. Start seeds indoors spring and transplant out, spaced at 1 ft, when seedlings have 1st true leaves. Takes 2-3 yrs to bloom and grows extremely well in moist, rich, deeply dug soil and full sun to dappled shade. Bamboo railing provides needed support during harsh downpours. Older plants may need a little more room. Harvest rhizomous roots of mature (3-4 yr) plants after flowers have died back. Reportedly the most commonly used Aster in Chinese medicine, zi wan is used to treat cold symptoms, pulmonary complaints, and fluid retention. May be somewhat sedative. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | rhizome used in decoction as a demulcent for pulmonary ailments. Also considered antitussive and expectorant, used in colds, coughs, dysuria, hemoptysis, hematuria, and hemorrhage. Diuretic, purgative, and slightly sedative properties are also reported. This is the most commonly used aster in Chinese medicine34 |
| Genus | Aster |
| Habitat | occurs in wet fields and roadsides34 |
| Leaf Description | herbaceous, lvs spatulate oblong, 20-23 cm. long, 6-10 cm. wide, tapering to a narrowly winged petiole, progressively smaller toward top of plant, coarsely toothed, minutely bristled34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Origin | We-du 89 |
| Parts Used | root34 |
| Plant height | at least 6 ft tall0 |
| Plant spacing | space at 1 ft |
| Propagation Method | by seeds, stem cuttings, root cuttings, or division of offshoots from root crown.34 |
| Range | Japan, Korea, Manchuria, N. China, Siberia, Mongolia |
| Root Description | rhizome34 |
| Soil Requirements | Likes a moderately rich, moist soil34 |
| Species | tatricus |
| Stem Description | branched in upper part34 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or dappled shade34 |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Astragalus adsurgens |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | Aminobutryic acid34 |
| Bloom | July-August34 |
| Catalog Prose | Astragalus adsurgens Chinese milk vetch, sha yuan zi Teardrop flowers of greyish-blue greet the summer heat from this perennial of the bean family. Native to NE Asia, sha yuan zi prefers full sun and well -drained, poor soil. Like most beans, it likes overnight soak in warm water and inoculation for improved germination. Direct seed in spring and thin to 2 ft center. Does not like to be transplanted. Will grow to 30cm. Harvest root in fall of 3rd year and sun dry. Use of sha yuan zi root is reported in NE provinces of China as a local herb similar in properties to the more powerful Astragalus membranaceus from western China. Both are tonifying immune stimulants. |
| Cultivation Notes | many Astragalus species are michorrhizal plants dependent upon a semi-parasitic organism, making many species difficult to cultivate34 |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Fruit | 2-locular legume, abruptly beaked, loosely white and black pubescent (appressed)34 |
| Habitat | gravelly slopes34 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -10 TO 0 F; -23.3 TO -17.8 C23 |
| Leaf Description | pubescent, leaves to 17cm; lflts to 30cm, oblong to elliptic23; leaves 5-17 cm. long, alternate, odd-pinnate, leaflets 18-24, lanceolate; stipules conate on inner margin34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | adequate moisture34 |
| Parts Used | root34 |
| Propagation Method | seeds34 |
| Stem Description | erect glabrous-stems arising from procumbent base to 30 cm. long34 |
| Stratification | soak seeds in warm water overnight34 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun34 |
| Transplanting Req Est | does not like to be transplanted34 |
| Binomial Name | Baptisia australis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | lte spring to early summer26; April to June28 |
| Bloom Date | 05/10/99 to 05/30/99 |
| Cautions | potentially toxic28 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Baptisia australis blue false indigo As spring turns to summer, tall indigo spires reaching 5 ft tall with bouquets 6ft wide crowd above branches of clover leaves. Naturally ranging from central eastern US through the midwest, this perennial hugs the forest margins making it ideal for either full sun or partial shade. Although established guidelines recommend seed scarification, new findings suggest this may lead to lower germ due to increased seed rot. Best to plant either fresh or dry stored seed at 70F in cells in early spring or late fall. Like all legumes, overnight soak in inoculent prior to planting and planting at 1/4” depth aids in germination. Wait 1-3 wks and space at 2-3ft after second set of true leaves appear. Benefited from drop in temperature following germination. Likes sandy loam and neutral to acidic wasteland soil, taking up to 2 or more yrs to bloom. Plant continues to widen with age, may become necessary to thin further or shape into a hedge. Reminiscent of lupines in the west, or Texan mountain laurel with its rattling seedpods, blue false indigo is hardy throughout most of the US (needing winters ranging from -30F to 10F), is drought resistant, undisturbed by pests and needs little care. Possibly invasive, but slow growth makes contol easy. Although potentially toxic, Native Americans used root of blue false indigo in tea as a purgative and externally to treat toothache. Do not use unless under physicians care! Toxic! |
| Cultivation Notes | low-mainenance, drought resistant26 |
| Days to Bloom | 365, plants may not flower for 2 or more seasons26 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-1826; germed at 70F using either dry seed stored for 6m at 70 or 40 or fresh seed in 1-10wks33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | 1/4” deep |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Functions/Uses | American Indians used the root tea as an emetic and purgative; cold tea given to stop vomiting, root poulticed as an anti-inflammatory, held in mouth to treat toothaches, potential stimulant to immune system28 |
| Genus | Baptisia |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination Temp | 70F26, 33 |
| Greenhouse Req | 10-12 wks before last frost directly in seed packs or pots, cover seed with medium26 |
| Habitat | open woods, forest margins28 |
| Leaf Description | smooth, lvs thrice divided, cloverlike, lfts obovate (wider at tips)28 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Opt Planting Time | early spring, late autumn26 |
| Parts Used | root28 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26 |
| Range | Pa to Ga, TX to OK, NE to s IN28 |
| Scarification | nick and presoak for 24 hrs26; grinding notch did not sig. inc. germ rate and caused sever rotting which lowered % germ33 |
| Seed Description | black pods, ornamental26 |
| Seedling Care | once germ, grow at 50-58F to encourage root development26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 170026 |
| Soil Ph | neutral to acid26 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained, but not overly fertile26 |
| Spacing | 18-24”26 |
| Species | australis |
| Stratification | sowing seeds at 40F gave same results as 70F33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or partial shade26 |
| Binomial Name | Belamcanda chinensis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | belamcandin, iridin, flavonoids: tectoridin, tectorigenin10 |
| Bloom | June to July10 |
| Bloom Date | July of the 2nd yr; week of June 17, 1998 |
| Cautions | Do not use during pregnancy, potentially poisonous, contains potentially toxic iridoid components, such as belamcandin and iridin, use only under medical supervision10 |
| Catalog Prose | Blackberry Lily She-Gan Really an iris, not a lily, this short-lived hardy perennial has exotic orange flowers with red or purple spots that bloom in July of the second year. We start seeds in a little box, water and wait for them to get two nice-sized leaves before putting them out. Transplant into groups or rows ten inches apart. Tubers move easily. Shiny black seeds follow in September. Warning! Root is potentially toxic. Belamcanda is used to treat deep coughs when accompanied by hoarseness, for clearing phlegm, sore throats, bronchitis or wheezing. As a poultice it can be applied to twisted ankles, contusions and some kinds of dermatitis. 2-3 feet. Well-drained soil. Full sun. 1999 blackberry lily, she gan Really an iris, this short-lived hardy perennial native to Central Asia has exotic, trumpet-shaped orange flowers with red or purple spots that bloom in July of the second year. Start seeds indoors, water and wait until two true leaves appear before putting them out. Transplant into groups or rows 10” apart in well-drained soil and full sun. Like other irises, tuber bulbs move easily. Shiny black seeds follow in September. Mulch in winters with temps below 10F. For root production, pinch back flowers when budding and harvest in fall. Slice and sun dry. She gan is traditionally used to treat deep coughs when accompanied by hoarseness, for clearing phlegm, sore throats, bronchitis or wheezing. As a poultice it can be applied to twisted ankles, contusions and some kinds of dermatitis. Root is potentially toxic and should not be used during pregnancy or without supervision. |
| Cultivation Notes | once dug, roots divided into 3-5 sections with 1-2 buds or eyes, ends of cut section are dried before planting to avoid fungal infections, easy to grow10 |
| Days to Germinate | 10 days (rhizome division)10 |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Fruit | capsules10 |
| Functions/Uses | used for swelling pain in throat, coughs with asthma, wheezing, chronic bronchitis, mumps, coughs with lots of phlegm, irregular menstrual cycle, swollen breasts, external for boils, contusion, rheumatism, goiters, lower blood pressure yet increases strength and frequency of pulse, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, for dermatitis.10 Nature: bitter, cold. Affinity: lungs, liver. Effects: antipyretic, antidote, expectorant; antiphlogistic to upper respiratory tract. Indications: upper respiratory inflammations, excess phlegm, sputum due to asthma or bronchitis, coughs19 |
| Genus | Belamcanda |
| Habitat | sandy loam, hillsides16, roadsides, thickets, open woods, common cultivar10 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +10 TO +20 F; -12.2 TO -6.7 C23 |
| Leaf Description | 20x1.5cm23, sword-shaped 2-ranked producing fan shape10 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Opt Divide Time | Mar or Apr10 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Early Spring or Late Autumn16 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | May-Sept, usually in autumn10 |
| Parts Used | dried rhizomes and stems19 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Plant spacing | transplant into groups or rows 10” apart |
| Processing Req | washed, dried, stems and leaves removed before drying, roots placed in sun until 1/2 dry, then placed between two screens and heated over a small fire, and turned often until root hairs and lateral rootlets burned off, root cut into slices, soaked in water, covered with wet cloth, and cut into pieces, after slicing roots dry in sun10 |
| Propagation Method | dividing rhizome, 3-4” deep, tamp soil, water; easily grown from seed10 |
| Pruning | flowering stems pinched back in Jul or Aug to prevent flowering, returning more energy to root10 |
| Range | China, Japan, Indonesia, N India, eastern Russia (Ussuri region), now nat. E and S US, and throughout Asia10 |
| Root Description | rhizome: slender, stoloniferous23 |
| Scarification | none |
| Seed Description | fleshy, shiny black seeds tightly clustered10 |
| Site Preference | full sun |
| Soil Requirements | not particular about soil, prefers poor, dry, well-drained soil with organic matter10 |
| Spacing | 8-12 inches10 |
| Species | chinensis |
| Stem Description | none |
| Stratification | none |
| Sun Requirement | full sun |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Bupleurum chinense |
| Active constituents | fatty oils, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, saponins, saikosaponins a, b, c, d, and saikogenins E, F, G, sterols: 7-stigmastenol, 22-stigmastenol, sugar: adonitol15 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | enters channels of the pericardium, liver, triple warmer, and gallbladder meridians, revolves surface, disperses heat, dissolves liver congestion, disperses stagnancy, raises yang ch’i, antipyretic effect, relieves fever induced by TTG, anti-hepatosis effect induced by typhoid vaccines, alcohol or organic phosphates, tranquilizing and analgesic effects, antibacterial effect, antiviral effect- inhibitory for proliferation of influenza virus, antiphlogistic effects- crude saponin given orally shows an anti-inflammatory effect and inhibits dextran and granuloma-induced edema by the granuloma pouch method, however has no effective protection against histamine shock and anaphylactic shock15 |
| Germination Temp | 60 |
| Leaf Description | simple, entire23 |
| Light Req | Bright |
| Medicinal Origin | China15 |
| Moisture Req | Normal |
| Origin | Beijing IMPLAD |
| Parts Used | dried root15 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Bupleuri Radix |
| Preparation | generally 6-18g; for hepatic melancholy, irritation, and pain, 6-9g; for fever and hypohidrosis 15-18g15 |
| Requirements | No Cold TX needed |
| Seed Treatment | No Cold Treatment Needed |
| Binomial Name | Bupleurum scorzonerifolium |
| Active constituents | fatty oils, stearic acid, oleic acid, linolic acid, linolenic acid, saponins, saikosaponins a, b, c, d, and saikogenins E, F, G, sterols: 7-stigmastenol, 22-stigmastenol, sugar: adonitol15 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | enters channels of teh pericardium, liver, triple warmer, and gallbladder meridians, revolves surface, disperses heat, dissolves liver congestion, disperses stagnancy, raises yang ch’i, antipyretic effect, relieves fever induced by TTG, anti-hepatosis effect induced by typhoid vaccines, alcohol or organic phosphates, tranquilizing and analgesic effects, antibacterial effect, antiviral effect- inhibitory for proliferation of influenza virus, antiphlogistic effects- crude saponin given orally shows an anti-inflammatory effect and inhibits dextran and granuloma-induced edema by the granuloma pouch method, however has no effective protection against hisatmine shock and anaphylactic shock15 |
| Medicinal Origin | China15 |
| Parts Used | dried root15 |
| Preparation | generally 6-18g; for hepatic melancholy, irritation, and pain, 6-9g; for fever and hypohidrosis 15-18g15 |
| Binomial Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | salicylic acid, resin, saponin, an essential oil with carotene, calenduline and lycopine, pentacylic alcohols including farado, brein, arnidiol, and caldenduladiol, rutin, quercitin, adn isorhamnetin, tocopherols, mucilage, chlorogenic acid12; triterpenes, resins, bitter glycosides, volatile oil, sterols, flavonoids, muclage, carotones24 |
| Bloom | entire season18; June-Oct37; 6wks after planting until snow12 |
| Cautions | without toxic side effects12 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Calendula officinalis pot marigold, calendula Bright orange to yellow globes bloom throughout the season on this self-seeding annual native to southern Europe. Direct sow in early spring, grows easily from seed in moderately rich, neutral soil in full sun to partial shade. Southern growers should find a shady place for planting. Wait 10-15 days for germination and thin to 1 ft when first set of true leaves appear, then sow more seed. Easy greenhouse start. Flowers appear in 6 wks and bloom til winters frost. Reseeds itself and will need thinning in later years. Gather ray flowers in the morning when blooming. Several harvestings can be made in a single season. Shade dry. Use as lotion, tincture, salve, tea, oil, infusion, or on top of a springtime salad. Not only does calendula have a long history as a garden ornamental cultivar, it’s medicinal use has been documented for hundreds of years. Traditional therapeutic uses include salve for bruises, sprains, burns, wounds, abscesses, boils, and scar prevention. Internal use for fever, ulcer, cell regeneration, to alleviate nausea, and as folk cancer remedy. Called “poor man’s saffron” for yellow hue the petals lend to grains when cooking. |
| Cultivation Notes | make 2-3 successive sowing 2-3 wks apart for continous blooms from summer to heavy frost26 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-14days12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sow seed directly on ground12 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achenes mostly boat shaped, muricate18 |
| Functions/Uses | antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary, infusion of fls for gastrointestinal problems as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis, and diarrhea, taken internally for fever, boils, abscesses, prevent recurrent vomitting, fresh juec of erb or fls. For ext use, slave for wounds from dried lvs or fls, for bruises, sprins, pulled muscles, sores, boils, ride warts, internally for gastritis and menstrual difficulties37; adds saline flavor and delicate yellow hue to food, coloring for rice and other grains, soups, choders, fresh flower petals in salads, te promots sweating, useful in treatin ulcers, home remedy for jaundice, lotion, tincture, ointment, sprains, bruises, cuts, minor infections, burns, promots reconstruction of tissue, reduce swelling and discharge, lessens scarring from burns, absceses, or abrasions, help regeneration of cells, immun system stimulant, fls for folk cancer remedy, water extracts shown to inhibit certain cancer forms12; anti-inflammatory, relieves muscle spasms, astringent, prevents hemorrhaging, heals wounds, antiseptic, detoxifying, mildy estrogenic24 |
| Greenhouse Req | easy to culture in greenhouse18 |
| Habitat | cultivar23 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -10 to 0F and -23.3 to -17.8C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | flowering12 |
| Leaf Description | lvs to 17x6cm, oblanceolate to spathulate, glandular-pubescent, to sparsely woolly, sometimes toothed and wavy23; lvs oblong to oblong-obovate, entire to remotely toothed, more of less clasping18; alternate, sessile, spatulate or oblanceolate, dentate with widely spaced teeth, and hairy37 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | when flowering12; as the flowers open in early summer24 |
| Opt Planting Time | as soon as can be worked in spring12 |
| Parts Used | leaves, flowers37; ray florets12 |
| Planting Rate per 100ft | 4-300ft rows with 4oz. seed12 |
| Preparation | Infusion: Use 1-2tsp fresh or dried fls with 1/2 c. water, steep for 5-10 min and strain, take 1 tbsp every hr. JuiceL take 1 tsp at a time , always freshly pressed, tincture: soak handful of fls in 1/2 qt. rectified alcohol or whiskey for 5-6wks, dose at 5-20 drops. Salve: boil 1oz dried fls or leaves, or 1 tsp fresh juice with 1 oz. lard37 |
| Processing Req | dry in shade24 |
| Propagation Method | seeds18; easy from seed24 |
| Range | escapes in gardens of California18 |
| Seed Description | curved and taper to a point at one end12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 350026 |
| Soil Ph | 5-812 |
| Soil Requirements | rich26; moderately rich, well-drained12; any soil24 |
| Spacing | 1ft12 |
| Stem Description | coarse, multibranched18; angular, branched, hairy37 |
| Sun Requirement | tolerate full sun or partial shade, in south plant in partial shade12 |
| Binomial Name | Carpesium abrotanoides |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | carpesialactone, carabrone15 |
| Bloom | fall39 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Carpesium abrotanoides nan ho shih, t’ien ming ching Growing wild in thickets and along forest edges in China, this compact perennial to 3ft shows small blooms of yellow in fall. Leaves wilt soon after bloom. Sow seeds indoors in early spring and plant out after danger of frost in well-drained, sandy loam to rich humus soil, space at 10” under shade to partial shade. Temperature is a factor in this cold-hardy species, may need extra care during extended heat of summer. Weed back volunteers. Harvest plant before flowering and collect seed in fall. In China, “barefoot doctors” utilize familiar plants of their region, sometimes substituting local herbs for those of more repute. Nan ho shih is the drug name that may be applied to several different species of plant- some not even in the same genus! The seed of Carpesium abrotanoides can be used in the same way as both Daucus carota, wild carrot, and Torilis japonica, another member of the carrot family, as a vermifuge. The aerial parts of C. abrotanoides have traditionally been used to clear fever, loosen mucus, and treat bronchitis and tonsilitis. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene- upper part secreting sticky fluid that adheres to clothing39 |
| Functions/Uses | vermifuge, antihelminthic, antispasmodic, dilation of blood vessels15; kills parasites, kills dog tapeworms, treat hookworms36; warm-natured, slightly bitter to taste, loosens up mucus, clears fever and detoxifies, reduces inflammation and promotes diuresis, used for tonsilitis, bronchitis, boils and ulcers, snakebite, seeds called pei he shih used for vermifuge, for round worms, tapeworms and pin worms39 |
| Habitat | virgin wilds, grassy thickets along forest edges and roadsides39 |
| Leaf Description | basal lvs broadly ovate, wilting after flowers have bloomed, lvs alternate, broadly oval or long oval, apexes acute, bases cuneate, margins intact or slightly irregular-serrate, lvs in lower part having short petioles, lvs in upper part non-petioled39 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Parts Used | fruit36; whole plant, seeds39 |
| Plant height | 2ft |
| Plant spacing | 10” |
| Preparation | whole plant in decoction, 1-2 liang at a time39 |
| Stem Description | long, thorny, narrow15; erect, multibranching upper section, covered by fine hairs39 |
| Binomial Name | Celosia argentea |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Celosia argentea woolflower, qing xiang zi An annual, native to southeast Asia, woolflower softly shimmers silvery-white in late summer with spikes up to 3 ft. Direct seed, 1/8” deep, as soon as soil is warm in average to rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Thin to 1 ft or transplant when seedlings are 3-4” tall. Keep well watered. Harvest flower when in bloom. Sun dry. All parts of woolflower are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Seeds are used to treat liver inflammation, reduce fever, and combat conjunctivitis. Recent research suggests effectiveness at lowering blood pressure. |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Functions/Uses | aphrodisiac and to treat cancer, dysentery, excessive discharge of blood, leaf stalks for sores14; nature is bitter and slightly cold, affinity with the liver, antipyretic and antiphlogistic to liver, astringent in conjunctivitis, indications- high blood pressure and all attendant eye problems, recent, effective new application mixed with Chrysanthemum and Prunella vulgaris for high blood pressure19 |
| Genus | Celosia |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +20 TO +30 F; -6.6 TO -1.2 C23 |
| Leaf Description | leaves 2-15cm, linear-lanceolate to lanceolate-ovate23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China14 |
| Parts Used | whole plant14; seeds19 |
| Plant height | 2’ |
| Plant spacing | 6” centers |
| Preparation | dosage:6-15g19 |
| Soil Ph | Normal Range |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile with Plenty of Water |
| Species | argentia |
| Stem Description | erect23 |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Binomial Name | Celosia argentea var. cristata |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | kaempferitin, anaranthin, pinite16 |
| Bloom | July-Oct10 |
| Bloom Date | late July thru Aug, blooms from mid-summer to September |
| Cautions | none |
| Catalog Prose | Common Cockscomb Ji-Guan Hua A stunning annual with large, velvet scarlet heads, Cockscomb blooms from mid-summer to September. This vital and energetic plant is easily direct-seeded as soon as soil is warm. Thinned to eight inches, it grows to three feet and may need to be staked if soil is rich. Always admired by visitors, it dries beautifully and can be invited to dinner for closer inspection. Gorgeous. Seeds and flowers are both used medicinally for blood diseases, bleeding, urinary tract infections. It has a small reputation as an aphrodisiac 2-3 feet. Average to rich well-drained CELOSIA CRISTATA Common Cockscomb Ji-Guan Hua Stunning annual, 2-3 feet tall with large, velvet scarlet heads blooming July to Sept. Direct seed at shallow depth as soon as soil is warm, average to rich well-drained soil, full sun. Germination in 7 days. Thin to 6-12”, stake if soil is rich. Harvest flowers Jul to Oct. Sun dry. Seeds and flowers are both used medicinally for blood diseases, bleeding, urinary tract infections. 1999 Celosia argentea var. cristata common cockscomb, ji guan hua Stunning annual, 2-3 feet tall with large, velvet scarlet heads blooming July to Sept. Direct seed at shallow depth as soon as soil is warm, average to rich well-drained soil, full sun. Germination in 7 days. Thin to 6-12”, stake if soil is rich. Harvest flowers Jul to Oct. Sun dry. 32,000 seeds/oz. Seeds and flowers are both used medicinally for blood diseases, bleeding, urinary tract infections. |
| Cultivation Notes | cultivation similar to Celosia argentea although the latter thrives in dry, exposed areas10 |
| Days to Bloom | 90-12026 |
| Days to Germinate | one week10; 8-14 days26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | planted at shallow depth10; sow 3” apart, 1/8” deep26 |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Functions/Uses | dried flowers used to treat leukorrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, expectoration or coughing of blood (hemoptysis), vomiting of blood (hematemesis), nose bleed (epistaxis), urine in blood (hematuria), urinary tract infection, and uterine bleeding. Seeds used for similar purposes and for treatment of cloudy urine, dizziness, and hypertension, eye ailments (inflammation of cornea, iris, ciliary body, acute conjunctivitis); seed preparation shown to dilate pupils and have antiphlogistic effect, may reduce blood pressure; young stems and leaves used for diarrhea with blood, vomiting with blood, nosebleeds, and uterine bleeding, urticaria and externally for centipede bites10; resolves damp-heat, stops bleeding and leukorrhea for treatment of uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, spitting blood, dysentery, hemorrhoidal bleeding16 |
| Genus | Celosia |
| Germination Light | light required26 |
| Germination Medium | half-rich sandy loam with well-rotted manure10; sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination Temp | 65-70F10; 70-80F26 |
| Greenhouse Req | 4-8wks before frost, barely cover26; full sun, water well10 |
| Habitat | garden cultigen in warm conditions10 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +20 TO +30 DEGREES F; -6.6 TO -1.2 DEGREES C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | flowering10 |
| Leaf Description | branching erect, with oval to lance-shaped, alternate, 2-5” long10; alternate, petiolate, elongate-elliptical, 3-10cm long and 2-5 cm wide16 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | likes water, established plants can be forced to flower if allowed to dry out for short pds10 |
| Opt Divide Time | none |
| Opt Harvest Time | September - October10 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | none |
| Opt Planting Time | March or April10; after danger of frost26 |
| Parts Used | dried inflorescences, seeds, young stems and leaves10 |
| Plant height | three feet and may need to be staked if soil is rich, 2-3 feet |
| Plant spacing | thin to eight inches |
| Planting Rate per 100ft | seedlings: 100-200 plants |
| Processing Req | when seed ripe, whole plant cut, dried in sun and seedheads rubbed to remove seeds; sifted and winnowed to separate chaff10 |
| Propagation Method | seed from middle part of seed head10 |
| Range | warm regions of Asia, Americas and Africa10; widely cult, cosmopoliton23 |
| Scarification | none |
| Seed Description | tiny, shiny, black10; lenticular, shiny, black16 |
| Seed Development Time | 1-3 months10 |
| Seedling Care | thin when 3-4”10; bottom water or mist, grow at 63-68F night temps and long days otherwise will have premature flowering26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 32,000 - 40,0000; 40,000 seeds/oz26 |
| Soil Requirements | half-rich sandy loam with well-rotted manure, prefers rich, moist soil10; moist, fertile, high in organic matter26 |
| Spacing | 6-12”10; 6-18”26 |
| Species | cristata |
| Stem Description | glabrous, to 20cm23 |
| Stratification | none |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26,10 |
| Transplanting Req Est | wait until seedlings are 3-4”10; transplant when first true leaves appear, harden off and transplant outside after last frost26 |
| Type | Both Chinese and Indigenous |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Binomial Name | Cimicifuga racemosa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside), isoflavones (formononetin), isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, tannin, resin24; glycosides (actein, cimgoside, cimifugine, racemoside, isoferulic acid), volatile oil, and tannins12 SEE APPENDICES27 |
| Bloom | Summer23; May in southern range to early Sept in north12; May-Aug20 |
| Bloom Date | May through September; week of June 17, 1998; 06/28/99 |
| Cautions | contraindicated during pregnancy12; avoid during pregnancy28 |
| Catalog Prose | Black cohosh This perennial lives in the forest understory along with the Goldenseal and Ginseng community. It likes 70 to 80% shade and a rich leaf mold. The lacy three-lobed leaf grows to 4 feet and sends up an extremely long white spike May through September. Black cohosh has historically been used for female ailments and research has confirmed estrogenic, hypoglycemic, sedative and anti-inflammatory activity. It should be avoided during pregnancy. To 8 feet. Rich forest understory. Shade. 1999 Cimicifuga racemosa black cohosh, squawroot This perennial lives in the forest understory with goldenseal and American ginseng ranging from southern Ontario to Georgia and Arkansas in the West. Needs 70- 80% shade and rich leaf mold. Best to direct seed, 1/4” deep, in autumn in well-prepared bed of moderately rich soil for germination the following spring, or stratify for indoors early spring planting. Space at 2 ft and keep moist. The lacy three-lobed leaf grows to 4 feet and sends up an extremely long white spike May through September. Harvest root in autumn after fruit ripens in 5th year. Black cohosh root was used historically for female troubles associated with menstruation and menopause. Research has confirmed estrogenic, hypoglycemic, sedative and anti-inflammatory activity. Avoid during pregnancy. |
| Cultivation Notes | herb grown in Eur having self seeded24; easy to grow, thrives under cultivation12 |
| Days to Germinate | 3-6months26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sow seeds in well-prepared seed bed12; sow seed in 1/4” below soil surface in flat in late summer32 |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Fruit | dry greenish, brown follicles20 |
| Functions/Uses | painful periods and problems with menopause, rheumatic problems, arthritis, nerve conditions such as tinnitus, promotes menstrual flow, antirheumatic, expectorant, sedative, in combination with St. John’s wort, effective in treating hot flashes and other menstrual problems24; traditionally tincture used for menstrual irregularities, bronchitis, fevers, nervous disorders, lumbago, rheumatism, snakebite, menstrual cramps, aid in childbirth, strengthens female reproductive organs with estrogenic, hypoglycemic, mildly sedative, anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies show that extracts of the root reduce symptoms associated with cessation of ovarian function during menopause, such as depression and hot flashes selectively suppressing leutinizing hormone release12 |
| Genus | Cimifuga |
| Germination Light | darkness preferred26 |
| Germination Medium | well-prepared seedbed12 |
| Germination Temp | 70F26 |
| Greenhouse Req | keep moist and in shade |
| Habitat | prefers shady spots in woods and shrubby area24; rich woods, generally on hillsides in crowded colonies12; prefers shade of rich woods, but occasionally grows in sunny situation in fence corners and woodland pastures11 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -30 TO -20 DEGREES F; -34.4 TO -28.9 DEGREES C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | after fruit has ripened11 |
| Leaf Description | large,bushy; lvs 3-divided, terminal leaflet on each cluster in 3-lobed, with the middle lobe largest, base of lvs heart-shaped or trangular with sharply serrated teeth along margins on upper 1/2 of leaves12; lvs 2-3-ternate, or ternate then pinnate; lflts ovate or oblong, acute, base cuneate nearly glabrous, sharply serrate and lobed23 producing offensive odor11 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America24 |
| Moisture Req | relatively moist12 |
| Opt Divide Time | early spring or autumn12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | autumn24; avg. weight 4-8 oz per root12; after 5 yrs in autumn32 |
| Opt Planting Time | autumn for germination the following spring12 |
| Parts Used | roots24 |
| Plant height | 4 feet; To 8 feet |
| Planting Rate per Acre | 12,000 plants per acre yields approx. 3,000 lbs per acre12 |
| Processing Req | on drying, rootstock becomes hard and turns darker and become wiry and brittle breaking off easily11; insoluble in water28 |
| Propagation Method | seed24, 12; division of roots in early spring or autumn, after the leaves begin to fade12; transplant26 |
| Range | southern Ontario to Georgia, west to Arkansas, and north to Wisconsin12; most abundant in Ohio Valley, but occurs from Maine to Wisconsin, south along Alleghenies to Georgia and west to Missouri11 |
| Root Description | large, horizontal, knotty or rough and irregular; upper surface covered with numerous round scars and stumps of bud scars; fresh rootstocks may have young, pinkish, white stems for next years growth; dark on outside white within showing large central pith from which radiate rays of woody texture11 |
| Scarification | none |
| Seed Description | pods dry, thick and leathery, ribbed, and 1/4” long, with small beak at end11 |
| Seedling Care | extra care; keep shaded32 |
| Seeds per OZ | 12,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | moderately rich, adaptable to relatively poor, acidic, rocky woodland soils; does best in relatively rich, moist woodland soil12; rich moist ground under hardwoods32 |
| Spacing | 2ft12; 1-2ft26 |
| Species | raemosa |
| Stratification | overwinter12; yes, put seeds into moist medium and refrigerate26 |
| Sun Requirement | lightly shaded conditions; shade; suitable for woodland production beds12; part shade26 |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Cocculus trilobus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial, Deciduous1 Perennial |
| Active constituents | trilobine, isotrilobine, homotrilobine, trilogamine, normenisarine, magnoflorine, other alkaloids, leaf contains the vermifuge cocculolidine15 |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Fruit | fruit to 0.75cm diam., black, pruinose23 |
| Functions/Uses | bitter, pungent flavor, cold property, enters balder and lung meridians, promotes diuresis, disperses swelling, expels wind, controls pain, for edema, swelling due to wind, gonorrhea, dysuria, arthralgia due to wind-dampness, beriberi, swelling due to dampness, convulsions and pain in the limbs, analgesic effect, antiallergic and antiphlogistic effects, hypotensive effects, diuretic effects, effect on muscles- relaxing, inhibits center for breathing, lowers blood pressure, constricts blood vessels15 |
| Genus | Cocculus |
| Habitat | Hardy to Zone 8 |
| Leaf Description | lvs 4-10cm, ovate to broadly ovate, sometimes cordate-hastate or shallowly 3-lobed, 3-5-veined.23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China15 |
| Parts Used | dried root15 |
| Pollination Req | Dioecious1 |
| Range | Temperate and Tropical East Asia |
| Soil Requirements | Moist1 |
| Spacing | Twining, Rarely Erect1 |
| Species | trilobus |
| Stem Description | deciduous twiner23 |
| Synonyms | Cocculus orbiculatus (L.) DC. |
| Binomial Name | Codonopsis pilosula |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | volatile oil, polysaccharides, inulin, saponins, scutellarein glucoside, resin, mucilage, trace alkaloids10 |
| Bloom Date | July; 07/04/99 |
| Cautions | generally considered safe, of low toxicity10 |
| Catalog Prose | Bastard Ginseng Dang Shen Codonopsis, a beautiful, vining perennial, has delicate bell-shaped lavender-veined flowers. Its cultivation is easy. Like many rare and tiny seeds, we start them in sterile potting soil, pot on when they are seedlings, then transplant after danger of frost. We use bamboo for a trellis, before setting out or after older plants come up, being careful not to damage roots. Codonopsis loves shade. Roots are used for energy deficiency, lack of appetite, strengthening the immune system, lowering blood pressure and invigorating the spleen. Its reputation as “poor man’s ginseng” is well deserved. A delicate, yet powerful herb. Twining up to 6’. Shade. Sandy, well-drained soil. Hardy. CODONOPSIS PILOSULA Bastard Ginseng Dang Shen Beautiful, vining hardy perennial to 6 ft, with delicate bell-shaped lavender-veined flowers. Cold-loving, native to East Asia, start tiny seeds indoors, transplant after danger of frost. Trellis in shade in sandy, slightly acid, rich, well-drained and aerated soil, spaced 8”. Harvest roots Sept/Oct, after 2-3 yrs. Pierce and string to sun dry. A tenderly powerful herb, “poor man’s ginseng” is used for energy deficiency, lack of appetite, strengthening the immune system, and invigorating the spleen. 1999 Codonopsis pilosula bastard ginseng, dang shen Beautiful, vining hardy perennial to 6 ft, with delicate bell-shaped lavender-veined flowers. Cold-loving, native to East Asia, start tiny seeds indoors, transplant after danger of frost. Trellis in shade in sandy, slightly acid, rich, well-drained and aerated soil, spaced 8”. Harvest roots Sept/Oct, after 2-3 yrs. Pierce and string root to sun dry. A tenderly powerful herb, “poor man’s ginseng” is used for energy deficiency, lack of appetite, strengthening the immune system, and invigorating the spleen. |
| Cultivation Notes | hardy; cold-loving10 |
| Days to Germinate | 14 days10; 5-1426 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sown directly in finely prepared bed or in fine soil indoors10 |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Functions/Uses | treatment of loose stool, lack of appetite, fatigue, weakness, tired feeling of limbs, shortness of breath, asthma, coughs, weak voice, vertigo due to blood deficiency, loss of body fluids causing dry mouth and thirst, excessive perspiration, hyperacidity and dyspepsia, anemia, chronic enteritis, nephritis, diabetes mellitus, and spleen deficiency. Decoction of root or flour of root considered tonifying to vital energy (ch’i), blood tonic; research confirms promotes digestion and metabolism, strengthens immune system, stimulates nervous system, dilates peripheral blood vessels, and inhibits adrenal cortex activity, thereby lowering blood pressure; may enhance phagocytosis of reticuloendothelial system, increase respiratory rat, raises blood sugar, increase rbc’s and hemoglobin count10 |
| Genus | Codonopsis |
| Germination Light | light preferred for germination (sow shallowly)26 |
| Habitat | rich soils high in organic matter on mountain sides, shrub thickets, and forest margins10 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -10 TO 0F; -23.3 TO -17.8C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | after flowering |
| Leaf Description | herbaceous, lvs to 2cm lanceolate to cordate at base, pilose23; lvs ovate, up to 1 1/2”, with pilose hairs, entire margins, alternate or subopposite, small10 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Mulch Req | sidedressed with liquid manure slurry after well established; mulched with straw over winter10 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | Sept-Oct after 3+ yrs10 |
| Opt Planting Time | after last spring frost, or in autumn, before soil is frozen10; spring26 |
| Parts Used | dried root10 |
| Plant height | twining up to 6’ |
| Planting Rate per 100ft | 200 plants |
| Planting Rate per Acre | 174,240 plants; approx 696,960 seeds = 13 oz. |
| Processing Req | dug, cleaned and sorted, pierced beneath crown and strung to dry; dried in sun until 1/2 dry, rubbed and dried then rubbed again, then dried in sun to 100%; black centers indicate low quality10 |
| Propagation Method | seed10; by transplant26 |
| Range | North East Asia: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Shanxi, Henan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Sichuan10 |
| Root Description | tuberous |
| Scarification | none |
| Seedling Care | bottom water or misting soil10 |
| Seeds per OZ | 54,00026 |
| Soil Ph | slightly acidic10 |
| Soil Requirements | well aerated, sandy, well-drained, rich, high in organic matter, deeply dug to at least 1ft10 |
| Spacing | plants 6” apart in rows 6” apart on trellis10; 6”26 |
| Species | pilosula |
| Stem Description | strong-smelling, weak stemmed, vinelike; exudes milky sap10 |
| Stratification | not necessary, overwinter |
| Sun Requirement | part shade10, 26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | if planted in autumn or spring, seedlings transplanted following spring10 |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Coix lachryma-jobi |
| Ann/Per | Annual Perennial |
| Active constituents | seed contains coisenolide, coixol, triterpenoids, amino acids protein, carbohydrate, fates and traces of vitamin B116 |
| Bloom | autumn23 |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Fruit | grains are ovoid, and the involucre hard, externally greyish white or dark bluish purple, and shiny16 |
| Functions/Uses | used to improve function of the spleen, to dispel dampness and discharge pus for the treatment of diarrhea due to weakness of the spleen, aching muscles and joints, edema, leucorrhea, pulmonary abscess and acute appendicitis16; sweet and plain, slightly cold, affinity to spleen, stomach, lungs, diuretic, decongestant to lungs, digestive, refrigerant, antidysenteric, for dark and scanty urine, swelling, painful joints, sinews and bones due to damp excess, ulcers in the stomach or lungs, diarrhea and dyspepsia due to damp injury to spleen, a common food item in China and Japan and contains 17% protein, the drug tonifies yang-energy, a liquor fermented from the seeds is effective in relieving rheumatic pains19 |
| Genus | Coix |
| Leaf Description | lvs narrow-lanceolate, to 60x5cm, flat23; lear is linear-lanceolate shaped, up to 40cm long and 2.5-03cm wide, its margin is rough, the mid-rib thicker and the leaf-sheath is glabrous with a hard ligule16 |
| Medicinal Origin | Asia |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | plant cut in autumn when fruits are ripe16 |
| Parts Used | dried ripe seeds obtained by removing hard husk of fruits16; seeds19 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Semen Coicis |
| Preparation | 10-30g19 |
| Processing Req | plant dried in sun, fruit separated and the outer husk and the yellowish brown seed coat removed., kernels are collected and further cleaned16 |
| Range | South East Asia |
| Seed Description | drug is composed of seeds, which are broadly ovate, 4-8mm long and 3-6mm wide, externally it is milky white and smooth, but sometimes there are patches of pale brown seed-coat, it is round at one end and the other end is wider and slightly concave, with a pale brown spot on the hilium, the dorsal surface is round and concave, there is a wide and deep longitudinal groove on the ventral surface, it has a slight odor and tasted slightly sweet16 |
| Species | Lachryna-Jobi |
| Stem Description | stems sheathing23; culm erect with many branches16 |
| Sun Requirement | Full |
| Binomial Name | Cynanchum auriculatum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | Jun-Aug45 |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Fruit | follicle oblong-lanceolate, ca. 8 x 1 cm, Aug-Dec45 |
| Habitat | bushland on mountain slopes, 2800-3600m45 |
| Leaf Description | oposite, petiole 2.4-3.5 (-8.5) cm, alillary stipulelike lvs sometimes present, leaf blade ovate, 4.5-11(-16) x 2.6-7(-11.5) cm, papery, puberulent, densely so on veins abaxially, base cordate with rounded sinus, apex acuminate, basal veins 5, lateral veins 2 or 3 pairs45 |
| Seed Description | ovate, truncate, ca. 6x 3 mm, coma ca. 2.5 cm45 |
| Stem Description | twining, puberulent along 1 side to uniformly puberulent, sometimes glabrescent45 |
| Synonyms | Cynanchum saccatum Wang ex Tsiang & Li; Diploglossum aruiculatum (Royle ex Wight) Decaisne; Vincetosicum auriculatum (Royle ex Witht) Kuntze. |
| Binomial Name | Dalea purpurea |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | summer23 |
| Bloom Date | June 3, 1998 |
| Cautions | not known to have toxic properties21 |
| Catalog Prose | The feathery foliage and tassels of bright rose-purple on this prairie legume perennial will show off your garden from May to September. The flowers are in dense 2 inch spikes which resemble a thimble, blooming in a circle from the bottom up, hence its other common name, Thimble-weed. This one needs to be inoculated to give it a good start. (We will supply inoculum with seed order.) Scarify seeds before planting. Medicinally, a leaf tea has been used by native groups for heart trouble and the root taken in tea as a disease preventative. Can live very dry. Attracts birds and butterflies. 1-2 ft. Well-drained soils. Full sun. 1999 Dalea purpurea purple prairie clover The feathery foliage and tassels on this prairie legume perennial carpet the landscape of central US in bright rose-purple from May to September. Gorgeous flowers are in dense 2” spikes resembling thimble, blooming in a circle from the bottom up. Scarify seed by making a hole in seedcoat and, like other legumes, inoculate in overnight soak to give it a good start. Direct seed in spring, spaced at 6-8”. Drought tolerant prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Grows to 1-2 ft, usually blooming in year 2. Nitrogen-fixing making it a great cover crop. Harvest thick taproot of mature plant. Sun dry. Attracts birds and butterflies. 20,000 seeds/oz. Medicinally, dried leaf of purple prairie clover was used in tea by native groups for heart trouble. Pulverized root was taken to prevent disease, measles and diarrhea. Root and leaves also eaten as a vegetable. |
| Collection Data Other | 4 oz bought from Hamilton Seeds in Jan 1994 |
| Cultivation Notes | nitrogen-fixing21 |
| Days to Bloom | second year21 |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Functions/Uses | food and medicine, roots eaten and leaves made into a beverage, ward off disease, pulverized root boiled and drunk to prevent disease, Lakotas used for unspecified ailments, Mesquakies made tea from taproot to cure measles to treat diarrhea (fls), not used in any Anglo folk remedies or in modern medicine21 |
| Genus | Dalea |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Leaf Description | herb, lfts 1-2.4 cm, usually 5, rarely 3 or 7, treadlike, oblanceolate or elliptic, downy, glaucous or dark green23 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Opt Planting Time | spring or fall without stratification21 |
| Parts Used | mainly root, also fls21 |
| Planting Rate per Acre | 9 seeds per square ft21 |
| Pollination Req | self-pollinating but occasionally crossed by honeybees or other insedcts, fls open between 7am and 8am and never close, anthers shed pollen before fl opens and fl needs to be disturbed for pollen to move to stigma3 |
| Propagation Method | easy from seeds18, 21 |
| Root Description | thick taproot21 |
| Scarification | recommended33 |
| Seeds per OZ | 20,000; 384,000 seeds/ lb21 |
| Species | Parpureum |
| Stem Description | usually slender, ascending, ribbed23 |
| Stratification | overnight soak and inoculation; stratification recommended21 |
| Binomial Name | Datura stramonium |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | atropine, alkaloids, scopolamine28 |
| Bloom | May-Sept28; June-Sept37 |
| Bloom Date | 06/01/99 |
| Cautions | violently toxic, many fatalities reports, causes severe hallucinations, touching seeds causes swollen eyelids, licorice may be antidote28; dangerous, easy to overdose, likely to be fatal37; Take only under professional supervision, toxic at more than small doses, subject to legal restrictions23 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Datura stramonium jimsonweed common thorn apple A relative of our familiar garden fare, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and tomatillos, this potent annual of the family Solanaceae, is not quite so gentle. Growing to 5ft, the long, funneled white trumpet flowers open eerily in evenings’ light from May -Sept, enticing a host of moon-loving moths with it’s exotic sweet scent. Beauty begets danger foretold only by the large spiny fruits that appear on a backdrop of coarsely toothed large leaves. A US native ranging through South America, jimsonweed can be found in waste places, pastures, and along roads. Sow seeds indoors in early spring, tamp into soil as light is required for germination at 70F or seed directly in late fall for germination in spring in poor, disturbed soil and full sun. Drought tolerant but dies back in winters below 0F. A tropical perennial. Will self-seed requiring only thinning in following years, space at 3ft. Likes side-dressing with manure or compost. Gorgeous! Harvest seeds with gloves in early autumn when capsules open. Harvest leaves and flowers in summer. Cultivated in Germany and France for medicine, jimsonweed contains atropine and scopolamine, two powerful chemicals impeding the action of the parasympathetic nervous system. Traditionally used as a folk cancer remedy, also for asthma, rheumatism, Parkinson’s disease, as well as an antispasmodic, hypnotic, and narcotic. A powerful drug that should never be used without supervision. Overdoses are easy and always fatal. Handling seeds may cause eyelids to swell. |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Fruit | fruit to 10cm, ovoid, 5-lobed, erect, spines to 1.5cm, slender23; ovate, pricle capsule containing many black seeds37 |
| Functions/Uses | whole plant contains atropine and other alkaloids, used in eye diseases (to dilate pupils); causes dry mouth, depresses action of bladder muscles, impedes action of parasympathetic nerves; used in Parkinson’s disease; also contains scopolamine, used in patches behind ear for vertigo, leaves once smoked as antispasmodic for asthma, folk cancer remedy28; anodyne, antispasmodic, hypnotic, narcotic, tincture sometimes given for spasmodic coughing, chronic laryngitis, and asthma, lvs made into cigarettes for smokers with asthma and other respiratory problems, in South America, believed to have aphrodisiac powers37; common remedy for asthma, whooping cough, muscle spasm, and symptoms of Parkinsonism, relaxes muscles of gastrointestinal, bronchial, and urinary tracts, reduces digestive and mucous secretions. may be applied externally to relieve rheumatic pains23 |
| Genus | Darura |
| Germination Light | light preferred33 |
| Germination notes | 70F after 6months dry storage in dark at 70F, 100% germ, only 70% with fresh seed33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Habitat | waste places28; waste place, pastures, gardens, and roadsides37 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= 0 TO +10 DEGREES F; -17.7 TO -12.3 DEGREES C23 |
| Leaf Description | elliptic to ovate, to acute, sinuate, dentate or lobed23; leaves coarsely toothed28; lvs alternate, dark green above and lighter beneath, ovate, and irregularly incised and toothed37; robust24 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Opt Harvest Time | in early autumn when capsules burst24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | lvs and flowering tops harvested in summer24 |
| Origin | L |
| Parts Used | leaf, root , seed28, 37, 24 |
| Preparation | not used without supervision37 |
| Propagation Method | indoor33 |
| Range | naturalized Europe23; Americas, Eur, Asia, and N Africa24 |
| Root Description | large, whitish37 |
| Seed Description | seedpods shiny, chambered, with procles, seeds lentil-shaped28 |
| Species | stramonium |
| Stem Description | round, glabrous, yellowish-green, branching37; glabrous to short-pubescent23 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Dianthus chinensis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial Biennial |
| Bloom | Summer23 |
| Bloom Date | Jul- Aug; 05/25/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Chinese Pink Flower Qu-Mai A compact bell or dome-shaped plant, its variously pink shaded flowers lead to its common nickname of Pinks. Dianthus chinensis is heat tolerant and a half-hardy perennial whose small stature makes it ideal for borders and grouped plantings. It is said by the Chinese to be especially useful for urinary dysfunction, especially when associated with a burning sensation and pain. It is also used for constipation and for conditions arising from congealed blood. The entire plant is used in various ways. 6-8 inches. Well-drained, alkaline soil. Full sun to partial shade. 1999 Dianthus chinensis qu-mai Annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial, up to 1ft, drooping to prostrate. Blooms in summer with delicate pink to lilac clusters. Native to China’s mountains and fields, qu-mai loves cool weather but may do poorly in winters below 0F. Tiny seeds started indoors or direct seeded mixed with sand after last frost in well-drained, rich sandy loam beds tilled to 1ft depth. Likes full sun to 30-40% dappled shade. Germination in 10-15 days, thin to 8-10” after leaves appear for lush stand. Keep plants moist especially in full sun. Sidedress with compost during growing season. Harvest herb just before flowering summer through autumn. Sun dry. Dried leaves used medicinally in China for urinary dysfunction and topically for eczema and boils. Cultivated for medicine throughout central and eastern China for many years. Qu-mai should not be used during pregnancy or for those with kidney and spleen ailments. |
| Cultivation Notes | warm, moist climate10 |
| Days to Germinate | 15 days10 |
| Direct Sowing Req | fert with well-rotted manure before planting, lightly covered with soil and kept moist 10 |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Functions/Uses | used to treat infrequent urination, urinary tract infection, stones, calculi, bloody urine, gonorrhea, edema, suppressed menstrual flow, carbuncles with swelling, eye inflammations, boils with toxic matter and eczema23 |
| Genus | Dianthus |
| Habitat | In Grasses on Hillsides2 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= 0 TO +10 F; -17.7 TO -12.3 C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | when flower bud is very full and swollen just before flower opens10 |
| Leaf Description | somewhat hairy, stem leaves lanceolate, acute23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | watered often10 |
| Mulch Req | sidedressed with manure 3x per yr10 |
| Opt Divide Time | late March or early April10 |
| Opt Harvest Time | summer or autumn10 |
| Opt Planting Time | late Mar to early Apr10 |
| Parts Used | Dried Aerial Plant2 |
| Plant height | 6-8” |
| Processing Req | 2-3 cuttings can be made a year on cultivated crops, whole plant dried in sun or fresh plant cut into small pieces before drying10 |
| Propagation Method | by seed mixed with sand or thin soil before sowing or division10 |
| Range | Central and Eastern China |
| Seeds per OZ | 24,000 |
| Soil Requirements | friable, well-drained, rich sandy loam, dry sandy soils not suitable, soil worked to depth of 1ft10 |
| Spacing | beds 5ft wide, thinned to 10”10 |
| Species | chinensis |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Digitalis purpurea |
| Ann/Per | Biennial |
| Active constituents | cardiac glycosides37,28 |
| Bloom | Summer23; summer of 2nd year28; June-September37 |
| Bloom Date | May 12-19, 19980 |
| Cautions | potentially fatal if overdose, use only under med supervision, subject to legal restrictions24; lethally toxic, for use by physicians only (therapeutic dose of Digitalis close to lethal dose)28 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Digitalis purpurea common foxglove Powerful, gorgeous biennial native to western Europe, naturalized in pastures along the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., foxglove presents showy, pink spotted purple, bell-shaped flowers to 5 ft in summer of second year or in spring in warmer climes. Low-lying, large fuzzy leaves recall mullein or comfrey. Sow tiny seeds indoors and transplant in spring after frost. Space to 8”. Prefers loose, well-drained, rich soil ranging from pH 5 to 8 in full sun or light shade. Plants will continue to self-sow. Harvest leaves just before flowering or better yet, save seed to share. Foxglove is used in western medicine to treat congestive heart failure by increasing the force of systolic contractions, lowering blood volume and venous pressure, and thereby lessening heart load. Digitalis, the prescription drug used to treat heart ailments, is derived from cardiac glycosides in leaves of second year plants. Traditionally, foxglove was used to tonify the heart and stimulate urine production. Lethally toxic. Use only under medical supervision. |
| Cultivation Notes | looks like comfrey when young--be careful12 |
| Days to Bloom | 15026 |
| Direct Sowing Req | plants self-sow12 |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Functions/Uses | tonic effect on diseased heart, cardiac glycosides enable heart to beat more strongly, slowly and regularly, without requiring more oxygen, stimulates urine production lowering volume of blood and lessens the load on heart24; lvs a source of heart-tonic glycosides, used in modern medicine to increase force of systolic contractions in congestive heart failure, lowers venous pressure i hypertensive heart ailments, elevates blood pressure in weak heart, diuretic, reduces edema28; Cardiac. Foxglove contains glycosides extracted from the 2nd yrs grow of leaves to make the heart drug digitalis. Even touching the plant with bare skin has been known to cause rashes, headache, and nausea37 |
| Genus | Digitalis |
| Habitat | wild in pastures and burned over areas37 |
| Indication for Harvest | Before Flowering2 |
| Leaf Description | ovate to lanceolate, hairy26; leaves in basal rosette, ovate to lance-shaped, soft-hairy, tooths, to 1ft long28 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Summer |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | picked in summer24 |
| Opt Planting Time | transplant outdoors after last spring frost12 |
| Parts Used | leaves24, 37, dried leaves28 |
| Plant spacing | 8” |
| Preparation | poison. do not use without medical supervision37 |
| Propagation Method | transplant12 |
| Range | Europe, England Cultivated Elsewhere, cultivated as an ornamental in U.S., wild on the Pacific coast from British Colombia to northern California37 |
| Root Storage Pref | Dry Quickly with Gentle Heat2 |
| Seedling Care | seedling need to be kept free of weeds12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 283,00026 |
| Soil Ph | acid or slightly alkaline soil (pH5-8) is acceptable12 |
| Soil Requirements | loose, well-drained, moist, rich soil, soil should be well cultivated12 |
| Species | purpurea |
| Stem Description | stout, succulent, simple, downy37 |
| Sun Requirement | tolerate full sun or light shade12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | grown from tiny seed, sown indoors in flats in Feb or Mar12 |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Dipsacus japonicus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial Biennial |
| Active constituents | alkaloids, benzene36 |
| Bloom Date | summer |
| Cautions | none noted36 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Dipsacus japonica xu duan, teasel Xu duan, a biennial or short-lived perennial native to west Asia and north Africa is characterized by a basal florette that gives rise to a coarse, thorny flowering stalk of delicate, inconspicuous terminal, cone-like flowers in summer. Growing to 4 ft, xu duan does best in full sun and slightly acidic soil (pH 6). Start indoors in early spring and plant outdoors after danger of frost. Space at 12-18” . Harvest root in fall of second year after flowers have died. Save seed! Literally translated, xu duan means “restore what is broken,” and in Asia it has a long history of strengthening kidney and liver and supporting the musculo-skeletal system. Traditionally used to promote healing from traumatic injury. |
| Family | Dipsacaceae |
| Fruit | achene18 |
| Functions/Uses | properties- bitter, acrid, slightly warm; enters kidney and liver channels, tonifies liver and kidneys, strengthens sinews and bones, used for sore and painful lower back and knees, stiffness in joints, weakness in leg from deficient liver and kidneys, promotes circulation of blood used for pain and swelling in lower back and limbs from trauma, applied topically or taken internally, stops uterine bleeding and clams fetus, used for deficient uterine bleeding and leukorrhea, also used for restless fetus, bleeding during pregnancy and threatened miscarriage36; roots to treat lumbago, trauma as a result of a fall, rheumatic pain, excessive menstrual bleeding14; tonic to kidneys and liver, nutrient to bones, sinew and cartilage , promotes muscle growth, hemostatic, kidney deficiency, liver deficiency, lumbago, cold extremities, traumatic injury to bone and sinews, menorrhagia, bleeding during pregnancy, effective hemostatic action in female menstrual disorders, eliminates pus from abscesses and wounds19 |
| Hardiness | heat tolerant, may be drought tolerant0 |
| Leaf Description | lvs basal often united at their bases, simple to pinnately cut18; st. lvs opposite, usually basally connate and cup-forming23 |
| Mulch Req | winter mulching0 |
| Parts Used | roots14 |
| Plant height | seed stalk to 4ft, low growing rosette with tall seed stalk |
| Plant spacing | 12-18” |
| Preparation | 2-4 qian, can be toasted in vinegar to enhance its ability to promote circulation of blood and alleviate pain, roasting with salt facilitates its entry into kidney channel36; 10-15g19 |
| Stem Description | coarse, thorny14; usually prickly or spiny18; tall, slender, erect, arising from basal rosette23 |
| Binomial Name | Echinacea angustifolia |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | high level of isobutylamides (causes tongue to tingle)26; glucoside and essential oil38 |
| Bloom | Summer23; June-Oct37 |
| Bloom Date | June- Aug |
| Catalog Prose | Narrow Leaved Purple Coneflower The smallest Echinacea, this perennial is native to prairies and loves an alkaline soil, but has been known to thrive in beds with appropriate ph. Seeds need to be stratified for germination, and do well fall-planted where there is a winter. Because it is considered to stimulate the immune system in a non-specific way, it is being used in a wide range of immune system disorders. These include: colds and flus, infections, hard to heal wounds and sores as well as spider and snake bites. Our best seller. 2-3 feet. Alkaline soil. Full sun. Stratify: 90 days, 41 degrees F. or plant in fall. 1999 Echinacea angustifolia narrow-leaved purple coneflower The smallest Echinacea, this perennial native to the prairies of midwest U.S. thickens yearly putting up a solitary cone surrounded by short, thin rays of soft pink to purple during summertime’s heat. It loves alkaline soil and full sun, but has been known to thrive in beds of moderately rich, well-drained soil with pH 6-8. Seeds need to be stratified for 90 days at 41F for germination, or can be fall-planted where winter temps drop below freezing fo several weeks. Tamp into soil as light is required to germinate. Thin to 2-3ft. Wait 2-3 yrs to flower. Harvest root of 4-yr plants in autumn, divide 3 times, making sure each section has an eye, and replant two in winter to start new plants. Shade dry. Harvest flowers when in bloom and shade dry. Because E. angustifolia root is considered to stimulate the immune system in a non-specific way, it is used in a wide range of immune system disorders including colds and flus, infections, hard to heal wounds and sores as well as spider and snake bites. Our best seller. |
| Collection Data Other | Purchased from Prairie Moon Nursery in 1994. 12.75 lbs. purchased from Western Native Seed April 1996 |
| Cultivation Notes | keep well weeded12; fall transplanting and harvest produced greater quantity and quality of essential oil, good soil drainage and frequent, shallow cultivation produce more vigorous plants38; one of least vigorous Ech’s26 |
| Days to Bloom | fls in 2nd to 3rd yr38 |
| Days to Germinate | 5 days38 |
| Direct Sowing Req | tamp down on soil mix, germ rates lower with direct seeding in fall, cover with mulch to overwinter38 |
| Family | asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | antiseptic, depurative, digestive, blood-purifying for eczema, acne, boils, promotes proper digestion, helps with fever, used externally in combination with myrrh is good for typhoid fever, dispels flatulence37 |
| Genus | Echinacea |
| Germination Light | light stimulates germination38 |
| Germination Temp | 20-25C (68-79F)38 |
| Greenhouse Req | germ rates higher than direct seed in field38 |
| Habitat | barrens and dry prairies, disturbed roadside limestone outcrops, often with high clay content38 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -40 TO -30 DEGREES F; -40.0 TO -34.5 DEGREES C23 |
| Leaf Description | Lvs to 15cm, lanceolate, hispid23; hairy linear-lanceoate, tapering at both ends, lower on long petioles, upper sessile37; lower stem with apparently alternate leaves on long petioles, toward top leaves becomer progressive smaller and sessile, oblong lance shaped, entire, dark green with 3-5 nerves running the length of the blade38 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Moisture Req | exceptionally drought tolerant38 |
| Opt Divide Time | in winter24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | flowers are gathered in full bloom24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots in 4-yr old plants are lifted in autumn24, autumn after plants have gone to seed12; fall when moisture content lowest38 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26, 24; fall38 |
| Parts Used | rootstock37 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Preparation | Use 1 tsp. rootstock once it has lost its odor. For decoction, use 1 tsp. rootstock with 1 cup water. Take 1 tbsp., 3-6 times per day. For tincture: take 15-30 dropes in water every 1-3 hours, as indicated37 |
| Processing Req | roots over 1/2 “ in diameter can be split before drying12; roots older than 4 yrs. may become pithy and less desirable; roots cleaned after digging, dried under low, forced heat or dried in open air under shade38 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; grown from seed or by root division24; seed, dividing crown, planting 4-5 inch section of root38 |
| Range | Minnesota to TX, west OK, KA, NE, and IO, ND, SD, east CO, WY, MT, extreme southern SASK and Manitoba38; prairie states northward to Penn37 |
| Root Description | tap26; vertical or horizontal38 |
| Root Storage Pref | can be heeled in sand moist through winter38 |
| Scarification | slicing of petal end (pappus) may enhance germ without strat but do not damage cotyledon, removal of corky seed coat may also the need to strat38 |
| Seed Storage Req | dry, cold38 |
| Seed Viability Time | 60 months38 |
| Seeds per OZ | 10,0000, 750026; 145,000 per lb38 |
| Site Preference | dry prairies, fields |
| Soil Ph | (pH6-8)12; lime-loving though will tolerate slightly acid soil with pH of 6.0 or greater, likes more alkaline with pH of 838 |
| Soil Requirements | thrives best in rich, sandy soil24, poor, rocky slighly acidic-to-alkaline, well-drained 12; poor to moderately rich, well-drained soil38 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26 |
| Species | angustifolia |
| Stem Description | stout, bristly37; erect, singly or branched, are covered with rough pubescence of stiff bristy hairs, some swollen at bases38 |
| Stratification | mix seeds in sand and peat, covered with mesh screen and placed outside to overwinter, or place in moist sand or peat in plaxtic bag and refrigerated for 60-90 days, longer under cold, moist strat less light is a factor in germ, 15 wks at 39.2F (4C), coupled with a photoperiod of 14.5 hours light, and 9.5 hours dark, germ temp 78F, one month strat in peat moss or sand with 24hr water soak38 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26,12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | seedlings 6-7 wks38 |
| Binomial Name | Echinacea pallida |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | essential oil content highest attributable to lge amounts of polyine and polyene, low concentration of isobutylamide38 |
| Bloom | later summer23; June - July38 |
| Bloom Date | 05/19/99 to 07/15/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Pale-Purple Coneflower The long, drooping rays going from pale pink to vibrant purple distinguish this Echinacea from the others. Endemic to the Ozarks it is especially drought-hardy and has few requirements for “good” soil. A sun loving perennial, it is quickly becoming threatened as indiscriminate wildcrafting diminishes wild populations. A wildflower easily naturalized, E. pallida adds a bright display for spring days. Traditional uses include relief for mumps, measles, colds, smallpox and rheumatism, among other things. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. 2-3 feet. Poor, dry to ordinary garden loam. Stratify: 30 days at 41 degrees 1999 Echinacea pallida pale-purple coneflower The long, drooping rays going from pale pink to vibrant purple coupled with white pollen distinguish this member of Echinacea. An Ozark endemic, it is especially drought-hardy and has few soil requirements growing to 3-4 ft in poor, dry to ordinary garden loam. Seed does best stratified for 30 days at 41 degrees and transplanted after seedlings are 6-7 wks. In areas where winter temps drop below freezing for several weeks, it can be directly sown in fall with slightly lower germination. Space at 2-3 ft. A sun loving perennial, E. pallida is quickly becoming threatened as indiscriminate wildcrafting diminishes wild populations. Harvest root in fall of 4th year and shade dry. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. 10,000 seeds/oz. Traditional uses include relief for mumps, measles, colds, smallpox and rheumatism. Research suggests that E. pallida contains the highest essential oil content as compared to other Echinacea. |
| Cultivation Notes | keep well weeded12; fall transplanting and harvest produced greater quantity and quality of essential oil, good soil drainage and frequent, shallow cultivation produce more vigorous plants38; |
| Direct Sowing Req | tamp down on soil mix, germ rates lower with direct seeding in fall, cover with mulch to overwinter38 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Germination Temp | 20-25C (68-79F)38 |
| Greenhouse Req | germ rates higher than direct seed in field38 |
| Habitat | disturbed roadside limestone outcrops, often with high clay content, woods, glades, rocky prairies38 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -20 TO -10 F; -28.8 TO -23.4 C23 |
| Leaf Description | Lvs to 20cm, linear-lanceolate to elliptic, entire23 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Moisture Req | exceptionally drought tolerant38 |
| Opt Divide Time | in winter24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots in 4-yr old plants are lifted in autumn24, autumn after plants have gone to seed12; fall when moisture content lowest38 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26, 24; fall38 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Processing Req | roots over 1/2 “ in diameter can be split before drying12; roots older than 4 yrs. may become pithy and less desirable; roots cleaned after digging, dried under low, forced heat or dried in open air under shade38 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; grown from seed or by root division24; seed, dividing crown, planting 4-5 inch section of root38 |
| Range | NE TX, eastern OK, and KS north to IO and WI, and east to IN, unusual east of IL38 |
| Root Description | tap26 |
| Root Storage Pref | can be heeled in sand moist through winter38 |
| Scarification | slicing of petal end (pappus) may enhance germ without strat but do not damage cotyledon, removal of corky seed coat may also the need to strat38 |
| Seed Storage Req | dry, cold38 |
| Seed Viability Time | 60 months38 |
| Seeds per OZ | 10,0000; 690026 |
| Site Preference | dry prairie |
| Soil Ph | (pH6-8)12; lime-loving though will tolerate slightly acid soil with pH of 6.0 or greater38 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26 |
| Species | pallida |
| Stratification | cold, moist for minimum of 21 days26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | seedlings 6-7 wks38 |
| Binomial Name | Echinacea paradoxa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | mid to late May or early June lasting into July38 |
| Bloom Date | 05/26/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Yellow “Purple” Coneflower A paradox indeed! It is very much like Pale purple coneflower in every other way except for color. Though never found outside the Ozarks in the wild, this perennial should do well in gardens with a slightly acid soil. Again, stratify or fall plant the seed, maybe in a flat outside your back door. Protect from disturbance and give it plenty of time to come up. We leave ours in the nursery until fall, then plant out in the garden. An unusual and increasingly rare variety for Echinacea enthusiasts! 2-3 feet. Average garden soil. Full sun. Stratify: 60 days at 41 degrees F. or plant in fall. 1999 Echinacea paradoxa yellow “purple” coneflower Never found outside the Ozarks in the wild, this perennial growing to 4 ft on glades and rocky terrain, dons yellow ray flowers surrounding a dark brown disk. Stems and leaves are softly light green. E. paradoxa does well in gardens with well-drained, slightly acid soil and full sun. Again, stratify seed for at least 60 days at 41F or fall plant the seed, maybe in a flat outside your back door. Protect from disturbance and allow plenty of time to come up. Space at 2-3 ft. Like other Echinacea, E. paradoxa is especially drought hardy. Fall harvest root of 4th yr plants, shade dry. 10,000 seeds/oz. Although lacking the high isobutylamide content found in E. angustifolia, pallida, and purpurea which produces tongue-numbing effects, E. paradoxa root contains echinacoside, an agent found in most Echinacea which is thought to weakly inhibit bacterial infection, flu, staph infection, and virus. An unusual and increasingly rare variety for Echinacea enthusiasts! |
| Collection Data Other | 1994 from Prairie Moon; 1994 from Sharp Bros; 1994 from Hamilton Seeds |
| Cultivation Notes | keep well weeded12; fall transplanting and harvest produced greater quantity and quality of essential oil, good soil drainage and frequent, shallow cultivation produce more vigorous plants38; |
| Direct Sowing Req | tamp down on soil mix, germ rates lower with direct seeding in fall, cover with mulch to overwinter38 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Germination Temp | 20-25C (68-79F)38 |
| Greenhouse Req | germ rates higher than direct seed in field38 |
| Habitat | glades, bald knobs, open woods, rocky prairies38 |
| Leaf Description | light green38 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Moisture Req | exceptionally drought tolerant38 |
| Opt Divide Time | in winter24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots in 4-yr old plants are lifted in autumn24, autumn after plants have gone to seed12; fall when moisture content lowest38 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26, 24; fall38 |
| Parts Used | rootstock38 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Processing Req | roots over 1/2 “ in diameter can be split before drying12; roots older than 4 yrs. may become pithy and less desirable; roots cleaned after digging, dried under low, forced heat or dried in open air under shade38 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; grown from seed or by root division24; seed, dividing crown, planting 4-5 inch section of root38 |
| Range | endemic to south central and western AR Ozarks and central, southern, western MO counties38 |
| Root Description | tap26 |
| Root Storage Pref | can be heeled in sand moist through winter38 |
| Scarification | slicing of petal end (pappus) may enhance germ without strat but do not damage cotyledon, removal of corky seed coat may also the need to strat38 |
| Seed Storage Req | dry, cold38 |
| Seed Viability Time | 60 months38 |
| Seeds per OZ | 10,0000; 750026 |
| Site Preference | dry prairie |
| Soil Ph | (pH6-8)12; lime-loving though will tolerate slightly acid soil with pH of 6.0 or greater38 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26 |
| Species | paradoxa |
| Stem Description | light green, smooth or only slightly hairy38 |
| Stratification | cold, moist for min of 30-60 days26 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | seedlings 6-7 wks38 |
| Binomial Name | Echinacea purpurea |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | high level of isobutylamide38 |
| Bloom | summer-autumn23; June to October38 |
| Bloom Date | 05/24/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Purple Coneflower This is the most popularly cultivated Echinacea. It’s gardener friendly, grows easily from seed or crown division once you have an established planting. Grouped together, the flowers’ large, orange cones contrasting with rose-purple rays provide a dramatic effect from the 4th of July to September. A perennial favorite. Medicinal uses are the same as for E. angustifolia. Preparations include both above ground parts and roots, which are used most often to stimulate defenses against lingering inflammations and infections. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. 2-3 feet. Rich soil. Tolerates 50% shade. Stratify: 30 days at 41 degrees F. or plant in the fall. ECHINACEA PURPUREA Purple Coneflower Perennial native, 2-4 ft tall, spectacular orange-tipped cone on deep purple rays appear Jun-Sept of second year. Easily grown from seed with cold moist stratification (60 days, 41 F) or sown directly in fall. Poor to moderately rich, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant, full sun to partial shade. Harvest root 3-4 yrs in fall, herb harvested in 1st-3rd yrs. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Herb and root used to strengthen the immune system. 1999 Echinacea purpurea purple coneflower Perennial, native to eastern U.S. and common cultivar, 2-4 ft tall, with spectacular orange-tipped cone atop wide deep purple rays appearing Jun-Sept of second year, E. purpurea is easily grown from seed with cold moist stratification (60 days, 41 F) or sown directly in fall in poor to moderately rich, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant, full sun to dappled shade spaced at 1 ft. Harvest root after 3-4 yrs in fall, herb harvested in 1st-3rd yrs. Rotate with legumes every 3 yrs for large production plots. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Ground herb and root of E. purpurea are used as general immune system tonic. Widely sold in Europe under the label, Echinacin(R), to treat viral and bacterial infection, heal wounds, and stimulate the immune system. |
| Collection Data Other | 30 lbs bought from Applewood Seed in November 1995 |
| Cultivation Notes | keep well weeded12; fall transplanting and harvest produced greater quantity and quality of essential oil, good soil drainage and frequent, shallow cultivation produce more vigorous plants38; best to rotate planting every 3 yrs with nitrogen-fixing legumes if harvesting flower head38 |
| Days to Bloom | may flower the first year, though normal takes 2 yrs38 |
| Direct Sowing Req | tamp down on soil mix, germ rates lower with direct seeding in fall, cover with mulch to overwinter38 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | enhance immune system38 |
| Genus | Echinacea |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Germination Temp | 20-25C (68-79F)38 |
| Greenhouse Req | germ rates higher than direct seed in field38 |
| Habitat | creek beds, or in seepage, often under dappled shade, open woods, prairies, thickets38 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -40 to -30F; -40.0to -34.5C23 |
| Leaf Description | leaves to 15x10cm, ovate-lanceolate, denticulate, rarely entire23; lvs coarse, pubescent, lowermost lvs oval to broadly lance shaped and coarsely toothed with irregular teeth38 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Moisture Req | exceptionally drought tolerant38 |
| Opt Divide Time | in winter24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | after 2 yrs, when flowering38 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots in 4-yr old plants are lifted in autumn24, autumn after plants have gone to seed12; fall when moisture content lowest38 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26, 24; fall38 |
| Parts Used | rootstock and flower head38 |
| Plant height | 2-3 ft |
| Planting Rate per Acre | 12 lbs per acre (broadcast), 9,800 plants (transplant 1 lb of seed)38 |
| Processing Req | roots over 1/2 “ in diameter can be split before drying12; roots older than 4 yrs. may become pithy and less desirable; roots cleaned after digging, dried under low, forced heat or dried in open air under shade38 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; grown from seed or by root division24; seed, dividing crown, planting 4-5 inch section of root38 |
| Range | LA, NE tip of TX, and eastern OK north through OH, MI, and eastward38 |
| Root Description | fibrous26 |
| Root Storage Pref | can be heeled in sand moist through winter38 |
| Scarification | slicing of petal end (pappus) may enhance germ without strat but do not damage cotyledon, removal of corky seed coat may also the need to strat38 |
| Seed Storage Req | dry, cold38 |
| Seed Viability Time | 60 months38 |
| Seeds per OZ | 7,000 - 9,000; 650026; 117,000 per lb38 |
| Site Preference | well-drained fields, prairies, woods |
| Soil Ph | (pH6-8)12; lime-loving though will tolerate slightly acid soil with pH of 6.0 or greater38 |
| Soil Requirements | moderately rich38 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26; 1.5 ft intervals with rows spaced 3 ft apart38 |
| Species | purpurea |
| Stratification | cold, moist for up to 7 days26; 10 weeks optimum for freq and %germ38 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to partial shade26; dappled shade38 |
| Transplanting Req Est | seedlings 6-7 wks38 |
| Binomial Name | Echinacea tennesseensis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | cynarine38 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Echinacea tennesseensis Tennessee coneflower Declared endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on June 6, 1979, E. tennesseensis survives in only 5 wild populations in central Tennessee’s cedar barrens. Loss of habitat is attributed to overgrazing and wildcrafting. This leafy, softly hairy coneflower has long light purple upturned rays cupping around a dark solitary cone. Like other Echinacea, Tennessee coneflower is drought tolerant preferring full sun, and alkaline, well-drained soil. Stratify seed for 60 days at 41F or direct seed in fall in area where winter climes dip below freezing for several weeks. Tamp seed lightly into soil and wait 6-7 wks to transplant 8-12” apart. Also, start new plants by winter root division. Does well in cultivation. Harvest root in fall and shade dry. Save seed! Although minimal information exists on traditional medicinal use of Tennessee Coneflower, the roots are known to contain cynarine, an agent thought to relieve upset stomach, lower cholesterol, guard against bacterial infection and topically, to treat sunburn. |
| Collection Data Other | nursuries licensed to sell include: Cheekwood Botanical Garden in Nashville, the Endangered Plant Exchange, Native Gardens, Natural Gardens, and Sunlight Gardens38 |
| Cultivation Notes | keep well weeded, proliferates under cultivation12; fall transplanting and harvest produced greater quantity and quality of essential oil, good soil drainage and frequent, shallow cultivation produce more vigorous plants38 |
| Direct Sowing Req | tamp down on soil mix, germ rates lower with direct seeding in fall, cover with mulch to overwinter38 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Germination Temp | 20-25C (68-79F)38 |
| Greenhouse Req | germ rates higher than direct seed in field38 |
| Habitat | dry, gravel, cedar barrens38 |
| Leaf Description | softer pubescence than other ECH’s38 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Moisture Req | exceptionally drought tolerant38,12 |
| Opt Divide Time | in winter24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots in 4-yr old plants are lifted in autumn24, autumn after plants have gone to seed12; fall when moisture content lowest38 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26, 24; fall38 |
| Processing Req | roots over 1/2 “ in diameter can be split before drying12; roots older than 4 yrs. may become pithy and less desirable; roots cleaned after digging, dried under low, forced heat or dried in open air under shade38 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; grown from seed or by root division24; seed, dividing crown, planting 4-5 inch section of root38; grown easily from seed12 |
| Range | central Tennessee38 |
| Root Description | tap26 |
| Root Storage Pref | can be heeled in sand moist through winter38 |
| Scarification | slicing of petal end (pappus) may enhance germ without strat but do not damage cotyledon, removal of corky seed coat may also the need to strat38 |
| Seed Storage Req | dry, cold38 |
| Seed Viability Time | 60 months38 |
| Seeds per OZ | 730026 |
| Soil Ph | (pH6-8)12; lime-loving though will tolerate slightly acid soil with pH of 6.0 or greater38 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26 |
| Species | temmensiensis |
| Stem Description | stems more leafy than other ECH’s38 |
| Stratification | cold, moist for minimum of 30-60 days26 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | seedlings 6-7 wks38 |
| US Govt Restrictions | officially listed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an endangered species, declared endangered June 6, 197938 |
| Binomial Name | Eclipta prostrata (=Eclipta alba) |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | saponin, nicotine, tannin, cartinoid, ecliptine, thiophene derivatives. Leaf contains wedelolactone16; saponins, including ecliptine and alpha-terthienylmethanol24; ecliptine, tannins, saponins, and nicotine, leaf contains wedelolactone15 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in deficiency cold patterns of spleen and kidney36 |
| Catalog Prose | Eclipta Han-lien-cao Eclipta is a hardy and predictable annual. Direct seed after danger of frost. Thin to about ten inches and watch a tangle of luxuriant dark green foliage with small white flowers emerge. Non invasive, very well mannered. That’s it! If you like it and want to have it again, collect the seed. An extract of the fresh herb is said to promote hair growth when applied to the scalp. Other folk uses are for blurry vision, headache, premature gray hair and bleeding. To 2 feet. Sun. 1999 Eclipta prostrata trailing eclipta, han lian cao Trailing eclipta is a hardy and predictable annual native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, now naturalized throughout the tropics. A tangle of luxuriant dark green foliage with small white flowers emerges in summer, growing to 2ft. Direct seed after danger of frost in prepared bed under full sun. Thin to about 10”. Non invasive and easy. Harvest herb when flowering. Sun dry. Save seed! In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, the aerial parts (herb) of eclipta have traditionally been associated with the kidney and liver. A general tonic to prevent aging used to treat dizziness, blurry vision, headache, loosening of teeth, premature gray hair and bleeding. An extract of fresh herb applied to scalp is said to encourage hair regrowth. In pharmacological studies, eclipta has been shown to effectively treat dysentery and staph infections. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene, brown, 2-3mm long16 |
| Functions/Uses | slight odor, tastes salty, used as a hemostatic for eliminating pathologic heat from blood and as a tonic to replenish vital essence of kidney for treatment of gum bleeding, hematuria, bloody diarrhea, uterine bleeding, prematurely greying hair, loss of hair, vertigo, tinnitus and distress in lions, externally for nose-bleeding, traumatic bleeding and paddy-field dermatitis16; treats dizziness, lumbago, blood in vomit, lungs and urine, bleeding from cuts14; sweet and sour, cold, affinity with liver and kidneys, tonic to yin, tonic to kidney-yin, refrigerant to blood, hemostatic, astringent. Treats liver-yin deficiency, blurry vision, dizziness, headache, kidney-yin deficiency, spermatorrhoea, premature greying of hair, bleeding due to yin-deficiency, blood in sputum, urine and bile, menorrhagia. An extract of fresh herb applied to the scalp promotes hair growth, taken internally, it blackens hair, beard and eyebrows19; used to color hair in India and mothers wash babies’ heads in decoction of leaves to encourage hair growth, leaves eaten as vegetable, similar in both Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal medicine, decoction used to invigorate liver, prevent premature graying of hair and to staunch bleeding, especially in uterus. Chinese yin tonic, Ayurvedic thought to prevent aging, in Caribbean, juice taken for asthma and bronchitis, treatment for enlarged glands, as well as for dizziness, vertigo, and blurred vision, externally for various skin problems and as a wound healer24; enters liver and kidney meridians, traditional use to nourish yin, supplement kidney, cools blood, controls bleeding, applications for hemoptysis, hematuria, hematochezia, dysentery, red dysentery, prematurely white hair, loosening of teeth, bleeding lesions, pharmacology for antibacterial effect: in vitro has action on Staphlococcus aureus and B-group dysentery bacteria and (2) astringent and antiinflammatory effects: hemostatic, blood cooling15; liver and kidney yin, dizziness, blurred vision, vertigo, premature greying, cools blood, stops bleeding, such as vomiting or coughing up blood, nosebleed, blood in stool, uterine bleeding, especially bloody urine36 |
| Genus | Eclipta |
| Habitat | fields and ditches16 |
| Leaf Description | lvs opposite, elliptical lanceolate, 3-10cm long and 1-2 cm wide16; lance-shaped24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | summer when flowering16; early autumn24 |
| Parts Used | dried aerial parts16, 24, whole plant14,19 |
| Plant height | to 2 ft |
| Plant spacing | thin to about ten inches |
| Preparation | 10-15g19; 6-15g15; 3 qian to 1 liang36 |
| Processing Req | herb dried in sun16 |
| Range | cosmopolitan weed, China, Taiwan, Indochina, India, Japan, Phillipines, etc14; now found throughout tropics, common in India, China, and Queensland and New South Wales in Australia24 |
| Species | prostrata |
| Stem Description | erect or prostrate and sprinkled with closely appressed short stiff hairs16; multibranched24; stem is soft and when snapped oozes black fluid15 |
| US Govt Restrictions | none noted |
| Binomial Name | Gentiana tibetica |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | gentianine, gentianidine, alkaloids36 |
| Bloom | Jun-Aug45 |
| Bloom Date | June 3, 1998; 07/05/99 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in those with frequent urination, chronic pain and emaciation as well as those with spleen deficiency and diarrhea36 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Gentiana tibetica Tibetian gentian, qin jiao A perennial from the Himalayas of Tibet and western China with exotic greenish-white to blue tubular flowers that squeeze together atop a 2 ft high unbranched stem, qin jiao’s large basal florette of variegated leaves recalls a brommeliad. Start seeds indoors and plant out on 1ft centers in spring after last frost. Likes slightly acidic sandy loam in a sunny locale but can stand a little shade. Harvest root in fall of 2-3rd year. Non-invasive and easy. Like other Gentiana, qin jiao root contains gentianine which has been shown in pharmacological studies to be both antiinflammatory and antibiotic. Traditionally, qin jiao has been used for rheumatoid arthritis and in small doses, to calm nerves. |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Fruit | capsules sessile, ellipsoid, 1.3-1.5 mm, Jun-Aug45 |
| Functions/Uses | bitter, acrid, neutral, entering channels of liver, stomach and gall bladder, expels wind dampness especially of the extremities, for deficient yin pattern that manifest with fever, removes jaundice, moistens intestines and moves stool. Pharmacology: anti-inflammatory protective against histamine shock and anaphylactoid shock lowers permeability of capillaries, sedative to central nervous system (stimulatory in large doses), antibiotic against Staphlococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Shigell, and Vibrio cholerae, used in infectious diseases36; antiinflammatory for rheumatoid arthritis14 |
| Genus | Gentiana |
| Habitat | edges of cultivated land, roadsides, forest margins, 2100-4200m45 |
| Leaf Description | forming rosettes, basal lvs. lanceolate, to 1 ft long, 5-7 nerved, st. leaves to 6 in. long18; basal lvs petiole 5-7 cm, membranous, ;leaf blade narrowly elliptic to ovate-elliptic, 9-16 x 4-5.5 c,m , base narrowed, margin scabrous, apex acuminate to acute, veins 7-9. stem levs 3-5 pairs, petiole to 3.5 cm, membranous, leaf blade eliptic-lanceolate to ovate-elliptic, 9-16 x 4-5.5 cm, base obtuse to subtruncate, margin scabrous, apex acuminate to acute, veins 3-5, upper lvs distincly larger, sessile, spreading and surrounding flower cluster45 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Origin | Richters |
| Parts Used | root36 |
| Plant height | 18” |
| Plant spacing | 1ft centers |
| Preparation | 1.5-4 qian36 |
| Propagation Method | seed0 |
| Range | S and SE Xizang (Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim)45 |
| Root Description | to 30 x 2 cm45 |
| Scarification | not required |
| Species | tibetica |
| Stem Description | stout, unbranched18; erects, stouut, simple, glabrous45 |
| Stratification | not required |
| Synonyms | Gentiana brevidans Reg. |
| Binomial Name | Ginkgo biloba |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | flavonoids26; flavonoids, ginkgolodes, bilobalides24; fruit rind contains ginkgolic acid, hydroginkgolic acid, bilobol, ginnol, asparagin, ginkgetin, and tannic acid15 |
| Bloom | spring23; summer39 |
| Cautions | pulp of fruit can cause dermatitis and seeds can be toxic26; seed oil can cause dermatitis in some people18; fatalities reported with overdose of ginkgo seeds, pulp of fruit potentially poisonous, wear gloves when handling, leaf extract of low toxicity, eating fresh seeds can cause stomachache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, weak pulse, restlessness, difficulty breathing, and shock. Induce vomiting. |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Ginkgo biloba ginkgo, bai guo ye Dating back 200 million years, into the age when dinosaurs roamed, this ancient relic is the oldest living tree species on earth. Traced to pockets of primitive flora in the northern Zhejiang province of China, it is known today only in cultivation. Still guarding temples of old China, some trees are thought to have lived 1000 years! Over 100ft at maturity, ginkgos are characterized by their parallel-veined, fan-shaped, two-lobed (bilobed), yellow-green leaf which turns to a vibrant lemon in a sudden burst in autumn. Dioecious species, meaning male and female flowers are borne on different plants. Males flower in loosely hanging yellow catkins, while females are known for horrific odor emanating from pulp of decaying fruit. Stratify seeds for 2 months at 70F followed by 2 months at 40F, make sure medium is not to wet, or seeds may mildew. After stratification, plant under 2” of deep, rich, sandy soil. Seedlings appear in 8 weeks and should be protected from direct sunlight and overwatering for 2-3 years. Keep well-weeded, aerate soil around trees, and sidedress with nitrogen-rich compost. After 7 years, plant in a permanent location under full sun spaced at 10-15ft. Extremely tolerant: survives fire, drought, pest, air pollution, and even through nuclear blast in Hiroshima at ground zero. Harvest ripe fruit in fall, and after soaking, remove seed coat with gloves. Harvest leaves in fall just as they begin to yellow. Sun dry. Ginkgo has been historically used in China as a pulmonary astringent for coughs, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and tuberculosis. Roasted seed kernels are eaten in the Orient. Since the 1960’s, ginkgo has become widely popular throughout Europe for its ability to inhibit platelet activating factor (PAF), and for its antiinflammatory and antibacterial effects. High levels of PAF, a blood thickener, have been attributed to poor cerebral circulation, poor memory and concentration, aging, dementia, and depression. Pulp may cause contact dermatitis. Fresh seeds are toxic. |
| Cultivation Notes | seed germination usually low26; grown as ornamental in temperate regions, female seed is undesirable due to unpleasant odor (butyric acid or rancid butter) of mature fallen seeds18; longevity attributed to pest resistance and resiliency to fire, tolerance to air pollution, survived Hiroshima nuclear bomb blast at ground zero12 |
| Days to Germinate | 5-8wks26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | easy culture in good soil18; if planted in spring, seed mixed with white sand and stored underground for several months to stratify seeds, during this pd, care is taken to make sure that the sand is not too wet, which could cause mildew, sown in rows and covered with 2” soil10 |
| Family | Ginkgoaceae |
| Fruit | on slender stalks, single or in pairs, ovoid to globose, to 2.5cm, decaying to purple-black, fleshy outer layer enclosing 2cm-long, ovoid, ridged nut23; round fr. about 1 “ (3cm) across contained a single seed24; drupe-like fr have acrid, foul-smelling pulp (likened to baby vomit or dog droppings)10 |
| Functions/Uses | improves circulation, combats effects of aging and senility, short-term memory improvement, fruits eaten in China26; kernels (gingo nuts) eaten in Orient18; circulatory stimulant and tonic, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, research indicates (since 1960s) to improves poor cerebral circulation, aiding memory and concentration, and helping in cases of dementia, antiinflammatory action- reduces inflammation for auto-immune problems, multiple sclerosis, and organ transplants, platelet activation factor- inhibits platelet activating factor (PAF), PAF causes blood to become stickier and produce more clots, can also cause inflammatory and allergenic changes to take place, traditionally used (seeds) to relieve wheezing and lessen phlegm, also given to treat vaginal discharge, weak bladder, and incontinence, leaves traditionally used to treat asthma, leaves to improve circulation especially to brain, and herb’s antiallergenic and antiinflammatory actions24; seeds: sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral, potentially toxic, leaves: little bitter, neutral, seed considered astringent for lungs, stops nocturnal emissions with an astringent nature, stops asthma, enuresis, excessive leukorrhea, benefits vital energy (chi”i) and regulated urinary frequency, leaves promote blood circulation, stop pain, benefit brain, are astringent to lungs, and eliminate wetness from the upper warmer, seed for asthma, coughs with phlegm, enuresis, mucous vaginal discharges, bronchitis, with asthma, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, frequent urination, seminal emission, strangury, turbid urine, and frequent urination, seed poulticed for scabies and sores, leaves for arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, high serum cholesterol levels, dysentery, and filariasis, infusion of boiled leaves against chilblains. In Europe prescribed for heart disease, eye ailments, ringing in ears, vertigo, cerebral and peripheral vascular insufficiency, injuries involving brain trauma, dementias, short-term memory improvement, cognitive disorders secondary to depression, and various conditions associated with senility10; seeds aid digestion, expel intestinal worms, leaves placed between pages of books to protect them from insects, seed coat used as an insecticide, young fruits treat tuberculosis, fruit pulp to expel worms, treat coughs, asthma, bronchitis, kidney and bladder disorders, vaginal discharge, gonorrhea14; sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral enters lung meridian, astringes lungs, benefits ch’i, controls cough, soothes asthma, applied to asthma due to phlegm, asthmatic cough, leukorrhea, whitish and turbid urine, urinary frequency, pharmacological: antibacterial effect, antifungal effect15; neutral, pleasant yet bitter and biting to taste, exerts an astringent affect on pulmonary energy, stops coughing and asthma, stabilizes spermatogenesis and stops leukorrhea, used for pulmonary tuberculosis, seminal emissions, leukorrhea, frequent nicturition39 |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26 |
| Germination notes | seeds sown directly when ripening in Sept, female tree fruiting for at least 3yrs is best propagation material10 |
| Habitat | rich, sandy soil39 |
| Hardiness | hardy through zone 518; can bear cold and dry conditions, resilient, drought tolerant, resistant to pests and disease, and tolerant of air pollution, fire10 |
| Leaf Description | lvs 2-3” long18; lvs fan-shaped, 5-12cm across, tough, yellow-green above, paler beneath, bright yellow in autumn, apical margin irregular, often cut in 2, rarely more lobes, cuneate at base, tapering into petiole23; green to yellow, fan-shaped leaves with radiating veins24; parallel-veined, broad, fan-shaped levs, up to 3” across, have notch at apex, hence biloba, alternate or borne on spurs in clusters of 3-510 |
| Medicinal Origin | China24, 10; also rich, albeit later, medicinal history in Europe10 |
| Moisture Req | not too much in first few years10 |
| Mulch Req | young seedlings kept well-weeded and side-dressed with night soil or other nitrogen fert, in July or Oct, soil around trees is cultivated to help aerate and control weeds, a second side-dressing of manure applied in Oct, in fall ever 4-5yrs after transplanting, soil is cultivated around tree into a moat for manure side-dressing10 |
| Opt Divide Time | cuttings in June-July10 |
| Opt Harvest Time | fruit in autumn24; fr in fall when very ripe10 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | leaves in autumn24; in autumn just as leaves begin to yellow10 |
| Opt Planting Time | fall or spring26; fall for germination in spring, or planted in spring10 |
| Parts Used | leaves, dried leaves, seeds24; young fruits, fruit pulp14; seeds, seedcoat, leaves39 |
| Pollination Req | pollen cells are motile having ability to move spontaneously ant travel to the ovule of the female flowers via pollen tubes10 |
| Preparation | tincture, tablets, decoction, fluid extract24; fleshy seed coat and pulp removed on dried seed, seed fried or steamed until ripe, and outer shell removed before prescription made, after seed shell removed than is crushed into coarse pieces10; seeds may be pan fried for eating39 |
| Processing Req | leaves dried in sun, for fr, fleshy, ext. seed coat removed, seeds cleaned and dried in sun, gloves always used, soaking helps to loosen and remove seed coat10 |
| Propagation Method | seedling transplant26; stratified seeds, layerings, cuttings, grafting, budding18; seeds, cuttings, graftings10 |
| Range | known only from cultivation, found growing in remote forest of Zhejiang province, but these may have been planted, thought to naturally occur in the mountains of southern border area of Anhui, Jiangsu, and northern Zhejiang, an area well known for monotypic, primitive, endemic conifers and taxads10 |
| Scarification | yes26 |
| Seed Description | yellowish, drupe-like to 1” long-peduncled18; single, smooth, oval, thin-shelled, edible10 |
| Seedling Care | do not like much water and should be protected from harsh sunlight by providing shade for the first 2-3 years10 |
| Seeds per OZ | 300/lb26 |
| Soil Requirements | deep, rich, sandy, seed covered with 2” soil10 |
| Spacing | 10-20’26; 10-15ft10 |
| Stem Description | bark grey, furrowed, crown narrow becoming wider with age, odor branches arching23; deciduous tree10 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26, 18; two mo warm followed by 2 months cold10 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26; enjoy abundant sunshine10 |
| Transplanting Req Est | after 7-8yrs, transplant dormant seedlings to permanent location10 |
| Binomial Name | Glycyrrhiza uralensis (=Glycyrrhiza viscida) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | root up to 24% glycyrrhizan (50x sweeter than sugar)26; triterpene saponins (especially glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid), flavonoids and isoflavonoids (including liquiritigenin and liquiritin), and chalcones24 |
| Cautions | take only under medical supervision, long-term use may lead to increased blood pressure and fluid retention. Do not take if anemic or pregnant24 |
| Catalog Prose | Chinese Licorice Gan-cao This perennial is direct-seeded after soaking the seeds. A root medicine, licorice grows well in soft alkaline soils, spreading rhizomes out from the original plant. It is best to dedicate a plot “for licorice only,” as it spreads vigorously underground each year, sending up delicate foliage from new roots. Space plants 1 1/2 feet apart. Some traditional uses have been for weak spleen and stomach energy, coughs, ulcers, hepatitis and as a detoxicant for food and medicine poisoning. It is often used in Chinese medicine to mediate the medicinal character of other herbs. 1 1/2 feet tall, and spreading. Rich, sandy, well drained soil. Full sun. 1999 Glycyrrhiza uralensis Chinese licorice, gan cao A root medicine native to China, Mongolia and Siberia, gan cao’s use dates back 2,000 years. It grows well in rich, sandy, alkaline soils and full sun to partial shade, spreading rhizomes out from the original plant. A perennial direct-seeded in spring after scarification and after overnight soak in inoculant, it spreads vigorously underground each year, sending up delicate foliage from new roots. Space plants 18” apart, will grow to 3ft. Harvest root in autumn or spring of 3rd year. Traditionally used for weak spleen and stomach energy, coughs, ulcers, hepatitis and as a detoxicant for food and medicine poisoning. The most commonly used Chinese herb due to its ability to tonify all organs, mediate character of other herbs, and sweet flavor. Do not use if anemic or pregnant, may also increase blood pressure after long-term use. |
| Days to Germinate | 10+26 |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Fruit | flat pods24 |
| Functions/Uses | for throat, stomach, urinary and intestinal irritation, energy and hormonal balancing26; one of the most important medicinal herbs in China, used to harmonized different herbs prescribed together, sweet-tasting tonic with therapeutic properties for sore throats, wheezing, coughs, canker sores, peptic ulcers, and gastritis, prescribed for deficient chi to improve resistance and vitality, detoxifies inflamed skin24; enters all 12 meridians and organs, tonic antipyretic, antidote, demulcent to lungs, expectorant, analgesic, for empty spleen and stomach, blood and energy deficiency, toxic abscesses, swollen and sore throat, coughs, asthma, acute abdominal pains, most commonly used Chinese herb, appearing in almost all prescriptions, it benefits all the organs, its flavor improves the taste of all prescriptions, it slows and prolongs the effects of strong tonic prescriptions, antidote in mushroom and datura poisoning, emollient for peptic ulcers19 |
| Genus | Glycyrrhiza |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26 |
| Leaf Description | herb24 |
| Medicinal Origin | China24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | after 3rd and 4th year26; root unearthed in spring or autumn24 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring26 |
| Origin | Horizon |
| Parts Used | dried root, rhizome24, 19 |
| Plant height | 1 1/2 feet tall, and spreading |
| Plant spacing | 1 1/2 feet apart |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; by seed or rootstock division18 |
| Root Description | fibrous24 |
| Scarification | yes26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 270026 |
| Soil Requirements | thrives in rich, moist soil18 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26 |
| Species | uralensis |
| Stem Description | hairy24 |
| Stratification | none |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26 |
| Binomial Name | Gynostemma pentaphyllum |
| Ann/Per | Annual Perennial |
| Active constituents | amino acids include strong concentrations of citrulline54; gynosaponin, ginsenoside55 |
| Bloom | Aug. to Sept52; summer53 |
| Cultivation Notes | annual or short-lived perennial 53 |
| Family | Curcurbitaceae |
| Fruit | to 8 mm diam., dark green to black, smooth, with white line23; fr. blackish green berry, globose, 6-8 mm across, with a transverse line on the upper half52; smooth, dark green up to 3 in (8 cm) across, marked with white lines53 |
| Functions/Uses | folk remedy for peptic ulcers, hepatitis, bronchitis, in the 1980s in Japan, researchers found it to contain anticancer effects, rated among the 10 most important tonic herbs at the 1991 International Conference on Traditional Medicine in Beijing, China 53; tonic herb that improves the circulation, stimulates liver function, strengthens the immune and nervous systems, and reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels, also has sedative effects, relaxing spasms and lowering blood pressure, used internal for nervous tension and exhaustion, peptic ulcer, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, used in antiaging tonics and cosmetics53 |
| Habitat | thickets in lowlands52 |
| Hardiness | hardy to 23F (-5C)53; Z823 |
| Leaf Description | lvs long-stalked, lflts 3-7, to 8 cm., lanceolate to ovate, serrate tendrils simple23; membranous, palmately compound, petiolate, lflts 5 (3 or 7), narrowly ovate-elliptic to narrowly ovate, the terminal one 4-8 cm. long, 2-3 cm. wide, acuminate or obtuse, puberulent on the nerves above, penninerved, the veins parallel52; lvs palmate with 3-7 toothed lflts, terminal lflt being up to 3 inches (8 cm) ling53 |
| Leaf storage pref | dried53 |
| Medicinal Origin | China53 |
| Moisture Req | moist53 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | plants cut in summer53 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring53 |
| Origin | Nanjing Botanical Garden |
| Parts Used | whole plant53; dried aerial part55 |
| Preparation | capsules, decoctions, extracts, tablets and teabags53 |
| Propagation Method | seed53 |
| Range | common in Japanese provinces of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu52 |
| Root Description | creeping rhizomes52 |
| Seed Description | seeds about 4 mm long, flat, with irregular warty tubercles52 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained soil53 |
| Stem Description | slender nearly glabrous, loosely white pubescent on the nodes52; climber with tendrils53 |
| Stratification | soak 24 hrs before planting 53 |
| Sun Requirement | partial shade53 |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Synonyms | Vitis pentaphylla Thunb.; Cissus pentaphylla (Thunb.) Willd.; Gynostemma pedata Bl. |
| Binomial Name | Gypsophila oldhamiana |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | gypsogenin34 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Gypsophila oldhamiana gypsophila, shan yin chai hu Fleshy herbaceous low-growing perennial to 1/2” with pink flowers in dense heads native to Korea and northern China making gypsophila hardy in cold climes. Needs full sun in well-drained, dry, calcareous soil. Great for a rock garden. Start indoors in spring and transplant when still young after danger of frost. Space on 1/2ft centers. Harvest root in fall by separating buds, replanting two and saving one. Dry over low heat. In China, gypsophila root is used to treat typhoid fever, jaundice, arthritis, lung ailments. |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Functions/Uses | The root is decocted in prescriptions for typhoid fever, jaundice, lung ailments, rheumatism, and other ailments34 |
| Genus | Gypsophila |
| Hardiness | hardy north34 |
| Leaf Description | herbaceous, lvs opposite, linear-lanceolate, to 8 cm. long, somewhat fleshy34 |
| Opt Divide Time | propagation from root heals often take a long time34 |
| Parts Used | root34 |
| Propagation Method | seeds, root divisions, or cuttings34 |
| Soil Requirements | likes a rather dry, well-drained calcareous soil and an open situation, easy culture in rockery34 |
| Species | oldhaminana |
| Sun Requirement | full sun34 |
| Transplanting Req Est | plants are best transplanted when still very young34 |
| Binomial Name | Heracleum hemsleyanum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | angelicone (glabra-lactone)18 |
| Bloom Date | 04/29/99 to 05/10/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Heracleum hemsleyanum Asian parsnip, tu huo Of the carrot family, this perennial to 4ft, blooms in thick heads of white, reminiscent of it’s cousin, Queen Anne’s lace. Native to East Asia, Asian parsnip can be direct seeded in spring or fall in a bed of deep moist, rich soil under full sun. Space 12-18”. Harvest root in April or Oct, wash and sun dry. Traditionally used in China as tu huo, a mild and warming dried root medicine good for damp wind-cold, arthritis, toothache, headache, poor circulation, and insomnia. |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Fruit | long-circular, splits into 2 mericarps when mature41 |
| Functions/Uses | pungent, bitter flavor, mild, warm property, channels to kidney and bladder meridians, removes wind-dampness, promotes circulation of meridians, expels dampness, apply to headache due to common cold, aching and pain in loins and knees, arthralgia due to dampness, wind, and cold, pruritis, convulsive pain in hands and feet. Pharmacology: tranquilizing and sleep-inducing effects, analgesic effect, antiarthritic effect reducing inflammation of joints and hypotensive effects15; acrid, bitter flavor, neutral, expel wind-evil and eliminate wetness, expel cold and alleviate pain. for wind-cold-wetness type of arthralgia, lumbago, pain of contracture of hands and feet, bronchitis, headache, toothache41 |
| Leaf Description | lanuginous, upper leaf stalks have inflated sheaths, petiole from root and bottom of stem long, base with a sheath, cuneate41 |
| Medicinal Origin | China41 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | April or Oct41 |
| Origin | Liang wan Mtn., Kunming |
| Parts Used | roots41 |
| Preparation | 3-9g15; |
| Processing Req | wash and discard stem and mud, dry under sun41 |
| Propagation Method | seed or division18 |
| Soil Requirements | rich, moist18 |
| Stem Description | erect herb, purple stemmed with ditch41 |
| Binomial Name | Heracleum sphondylium Subsp. montanum (=lanatum) |
| Ann/Per | Biennial or Perennial |
| Family | Umberliferae |
| Genus | Heraclum |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Range | Nfld. to GA, West to AK and CA, Europe, Siberia |
| Soil Ph | Normal Range |
| Soil Requirements | Rich, Moist |
| Species | lanatum |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Binomial Name | Hydrastis canadensis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | hydrastine, berberine, canadine12 |
| Bloom | spring-summer23; late Apr-early May, lasting 3-7 days18 |
| Bloom Date | 4/6/99 to 4/24/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Hydrastis canadensis Goldenseal Late April brings Goldenseal up from the forest floor. A small white flower blooms in the middle of the leaf. The two leaves growing on a one-foot stem bear a raspberry-like fruit in July. Taking three years to grow before harvesting, the knotty, one to three-inch root likes a rich, moist understory. Select a special shady place for this perennial and plant several to make a community. Goldenseal contains hydrastine and berberine which give it antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, alterative laxative and tonic properties. Traditional uses include eye inflammations, skin and liver diseases, cancer and high blood pressure. 1 ft. Rich, moist soil. Shade 1999 Hydrastis canadensis goldenseal, turmeric root Late April brings goldenseal up from the forest floor. A small white flower blooms in the middle of two broad, maple-shaped leaves growing on a one-foot stem. By July, it turns into a raspberry-like fruit. Taking three years to grow before harvesting, plant the knotty, 1-3” root in fall in a rich, moist understory bed of dappled to full shade. Plant several spaced from 6-8” to make a community. Germination takes up to 4 mo. This perennial native to NE US prefers compost of heavy leaf litter in winter and is hardy to -40C. Harvest root in fall of yr 3-4 by dividing and replanting two. Slow dry in shade. We ship roots in fall. Goldenseal contains hydrastine and berberine which give it antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic properties. Traditionally used to treat eye inflammations, skin and liver diseases, cancer and high blood pressure. |
| Cultivation Notes | lath coverings useful18; tolerant of disease and pests, keep free of weeds, botyrtis blight may attack entire plant during wet seasons, root gall is another problem, good ventilation prevents fungal infection, moles, slugs, and earthworms can also inhibit growth12 |
| Days to Bloom | third year12 |
| Days to Germinate | about four months |
| Direct Sowing Req | October in a protected bed or spring, plant roots one inch deep12 |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Fruit | berry, several in a cluster18; globular, fleshy, bright red fruits, resembling a large raspberry, ripens July-Aug12 |
| Functions/Uses | astringent, cleansing, beneficial to all mucous membranes, general tonic26; American Indians used as dye plant, for eye ailments, skin diseases, gonorrhea, cancers, and skin stain, Cherokee made a root wash to treat local inflammations, and drank a decoction for general debility, cyspepsis, and to stimulate appetite, Iroquois found a decoction of root beneficial for whooping cough, diarrhea, liver trouble, fever, sour stomach, flatulence, pneumonia, added whiskey for heart trouble, antiseptic, hemostatic, diuretic, laxative, and tonic/antiinflammatory for mucous membranes, recommended for hemorrhoids, nasal congestion, mouth and gum sores, acne, ringworm and other ailments, a wash made from the root for conjunctivitis and other eye ailments, beneficial tonic and astringent for inflamed mucous membranes of vagina, uterus, mouth, throat, and digestive system, treats gonorrhea, jaundice, bronchitis, pharyngitis, ulcers, berberine responsible for yellow color and bitter flavor, has a strong antibacterial effect, increases bile secretion, is anticonvulsant, and stimulates uterus, sedative and lowers blood pressure, berberine my be helpful in correcting high tyramine levels in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, hydrastine decreases blood pressure and stimulates involuntary muscle activity, canadine stimulates uterine muscles12 |
| Genus | Hydratis |
| Germination notes | seeds must always be kept moist12 |
| Habitat | rich, moist woods favoring beech canopy12 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -40 TO -30F; -40.0 TO -34.5C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | plant has died back12 |
| Leaf Description | basal leaf 12-20cm, rounded, 5-9-palmately lobed, biserrate, dark green, petiolate, stem leaves 2, near top of stem23; basal lvs to 8” across, cordate at base, 5-9-lobed, lobes doubly serrate, stem leaves 2, the upper one sessile under the flower18; 2 leaves each forking about 3/4 of the way up the stem, 12” wide and 8” long have prominent veins on lower surfaces, palmate with 5-9 lobes, sharply pointed, irregular teeth, at flowering time, leaves partially expand and are very wrinkled12 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America12 |
| Moisture Req | moist12 |
| Mulch Req | mulch heavy with ground leaves in early spring planting or overwinter, so that winter freeze doesn’t pull root out of ground0; composted manure may introduce weeds, use 4” leaf mold, well-composted manure, bonemeal (added at 10lbs per 30 sq. yards) and rock phosphate12 |
| Opt Divide Time | five plant buds can be taken from mature rhizome, in September12 |
| Opt Harvest Time | when ripe, Aug12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | fruit harvested as soon as ripe12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | 3-4 years from root division, 4-5 years from seed, September/Oct for top quality root, spring harvest may produce roots with a higher moisture content, greater shrinkage, and poorer quality12 |
| Opt Planting Time | fall26; winter to early spring if roots get into ground well before leaves come out0 |
| Parts Used | root12 |
| Plant height | one-ft |
| Plant spacing | 1 ft. |
| Processing Req | rub fruit through strained to remove fleshy pulp, never let them dry out to retain viability, root shrinkage after harvest is about 70%, clean, then dried until brittle, when dry, remove rootlets12 |
| Propagation Method | root division, transplant seedling26, 18, 12 |
| Range | VT to MN South to GA, AL, and FL18; Vermont to Minnesota, south to Georgia, Alabama, and Arkansas, highest concentration in Ohio River Valley in OH, KE and WV12 |
| Root Description | thick yellow rhizome23, 18; horizontal rhizome, knotty, about 1/2-3/4” thick, 2-3” long, with numerous fibrous rootlets, intensely yellow12 |
| Seed Description | each fruit contains 10-20 black, hard, shiny seeds12 |
| Seed Development Time | in first year only cotyledon develops, 2nd year leaves appear12 |
| Seed Viability Time | very short12 |
| Seedling Care | very tender, can not handle rough treatment12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 1800 seeds/oz, 28,000 seeds/lb12 |
| Soil Ph | 5.5-6.512 |
| Soil Requirements | well composted, humus soil26; rich moist soil lots of humus18, deep, loose, friable soil with good drainage high in organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or composted leaf mold12 |
| Spacing | 6-8”26; 8”12 |
| Species | canadensis |
| Stem Description | erect, hairy with 3-4 yellowish scales at the base12 |
| Stratification | mix seeds with 10parts fine, clean sand, place in well-drained container and strat. in cool, moist until ready to plant, to overwinter, keep moist in sand then strat by mixing 2 parts moist sand and one part fine leaf mold, place in refrigerator for 3 months and plant following spring12 |
| Sun Requirement | dappled to full shade26; 75% shade under hardwood canopy of oak, maple, sycamore, and basswood12 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| US Govt Restrictions | 2 spp., one native to Japan, one to NA18 |
| Binomial Name | Hypericum perforatum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | hypericin, psuedohypericin12 |
| Bloom | Summer26 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Hypericum perforatum St. Johnswort A scourge throughout rangelands of Australia and US, St. Johnwort, a native to Europe, has enjoyed renewed appreciation and increased value in the global market for its medicinal strength. An erect perennial to 2 ft, St. Johnwort blooms in tiny, star- shaped yellow flowers throughout summer. Start water-rinsed seeds indoors in spring at 70F, tamp lightly in soil as light is required for germination and plant out after danger of frost. Seed remains viable for many years and decreases need for light to germinate with extended dry storage. When collecting seed, stratify cold and moist for 3 mo. at 40F before planting under light at 70F. Seedlings appear in 5-25 days. Drought tolerant and hardy to -40F, St. Johnwort can be planted in any soil with good drainage and full sun. Space at 12”, it will thicken from it’s base yearly and does best propagated from root division. Collect flowers or herb when in bloom, crush and cover with olive oil. Soak in a warm area for 2-3 wks. St. Johnwort oil contains the extract hypericin which can be applied externally to treat bruises and abrasions. The herb is taken internally as a tea or tincture to treat lung ailments and depression, and shows promise in combating retroviruses like HIV. |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1426, 5-2533 |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Functions/Uses | oil from fresh flowers for bruises, wounds, etc. internally for lung ailments, bladder infections, depression, dysentary, diarrhea, bed wetting, worms, antidepressant and sedative12; wound healing, antiviral, pernetrates nerve endings, antispasmodic, antidepressant, sedative26 |
| Genus | Hypericum |
| Germination Light | light preferred26, 33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Habitat | waste places along roadsides12 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -40 TO -30F; -40.0 TO -34.5C26 |
| Indication for Harvest | bloom12 |
| Leaf Description | leaves 8-30mm, narrowly ovate or lanceolate to linear, apex obtuse to rounded, paler beneath, thickly papery, with translucent glands26 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe |
| Opt Divide Time | spring or fall12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | when plant comes into bloom12 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring12; spring or fall26 |
| Parts Used | fresh flowers, fresh herb, dried herb12 |
| Propagation Method | root divisions, cuttings, from seed or from rhizomes at base of stem12; direct seed or transplant26 |
| Range | introd N America and S temp regions26; Asia, Africa, NA, and Australia12 |
| Scarification | none required33 |
| Seed Storage Req | seeds remain viable for many years12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 350,00026 |
| Soil Ph | slightly acidic12 |
| Soil Requirements | not particular about soil conditions, averge garden soil, good drainage12 |
| Spacing | 12”26 |
| Species | erectum |
| Stem Description | stems erect or decumbent, rooting at base, 2-lined; branches ascending23 |
| Stratification | brief exposure at 212F to 250F, germ accelerated by washing in water12; cold, moist26; dry storage of 6m at 70F gives best germ, treat fresh seed at 40F for 3 mo. than 70 for best germ33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun12,26 |
| US Govt Restrictions | prohibited for sale: CO, HI, ID, |
| Binomial Name | Impatiens balsamina |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | Parinaric acid represents 27 to 50 percent of the oil of the seeds, with balsaminasterol and alpha-spinasterol. Lawsone, a napthoquione, is found in the flowers, along with myricetin. Kaemferol and julanin are found in the leaves. Isoquercitrin is a component of the stems34 |
| Bloom Date | June 3, 1998, 06/20/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Garden Balsam Feng Xian This self-seeding annual has constant everbearing flowers from May through frost. The blooms range from pale pink to reds to purple. The plant is tolerant of the harshest conditions, asks little and delivers a whole lot of color and joy. To 3 feet. Full sun. Average to poor soil. 1999 Impatiens balsamina garden balsam, feng xian This self-seeding annual has constant everbearing flowers from May through frost ranging from pale pink to reds to purple. Native to subtropics of Asia, feng xian is easy, sow seed in any soil and cover with 1/8” soil in a bed receiving full sun to partial shade. Never need to replant, thin to 8”. Grows to 3 ft. Water well in summer’s heat. Gather leaves before flowering, flowers when in bloom and seeds in autumn. Leaves are applied externally to wounds, flowers to treat neuralgia and poor circulation and the seeds of feng xian are powdered as an expectorant and folk cancer remedy. |
| Cultivation Notes | Garden Balsam is a tender annual34 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sown indoors or outdoors34 |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Fruit | a tomentose, 5-valved, exploding, dehiscent capsule34 |
| Functions/Uses | The powdered seeds along with an equal number of castor beans have been rubbed on the bottom of feet in cases of difficult labor. They have been used as a folk cancer remedy, as an expectorant, and applied to carious teeth (with arsenic) to aid in the extraction of the tooth. The seeds are also boiled with fish to render the bones soft, as well as used to treat hiccups, and as a fish-poisoning antidote. A decoction of the succulent stems is used to treat swellings and abscesses, and taken internally to dispel tumors. The leaves have been used as a poultice for wounds. The flowers are mucilaginous and cooling. They have been used for snakebite, lumbago, neuralgia, to improve circulation, and relieve stasis. Flower extracts show marked fungistatic and bacteriostatic qualities34 |
| Genus | Impatiens |
| Habitat | variable in the wild, extremely variable under cultivation from much breeding34 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP=+30 TO +40 F; -1.1 TO +4.4 C23 |
| Leaf Description | leaves alternate, narrow-to-broad lanceolate, acuminate, to 15 cm. long, deeply serrate, with glandular petiole34; Erect, lvs 2.5-9cm, lanceolate to narrow-elliptic or oblanceolate, deeply toothed, petioled gland23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | provide plenty of moisture34 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Summer or Autumn2 |
| Opt Planting Time | in April or after danger of frost has passed 34 |
| Parts Used | flowers, seeds, and leaves34 |
| Plant height | 3ft |
| Plant spacing | 8” |
| Propagation Method | easy from seed, by cuttings34 |
| Range | Widely cultivated in many parts of the world as a garden ornamental in borders or under glass34; widely nat. in the Tropics23 |
| Root Storage Pref | (Stem)Leaves Removed and then Dried |
| Soil Requirements | does best in a fertile, well-drained, sandy loam34 |
| Species | balsamina |
| Stem Description | glabrous or slightly pubescent, branching herbaceous34 |
| Sun Requirement | partial shade34 |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Inula helenium |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | inulin, alantolactone24 |
| Bloom | flowers in 2nd year26; Summer23; May to Aug12; July-Sept37 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Inula helenium elecampane With long rays of yellow appearing in late summer along roadsides in northeastern US, this perennial was brought to America from southeastern Europe where it has enjoyed a long history of medicinal cultivation. Broad at the base reaching to 6ft, for medicinal strength elecampane prefers fairly rich, moist clay loam with acid pH (4.5-6) in full sun to part shade of a deeply dug bed. Needs little care, and can grow as easily in poor soils. Plant seed in spring. Water and temps near 70F induce germination in about 2 wks. Space at 3ft in rich soil and slightly less in poor and wait 2 yrs to see the first blooms. Harvest stout, aromatic rhizomes in 2rd year, older roots are of poorer quality. Slice roots and dry. Containing alantolactone and inulin which combine mucilage with anti-inflammatory properties, elecampane root fights bronchial infections, soothes coughs, and supports the immune system. Teas have also been used traditionally to help digestion, expel worms, and treat certain cancers. |
| Cultivation Notes | deeply dug soil produces large roots, robust plants12 |
| Days to Bloom | 1st yr plants from seeds do not flower12 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1026 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | brown, quadrangal achene37 |
| Functions/Uses | lung decongestant, externally for viral skin lesions26; inulin with mucilaginous qualities to soothe bronchial linings, Alantolactone- anti-inflammatory, reduces mucous secretions and stimulates immune system, whole herb is a stimulant, expectorant24; pneumonia, whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, vesical catarrh, stimulating, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic, emmenagogic, bechic, cholagogic, anthelminitic, skin afflictions, upset stomach, diarrhea, intestinal parasites, certain cancers12; antihelmintic, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, tonic, tea to quiet coughing, stimulate digestion, tone stomach, for bronchitis, urinary and respiratory tract inflammation, menstrual problems, oil for respiratory and intestinal catarrh, chronic diarrhea, chronic gronchitis, whooping cough, decoction or tincture for worms, externally for skin problems such as scabies and itches37 |
| Germination Light | light preferred26; not photoresponsive33 |
| Germination Medium | water induces germination, if contact water before fully dried, seed dies33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F (D70 germinator)33 |
| Habitat | wild along roadsides and fields37 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -20 TO -10 F; -28.8 TO -23.4 C23 |
| Leaf Description | robust , lvs dentate, somewhat undulate subglabrous to adpressed-pilose above, pubescent or tomentose beneath, to 70cm, ovate-elliptic, acute23; lge alternate, ovate, serrate, olive-colored lvs with white veins37 |
| Opt Divide Time | autumn12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | autumn24; harvested in fall of 2nd yr, 3rd yr roots are pithy12, 37 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring26, 24; 7wks before last frost12 |
| Parts Used | second year roots26, rootstock12, 37 |
| Preparation | Infusion: one heaping tsp. rootstock with 1 cup water, Take 1 -2 cups a day. Tincture: 1/2 to 1 tsp at at time37 |
| Processing Req | cut and dried at high temp24; slice roots into 1/2 diam.12 |
| Propagation Method | seedling transplant, easy26; seed or by root division24; dividing buds or eyes of 2nd year roots, seed sown indoors12 |
| Range | nat ER and NA12; eastward from Minnesota and Missouri and northward from North Carolina37 |
| Root Description | thick aromatic rhizomes23; fibrous top-shaped, brown outside, white inside37 |
| Scarification | none |
| Seeds per OZ | 12,00026 |
| Soil Ph | acid pH4.5-612 |
| Soil Requirements | prefers moist, well-drained soil24; fairly rich, moist clay loam12 |
| Spacing | 18-36”26; plants in rich soil 3ft spacing, avg soil 18”12 |
| Stem Description | stout, erect, branced above pubescent23; stout, round, coarse, wooly37 |
| Stratification | none |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26, 12 |
| Binomial Name | Isatis tinctoria |
| Ann/Per | Biennial |
| Active constituents | indoxy-B-glucoside, B-sitosterol, isatin, arginine, glutamine, proline, tyrosine36 |
| Bloom Date | March 27th, 1998; 03/29/99 |
| Cautions | contraindicated for people who are weak or in the absence of fire poison36 |
| Catalog Prose | Isatis tinctoria Isatis Da-Quing-ye Isatis is the first flower to appear in spring. A long spike of lemon yellow blooms appears on this three to four foot biennial. The foliage is dark blue-green and is used for blue dye. Isatis does well with direct seeding, thinned to 10 inches. Non-invasive and self-perpetuating in its own bed, it can be cut back after seed harvest for a modest fall regrowth. Gentle, willing and non-demanding, a plant you can rely on. The plant has been used traditionally as a germicide, antipyretic and antiseptic for sore throat and hepatitis. It also clears internal heat. 3-4 feet. Sandy loam. Full sun Isatis 1999 Isatis tinctoria dyer’s woad, da qing ye Isatis is the first flower to appear in spring. In late March, a long spike of lemon yellow blooms appears on this 3-4 ft Eurasian biennial. Does well with direct seeding in sandy loam and full sun, thin to 10”. Non-invasive and self-perpetuating in its own bed, it can be cut back after seed harvest for a modest fall regrowth. Harvest leaves anytime and combine with alum and potash for a water-soluble wool dye. Dark blue-green foliage of dyer’s woad has a long Eurasian and American history employed as blue dye. In China, the plant has been used traditionally as a germicide, antipyretic, antiseptic for sore throat and in treatment of chronic encephalitis and mumps. Usage contraindicated in weak individuals. Toxin to livestock. |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Fruit | indehiscent, flat, pendulous, black, 1-seeded silicle18 |
| Functions/Uses | blue dye37; bitter, cold, affinity to heat and stomach, antipyretic, antiphlogistic, antidote, antiseptic, for delirium, fainting spells, heat rash, dry and sore throat, abscesses and swelling due to internal heat excess, erysipelas, effective preventative in chronic encephalitis, suppresses or kills a broad range of germs19; bitter, cold entering liver, stomach, lung, quells heat, detoxifies fire poison, benefits throat, mumps, painful, swollen throat conditions, damp heat jaundice, pharmacological: antimicrobial effect, antiparasitic effect of leptospirosis, treatment of encephalitis, treatment of viral disease- mumps36 |
| Genus | Isatis |
| Leaf Description | Lvs oblong-lanceolate23; lvs oblong to lanceolate, to 4” long, entire or toothed, st. lvs clasping or auricled18 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe18 |
| Parts Used | leaves37, 19,plant27 |
| Plant height | three to four foot |
| Plant spacing | thinned to 10 inches |
| Preparation | leaves combined with alum and potash (potassium carbonate) dye wool blue37; 7-15g19; 5 qian to 1 liang36 |
| Range | Europe |
| Root Description | tuberous19 |
| Species | tinctoria |
| Stem Description | glabrous above18 |
| US Govt Restrictions | prohibited for sale in CO, ID, |
| Binomial Name | Kochia scoparia |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | triterpenoid saponins, oil, alkaloids18; saponin, Vit A15; triterpenoid saponin and fatty oil16 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Kochia scoparia summer cypress, di fu zi Red-purple of summer cypress mark summer’s long hot end lending this plant the name burning bush. Native to southern Europe through Japan, this self-seeding annual is widely naturalized throughout North America and enjoys extensive cultivation in China. Grows to 5 ft in average garden soil and full sun. Needs special attention during drought and thrives if sidedressed with compost twice yearly. Start seeds indoors in spring, cover with 1/2” soil, keep moist for germination in 10 days. Transplant after appearance of first set of true leaves, space at 12-18”. Thin in years following. Harvest whole plant in fall. Sun dry stems and leaves, remove fruit and thresh. Seeds, stems, leaves, and fruit of summer cypress are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for problems associated with urination and impotence as well as externally for pathogenic dermatitis including eczema and scabies. Pharmacological reports indicate antifungal properties and effectiveness in treating pruritis. |
| Cultivation Notes | very adaptable10; ornamental18 |
| Days to Germinate | 1st ten days with moist soil10 |
| Direct Sowing Req | covered with 1/2”soil10 |
| Family | Chenopodiaceae- |
| Fruit | utricle enveloped by calyx, which develops transverse wings in age18; flattened globose utricle with 5-angles, 1-3mm in diameter and enclosed by persistent perianth, which is grayish green or pale brown, have 5 small membranous wings, at center of dorsal surface are 5-10 radiating nerves and also a tuberculate scar of the fruit-stalk16 |
| Functions/Uses | seeds used in prescriptions for painful urination, sudden need to urinate, turbid urine, vaginal discharges, hernia, eczema due to wind, jock itch, skin itch, urticaria, eczema, sores, scabies, diuretic, prescription for impotence, fruits with cardiotonic properties, diuretic, astringent, antiphlogistic, antiscorbutic, rarely on American herb markets, stems and leaves (di-fu-miao), considered bitter and cold dispel heat, detoxify, have diuretic properties, broom making10; sweet, bitter, cold enters bladder, clear heat promotes urination, used for painful urinary dysfunction with symptoms as dark, burning, and scanty urine, expels dampness and stops itching, used both internally and topically for skin problems where itching occurs such as eczema and scabies, damp heat of external genitalia, pharmacological: antifungal: inhibitory against pathogenic dermatomycoses18; sweet, biter, cold, enter bladder, clears up heat, eliminates dampness, apply to urinary disturbance due to dampness and heat, pruritis due to wind-heat, malignant furuncle, scabies, pharmacology: diuretic effect, dermal antifungal effect15; eliminates damp-heat, antipruritic for treatment of pruritis, urticaria, eczema and difficulty with urination16 |
| Genus | Kochia |
| Habitat | mountains, waste ground, fields roadsides, gardens, cult throughout China23; hilly fields, distributed all over China16 |
| Indication for Harvest | fruit ripens10 |
| Leaf Description | lvs narrow-lanceolate or oblong, 5 cm, thin, lvs narrow, turning deep to brilliant purple-red in late summer (hence ‘burning bush’)23; lvs lanceolate to narrow-linear, to 3 in. long, ciliate, alternate, narrow, entire18; lvs alt, lanceolate, 2-5cm long, .3-.7cm wide, pubescent on both surfaces16 |
| Medicinal Origin | China18 |
| Moisture Req | keep watered during drought10 |
| Mulch Req | sidedress with manure 2-3X growing season10 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | autumn when fruit is ripe10, 16 |
| Parts Used | seeds, fruits, stems, leaves10; dried fruit15, 16 |
| Preparation | 2-5 qian18; orally 3-5 g15 |
| Processing Req | plant dried and threshed to remove fruits, chaff sifted off, stems and leaves cut into sections and dried in sun10; after collection plants are dried in sun and fruits beaten out, drug occurs in whole utricles16 |
| Propagation Method | seeds10,18, direct-sow10 |
| Range | widely naturalized Eur. & N Amer23; also occurs in Japan and Korea west to Central Europe, north to Siberia, eastern Russia, nat to NA, considered a weed in N US10; widely nat18 |
| Seed Description | resembles wheat15; flattened,ovate, black16 |
| Soil Requirements | not particular about soil, does best in average garden soil, thrives in warm, moist, rich, friable, well-drained10 |
| Spacing | direct-seed plant in rows, spaced at 1.5-2ft, seedlings thinned to 2ft centers10 |
| Species | scoparia |
| Stem Description | erect densely-branched, cypress-shaped23; usually multibranched, columnar or pyramidal to globular, more or less hairy18; erect, many branches16 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun |
| Transplanting Req Est | seedlings transplanted when have first set of true leaves10 |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | considered noxious weed in S US10 |
| Binomial Name | Leonotis leonurus |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | resin, essential oil, leaves contain 2 phenolic compounds, diterpenoids (marrubiin and leonitin)12 |
| Bloom | late autumn23; June-fall12 |
| Bloom Date | August 11, 1998; 07/07/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Leonotis leonurus Lion’s Tail Wilde dagga We got seeds of this plant from friends, just to see what it was. What an exotic, unusual experience! An annual, easy to grow, it reaches heights over six feet and has as a flower, a whorl, every 10 inches. From this spiny case emerge 2 to 3 inch orange, furry legs (like tarantula legs) that come out and unfold. A folk remedy from Africa, it is reported to have mild euphoric effect. A delight, and definitely in the class of strange, rare and peculiar. 4-6 feet. Average garden soil. 1999 Leonotis Leonurus lion’s tail, dagga-dagga Easy to grow annual native to south Africa where it lives as a tender perennial shrub reaching over 6 ft. Spectacular flower emerges in fall from spiny cases whorled every 10”. Two to 3” long orange, furry legs (like tarantula legs) unfold in orange and scarlet. With a long history as an ornamental dating to 1663 in European gardens, lion’s tail grows from seed planted indoors in early spring or spring cuttings. Plant out under full sun after danger of frost every 4-6ft in slightly alkaline, dry, sandy garden soil. Pinch back when 6-9” to encourage branching and increase flower production. Drought tolerant but not hardy in winter temps below 20F. Bring indoors or collect seeds for planting the following year. Collect leaves in summer and fall. Shade dry. A folk remedy from Africa, lion’s tail leaves are reported to have mild euphoric effect when smoked. Also used as a snakebite antidote, and to relieve epilepsy and leprosy. Pharmacological evidence suggests that the presence of marrubiin, a diterpenoid, gives credence to traditional use for coughs and colds. |
| Cultivation Notes | cuttings taken in spring, grown outdoors during summer and pinched often to induce branching, in autumn before frost may be cut back and transplanted to green house where they may bloom in Nov. or Dec. |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | 4 glabrous nutlets18 |
| Functions/Uses | promote menstruation, snakebite antidote, relieve epilepsy, cardiac asthma,and leprosy, lvs or resin smoked alone or with tobacco for feeble euphoric effect similar to , but weaker than, marijuana, plant is mildly anthelmintic, to treat tapeworm, but too weak for practical value, cold and cough remedy. Zulus of South Africa made a decoction of leaves and sprinkled it around house to repel snakes12 |
| Genus | Leonotis |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +20 TO +30 F; -6.6 TO -1.2C23; will not survive a hard freeze where temps are below 20F, must be brought indoors12 |
| Leaf Description | lvs lanceolate to oblanceolate, to 11cm, entire or crenate23; lvs oblong-lanceolate to oblanceolate, to 4 1/2” long, crenate-serrate, very short-pubescent18; opposite, oblong or lance-shaped lvs 2-5” in length, coarsely toothed12 |
| Medicinal Origin | South Africa12 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring cuttings18, 12 |
| Origin | Horizon |
| Parts Used | leaves |
| Plant height | over six feet, 4-6 feet. |
| Propagation Method | by seed or cuttings18 |
| Range | widely grown throughout world, including Asia, US. Afica, and Europe12 |
| Seedling Care | pinch back stalks in 6-9” to encourage branching and more fls12 |
| Soil Ph | slightly alkaline12 |
| Soil Requirements | dry, sandy, with good drainage12 |
| Species | leonuris |
| Stem Description | pubescent shrub23; tender shrub18; branching covered by short hairs12 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun12 |
| Binomial Name | Leonurus artemisia (=Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet., Stachys artemisia Lour.) |
| Ann/Per | A Annual Biennial |
| Active constituents | alkaloids (leonurine, stachydrine, leonuridine, leonurinine), as well as benzoic acid, phytosterol and rutin16; leonurine A, leonurine B, stachydrine, lauric acid oleic acid15 |
| Bloom | summer39 |
| Cautions | Lvs have low toxicity10; do not take during pregnancy or when there is heavy menstrual bleeding24; do not use during pregnancy has been shown to cause miscarriage, use cautiously in patients with deficient yin or blood36 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Leonurus artemisia Chinese motherwort, yi mu cao Motherworts are duly named for their medicinal, warming benefit to new mothers. L. artemisia, also known as L. heterophyllus is an annual or biennial native to China, now naturalized throughout the Gulf Coast of the U.S. Wild in fields, banks, waste places and roadsides, this leafy, 3 ft high member of the mint family has 12-20 whorls of pinkish purple, woolly flowers appearing in late summer. An easy culture, sow directly in sandy loam under 1/2” deep soil in March or April. Seedlings appear in 10-15 days. Thin to 8” when second set of true leaves appear. Invasive but easily controlled with a hoe. Readily crosses with other motherworts so keep different species planted several miles apart to retain integrity. Harvest plant as it begins to flower in late summer, cut off roots and sun dry. Uses of yi mu cao, the dried aerial parts of Leonurus artemisia, include regulation of menses and treatment of menstrual disorders as well as treatment of postpartum abdominal pain, uterine contraction following childbirth, movement of blood stasis within the body, acute conjunctivitis, infertility, and high blood pressure. Contraindicated during pregnancy or when menstrual bleeding is heavy. |
| Cultivation Notes | easy to grow, self sows in poor soil10 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-15 days10 |
| Direct Sowing Req | plant seeds about 1/2” deep in Mar-Apr10 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | four nutlike fruits10; small nut 3-angled39 |
| Functions/Uses | regulates menses, promotes blood circulation, stimulates development of new tissue, diuretic, reduces swelling, seeds promote blood circulation, regulate menses, clear away liver heat to clear the eyes, treats menstrual irregularities, blood stasis after childbirth, externally as poultice for sores with swelling, seed for red eyes with pain and swelling, high blood pressure, menstrual difficulties in expulsion of placenta, uterine bleeding, difficulty in childbirth, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal10; sedative, antispasmodic, emmenagogic, cardiotonic, hypotensive, astringent24; slightly warming, acrid and bitter, stimulates blood circulation and regulated menstrual pd, seed helps improve vision, used of menstrual irregularities, non-clearance of postpartum lochia, uterine functional bleeding, atherosclerosis, hypertension, conjunctivitis, night blindness39; invigorate menstrual flow, as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory for treatment of menstrual disorders, menorrhalgia, amenorrhea, incessant dripping of lochia and acute nephritic edema, applied externally for carbuncles and furuncles, dried ripe fruit odorless and tasted bitter to invigorate blood circulation, to regulate menstrual flow, to clear up pathological heat in liver for treatment of menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, menorrhalgia, acute conjunctivitis, dizziness and headaches16; acrid, bitter, slightly cold, enters pericardium and liver, invigorates blood and regulates menses, commonly used for gynecological syndromes such as irregular menstruation, premenstrual abdominal pain, immobile abdominal masses, infertility, or postpartum abdominal pain with lochioshcesis, invigorates blood and reduces masses, used for abdominal masses or infertility caused by stasis of deficient blood, promotes urination and reduces swelling, used for acute systemic. Pharmacological rsrch: effect on uterus stimulates similar to oxytocin, treatment of postpartum uterus for contraction of uterus after delivery, cardiovascular effect lowering blood pressure, treatment of acute glomerulonephritis, cured 80 patients of this condition36; pungent, mild, bitter flavor, mild, cold property, enters heart and liver meridians, smooths menses, invigorates blood circulation, disperses phlegm, moves blood, disperses water, applied for menstrual disorders, placenta leakage, dystocia, retained placenta, abdominal pain due to blood obstruction, hematuria, edema, dysuria, pharmacology rsrch shows uterine effect, hypotensive effect, hemolytic effect promoting lysis of red blood cells, antibacterial for certain dermatophytes15 |
| Genus | Leonurus |
| Habitat | grows in mtns and wild fields, river banks, grassy fields, moist fields, roadsides, wet ground, sunny grows to elevations as high as 10,000ft.10; waste places, hillsides, roadsides, gardens39; grass in wild fields, or along streams16 |
| Indication for Harvest | full bloom (herb), seeds have ripened (seed) 10 |
| Leaf Description | opposite leaves with long petioles, leaves at base of young plants are broadly heart shaped in outline, with 5-9 broad lobes, st. 3-divided, with linear to lance-shaped lobes, margins without teeth10; opposite, bases rounded, lower stem leaves oval, upper stem lvs linear-lanceolate, with shallow clefts, pinnate parted or palmate parted, margins sparsely serrated39; lvs opposite and petioled, outline of lamina varies, basal leaves are broadly cordate, with 5-9 broad lobes, withering when flowering, cauline lvs are three-parted, lobes are linear lanceolate, uppermost leaves are narrow, entire, both surfaces puberulent16 |
| Medicinal Origin | China36 |
| Opt Harvest Time | mid-autumn10 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | late summer or early autumn10; collected when plant begins to flower16; fruit collected in autumn when fruit ripens16 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | not harvested |
| Origin | UCBBG |
| Parts Used | herb and seed10; whole plant and fruits39; dried aerial parts16; entire plant36 |
| Preparation | decoction or extracted for internal use39; up to 4liang may be used for edema from glomerulonephritis36 |
| Processing Req | whole herb pulled up, roots cut off, leaf stems dried in sun. For seed, whole plant dried, seeds threshed and sifted10; upper parts of plant collected and carefully dried in sun, or cut into short lengths before drying16 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed10; propagated readily from seeds18 |
| Range | nat to Gulf Coast US, Pacific Island, Caribb, S Am.10 |
| Seed Description | seeds are elongate-triangular 1/16-1/8” long, grayish brown to black with dark spots10 |
| Soil Requirements | warm, moist grow in avg garden soil, thrives in rich, warm, moist, sandy loam10 |
| Spacing | rows spaced at 1ft, when seedlings with 4-5 leaves thin to 8inches10 |
| Stem Description | erect, branching square stems slightly pubescent10; erect, multibranching39; erect, quadrangular, simple or branched, and slightly pubescent16 |
| Binomial Name | Leonurus cardiaca |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | leonurine28 |
| Bloom | summer18; June-Sept37; May -Aug28 |
| Cautions | do not take during pregnancy or when there is heavy menstrual bleeding24; contact with plant may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals37 |
| Catalog Prose | Leonurus cardiaca Motherwort A self-seeding perennial, L. cardiaca is the most easily identified motherwort with leaves and flowers alternating up its seed stalk giving this plant a strong geometric expression. You might notice that there are several differently shaped leaves at different stages of growth, a signature of motherworts. Long blooming and slightly invasive, but easily controlled with a hoe. As the name implies, this plant has been used to strengthen the heart. It also calms the nervous system and is used in women’s teas to promote menstruation, regulate menses and aid in childbirth. 3-4 feet. Average garden soil. 1999 Leonurus cardiaca motherwort A self-seeding perennial, L. cardiaca is the most easily identified motherwort with leaves and flowers alternating up its seed stalk giving this plant a strong geometric expression. You might notice that there are several differently shaped leaves at different stages of growth, a signature of motherworts. Long blooming in flowers white to pale pink dotted in purple, this motherwort hails from central Europe, originally ranging from Scandinavia to Greece. Slightly invasive, but easily controlled with a hoe. Grows 3-5 ft when planted from seed in spring in average garden soil. Prefers light for germination in 7-10 days. Hardy to -40F. Crosses easily, so take care not to plant near other motherwort species. Harvest leaves and flowering tops in summer when in bloom. Sun dry. As the name implies, Leonurus cardiaca has been used to strengthen the heart. It also calms the nervous system and is used in women’s teas to promote menstruation, regulate menses and aid in childbirth. |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1026 |
| Direct Sowing Req | easy from seed26 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | sedative, antispasmodic, emmenagogic, cardiotonic, hypotensive, astringent, parallels Chinese motherwort24; cardiac tonic, emotional balancer, stress reliever, regulates menstruation, treats functional infertility26; astringent, calmative, cardiac, emmenagogue, stomachic, used for nervous heart problems and for stomach gas and cramps, also been given for menopausal problems, shortness of breath, goiter, and congestion of respiratory passages, benefits in cases of neuritis, neuralgia, and rheumatism, can be used like valerian37; traditionally leaf tea used to promote nesturation, refulate menses, aid in childbirth, asthma, heart palpitation, sedative, for insomnia, neuragia, sciatica, spasms, fevers, adn stomaches, extracts are antispasmodic, hypotensive, and sedative, uterine tonic28 |
| Genus | Leonurus |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Habitat | woodlands, open areas, along roadsides24; waste placed, vineyards, and along fences and paths37 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -40 to -30F; -40.0 to -34.5C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | when in flower24 |
| Leaf Description | lower lvs palmate, 5-7 lobed, dentate, upper lvs shallowly trilobed23; toothed palm-shaped lvs24; lower leaves deeply and palmately 2-5-lobed, to 3” long, lobled deeply dentate, bracts half as long as calyx18; opposite, fowny lvs are 3-7 lobed and sharply incised37 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | summer24 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring or Fall26 |
| Parts Used | flowering tops, leaves37 |
| Plant height | 3-4 ft. |
| Preparation | infusion, decoction, cold extract, tincture37 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26propagated readily from seeds18 |
| Range | Europe and Mediterranean Region, nat. S. Britain23; nat. in much of Eur and NA24; mainly in northern of U.S. and all over Europe37 |
| Root Description | with several square, hollow, grooved stems, tinged red-violet37 |
| Seeds per OZ | 31,00026 |
| Spacing | 12”26 |
| Species | cardiaca |
| Stem Description | stems branched, usually pubscent23; glabrous to villous18 |
| Binomial Name | Leonurus sibiricus |
| Ann/Per | Biennial |
| Active constituents | leonurine, stachydrine, leonuridine, leonurinine, rutin, benzoic acid, lauric acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, arginine, 4-guanidino-1-butanol, 4-guanidinobutyric acid, sterol, stachyose, vit A15 |
| Cautions | do not take during pregnancy or when there is heavy menstrual bleeding24 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Leonurus sibiricus Asian motherwort, i mu tsao Rose-pink lips enclosed in spiny bracts appear late summer on this mint family biennial. Growing 4-6ft, Leonurus sibiricus calls northeast Asia, Japan, and Taiwan home. Direct seed in garden of moist sandy loam in spring. Thin 8-12” when second set of true leaves appear. Invasive, easy cross with other motherworts. Harvest seeds and leaves in late fall after flowering. Place leaf in sunny place to dry. Containing similar properties as other Leonurus sp., L. sibiricus has been used interchangeably in China with L. artemisia for menstrual complaints and disorders. In addition, pharmacological evidence suggests that L. sibiricus invigorates blood circulation, acts as a diuretic, and is useful as an antibacterial for skin problems. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | aid in urination, cool body system, treat excessive menstrual flow, absence of menstruation14; sedative, antispasmodic, emmenagogic, cardiotonic, hypotensive, astringent, parallels Chinese motherwort24; pungent, mild, bitter flavor, mild, cold property, enters heart and liver meridians, smooths menses, invigorates blood circulation, disperses phlegm, moves blood, disperses water, applied for menstrual disorders, placenta leakage, dystocia, retained placenta, abdominal pain due to blood obstruction, hematuria, edema, dysuria, pharmacology rsrch shows uterine effect, hypotensive effect, hemolytic effect promoting lysis of red blood cells, antibacterial for certain dermatophytes15 |
| Genus | Leonurus |
| Leaf Description | basal lvs ovate-cordate, toothed and incised, long-petioled withering before fls. appear, st. lvs 2-4” long, pinnately dissected, long-petioled, uppermost lvs. often entire, linear-lanceolate1`8 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Parts Used | seeds14 |
| Propagation Method | propagated readily from seeds18 |
| Range | North East Asia, Japan, Taiwan14 |
| Species | sibiricus |
| Stem Description | gray-green, white-pubescent18 |
| Binomial Name | Leonurus sibiricus fo. albiflorus |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Binomial Name | Ligustrum lucidum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | May-Jul45 |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Fruit | deep blue-black, ripening red-black, reniform or nearly so, 7-10 x 4-6 mm, Jul-May45 |
| Functions/Uses | grown for culutring wax insects to obtain wax, fruit is used as a tonic45 |
| Habitat | woods, below 2900 m45 |
| Leaf Description | petiole 1-3 cm, leaf blade ovate to sometimes broadly elliptic or elliptic to lanceolte, 6-17 x 3-8 cm, leathery or papery, base rounded or sometimes attenuate, paex acute to acuminate or sometimes obtuse. primary veins 4-11 on each side of mid rib, slightly raised or obscure45 |
| Parts Used | fruit45 |
| Stem Description | shrubs or trees, evergreen or deciduous, glabrous, branchlets terete45 |
| Synonyms | Esquirolia sinensis H.Leveille, Lugustrum compactum(Wall ex Don) Hook & Thom ex Brand. |
| Binomial Name | Lindera benzoin (=Lindera aestivalis) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | seed-essential oil plus fatty oil with capric, lauric, and oleic acids, an alkaloid, laurotetanine from stems, islinderanolide, isolinderenolice, linderanolide12 |
| Bloom | early spring12; Mar-Apr28 |
| Bloom Date | 03/15/99 to 04/04/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Lindera benzoin spicebush Higly aromatic deciduous shrub growing 6-15ft, native to moist woodlands of eastern US. Showy red berries appearing in late fall with strong spicy flavor. Plant seeds 1/2” below surface after 4 months of cold stratification at 40F. In either spring or fall, expect germination in 2-4 wks at 70F. Prefers understory soil of moist, well-drained, rich leaf mold humus and dappled shade. Space at 6-12”, will grow up to 2ft per year. Hardy to -20. Keep well watered. Harvest leaves in summer, fruits when ripe, and twigs in late winter before flowers appear in March. Spicebush, as its name implies, has a long culinary history. With a flavor similar to allspice, it can be used to flavor soups, vegetables and meats. The leaf tea was used as a stimulating tonic while the twigs and bark were used to guard against coughs and cold. Crushed leaves act as insect repellent when rubbed on the skin. |
| Cultivation Notes | 12-24” of growth per year12 |
| Days to Germinate | 2-4wks12; 1-6wks33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | plant 1/2” below soil surface12 |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Fruit | to 0.75cm, ellipsoid, bright red23; 1/2”long, oval, scarlet red, shiny, one-seeded fr ripen in fall12; ellipsoid, scarlet (or yellow in one form), to 1/2” diam., showy18 |
| Functions/Uses | leaves for tea, berries added to meats soups, salad dressings, adn vegetables, and allspice substitute, spice-leaf tea used as stimulant, detoxicant, tonic, beneficial against worms, red berries applied externally to treat bruises, itch, and rheumatism, intermally, tea of leaves and berries for dysentary treatment, infustion of twigs for feverws and colds, tea as calmative, fls eatens as digestive aid, leaves for colds, coughs, female obstructions, infusion of branches to induce sweating, to treat aches and pains, cold, measles, crushed leaf on skin as insect repellent12 |
| Genus | Lindera |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Greenhouse Req | cuttings best done in greenhouse and take several months12 |
| Habitat | moist, rich woods along banks of streams, and under taller deciduous trees12; damp woods18 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -20 to -10F, -28.8 to-23.4C23 |
| Leaf Description | lvs 6-16cm, obovate, thin, glabrous above, entire, ciliate23; oblong-to-elongated oval lvs are entire, thin, abruptly pointed at the tips, tapering at the base, adn up to 5” long12; lvs oblong, obovate, to 5”long, tapering at base18 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America12 |
| Moisture Req | moist year round12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | harvest fruits when ripe, leaves- midsummer, bark and twigs in late winter before flowering12 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring or fall12 |
| Propagation Method | seeds, cuttings of green wood, layerings12 |
| Range | ME to Ontario, South to FL and TX12, 18 |
| Seed Description | large, single seed in fruit28 |
| Seed Viability Time | short viability12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 4500seeds/lb12 |
| Soil Ph | 4.5-6.012 |
| Soil Requirements | moist, well-drained, high in humus12 |
| Spacing | 6-12”12 |
| Species | benzoin |
| Stem Description | deciduous shrub23,18, rounded, highly aromatic, branches glabrous or initially puberulent23; aromatic, deciduous shrub12 |
| Stratification | 35F-42F for 4 mo.12 |
| Sun Requirement | light shade12 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Lobelia cardinalis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | summer23; late summer18; July-Sept28 |
| Bloom Date | mid Jul- Sept, begins blooming in mid-August0 |
| Cautions | potentially toxic, degree of toxicity unknown28 |
| Catalog Prose | Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower The deep scarlet spikes of the hardy perennial begin blooming in mid- August. A delicate and showy flower when alone or clumped together, they are very alluring to humans and butterflies and all things that hum or buzz. The plant grows a single rosette the first year, and the second spring many multiples come back. We find it best to reset the Lobelias at least every three years to retain their vitality. The Cardinal flower takes up very little space and we plant them closely, 8 inches, so they can support each other in full bloom. The plant is a nerve tonic and has been used for general malaise, syphilis, typhoid and worms. 2-3 feet. Any garden soil. Full sun to light shade. 1999 Lobelia cardinalis cardinal flower The deep scarlet spikes of this hardy 3ft perennial native to the eastern US begin blooming in mid- August. A delicate and showy flower when alone or clumped together and very alluring to humans and butterflies and all things that hum or buzz. Grows a single rosette the first year, and the second spring many multiples come back. Mix small seeds with sand to sow in bed of fine, slightly acid, rich moist loam. Best to start indoors in Feb. and plant out after several months. Germination hastened with 3 month stratification at 40F, otherwise takes up to 30 days after sowing for seedlings to appear. Keep moist by watering from bottom so as to not displace tiny seed. Light required for germination, so set seeds on top of soil or other medium. Takes up very little space, plant them closely, 8”, so they can support each other, or up to 18” apart in full bloom under full sun to light shade. Naturally occurs along stream banks and moist soil needing plenty of water to remain healthy. Rotate every 3yrs to retain vitality. Native range extends from Texas northward into Minnesota and eastward. Harvest whole herb when flowering. Shade dry. Cardinal flower tea was traditionally used as a nerve tonic, also for general malaise, syphilis, typhoid and worms. Potentially toxic, do not use unless under physician’s care. |
| Cultivation Notes | higher yields of active constituents are obtained by plants in full sun, keep clear of weeds12 |
| Days to Germinate | beginning after 4-7 days with 3-6.5% germ per day33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | seeds very small and must be sown on sifted or well prepared soil12 |
| Family | Lobeliaceae |
| Functions/Uses | Am Indians used root tea for stomachaches, syphilis, typhoid, worms; ingredient of “love potions”. Leaf tea used for colds, croup, nosebleeds, fevers, headaches, rheumatism, once though to help cramps, expel worms, and act as a nerve “tonic”, historically considered a substitute for Lobelia or Indian-tobacco (L. inflata) but with weaker effects28 |
| Genus | Lobelia |
| Germination Light | absolute light required for germ33 |
| Germination Medium | moist papertowel33 |
| Germination Temp | fresh seed or seed dried (for up to 6 mo) at 70F33 |
| Greenhouse Req | plant indoors in Feb, sprinkling seed on surface of soil mix, place flats in trays of water to draw water up by capillary action28 |
| Habitat | moist soil, stream banks28 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= +20 to +30F; -6.6 to-1.2C23 |
| Leaf Description | strongly tinged purple-bronze, leaves to 10cm, glossy, often purple-red, basal and rosulate or cauline and alt, narrow-ovate to oblong-lanceolate, toothed23; lanceolate to oblong, to 4in. long, acute18; lvs oval to lance shaped, toothed28 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Moisture Req | needs moisture12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | whole herb while still in flower, after a few seed capsules develop12 |
| Opt Planting Time | Feb in greenhouse, March outdoors or sow directly in garden in spring or fall12 |
| Parts Used | root, leaves28 |
| Plant height | 2-3 ft |
| Plant spacing | 8”, so they can support each other in full bloom |
| Processing Req | easy to dry12 |
| Propagation Method | seed or cuttings18 |
| Range | New Bruns. to MN, South to FL and East TX18; NB to FL, TX to Minn28 |
| Scarification | none required33 |
| Seed Description | rough18 |
| Seedling Care | subject to drying out but will damp off if too much water12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 400,000 |
| Site Preference | wet, open or wooded areas; streambeds |
| Soil Ph | slightly acid12 |
| Soil Requirements | Moist18; slightly acid, clay loam but prefers rich, moist loam12 |
| Spacing | 18”28 |
| Species | cardinalis |
| Stem Description | mostly glabrous, often purple-red18 |
| Stratification | germ time faster with 3 mo. at moist 40F beginning germ in 1 day at 70F with 15% germ/day33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or partial shade12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when 2 mo. old transplant to larger pots or flats at 2-inch spacing, do not crowd seeds12 |
| Binomial Name | Lobelia siphilitica |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | late summer18; Aug-Oct28; summer-fall23 |
| Bloom Date | July- Sept; May 27, 1998; late summer through September |
| Cautions | Potentially poisonous28 |
| Catalog Prose | Lobelia siphlitica Great Blue Lobelia The Great blue lobelia, a hardy perennial, boasts large blue flower spikes. Blooming in late summer through September, it offers a refreshing lightness to August. Cultivation is the same as the Cardinal flower except that it prefers shade. For gardeners that need not worry about cross pollination, a combination of the two lobelias is breath taking. Medicinal uses include syphilis, general malaise, hard-to-heal sores and for induction of sweating and urination. 1999 Lobelia siphlitica great blue lobelia Great blue lobelia, a hardy perennial to 5ft, boasts blue-violet flowers densely spiked with tufted anthers. Blooming in late summer through Sept, this eastern US native can be found in rich, moist loam of stream banks. Cultivation of the tiny seed is the same as the cardinal flower except that blue lobelia prefers to be planted in dappled shade. Light still essential to induce germination, stratification helps but not required for high germ rate. Seedlings appear in 1 month without pretreatment, and 1 week with stratification. Tender seedlings cannot dry out at this critical stage. Wait 2 months to transplant out. Space at 18”. Don’t worry about cross pollination, a combination of the two lobelias is breath taking. Hardy to -20F. Harvest root and leaves when in bloom. Shade dry. Medicinal uses of great blue lobelia include treatment for syphilis, general malaise, hard-to-heal sores and to induce of sweating and urination. Potentially poisonous, do not use if pregnant or without physician’s care. |
| Cultivation Notes | higher yields of active constituents are obtained by plants in full sun12 |
| Days to Germinate | induction time of 30 days before beginning germination, fresh seed germs slower at 1.5% per day, germ after 4-6 days after 3 mo. of 40F33; 10 days12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | seeds very small and must be sown on sifted or well prepared soil12 |
| Family | Lobeliaceae |
| Functions/Uses | power to cure syphilis24; Am. Indians used root tea for syphilis; leaf tea for colds, fevers, “stomach troubles”, worms, croup, nosebleeds, gargles leaf tea for coughs, leaves pulticed fore headaches, hard-to-heal sores. formerly used to induce sweating and urination, considered similar but weaker to L. inflata28 |
| Genus | Lobelia |
| Germination Light | light required33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Greenhouse Req | plant indoors in Feb, sprinkling seed on surface of soil mix, place flats in trays of water to draw water up by capillary action28 |
| Habitat | moist soil, stream banks28 |
| Hardiness | min temp= -20To -10F and -28.8C to -23.4C23 |
| Leaf Description | lvs ovate to broadly lanceolate, mostly 2-4”long, acute, irregularly serrate18; lvs oval, toothed28; lvs to 10cm, ovate-lanceolate, somewhat pubescent, dentate23 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America24 |
| Moisture Req | needs moisture12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | whole herb while still in flower, after a few seed capsules develop12 |
| Opt Planting Time | Feb in greenhouse, March outdoors or sow directly in garden in spring or fall12 |
| Parts Used | root, leaves28 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Processing Req | easy to dry12 |
| Propagation Method | seed and division18 |
| Range | ME to SD, South to NC, MS, KS18; Me. to N.C., Miss, Ark, e. Kans. to Minn.28 |
| Scarification | none required33 |
| Seed Description | rough18 |
| Seedling Care | subject to drying out but will damp off if too much water12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 400,000 |
| Site Preference | moist woods, streambanks, roadsides |
| Soil Ph | slightly acid12 |
| Soil Requirements | Moist18; slightly acid, clay loam but prefers rich, moist loam12 |
| Spacing | 18”28 |
| Species | siphilitica |
| Stem Description | simple-stemmed18; erect, very leafy23 |
| Stratification | 3 months at 40F increases germination rate33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or partial shade12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when 2 mo. old transplant to larger pots or flats at 2-inch spacing, do not crowd seeds12 |
| Binomial Name | Melissa officinalis |
| Ann/Per | P Perennial |
| Active constituents | volatile oil containing citral, citronellal, eugenol acetate, linalool, limonene, and geraniol and tannins12; volatile oil (citral, caryophyllene oxide, linalool, and cironellal), flavonoids, triterpenes, polyphenols, tannins24 |
| Bloom | late summer23; summer18; May-Aug12, 28; July-Aug37 |
| Bloom Date | 07/04/99 |
| Cautions | none noted |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Melissa officinalis lemon balm, cure-all With lemon-scented, wrinkled leaves, lovely lemon balm carpets in fragrance. This mint family perennial native to southern Europe grows to 2 ft and blooms July-Aug in tiny bluish white to yellow. Hardy to -30F, an easy direct seed, spring or fall, in moist, fertile, slightly alkaline soil and partial shade. Will also grow in poor soil. Germination in 2 wks. Space at 12” and mulch over winter. Add nitrogen to enhance oil content of leaves. Weedy, divide roots in spring or fall to give to friends. Harvest leaves just before flowers open. Dry over low heat, contact with dried material decreases oil content. Attracts insects. Calming tea for headaches, insomnia, nervous tension, fever, depression, flatulence. Strongly antiviral against herpex simplex, mumps and Newcastle disease; anti-oxidant traditionally used to increase longevity; treats overactive thyroid; crushed leaves poulticed externally for sores and insect bites. |
| Cultivation Notes | attracts bees24; tolerated dry soil and light shade but will be bushier if kept moist in full sun47 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1426; 14-21 days47 |
| Direct Sowing Req | self-sowing12; plant seeds outdoors or indoors47 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | calming tea and salads, for colds, flu, depression, headache, indigestion, sedative, antiviral26; lemon scented leaves used in seasoning and medicine18; fresh leaf tea and leaves as culinary herb, carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, mild sedative, hot tea to promote sweating in colds accompanied by fever, essential oil is sedative, spasmolytic (relieves spasms) and antibacterial, mild calmative, carminative, lemon balm cream for cold sores, and herpes simplex reducing healing time of herpes lesions and lengthens time between recurrences, sedative action attributed to citronellal12; antispasmodic, calmative, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, stomachic, balm is a remedy for common female complaints and is useful for all sorts of nervous problems, hysteria, melancholy, and insomnia, balm tea to relieve cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, chronic bronchial catarrh, and some forms of asthma, also for migraine and toothache, and, during pregnancy, for headaches and dizziness, warm infusion for diaphoretic effects, infusion of leaves added to bath water to promote onset of menstruation, crushed lvs as poultice for sores, tumors, milk-knots, and insect bites, in herb pillows37; relaxant, antispasmodic, increases sweating, carminative, antiviral, nerve tonic, rsrch: volatile oil antispasmodic and calming to nervous system, polyphenols are antiviral combatting herpes simplex virus, lemon balm inhibits thyroid function (good for those with overactive thyroid), traditionally used to increase longevity, heal wounds, relieve palpitations and relax heart, and for toothaches24; dried or fresh leaf tea a folk remedy for fevers, painful menstruation, headaches, colds, insomnia, mild sedative, carminative, leaves poulticed for sores, tumors, insect bites, experimentally, hot water extracts strongly antviral for Newcastle disease, herpes, mumps, also antibacterial, antihistaminic, antispasmodic, and anti-oxidant, sold in commercial antiviral preps in Germany28 |
| Genus | Melissa |
| Germination Light | light preferred26, 47 |
| Germination notes | plant seeds uncovered, pressed into soil surface47 |
| Germination Temp | 70F (21C)47 |
| Habitat | wild in fields and gardens and along roadsides37; barnyards, old house sites, open woods, scattered over much of our area28 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -30 to -20F; -34.4 to -28.9C23 |
| Leaf Description | Lvs crenate, lemon-scented, rugose23; lvs broadly ovate, often cordate, 1-3” long. crenate-serrate, petioled, lemon-scented18; 2-3” long, oval and heart-shaped, deeply wrinkled, and have scalloped edges12; opposite, ovate, long-petioled, somewhat hairy, bluntly serrate, and acuminate37; lvs opposite, oval, round-toothed, strongly lemon-scented28 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe |
| Moisture Req | moist12 |
| Mulch Req | req. if winter temps below 0F26; mulch in areas where ground freezes, sidedressing with N2 source can increase yield and oil content12; protect young seedlings from heavy frost47 |
| Opt Divide Time | cutting from summer growth, roots divided in spring12, 24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | just as plant comes into bloom12; collect plant before and after flowering37; aerial pts picked from early summer onward, best harvested just before flower opens, when concentration of volatile oil is highest24 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring or fall26; spring or early fall12; spring24; early spring, indoors 8 wks before frost47 |
| Parts Used | leaves26, 37 |
| Preparation | infusion, tincture, essential oil, lotion, juice, ointment24 |
| Processing Req | care should be taken not to bruise leaves when drying, dries quickly, store in tightly closed containers, hang to dry in bunches, then rub each bundle across a 1/2 mesh screen12; fresh leaf more potent than dried37 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; propagated by seed, division or cutting18, 24; easy from seed12 |
| Range | Naturalized Elsewhere in Europe and East United States18; nat in England, France, and eastern adn western US12 |
| Scarification | no |
| Seedling Care | protect young seedlings from heavy frost47 |
| Seeds per OZ | 45,00026 |
| Soil Ph | slightly acid to alkaline (pH 5-7.8)12 |
| Soil Requirements | moist, well-drained, fertile26; fertile, moist12; well-drained47 |
| Spacing | 12”26, 12, 47 |
| Species | officinalis |
| Stem Description | upright, pubescent, tender18; branching, hairy12; upright, hairy, quadrangular, branched37 |
| Stratification | no |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to partial shade26; does best under partial shade, full sun caused wilting when hot12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | hardened seedlings may be transplanted out 2-3wks before last frost47 |
| Binomial Name | Metaplexis japonica |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | Jul-Aug45 |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Fruit | Follicles fusiform, 8-9 x ca. 2 cm, smooth, glabrous, Sep-Dec45 |
| Functions/Uses | for traumatic injury, snake bites, impotence, and infantile malnutrition due to intestinal parasites45 |
| Habitat | thickets, forest edges, stream banks45 |
| Leaf Description | petiole 3-6 cm, leaf blade deep green adaxially, glaucous abaxially ovate cordate, basal lobes rounded, recurved adn sometimes overlapping, sinus 1-2 cm deep and often very narrow, glabrous or puberulent when young, lateral veins 10-12 pairs45 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Parts Used | stem, roots45 |
| Range | throughout China except for Hainan and Sinjiang45 |
| Seed Description | ca. 5 x 3 mm, flat, margin membranous, coma silky white, ca. 1.5cm45 |
| Stem Description | liana, young stems densely pubescent, glabrescent45 |
| Synonyms | Pergularia japonica, Metaplexis chinensis Decaisne, Metaplexis stauntonii Schultes, Urostelma chinensis Bunge. |
| Binomial Name | Monarda fistulosa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | limonene, carvacrol and cymene in oil, cymene’ carvacarol, thymohydroquinone, pinene, with carvacrol being main constituent12 |
| Bloom | summer18; May-Sept28; Jun-Sep21 |
| Bloom Date | 07/01/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Monarda fistulosa purple bee balm, wild bergamot Hot summers on the US prairies smell sweetly of musky mint from native Monarda. Growing 3-4ft, this perennial with fuzzy leaves and tight heads full of lavender tubular flowers, blooms May-Sept in USDA zones 3-9, withstanding winters to -30F. Found naturally in dry thickets, purple bee balm prefers light, dry soil and full hot sun. Drought tolerant, xeric. Mix tiny seeds with sand and tamp lightly in soil in spring. Needs light to germinate in 1 week at 70F, dry seed does better than fresh. Space 8-10”. Blooms in second year. Harvest flowers to eat, and leaves in the morning. Sun dry. Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Leaf tea traditionally used by Plains Native Americans including Tewa, Teton Dakota, Winnebagos, Crows, Kiowas, and Lakotas for stomachaches, colds, measles, heart problems, headaches, insomnia and whooping cough. Also culinary adding flavor to meats and as perfumery. |
| Cultivation Notes | attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies26, 21 |
| Days to Bloom | second year21 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1426; 70% in 5-7days33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | tiny seeds sown about 1/4” deep21 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | dry, hard, 1.5-2mm long, browish, or blackish21 |
| Functions/Uses | edible blossoms; flavoring to beans; improves digestion, soothes bronchial complaints and ease colds26; leaves for tea for weak bowels and stomach complaints, colds, female obstructions, and as a carminative for colic and flatulence, hot leaf tea use to bring out measle pustules, to induce sweating to treat flu, and for heart trouble, external poultice of leaves used to treat headages, Meskwaki used leaves as tea remedy, Teton Dakota boiled leaves and fls together as tea to relieve abdominal pains, Tewa used leaves to flavore meat, and rubbed the dried or podered leaves on head to cure headaches, Winnebagos applied a prepartion of the boiled leaves to pimples and other skin eruptions12; Am. Indians used leaf tea for colic, flatulence, colds, fevers, stomachaches, nosebleeds, insomnia, heart trouble, in measles to induce sweating, poulticed leaves fore headaches, Historically, physicians used leaf tea to expel worms and gas28; Lakotas drank tea of fls for fevers adn colds, for whooping cough and other coughing, considered good for relieve fainting, wrapped leaves in cloth adn placed on sore eys overnight to relieve pain, chewed lvs to stop flow of blood from wounds, Dakatos made tea for abdominal pain, as stimulant, Souix and Flatheads drank tea following childbirth, winnebagos for zits, Blackfeet made eyewash from fls or for wound and boils, tea to control coughs adn soothe kidneys, roots for swollen neck glands, plant to cuts, Mesquakies for common cold, headaches, catarrh and to reivive unconscious patient, Kiowas to soothe insect bites, Crows for respiratory problems and as perfume21 |
| Genus | Monarda |
| Germination Light | light required26,33; dry storage for 6 mo. seemed to increase germination/seed viability, days to germ and lessen photoresponse, but light treatment still important33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Habitat | dry wood edges, thickets28 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -30 TO -20 F; -34.4 TO -28.9 C23; hardy12 |
| Leaf Description | lvs 4-10cm, ovate or lanceolate, serrate to nearly entire, pubesc, or rarely glabrous23; lvs ovate-lanceolate to broadly ovate, to 4” long, acute to acuminate, weakly serrate to nearly entire, generally pubescent, petioles over 1/2” long18; lvs ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 1 1/2-3” long, and about 1/2 to 1 1/2” wide, margins coarsely serrated, or only slightly toothed12; lvs paried, triangular to oval or lance-shpaed28; lvs opp, simple, gland-dotted and fragrant, lance-shaped to narrowly triangular, 1 1/4-4” long, lower surfaces hairy, margins toothed to nearly entire21 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America12, 21 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring18 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring-Summer26; spring21 |
| Parts Used | leaves12, 28; leaves, flower clusters, roots21 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant; easy26; division18 |
| Range | western New England to Georgia, west through the southern coastal state to east Texas and north to Minnesota, then west to British Columbia12; Que. to Ga, La., E. Tx, OK to ND, Minn.28 |
| Root Description | creeping rhizomes21 |
| Scarification | none |
| Seeds per OZ | 65,0000; 88,00026 |
| Site Preference | prairies, roadsides, pastures |
| Soil Requirements | fairly light, dry, limey soil12 |
| Spacing | 6-12”26 |
| Species | fistulosa |
| Stem Description | bluntly 4-angled, pubesc. above 23; sometimes pubescent above18; stems square, usually hairy above, sometimes branched, often clustered21 |
| Stratification | none |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26; full sun12 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Monarda punctata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial Annual Biennial |
| Active constituents | volatile oil containing thymol24; limonene, carvacrol and cymene in oil, rich source of thymol (up to 61% of its essential oil)12 |
| Bloom | July -Oct28 |
| Bloom Date | takes two years to bloom |
| Cautions | Do not take during pregnancy24 |
| Catalog Prose | Monarda punctata Dotted mint A beautiful biennial ar short-lived perennial mint with a most unusual flower. Whorls of flowers rise continuously up the stalk and in the late summer some of the adjacent leaves turn a deep pink to compliment the yellow, purple dotted whorls. Easy to grow, takes two years to bloom. Well worth the wait! Horsemint, as it is sometimes called, has a long history of medicinal use. The leaf was brewed for the common ailments ranging from digestive and bowel complaints to flu and respiratory problems. The oils are high in thymol which is antiseptic and used to expel worms. Monarda punctata 1999 Monarda punctata horsemint, dotted mint A beautiful biennial or short-lived perennial mint to 4ft native to US eastern coastal plains ranging westward to meet the prairie. A most unusual flower. Whorls of tubular flowers rise continuously up the stalk and in the late summer some of the adjacent leaves turn a deep pink to compliment the yellow, purple dotted whorls. Tamp tiny seeds into dry, sandy alkaline soil in spring under full sun. Needs light to germinate at 70F. Space 8-12”. Easy to grow, takes two years to bloom. Xeric, tolerant to -10F. Gather leaves in fall when in flower. Sun dry. Attracts insects. Horsemint has a long history of medicinal use on this continent. The leaf was brewed for common ailments ranging from digestive and bowel complaints to flu and respiratory problems. Externally poulticed for arthritis and rheumatism. Volatile oil is high in thymol which is antiseptic and used to expel worms. Do not use during pregnancy. |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | Native Americans used to treat nausea and vominting and to encourage perspriration during colds, applied externally as poultice for swelling adn rheumatic pain, rsrch: strong volatile oil can be primarily used for digestive dn fupper respiratory problems, tken as infusion to relieve nausea, indigestion, flatulence, and colic, also employed to reduce fevers and fupper respiratory mucus, antiseptic action in chest, taken internally or applied externally to reduce fever by encouraging sweating, strongly stimulates menstruation, applied externally is a counterirritant, lessening pain in arthritic and rheumatic joints by increasing flow of blood in affected area and flushing toxins24; aromatic stimulant, daiphoretic, and carminative, useful for settling an upset stomach and treating colds accompanied by diarrhea, horsemint oil used as liniment ingredient for neuralgia and muscualr rheumatism, contains thymol, a major ingredient of Listerine and other antiseptic preps, commercially cult for thymol which is strongly fungicidal and anthelmintic12; Am Indians used leaf tea for colds, fevers, flu, stomach cramps coughs, catarrhs, bowel ailments, historically doctors used this mint as a carminative, stimulant, digestive, and diuretic, and to regulate menses, oil high in thymol-antiseptic, expel worms28 |
| Genus | Monarda |
| Germination Light | light required33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Habitat | sandy coasts18; dry soils28 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -10 TO 0 F; -23.3 TO -17.8 C23 |
| Leaf Description | lvs 1.5-9.5 cm, lanceolate to oblong, serrate to subentire23; downy, lace-shaped lvs24; lvs lanceolate to oblong to 31/2” long, serrate to nearly entire18; lvs oblong or lance shaped, ending in a sharp point12; strongly aromatic. lvs lance-shaped28 |
| Medicinal Origin | North American native americans24 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring18 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | gathering in autumn when in flower24 |
| Parts Used | aerial parts24; leaves28 |
| Plant height | To 4 feet |
| Propagation Method | division18 |
| Range | Long Island south to FL and LA18; Long Island to Fla, La. Texas, Ark, Kans28 |
| Scarification | none required |
| Seeds per OZ | 61,000 |
| Site Preference | roadsides, wood openings, rocky or sandy soil |
| Soil Ph | alkaline12 |
| Soil Requirements | dry, sandy24,12 |
| Species | punctata |
| Stem Description | pubescent23; aromatic24; more or less branched, pubescent18; branching12 |
| Stratification | none required |
| Sun Requirement | full sun12 |
| Binomial Name | Nepeta cataria |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | iridoids, tannins, volatile oil (alpha- and beta-nepetalactone, cironellol and geraniol)24; carvacrol, beta-caryophyllene, nepetol, thymol, geraniol, citronella, nerol, valeric acid, and nepetalactone12 |
| Bloom | summer18; June-Sept28; end of May in south, lastin through late summer in northern climates12 |
| Catalog Prose | Nepeta cataria Catnip This persistent perennial is too easy to grow! In the first year from a seed, a large bushy 4 foot clump will flower and make abundant seed. The grey green foliage can create a wonderful luxuriant foliage in a neglected place. Attracts bees and butterflies. The leaves and flowering tops have been used as a folk remedy for a wide variety of ailments. The active component found in catnip is a mild sedative and the oils possess herbicidal and insect-repelling properties 1999 Nepeta cataria catnip Persistent perennial, 2ft, native to dry Mediterranean soils now naturalized in North America, with grey-green luxuriant foliage and minty fragrance when crushed. A cat’s delight. First year from seed, a large bushy 4ft clump will flower in spikes of white spotted violet, June-Sept. Easy to grow. Tamp seeds directly in garden bed of any soil under full sun, spring or fall. Wait 1-4 wks to germinate and thin to 2ft. Hardy to drought and USDA zones 3-9 with minimum temps dropping to -40F. Self-sowing, keep contained by rhizome division in spring or fall, shallow cultivation encourages growth. Harvest leaves when in flower. Attracts bees and butterflies. The leaves and flowering tops have been used as a folk remedy for a wide variety of ailments including anxiety, indigestion, bronchitis, colds, insomnia, fever, and nervous tension. An active component found in catnip, nepetalactone, is mildly sedative, euphoric to cats, and possesses herbicidal and insect-repelling properties. |
| Cultivation Notes | self-sowing, may become weedy, become more fragrant if grown in sandy soil and full sun, frequent shallow cultivation encourages vigorous growth, field of catnip will produce for about 3yrs12 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1026, 47; 1-4wks33; 2wks12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sow directly in garden12; start seed indoors 6-8wks before last frost or sow directly47 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | colds, flu, fever, relaxing, flower essense for anxiety26; cats love it, settles stomach, sedative, fever reducing (stimulates sweating), colds, flu and fever, markedly antiflatulent, settles indigestion and colic and useful in treating headaches related to digestive problems, tincure good friction rub for rheumatic and arthritic joints, as an ointment to treat hemorrhoids24; attractive to cats18; tea made from leaves and flowering tops as folk remedy for bronchitis, colds, diarrhea, fevers, chicken pox, colic, headaches, irregular menses, said to induce sleep, promote sweating, alleviate restlessness in children, leaves chewed for toothaches, experimentally, nepetalactone, a mild sedative compund in catnip also posesses herbicidal and insect-repellant properties28; catnip tea used for headaches, stomachaches, colic, sleeplessness in children, fresh leaves chewed for headache, old home remedy for colds, nervous tension, fevers, and nightmare, diaphoretic and antispamodic, allay diarrhea and chronic bronchitis, for anemia, menstrual and uterine disorders, nepetalactone responsible for catnip effect and to ward against insects12 |
| Genus | Nepta |
| Germination Light | light required26,33 |
| Germination notes | start seed indoors 6-8wks before last frost or sow directly47 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33; 60-70F (16-21C)47 |
| Habitat | dry roadside places and in mountianous regions up to altitudes of 5,000ft (1,500 m)23; dry, hardy12 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -40 TO -30F; -40.0 TO -34.5 C23 |
| Leaf Description | heart shaped, gray-green lvs24; lvs ovate, to 3”long, cordateat base, crenate or serrate, gray-tomentose beneath18; lvs stalked, ovate, strongly tooted28; fuzzy, grayish lvs are somewhat oval in shape, acute at tip, heart shped at vase and toothed, ranging from 1-3” long12 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe24 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring or fall12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | when in flower in summer and autumn24 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring/ fall26, 12; spring at last frost for direct-seed47 |
| Parts Used | aerial parts24; leaves, flowering tops28, 12 |
| Plant height | To 5 feet. |
| Propagation Method | direct seed, transplant; easy26; propagated by seeds or division, easy18; easy from seed or root division12 |
| Range | widely naturalized23, 18; nat in North America24; widely nat in NA, particularly VA and NC12 |
| Scarification | none required |
| Seeds per OZ | 48,00026 |
| Soil Ph | 5-7.512 |
| Soil Requirements | thrives anywhere, grows in poorest dry garden soil and in rich, deep-shaded woods, any garden soil12; any well-drained47 |
| Spacing | 12-18”26; 18-24”12; 10-15”47 |
| Species | cataria |
| Stem Description | st. to 1m, branched, erect, grey-pubesc. to tomentose beneath23; downy, aromatic24; gray-pubescent18 |
| Stratification | none required |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 47; full sun but will tolerate partial shade12 |
| Binomial Name | Nicotiana alata (=Nicotiana affinis) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial or Annual Perennial |
| Bloom | summer23; July-Sept40 |
| Bloom Date | 5/20/99 |
| Cautions | All parts of the plant are poisonous40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Nicotiana alata jasmine tobacco Ranging from southern Brazil to northeast Argentina, jasmine tobacco fills the night air with sweet scents of romance. Tubular green-white flowers 4ft high spread purple anthers to greet lunar lovers and morning buzzers. A perennial in it’s native land, this frost-sensitive species won’t survive winters below 15°F, a self-seeding annual in our clime. For blooms July-Sept, shallowly sow seeds indoors in early spring several weeks before last frost. Keep moist and plant out after danger of frost in sandy but rich, well-drained soil under full sun. Space at 4”. Keep other nightshade-family plants like tomato, potato, eggplant, datura, pepper and tomatillo planted separately as tobacco mosaic can take hold. Tobacco smoking nearby can also increase chance of virus. Easy to grow. Withstands semi-dry conditions. Attracts butterflies, moths, and insects. For tobacco, pinch back flowering tops before they form and using gloves, harvest leaves in fall. Shade dry. Better yet, enjoy the blooms. Medicinal information on this particular species of tobacco is limited, but it is known as a fumitory and masticatory in South America. All parts contain nicotine and are considered poisonous. |
| Cultivation Notes | tender to frost, attracts wildlife, a very ornamental plant, it has sweetly scented flowers that release most of their scent in the evening and attract moths40 |
| Days to Germinate | germinates in 10 - 20 days40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | grow in cultivated bed 40 |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Functions/Uses | insecticide, all parts of the plant contain nicotine, this has been extracted and used as an insecticide40; fumitory, masticatory27 |
| Genus | Nicotiana |
| Germination notes | plant requires more than 14 hours daylight per day to induce flowering40 |
| Germination Temp | 20°c40 |
| Greenhouse Req | surface sow in a warm greenhouse about 10 weeks before the last expected spring frosts, keep the soil moist and pot up as soon as the plants are big enough to handle, planting them out after the last expected frosts40 |
| Habitat | warm temperatures, sensitive to frost18 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= 0 TO +10 F; -17.7 TO -12.3 C23; hardy to about -5°c, this plant is usually grown as an annual in Britain, flowering well in its first year, but it does survive mild winters outdoors40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs spathulate-ovate, to 25cm, apexes obtuse, base decurrent or clasping, petiole winged23; lvs ovate to elliptic, 4-10” long, decurrent18 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Moisture Req | average, not tolerant to drought40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring40 |
| Parts Used | dried leaves27 |
| Plant height | 4’ high |
| Plant spacing | 8” centers |
| Pollination Req | bees, lepidoptera40 |
| Propagation Method | easy to grow from seeds18 |
| Range | S. Brazil to N. Argentina, naturalized in C. Europe40 |
| Seed Development Time | ripens Aug-Oct40 |
| Soil Ph | normal range40 |
| Soil Requirements | light sandy, well drained, cannot grow in heavy clay or poor soil, prefers well-drained deep rich moist soil40 |
| Species | tobacum |
| Stem Description | viscid, sparsely branched23; coarse, viscid, sometimes with basal branches18; 0.3m wide40 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun40 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Oenothera biennis |
| Ann/Per | Biennial |
| Active constituents | gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)26; essential fatty acids- cis-linoleic (about 70%) adn cis-gammalihnolenic acid (about 9%), gammalinolenic acid (GLA), a precursor to prostaglandin E124 |
| Bloom | sunset, June-Sept28, 12 |
| Cautions | Do not take evening primrose oil if suffering form epilepsy24; none noted28 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Oenothera biennis evening primrose Named for sunset blooms of yellow, this biennial , 1-6ft, native to eastern North America is now found in sandy soils of fields, ditches, and wasteplaces in temperate areas worldwide. Stratify tiny seed at 40°F for 3mo before planting on top of well-draining garden soil at 71°F. Light required for germination in 1-2wks. Transplant outdoors, spring or fall, in poor to avg soil under full sun to partial shade, spaced 1ft apart. Nitrogen rich mulch enriches gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content in seed oil. Young shoots gathered in spring. Seeds, roots, and leaves are fall-harvested. Flowers collected when in bloom. An herb to watch. Traditionally used as root tea for obesity, sore muscles and bruises. Current research focuses on natural GLA content of evening primrose seed oil. GLA is thought to combat aging, cancer, acne, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and alcoholism duc to it’s ability to convert cis-linoleic acid into prostglandin E-1 and inhibit platelet clumping. Taproot, seeds, and spring leaves are edible. Do not use if epileptic. |
| Days to Germinate | 7-2826; 2-3days after treatment at 40F33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | on top of soil and tamped, bottom watered12 |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Fruit | capsule18 |
| Functions/Uses | edible taproot and young leaves, seed oil used to treat PMS, hyperactivity, atopic eczema, acne, rheumatoid arthritis26; fls, lvs, stem bark are astringent and sedative, for treatment of whooping cough, digestive problems and asthma, used as poultice to ease discomfort of rheumatic disorders, oil applied externally for eczema, itchy skin and breast tenderness, internally oil lowers blood pressure and prevents clumping of platelets, oil now commonly taken for premenstrual problems, including tension and abdominal bloating, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other problems related to circulation24; roots may be eaten as vegetable and shoots as salad18; Am Indians used root tea for obesity, bowel pains, poulticed root for piles, bruises, rubbed root on muscles to give athletes strength, recent resrch suggests seed oil may be useful for atopic eczema, allergy-induced eczema, astham, migranines, inflammations, premenstrual syndrome, breast problems, metabolic disorders, diabetes, arthritis, and alcoholism, Resrch demonstrated extracts of plant to alleviate imbalances and abnormalities of essential fattly acids in prostaglandin production, evening primrose oil is natural source of gamma-linolenic acid28; edible mucilagenous seeds for salads or as a pot herb, roots boiled as vegetable possessing nutty flavor, seeds as poppy seed substitute, Am Indians treated bruises to treat obesity, for hemorrhoids, sore muscles, today GLA used as intermediate cmpd between cis-linoleic acid and prostaglandins, natureal conversion of cis-linoleci acid into prostaglandin E1 is hampered in some individuals, and has been related to aging, alcolholism, cancer, improper nutrition, bad diet, and radiation damage, may be good for those with essential fatty acid deficiencies12 |
| Genus | Oenothera |
| Germination Light | light preferred26; absolute light requirement, germination in dark never exceeded 2%33; light required12 |
| Germination notes | 90-95% germ from fresh seed after treatment at 40F, then exposure to light at 70F33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33; 71-74F12 |
| Habitat | open areas, especially dunes and sandy soil24; roadsides, fields, throughout eastern US28; ditches, fields, waste places |
| Hardiness | mintemp=-30 to -20F23 |
| Leaf Description | lvs crinkled, lance-shaped24; lvs shallow, dentate, rosette lvs 10-30cm, oblong-lanceolate, stem lvs 8-15cm, lanceolate23; lvs of basal rosette 4-12” long, st lvs flat, usually lanceolate, 3-6” long, shallowly toothed18; lvs numerous, lance-shaped28; numerous, alternate, lance-shaped, basal leaves in a rosette, with red spots adn deeply sinuate loves12 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Mulch Req | produces high leves of gamma linolenic acid of seed oil if grown with lots of N212 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring or Fall26 |
| Parts Used | Seeds, root, leaves26; leaves, stem bark, flowers, seed oil24; seeds, roots, leaves28 |
| Preparation | oil combined with Vitamin E to prevent oxidation24 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or seedling transplant26; seeds or division of clumps18; seed12 |
| Range | nat. Eur. and elsewhere23, 12; many temperate zones around the world24 |
| Root Description | taproot26 |
| Seed Description | elongated capsules24 |
| Seeds per OZ | 42,000; 70,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | poor garden soil, good drainage essential12 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26 |
| Species | biennis |
| Stem Description | stem with red blotches24; erect, branched, 10-150cm23; variable, weedy18; coarse, branched12 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26, 33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26, 12; sun loving18 |
| Binomial Name | Ophiopogon japonicus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | extracts contain beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside, stigmasterol. Glucose, fructose, saccharose and other penta-, hexa- and heptaxaccharides are reported along with glycosides Ophiopogonin A, B, C and D with fructose, rhamnose, xylose and ruscogenin among the hydrolytic products. Fruits contain kaempferol-3-glucosylgalactoside50; steroid saponins: ophiopogonins A, B, C, D,’ ophiopogonins B’, C’, D’, isoflavonoids: methylophiopogonanones A, B, methylophiopogonone A, B, ophiopgonanone A, ophiopogonone A, B, isoophiopogonone A, and desmethylophiopogonone B, D-glucose, D-fructose, sucrose, inulin type fructane (3 kinds), B-sitosterol, B-sitosterol glucoside15; ophiopogonin, ruscogenic, B-sitosterol, stimasterol36 |
| Bloom | summer39 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in patients with cold deficient diarrhea, contraindicated in patients with congested fluids36 |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Fruit | globular39 |
| Functions/Uses | cools the body system; tonic; purgative; thirst quencher; treat sore throat, cough, fever14; has slightly han cold properties, pleasant yet slightly bitter to taste. Tonifies the lungs and nourishes the stomach, stops coughing and resolves phlegm, nourishes the yin and promotes salivation, used for chronic bronchitis, hemptysis in pulmonary tuberculosis, restlessness and thirst, laryngitis, pertussis39; root= antitussive, for bronchitis, cold, cough, dysuria, fever, hemoptysis, laryngitis, pertussis, restlessness, thirst, tuberculosis, sore throat, sialogogue and stress. Aphrodisiac, promoting fertility, memory; anticancer, root frequent in polyherbal prescriptions for diabeties mellitus. Plant= antineuritic, antipyretic, energetic (hangzhou), antiscrofulous, antitussive, emollient, expectorant, tonic, for abdominal and chest ailments, anti-inflammatory (Nanjing). Used for blood circulation, lungs (Hangzhou), extracts show anticancer activity, mucilagenous edible tubers are used as a substitute for ginseng. Indochinese use the rhizomes as a febrifuge, galactagogue, and antiphlogistic, for intestinal, kidney and liver ailments50; sweet, bitter, mild, cold, entering heart, lungs, and kidney, cleanses yin, moistens dryness, removes heat, resolves phlegm, increases salivation, quenches thirst, moistens lungs, controls cough, for impairment of body fluids due to febrile diseases, fidgets and restlessness, thirst, dry throat, hematemesis, constipation due to lack of body fluids; pharmacology: antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant, diuretic, cardiotonic, and tonifying effects, blood sugar lowering effect, anti-inflammatory effect, antibacterial effect15; sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold, entering lung, stomach, heart, nourishes the yin and clears heat, used for deficient yin patterns with heat sighs or febrile illnesses that injure the fluids, especially those with accompanying irritability and thirst, moistens lungs and stops coughing, used whenever the yin of the lungs has been injured with such signs as dry cough, thick sputum that is dificult to expectorate, and coughing up blood, moistens the intestines used for constipation, dry mouth, and irritability as an aftermath of a fevrile disease or in any deficient yin pattern. Pharmacology: endocrine effect, antibiotic effect36 |
| Genus | Ophiopogon |
| Habitat | On Hillsides in Shady and Moist Places; found growing in mountain wilds or in damp and shady places in the forest39 |
| Leaf Description | evergreen14; basal leaves clustered, coraceous, slender and long-linear, apexes acute or acuminate, base sections gradually narrowing into petioles, margins like leaf sheaths39 |
| Medicinal Origin | China15 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Summer |
| Parts Used | dried root14, 39, 50, 15; plant50; tuber36 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici |
| Preparation | dried tuberous root with inner fibrous portion removed used either treated or untreated with mercuric oxide14; root tubers 1.5 - 3 ch’ ien each time, prepared in decoction39; 6-18g15; 2-5 qian36 |
| Range | Japan, Korea |
| Root Description | rhizomes short, containing slender and fine roots, central or lower part of the fibrous roots expanding to form spindle-shaped rhizome39 |
| Root Storage Pref | Wash and Dry Repeatedly After Removeing Rootlets2 |
| Soil Requirements | Moist |
| Spacing | Will Form Sod1 |
| Species | japonicus |
| Stem Description | stemless14 |
| Sun Requirement | Sun or Shade |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | none noted |
| Binomial Name | Panax quinquefolius |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | early summer23 |
| Catalog Prose | Panax quinquefolius Ginseng Xi-yang-shen Endemic to the Ozarks, Ginseng is part of the royal family of tonic roots. In the wild you will find this perennial in the forest understory along with its companions: goldenseal, bloodroot and wild ginger. It grows best in a mixed planting rather than a monoculture, in 75-80% shade, and in a dry, rather than wet, rich soil. An adaptogen, Ginseng has many beneficial effects, particularly for people weakened by disease, old age or stress. This American ginseng is said to be more yin, sweeter, slightly more bitter and cooler than the Asian variety. A vital elixir that improves health, vigor and longevity. To 1 foot. 80% shade. |
| Days to Germinate | 6-24 Months3; 180+26 |
| Family | Araliaceae23 |
| Functions/Uses | invigorating, rejuvenating general tonic, more cooling than Asian ginseng, reduces heat in respiratory and digestive systems26 |
| Genus | Panax |
| Germination Info | Seeds have a Long Dormancy After Rippening3 |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26 |
| Germination Temp | 60-80 F |
| Greenhouse Req | Normal Temperature Range |
| Habitat | Rich Understory Woodlands, North Facing Slopes |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -40 to -30F; -40.0 to -34.5C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | Minimum of Five Years Growth |
| Leaf Description | Lvs 30-7 foliate lfts stalked, ovate to obovate, acuminate, coarsely toothed, petioles to 1cm23 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Opt Divide Time | None |
| Opt Harvest Time | Autumn, After Five Years of Growth |
| Opt Harvest Time root | in fall of 5th or 6th year26 |
| Opt Planting Time | Fall26 |
| Origin | L |
| Parts Used | Dried Root |
| Plant height | to 1 foot |
| Pollination Req | Insects |
| Propagation Method | direct seed26 |
| Pruning | Pinch Off Flower Heads if Growing for Roots |
| Range | Quebec to MN, South to GA and OK |
| Root Description | 2cm diam, cigar-shaped, branching, aromatic23 |
| Scarification | No |
| Seed Development Time | 60 days |
| Seed Storage Req | Cold Storage (44 F), Low Humidity |
| Seeds per OZ | 55026 |
| Soil Ph | Between 5-6 |
| Soil Requirements | Rich in OM, Moist Soils, Friable, Well Textured Loam3 |
| Spacing | 6-12”3; 4-6”26 |
| Species | Quinquefolius |
| Stratification | In Sand, Keep in the Refrigerator for 4 Months or Winter Outdoors3 |
| Sun Requirement | Shade26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | Drier Soil7 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Parthenium integrifolium |
| Ann/Per | P Perennial |
| Bloom | May-July28; July-Aug40 |
| Bloom Date | May 12, 1998; 05/12/99 to 06/25/99 |
| Cautions | May cause dermatitis or allergies28; can cause dermatitis or allergies in sensitive people[222]40 |
| Catalog Prose | Parthenium integrifolium Wild Quinine A perennial with large, rough, oval, lance-shaped leaves and tiny white blooms, this large-rooted plant flowers in mid-summer. Used in the treatment of burns, malaria, kidney and bladder ailments, gonorrhea, and as a possible immune system stimulant. 2-5 feet. Poor dry soils. Full sun. Stratify for 60-90 days at 35-41 degree 1999 Parthenium integrifolium wild quinine Perennial native to priairies and rock outcrops from Massachussetts to Georgia and west to Wisconsin and Arkansas, wild quinine thrives in poor dry soils and winter temperatures dropping to -40F. With large, rough, lance-shaped leaves and tiny white blooms, this large-rooted plant growing 2-5ft, flowers May-July. Stratify seeds for 60-90 days at 35-41F, and plant indoors in well-drained average soil. If possible, keep indoors through first winter. Plant out under full sun spaced 12-24” in spring after danger of frost. Harvest leaves in summer and root in fall. Fresh leaves poulticed to treat burns, flowering tops for malaria and other intermittent diseases, root tea for inflammation of kidney and bladder, gonorrheal infections, late menstruation. Possible immune system stimulant. Plant may cause allergies or contact dermatitis. |
| Direct Sowing Req | in well cultivated bed40 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | Catawbas poulticed fresh lvs on burns, flwering tops were once used for intermittent fevers (like malaria), root used as diuretic for kidney and bladder aliments, gonorrhea, one study suggest may stimulate immune system, common adulterant in purple coneflower seeds28; Lithontripic; Antiperiodic; Emmenagogue; Kidney; Poultice. A poultice made from the fresh leaves is applied to burns[222]. The root is used in the treatment of inflammation of the urinary passages and kidneys, amenorrhoea and as a lithontripic[207, 222]. The flowering tops are used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of intermittant fevers[207, 222]. One study suggests that use of the plant might stimulate the immune system[222]40 |
| Genus | Parthenium |
| Greenhouse Req | sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse40 |
| Habitat | prairies, rock outcrops, roadsides28; prairies, rock outcrops and roadsides[222] in arid and semi-arid environments[200]40 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -40 TO -30 F; -40.0 TO -34.5 C23; 340 |
| Leaf Description | lvs to 20x10cm, lanceloate-elliptic to broadly ovate, crenulate-serrate or sublyrate at base23; lvs ovate to lanceolate, cooarsely dentate, basal lavs to 15” long, long-petioled, the upper st. lvs shorter, sessile18; lge, oval, lance-shaped to 1ft long, rough, blut-toothed28 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Moisture Req | dry, moist, drought tolerant40 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring40 |
| Parts Used | roots, leaves, tops28 |
| Plant height | 2-5 feet |
| Pollination Req | insects40 |
| Propagation Method | propagated by seeds18, 40 |
| Range | MA to GA, West MN to AR18; Mass, to Ga, e. TX to Minn28; Eastern N. America - Maryland to Minnesota and Georgia, as far west as Wisconsin and Arkansas40 |
| Root Description | swollen18; large-rooted28 |
| Seedling Care | When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 14,000 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained40 |
| Species | integrifolium |
| Stem Description | herb, simple or branched above23 pubescent herb18 |
| Sun Requirement | no shade, full sun40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts40 |
| Binomial Name | Passiflora incarnata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | fruits contain calcium, iron, phosphorus, lvs: flavonoids such as vitexin and isovitexin, maltol, courmarin derivatives, adn a small amoutn ot essential oil, harmala alkaloids12 |
| Bloom | Jul-Aug40; may-Jul37 |
| Cautions | The plant is not recommended for use during pregnancy[238]40; generally recognized as safe by FDA as flavoring additive12 |
| Catalog Prose | Passiflora incarnata Passion Flower This wonderful tender perennial has to be one of the most exotic flowers in the plant kingdom. Easy to grow, twining up to 30 feet it can cover a trellis in one season. Has fleshy, edible, delicious fruits. Easily propagated from cuttings. The plant extracts are said to be sedative and antispasmodic. It may slightly reduce blood pressure, help with tension headaches and insomnia and can be harmful in large doses. Vines up to 30 feet. Average soil. Full sun. 1999 Passiflora incarnata passion flower, maypops Strange and fascinating, bewitchingly exotic, a southeastern US native, this tender vining perennial grows in waste places of sandy soils along roads, in thickets and fields stretching to 30ft. May -July brings solitary flowers 2-3” across with pink to purple to blue wavy spokes lavishly radiating from a center topped by symettrical golden hammers, the anthers, which are themselves shaded by a reddish style thrice divided. Exquisite. Challenging and slow from seed. Does best stratified for 3 months at 40F and planted indoors at 70F after a 24-hour water soak. Cover with 1/4” of loose, fine sandy slightly acidic soil and keep misted until seedlings appear. Good drainage essential. Germination in 30 days. If dormancy hasn’t broken, expect seedlings to appear in 10-12 months. Or direct seed outdoors fall or spring, cover with soil, expect germination in 6-12 months. Space 12-18” under full sun. Seeds and seedlings do not tolerate freezing but mature plants hardy to -25F without protection. First year plants slow to grow, putting energy into root development, take care to not damage fine roots during this time. Some may flower and fruit in first year if sown early January. Once established, fast growing and easy to propagate by cuttings in fall or layering. Mulch overwinter in cooler climates, warm zones may need to control vegetative spread by tilling roots. Root restriction of mature plants encourages fruit production as does hand pollination. In morning, use pollen from flower opened for at least 12 hrs to fertilize newly opened bloom. Fruits fleshy, edible, delicious, thought to be a Native American crop plant. Harvest fruit when ripe and leaves when in bloom. Used traditionally as a sedative, astringent, diaphoretic, hypnotic and antispasmodic. Passion flower extract may reduce blood pressure, increase respiratory rate and help with tension headaches, irritability and insomnia. Fruits, leaves, and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Fruits containg calcium, iron and phosphorus. Do not use during pregnancy, may be harmful in large doses. |
| Cultivation Notes | fast growing, roots are hardy to about -20°c, although top growth is killed back by frost[160, 200]. The top growth is cut back almost to the ground each year by some people and the plant treated as a herbaceous perennial[88]. Plants thrive in a short growing season[160]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by means of tendrils[222]. Resistant to pests and diseases[160]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Cultivated for its edible fruit by the North American Indians[2, 46]40; cuttings about 6” long can be taken from mature plants, then rooted in sand12; highly susceptible to nematodes18 |
| Days to Bloom | if sown in January and grown on fast it can flower and fruit in its first year[88]40 |
| Days to Germinate | 30+26; seed germinates in 1 - 12 months at 20°c40; if planted in spring will germ in late summer or will sit dormant until following spring, 30 days12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | long time from seed, plant 1/4” deep, cover with fine loose soil, keeping moist until germ12 |
| Family | Passifloraceae |
| Fruit | fruit to 5cm, ovoid, yellow23; yellowish, edible about the size of a hen’s egg filled with seed surrounded by sweet mucilagenous flesh, ripens late summer12; fr firm walled, many-seeded berry, ovoid, to 2” long, yellow, edible18 |
| Functions/Uses | edible fruits, native americans drank tea to soothe nerves, effective sedative and sleep aid23; edible flowers, leaves, fruit, fruit - raw or cooked in jellies, jams etc[2, 3, 21, 46, 61]183]. A sweet flavour[4], it is best when used as a jelly[95]. High in niacin[160]. Fairly large, the fruit is up to 5cm in diameter[200] though it contains relatively little edible pulp and a lot of seeds[K], leaves - raw or cooked. Said to be delicious as a cooked vegetable or when eaten in salads[183]. flowers - cooked as a vegetable or made into syrup[183], homeopathy, women's complaints, vasodilator, sedative, narcotic, hypnotic, diaphoretic, astringent, antispasmodic, the leaves and stems are antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic, hypnotic, narcotic, sedative, vasodilator and are also used in the treatment of women's complaints[4, 7, 21, 46, 61, 165, 192, 207, 238]. The plant is harvested after some of the berries have matured and is then dried for later use[4]. It is used in the treat ment of insomnia, nervous tension, irritability, neuralgia, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual tension and vaginal discharges[4, 21, 165, 192, 207]. An extract of the plant depresses the motor nerves of the spinal cord[213], it is also slightly sedative, slightly reduces blood pressure and increases respiratory rate[222]. The plant contains alkaloids and flavonoids that are an effective non-addictive sedative that does not cause drowsiness[238]. A poultice of the roots is applied to boils, cuts, earaches, inflammation etc[222]. The dried plant is exported from America to Europe for medicinal usage[207]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[4]40; passionflower extract employed for flavoring alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages as well as frozen dairy desserts, herb as gentle tranquilizer and antispasmodic, tea benefical for insomnia caued by worry and overwork, tension headages, and neuralgia, slightly reduces blood pressure while increasing respriation and deprssing motor activity, extracts of rhizime wer formaerly used to treat hermorrhoids, burns and erysipelas, used more often in Europe medicinally, used in Germany for conditions of mental anxiety, pharmacological rsrch supports sedative antispasmodic, and anxiolytic (antianxiety) activity12; antispasmodic, diaphoretic, sedative, most commonly used for nervous conditions such as insomnia, restlessness, hysteria, and nervous headache, normally used as part of a prolonged treatment and the form of professionally prepared medications37 |
| Genus | Passiflora |
| Germination Light | dark preferred23 |
| Germination notes | Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water40; P. edulis germed best at 70-40-70, all those dry stored for 6 months failed to germ suggesting dry storage not tolerated33 |
| Germination Temp | 90+F26 |
| Greenhouse Req | sow late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. It you are intending to grow the plants outdoors, it is probably best to keep them in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts40; put cuttings in perlite in styrofoam cup with hole punched in bottom, after dipping in rooting hormone in warm north-facing window for 2-3 wks until rooting, repot and move to sunny location12 |
| Habitat | sandy thickets and open soils[43], fields, roadsides, fence rows and thickets[192]40; waste places12 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -10 to 0F; -23.3 to -17.8C23; 6, frost tender, roots are hardy to about -20°c40; die back to root in frost12; withstands temps to -25F without protection12 |
| Leaf Description | leaves to 15x15cm, lobes 3, lanceolate, apex acute or acuminate, base cordate, finely serrate, membranous, somewhate glaucous beneath; petioles biglandular23; dull green lvs 4-6” long, with 3-5 broad, deep lobes, which have serrated margins12; lvs deeply 3-lobed, mostly 4-6 “ long, toothed, dull above, petioles with 2 glands18; alternate, serrate, palmately 3-5 lobed37 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America12 |
| Moisture Req | moist40; water once a week in dry climates |
| Mulch Req | grows in cooler climates when mulched26; roots should be mulched in winter to prevent them from freezing, mulch the roots well in late autumn to protect them from the cold40 |
| Opt Divide Time | in spring[1]40; fall division of runners, cuttings in Sept12 |
| Opt Harvest Time | fall, when fruiting, clean and dry in shade12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | when in bloom12 |
| Opt Planting Time | Fall26; spring12 |
| Parts Used | roots, whole plant, fruit40, 12; plant, flower37 |
| Plant height | vines up to 30 feet |
| Pollination Req | bees, Hand pollinate using pollen from a flower that has been open for 12 hours to pollinate a newly opened flower before midday[88]40 |
| Propagation Method | transplant23; cuttings of young shoots, 15cm with a heel, leaf bud cuttings, cuttings of fully mature wood in early summer. Takes 3 months. High percentage[3]40; seeds, cuttings, laterings, or by dividing runners in fall12 |
| Pruning | outdoor grown plants should have their roots restricted in order to encourage fruit production instead of excessive vegetative growth[1]40 |
| Range | VA to FL, West to TX and OH12; VA to FLA west to MO and TX18, 37 |
| Root Description | spreads by runners, root is tuberous12 |
| Scarification | none noted33 |
| Seed Description | Sept-Nov40 |
| Seedling Care | first year spent developing rootlets, care taken not to damage with hoe, black plastic mulch helps with protection and weed control12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 90026 |
| Soil Ph | acidic12 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained soil, sandy slightly acid soil40; light soil, preferably in flats, poor, sandy, good drainage essential, sandy loam12 |
| Spacing | 12”26 |
| Species | incarnata |
| Stem Description | evergreen climber40; fast-growing vines with tendrils12; st cylindrical, or angular when young18; woody, hairy, climbing vine, 10-30ft long, climbing by axillary tendrils37 |
| Stratification | store seeds in peat moss at 40F overwinter then plant Apr 1, do not freeze12 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 40, 12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | be careful not to damage delicate rootlets12 |
| Binomial Name | Patrinia villosa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | root and rhizome: loganin, billosice, morroniside, fruit stem: sinigrin15 |
| Bloom | early summer18; Aug40 |
| Cautions | None known40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Patrinia villosa patrinia, pai chiang tsao Wild in hills and mountains from East Asia to Japan, this summer-blooming perennial to 3ft has simple leaves fuzzy white blooming thickly in branching flowers of tiny white. Easy from seed, plant in spring after last frost in moist, rich soil under full sun to dappled shade. Tamp into soil and keep watered. Harvest leaves when young. Aerial parts of patrinia make up pai chiang tsao, a drug used traditionally in Japan as cooling to liver toxicity, helpful in abdominal pain, appendicitis, erysipelas, and stagnant blood. Recent evidence suggests pai chiang tsao stimulates regeneration of liver cells. |
| Cultivation Notes | Grows well in the woodland garden[200]40 |
| Family | Valerianaceae |
| Fruit | achene, winged with 1 fertile and 2 sterile seeds18 |
| Functions/Uses | bitter, pungent, mild, cold property, entering channels of stomach, large intestine and liver meridians, removes toxic heat, eliminates furuncles, drains pus, invigorates blood circulation, removes phlegm, applied to intestinal abscess, carbuncle, erysipelas, hyperemia, pinkish leukorrhea mixed with white matter, stagnant blood, abdominal pain, appendicitis, dispels inflammation, drains pus, purifies blood, and treats edema and swelling lesions, pharmacological: antibacterial, protective effect on liver: extract of fruit stem of P. villosa stimulates regeneration of liver cells, as well as preventing denaturalization, as mu tou hui: mild, sour, astringent, cold, entering liver, to subdue liver, dry dampness, control bleeding, clear heat, remove toxin, disperse swelling used for functional bleeding, reddish-white leukorrha, uterine carcinoma, lung abscess, mastitis, hematuria, external and internal trauma15; edible uses: leaves: young leaves and flower buds - cooked and used as a vegetable[105, 177, 183], medicinal uses: antiinflammatory, hepatic, antibacterial, promotes regeneration of liver cells[176]40 |
| Greenhouse Req | If you only have a small quantity of seed it is probably better to sow it in a pot in a cold frame40 |
| Habitat | rock garden or border18; hills and low elevations in mountains all over Japan[58]40 |
| Hardiness | Plants are hardy to about -15°c[187]40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs ovate, simple to pinnatifid, 1 1/4-6” long, more or less white-hairy18; lvs to 15cm, ovate, simple to pinnatifid, white-pubesc. upper lvs sessile, toothed23 |
| Medicinal Origin | Japan15 |
| Moisture Req | moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | division in spring or autumn40 |
| Opt Planting Time | April[111]40 |
| Origin | NJBG |
| Parts Used | entire plant, root in mu tou hui15 |
| Propagation Method | seeds or division18; seed - sow in situ40 |
| Range | E. Asia - Japan40 |
| Soil Requirements | light rich soil[1], thrives in any moderately retentive fertile soil40 |
| Stem Description | coarse18 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to dappled shade40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer40 |
| Binomial Name | Perilla frutescens |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | leaf contains cyanin, perillanin chloride, and protocatechuic acid. Apigenin and luteolin are two flavones found in the seeds. Nine flavone glycosides have been identified from the leaves. The main one is shishonin. Perilla ketone, isolated from the leaves, is considered to be a potent pulmonary toxic. The essential oil contains citral, delta-limonene, beta-pinene, perilla alcohol, dihydroperilla alcohol, and perillaldehyde (major component in leaf essential oil). Perillaldehyde is converted to alpha-anti-aldoxime, (perillartine), a substance 2,000 times sweeter than sugar. It is used commercially to sweeten tobacco in Japan34 |
| Bloom | summer23; early autumn18; Jul-Aug10; flowering June-July34 |
| Cautions | 1974 study showed that an isolated ketone-substituted furan from perilla causes severe lung lesions in mice, rats and sheep, cattle who eat the plant may contract acute pulmonary emphysema10; None known, herb should be avoided by pregnant women[222]40 |
| Catalog Prose | Perilla frutescens Beefsteak Plant Zi-Su-Zi A self-seeding annual with a peculiar fragrance, Perilla’s flowers are white, lavender, light violet or purplish and the foliage is ruffled green to purple with a metallic luster. Uniformly vigorous and resistant to anything that could weaken it! Medicinally, it has traditionally been used for coughs, lung ailments, uterine troubles, asthma, constipation, hiccups, colds, stuffy nose, snakebite and a number of other conditions. Recent studies have shown it may sometimes cause lung lesions. It is widely used as a condiment in Japan and China. We have both green and purple varieties. Please note preference. 1 1/2 - 3 feet. Average garden soil. Full sun. 1999 Perilla frutescens shiso, zi su A self-seeding annual to 3ft with a peculiar fragrance, native to southeast Asia, grown commercially in Japan, and naturalized throughout eastern US. Flowers are white, lavender, light violet or purplish and the foliage is ruffled green to purple with a metallic luster. Vigorous, weedy, frost tender. Direct seed in spring by sprinkling on surface of soil and tamping. Light required for germination in one week. Plant in light, well-drained rich loam under full sun or partial shade. When seedlings 2”, thin to 2ft. Contain by pinching back flowering stalks and preventing plants from going to seed. Harvest leaves early in season when healthy. Use fresh or dry in sun. 332,000 seeds/oz. We have both green and purple varieties. Please note preference Perilla leaves, zi su ye, of the purple variety are used to color ginger (shiso), tofu, and pickled umeboshi plums and are reported to be 2,000 times sweeter than sugar. Seeds, zi su zi, are used as a spice in miso and pickles. Traditionally used for energy blockages, coughs, lung ailments, flatulence, uterine troubles, asthma, constipation, hiccups, colds, stuffy nose, snakebite and a number of other conditions. Do not used during pregnancy. In studies use has led to lung lesions in mice. |
| Cultivation Notes | frost tender40; self-sows freely, and can become weedy in the garden34 |
| Days to Bloom | requires short days in order to flower[206]40 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1426; germination is usually quick40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | self-seeding10; should be sprinkled over the soil surface, then lightly tamped into the soil34 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | 4 reticulate nutlet18; achene34 |
| Functions/Uses | culinary, oriental for sushi, and coloring in radish prickles and umeboshi plums26; in Japan, young shoots, flowering stalks, and seeds used for culinary purposes, leaves pickled in Korea, packaged in sardine-type cans available in Asian groceries thoughout North America, as medicine first mentioned in Ming Yi Bie Lu, A.D. 500, character hot and warm, seeds lower adverse rising energy making ch’i move in a downward direction, stop asthma, expel phlegm, relieve coughs, strngthen the diaphragm, and widen intestines, leaves expel cold, lower adverse rising energy, regulate vital energy, and expand chest, stem of plant regulates vital energy, expands chest, disperses depresssed vital energy, soothing to fetus, seeds used in prescription for coughs, excessive phlegm, asthma, constipation and oppressed or full feeling in chest, hiccups, and blockages of vital energy, leaves used for cold due to wind and coldness, aversion to coldness with fever, headache, coughs, asthma, stuffy nose, fullness of the chest and abdomen, excessive fetal movement, mastitis iwih pain and swelling, wounds, snakebite, and poisoning from eating too many crabs or fish, fresh leaves mashed, then poulticed for wounds, mastitis, or snakebites, warts10; edible uses: colouring, flowers, oil, seed, leaves, condiment, edible young leaves and seedlings - raw or cooked[46, 116, 178, 183], flavour is strange to western palates at first, some people detecting cinnamon, others coriander or citrus[206]. Seedlings are added to salads, older leaves are used as a garnish or flavouring[206]. Older leaves are also salted and used as a condiment for tofu and as a garnish for tempura[183]. Leaves from purple cultivars are used to colour preserved fruits[238]. The leaves can also be dried for later use[206]. The leaves contain about 3.1% protein, 0.8% fat, 4.1% carbohydrate, 1.1% ash[179]. Immature flower clusters are used as a garnish for soups and chilled tofu[183]. Older flower clusters are fried and eaten[183]. The seeds are preserved in salt or are used as a spice in pickles, tempura and miso[183, 206]. They are one of the ingredients in 'Shichimi' or 'seven spice'mixture[206]. The seed can also be eaten cooked[105, 178]. Seeds from purple-leaved forms of the plant are preferred for culinary use[238]. The seed contains about 21.5% protein, 43.4% fat, 11.3% carbohydrate, 4.4% ash[179]. An edible drying oil is obtained from the seed[46, 171, 183]. It is rich in linolenic acid[57]. The plant yields an essential oil which is used as a food flavouring in candies and sauces[183]. Medicinal uses: antiasthmatic, tonic, antitussive, antiseptic, antidote, stomachic, pectoral, expectorant, emollient, diaphoretic, carminative, aromatic, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antibacterial, leaves, stems and seeds of shiso are often used in Oriental medicine. The plant is a pungent, aromatic, warming herb that is antibacterial, antidote, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, stomachic and tonic[116, 147, 174, 176, 218, 238]. The seed is used internally in the treatment of asthma, colds and chills, nausea, abdominal pain, food poisoning and allergic reactions (especially from seafood), bronchitis and constipation[218, 238 The stems are a traditional Chinese remedy for morning sickness[238], other uses: oil, essential: A drying oil obtained from the seed is used in making paints, varnishes, water proofing etc[46, 57, 105, 171, 238]. The plant yields 0.3 - 1.3% essential oil, which contains 20% citral[240]. It is used as a food flavouring and in dental products[238]40; seeds: pungent, warm affinity with lungs, antitussive, expectorant, coughs, astham, constipation due to dry intestines, stems and leaves: pungent, warm affinity with lungs and spleen, diaphoretic, antitussive, stomachis, diuretic, for cold, headache, fever, chills due to wind-cold, allergic reactions to fish and shellfish, especially effective for any type of congestion in chest adn abdomen19; 10-18 g. of the dried or twice as much of the fresh leaves are used in decoction as a preventative for flu, colds, malaria, and to treat vomiting due to pregnancy, to quiet a restless fetus, and to treat fish and crab poisoning. A decoction of the stem is used to treat abdominal pains, distension, and flatulence. The plant has stomachic, antispasmodic, warming, and diaphoretic properties. The seeds are used in asthma, coughs, and wheezing. They are antitussive and resolve sputum. 3-10 g. are prepared in decoction. In Japan, the seed is cultivated for production of a quick-drying fixed oil used in place of linseed oil for lacquers, inks, oil papers, artificial leather, paper umbrellas, and waterproof cloth34 |
| Genus | Perilla |
| Germination Light | light preferred26; seeds need light to germinate34 |
| Germination Temp | seed germinates best at 20°c, though it also succeeds at slightly lower temps[20640 |
| Greenhouse Req | surface-sow or only lightly cover the seed in mid spring in a greenhouse40 |
| Habitat | roadsides, damp woods, along fence rows, old gardens, old logging roads, common weed and cultivated herb10 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +10 TO +20F; -12.2 TO -6.7C23; 8, not frost hardy and requires temperatures above 18°c40 |
| Leaf Description | erect, pubescent, leaves 4.5-12cm, broadly ovate, acuminate, deeple serrate, green sometimes speckled purple23; lvs opposite, colored,broadly ovate to 5” long, more or less acuminate, toothed, long-pubescent especially on nerves, greenish or purplish, long-petioled18; opposite, oval-shaped lvs of up to 5” long with varnishlike fragrance, strongly tothed and often wrinkle-edged, with a purple or bronze tint or all purple10; lvs greenish or purple, opposite, ovate, to 13 cm. long, 10 cm. wide, apex acuminate, toothed, pubescent, especially on nerves, long-petioled34 |
| Medicinal Origin | Japan, Korea, Asia10 |
| Moisture Req | moist40 |
| Opt Harvest Time | autumn as they ripen10 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | lvs harvested from Jun to first 2 wks of Sept, when healthiest, when fls fully open, stems harvested fro June-Aug, or after plant gone to seed, younger stem of better quality (harvested early in season)10 |
| Opt Planting Time | after last frost26; mid-spring40 |
| Parts Used | leaves, flowering stalks, seeds10; whole herb, flowers, seeds34 |
| Plant height | 1 1/2 - 3 ft |
| Processing Req | whole plant cut, dried, threshed to remove seed, whole plant cut and hung to dry and leaves removed by rubbing or threshing, stem cut into sections, then dried in sun10 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed26; seed18; easy from seed10, 34 |
| Range | naturalized Ukraine, nankinensis (Lour.) nat. E US23; naturalized throughout US18; Hebei, Shanxi, Hiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdon, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan, escaped weed into eastern China , eastern US from MA to FLA west to TX and IA10; hills and mountains of central and southern Japan[58], sunny and fertile situations in China[147]40; widely naturalized elsewhere after introduction. Widely naturalized in the SE United States, where it is weedy34 |
| Seed Viability Time | seed has a short viability and should be used when less than a year old[206]40 |
| Seedling Care | give the plants some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 32,0000; 27,00026 |
| Site Preference | anywhere, everywhere |
| Soil Ph | acid soil with a pH between 5.5 and 640; 5.3-6.334 |
| Soil Requirements | grows best in moist, rich, well-drained soil but grows anywhere10; light-med, well-drained40; light, well-drained, moderately rich loam34 |
| Spacing | 6-12”26; 2ft10 |
| Species | frutescens |
| Stem Description | erect, st square, branched, densely pubescent18; many-branched10; erect, branched34 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 40; full to part sun18, 10; does equally well under full sun or partial shade34 |
| Transplanting Req Est | thin when 2” tall10; prick out the seedlings into trays or individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer[200, K]40 |
| Synonyms | Perilla ocimoides. L. |
| Binomial Name | Phytolacca americana |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | triterpenoid spaonins, lectins, proteins, resin, and mucilage24; Shoots (Dry weight): Water: 0 Calories: 274 Protein: 31 Fat: 4.8 Carbohydrate: 44 Ash: 20.2 Calcium: 631 Phosphorus: 524 Iron: 20.2 VitaminA: 62 Thiamine: 0.95 Riboflavin: 3.93 Niacin: 14.3 VitaminC: 1619 Source: [218]40 |
| Bloom | July-Aug37; Aug-Sept40 |
| Bloom Date | 06/03/98 to 07/02/99 |
| Cautions | plant is highly toxic in overdose, Use only under professional supervision, do not take during pregnancy24; fresh or insufficiently cooked plant is poisonous, particularly the root, seeds in berries also poisonous, hazardous to children37; The leaves are poisonous[21, 62, 76, 95]. They are said to be safe to eat when young, the toxins developing as the plants grow older. Another report says that the seeds and root are poisonous. The plant sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive people and has also been known to damage chromosomes[222], All parts of the plant are toxic, an excess causing diarrhoea and vomiting[238]. This remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]40; root and berries are toxic32 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Phytolacca americana pokeweed, poke Growing to 12 ft in clearings of damp woodlands from Maine to Florida and west to Mexico, this perennial with purple stalks and large lance-shaped green leaves fruits in clusters of small black-purple berries Sept-Nov. Poisonous and staining red when handled. Stratify seed for 3 mo at 40F, before planting in moist, rich loam early spring. Germination in 2 wks. Thin to 4 ft. Difficult to transplant after second season but does well with root division in spring or fall. Self-sowing. Harvest shoots when tender and young, root in late fall when dormant. Young poke shoots are cooked and eaten like asparagus. Dried root traditionally used as antiviral, antiinflammatory, auto-immune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis. Fresh root poulticed for bruises and rheumatism. Berries used as red ink and short-lived dye. All parts violently toxic, always cook young leaves and shoots before eating, do not use during pregnancy, sap causes contact dermatitis and chromosomal damage,berries hazardously enticing to children. Use only under supervision of trained practictioner. |
| Cultivation Notes | fast growing, Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. Succeeds in an open woodland garden[200], growing well under trees[20], A very ornamental plant[1], it often self sows when in a suitable position[200], This plant is an alternative host to a number of viral diseases that affect members of the Amaryllidaceae, Liliaceae (broad view, including plants recently [1992] moved into separate families) and Solanaceae[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]40; plant in summer to grow through winter and harvest following summer32 |
| Days to Germinate | 5-16days33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | outdoor sowing in a seed bed, grow the plants on in the seedbed for their first year and plant them out the following spring40; sow mid-summer32 |
| Family | Phytolaccaceae |
| Fruit | black-purple berry with red juice18; clusters of round, purple berries containing crimson juice37; fruit is a berry about 12mm in diameter[200]40 |
| Functions/Uses | young shoots when about 6” high often used as a pot herb, but cooking water muxt be discarded, since the plant is more or less poisonous in all parts18; anodyne, cathartic, most commonly used for laxative properties, dried root applied to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, treat rheumatism, adn arthritis, adn conbat skin parasites and diseases, juice of fruit used to treat cancer, hemorrhoids, and tremors, sprouts of young plnts sometimes eaten as pot-herb after being boiled with 2 changes of water37; Edible Uses: leaves, fruit, colouring: leaves - they must be cooked and even then it is best to change the water once[1, 2, 4, 33, 95]. They are used like spinach[183]. Only the young leaves should be used since they become toxic with age[102]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young shoots - cooked[20, 33, 62, 102]. An asparagus substitute[183], they are delicious[159]. The shoots are sometimes blanched before using, or forced in cellars to provide an early crop[183]. The tender clear inner portion of the stem can be rolled in cornmeal and fried[183]. Although cultivated on a small scale in N. America for its shoots, caution is advised, see notes above. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Fruit - cooked and used in pies[159, 213]. Poisonous raw, causing vomitting and diarrhea. Even the cooked fruits should be viewed with caution. A red dye is obtained from the fruit and used as a food colouring[183], Medicinal Uses: antiviral, homeopathy, cancer, antiinflammatory, purgative, narcotic, hypnotic, expectorant, cathartic, anodyne, alterative: root is alterative, anodyne, antiinflammatory, cathartic, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative[4, 21, 46, 61, 165, 192, 238]. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug[238]. It contains potent antiinflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division[238]. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis[238]. The dried root is used as an anodyne and antiinflammatory[213]. The root is taken internally in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis), tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh, bronchitis etc[238]. The fresh root is used as a poultice on bruises, rheumatic pains etc, whilst a wash made from the roots is applied to swellings and sprains[222]. The fruit has a similar but milder action to the roots[238].The juice is used in the treatment of cancer, haemorrhoids and tremors[213]. A poultice made from the fruit is applied to sore breasts[222]. A tea made from the fruit is used in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery etc[222]. The plant has an unusually high potassium content and the ashes, which contain over 45% caustic potash, have been used as a salve for ulcers and cancerous growths[232]. The leaves are cathartic, emetic and expectorant[222]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root[232]. Its main action is on the throat, breast, muscular tissues and the joints[232]. Other Uses: insecticide, soap, ink: red ink and a dye are obtained from the fruit[46, 50, 57, 100, 102, 159, 169]. A beautiful colour, though it is not very permanent[4]. It makes a good body paint, washing off easily when no longer required, though the slightly toxic nature of the berries should be remembered[K]. The rootstock is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[169]. Cut the root into small pieces and simmer it in boiling water to obtain the soap. The plant is currently (1980) being evaluated for its snail-killing properties[213]40; triterpenoid saponins ar strongly anti-inflammatory, protenins antibviral, adn lectins mitogenic (break up chromosomes), taken internally as a tincture in small amounts to treat rheumatic and arthritic conditions, root used to treat respiratory tract infections, such as sorre throats adn tonsillitis, as well as swollwn glands adn chronic infections, herb sometimes prescribed fro pain and infection of ovaries or testes and as a lymphatic decongestant stimluating clearance of waste products, poultice or ointment, applied to sore and infected nipples adn breasts, acne, folliculitis, fungal infections, and scabies24 |
| Genus | Phytolacca |
| Germination Light | not a factor33 |
| Germination notes | heat-dependent germinator32; germination failed for seed sown at 70F without 3mo at 40F or with fresh seed33 |
| Germination Temp | germs at either 70F or 40F after 3 mo wet at 40F33 |
| Greenhouse Req | sow autumn or spring in a cold frame[200]40 |
| Habitat | damp soils along edges of woods37; damp rich soils in clearings, woodland margins and roadsides[43]40; thrives in damp woodland and open areas24 |
| Hardiness | Whilst the dormant plant is hardy in much of Britain, the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs large, alternate, simple, oblong- to -ovate-lanceolate, to 6(-14)” long18; alternate, simple, entire oblong or ovate-lanceolate and acute or acuminate37 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America, native americans and European settlers24 |
| Moisture Req | moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | March or October. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the rootstock, making sure that each section has at least one growth bud. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer40 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Spring or Autumn2 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | best harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[238]40, harvested when dormant, after 1st or second year of growth32; roots unearthed in late autumn24 |
| Opt Planting Time | plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, or direct-seed in early spring40 |
| Origin | L |
| Parts Used | roots, leaves, fruit18, 28; root24 |
| Preparation | dried root or leave, berries without seeds in infusion or decoction, itbsp root or leaves with 1 pint water, take 1 tsp at a time, as tincture, take 2-5 drops37 |
| Propagation Method | seeds18, 40; extra care32 |
| Range | ME to FL,to TX37; Northern and Central N. America, occasionally naturalized in Britain[17]40 |
| Root Description | large, poisonous18; large, fleshy covered with a thin, brown bark37; large-rooted28 |
| Root Storage Pref | Cut into Short Lenghts or Slices and Dried2 |
| Scarification | none noted, seed coat must be removed33 |
| Seed Description | ripe Sept-Nov40 |
| Seedling Care | when they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter40 |
| Soil Requirements | succeeding in most soils[1], though preferring a moisture retentive soil40 |
| Spacing | 4ft32 |
| Species | americana |
| Stem Description | herb with unpleasant odor18; green when young, purplish later, to 1” diameter37; coarse, st often red at base28 |
| Stratification | 3 months at 40F using dry seed on wet paper towel that had been stored for 6 months33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade40 |
| Type | Both Chinese and Indigenous |
| Synonyms | Phytolacca decandra |
| Binomial Name | Rehmannia glutinosa (=Digitalis glutinosa Gaertn., Rehmannia chinensis Libosch. ex Fisch. et Mey) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | catlpol, sugars and amino acids16; nammitol, beta-sitosterol, catalpol, and rhemannin, and vitamin A10 |
| Bloom | spring23 |
| Bloom Date | May 12, 1998, 04/29/99 to 06/01/99 |
| Cautions | if used in large dosed over a long period of time, the herb is know to cause loose stools and abdominal distention. Considered safe10 |
| Cultivation Notes | not commercially produced on soils planted the previous year in cotton, corn, or soybeans, also, a rehmannia crop is not planted on the same ground twice until it has been fallowed or rotated with other crops, flower buds pinched off as they develop to return more energy to the roots. After rain, plant is susceptible to fungal infections and usually hosed down with water as prevention10 |
| Family | Gesneriaceae or Scrophulariaceae |
| Functions/Uses | actions vary depending on preparation: fresh root is used as an antipyretic to eliminate pathological heat in blood and to promote the secretion fo body fluids for the treatment of fidgetiness, thirst, esanthesis or rash eruptions, spitting blood, epistaxis, hematuria and sore throats due to the existence of pathological heat in febrile diseases, dried root used to nourish the vital essence, as an antipyretic to eliminate pathological heat in blood and to stop bleeding for the treatment of fidgetiness, exanthesis or rash eruptions, low fever due to deficiency of vital essence, diabetes, spitting blood, epistaxis, hematuria, and uterine bleeding, prepared root used to replenish the vital essence of the kidney and to nourish the blood for the treatment of dizziness, tinnitus, lumbago and atony of knees, dry mouth, seminal emission, amenorrhea and uterine bleeding due to deficiency of vital essence and blood16; sweet, slightly warm affinity to hearth. liver, kidneys, tonic to blood, nourished yin, hemostatic, for blood deficiency, dizziness, hearth palpitations insominia, dysmenorhoea, menorrhagia, kidney-yin deficiency, nocturnal sweats, spermatorrhoea, diabetes, the fresh root is refrigerant to blood and mourished yin, the steamed root is exclusively used to tonify blood and nourish yin19; dried rehmannia, nourished yin, dispels heat, cools blood, stops bleeding and nourished blood, fresh rehmannia- dispels heat, cools blood, increases saliva, prepared rehmannnia- nourished yin, enriches blood, regulates menses, dired rehmannia used for vexation due to febrile diseases, measles, low fever due to yin deficiency, diabetes, nosebleed, bloody uring, uterine bleeding, dry mouth, thrist, vomiting of blood due to blood with heat, restless fetus, and constipation due to damaged yuin, it is believed to nourish and replenish depleted viatal energy (ch’i). Fresh rehmannia is used fro febvrile diseases with damaged uin to treat very high tempertures that casue vaxation, thirst, red tongure, blurred thought, or loss of conscousness, and couging with blood, diabetes, uterine bleeding, measles, vomiting with bleeding, nosebleeds, blodddy uring, sore throat, constipation, and bloody stool. Prepared rehmannia is used for loss of blood, yin deficiency , lower back pain with kidney deficiency from overwork ( it replenished the viatl essence of the kidenys), lumbago, cough, hectic ever, diabetes, urinary incontinence, deafness, uterine bleeding, vertigo, tinnitus, and for regulating menstrual flow, one of the 50 most important herbs of China, used in plyherbal prescriptions for the treatment of diabetes, as well as for gynecological disorders, crude root used in treatment of anemia and as a blood tonic. Externally juice of the fresh root is app;ied to cuts and wounds to help stop bleeding. Teh pwdered dried root, combined with powdered mint leaves, has been decocted and tehn drunk as a traditional treatment for nosebleeds. Fresh or dried root have been shown to have an experimental protective effect on teh liver, helping to prevent the depletion of gycogen stored in teh liver. Laboratory experiments show tha tthe fresh root has an antifungal effect, over the last 60 years, various research growups have studied the abiltiy of the herb to lower glucose levels, but without substantial evidence. INjectable preparations used in China for rheumatoid arthritis. Prepared of steamed root useful in treatment of hypertension. Cardiotonic, diuretic, hemostatic, and hypoglycemic. Other uses: leaves used as folk remedy poultic for bad sores or ringworm of the hands and feet, fresh juice of leaves used or breised leaves wer rubbed very lightly on the affected area. For sores of leprosy, sores wer first washed with salt water, then the bruised leaves were applied as poultice, flowers used as folk remedy for diabetes and for lower back pain due to kidney deficiency, seeds dried in shade and powdered are a folk substitute for the root10 |
| Genus | Rehamannia |
| Habitat | grows on hillsides16; waste places in mountains, fields and roadsides10 |
| Hardiness | hardy10 |
| Leaf Description | rosulate, obovate, to 7.5cm, coarsely toothed,23; lvs basal, obovate or elongated elliptical shaped, 3-10cm long and 1.5-4cm wide. Thier margins ar eirregularly dentated and their surfae bullated-reticluate.16; leaves are in a basal rosette (alternated leaves on flowreing stalks), obovate to elliptical, up to 4 “ long and 1 1/2” wide, tapering to a short stalk, with ireregularly, wavy , or sharp-toothed margins, often purplish underneath10 |
| Medicinal Origin | China23 |
| Moisture Req | watered every 3-4 days during dry season, soil is slways kept moderated moist10 |
| Mulch Req | kept well-weeded and cutivated, mulching prevents fungal infection10 |
| Opt Divide Time | April to May1, leaves appear in about 20 days10 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots dug in autumn16; if planted in spring, roots can be dug in fall of the same year, end of Sept through November, Wild harvested in spring10 |
| Origin | UCBBG |
| Parts Used | fresh or dried tuberous roots16; roots19 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Radix Rhemanniae |
| Preparation | 10-30g19; three separate prepared products: gan di huang of dried rehmannia root of freshly harvested roots baked slowly until nearly dry, then kneaded into round balls, fresh di huang of crude newly harvested clean roots, and shu di huang or prepared rehmannia root which are dried root steamed to a black color and redried. Dosage: dry di huang- 9-15 g (up to 30 to 60 g), used in decoction, extracts, pills, powders, or poultice. Fresh di huang: 12-30 g, decocted, juiced, extract, or poulticed. Prepared di huang: 12-30 g, in decoction, pillls, powders, extracts or tinctures10 |
| Processing Req | rhizomes and rootlets removed and washed clean, fresh roots slowly baked to nearly dry and kneaded into rounded masses, sometimes then steamed to a black color then dried (prepared rehmannia root)16; rootlets removed, main rhizome washed and cleaned. IN order to maintain a high-quality product, when digging the root care is taken not to puncture the cortex10 |
| Propagation Method | rhizome, sections of rhizome with 2-3 buds, each about 1 1/4 to 2 1/4” long ar cut for planting, also from seed or stem cuttings made from basal shoots, shoots develop after flowers stalks die back in older plants10 |
| Range | most parts of China16 |
| Root Description | fusiform or elongated, about 9-15cm long and 1-6cm in diameter, orange yellow color internally and its texture is brittle with short fractures, fracture surface is yellow, with orange-red oily dots and radiated striations, slight odor and tastes slightly sweet and bitter16 |
| Root Storage Pref | fresh roots are heeled in sand then covered with dry soil, up to 3 mo, washed and sliced for use as needed10 |
| Soil Ph | does not like high alkalinity10 |
| Soil Requirements | rich, friable, well-drained sandy soil. Soil should be cultivated to a depth of 1ft, does not do well in high alkaline or poorly drained soil10 |
| Spacing | rows spaced 1 to 2 ft apart, with 6” between plants10 |
| Species | glutinosa |
| Stem Description | viscid, erect23; hairy16; pubescent-hirsute10 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun10 |
| Binomial Name | Rumex acetosella |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | oxalates and anthraquinones (including chrysophanol, emodin, and physcion)24 |
| Bloom | Apr-sept28; May-Aug40 |
| Cautions | do not take if tendency to develop kidney stones24; may cause poisoning in large doses, due to high oxalic acid and tannin content28; Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238]40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Rumex acetosella sheep’s sorrel Eurasian native now common throughout grassy pastures of the US, perennial to 1ft, lifts a branching flowering stalk, May-Aug, with tiny flowers turning green to red from a base of arrow-shaped leaves. Attractive. Tough prostrate or subsurface stems (stolons) produce new plants. Easy from seed, spring or fall, in moist acidic soil and full sun. Thin to 8-12”, control invasive tendency by stolon removal. Gather aerial parts in early summer when young and healthy. Attracts butterflies, food plant for caterpillars. Seed, root, and leaf considered edible in small quantities, use leaf in salads and as soup thickener. Medicinally used to treat scurvy, fever, excessive menstrual bleeding and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Ingredient of Native American cancer remedy essiac. High oxalic acid and tannin content leaches calcium and can aggravate arthritis, gout, kidney stones and rheumatism. |
| Cultivation Notes | fls, seeds go dormant in early summer32; good food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies[24, 30], it grows well in the summer meadow[24]40 |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Fruit | achene, 3-angled18 |
| Functions/Uses | source of tannin, in dried floral arrangements18; in isolation anthraquinones are irritant and have laxative effect, detoxifying, fresh juice having pronounced diuretic effect, like other dock, it is mildly laxative, may be effective in treating long-term disease of gastro-intestinal tract, salad vegetable, ingredient of anticancer remedy essiac (Native American formula) that also includes Arctium lappa, Ulmus rubra, and Rheum palmatum24; leaf tea traditionally used for fevers, inflammation, scurvy, fr leaves considered cooling, diuretic, leaves poulticed (after roasting) for tumors, wens (sebaceous cysts); folk cancer remecy, root tea used for diarrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding28; edible uses: Seed; Root; Leaves; Drink: leaves - raw or cooked[4, 12, 55, 62, 183]. A delicious lemon-like flavour, most people consider them too strong to use in quantity, but they are excellent as a flavouring in mixed salads[K]. The leaves should only be used in small quantities due to the oxalic acid content. The leaves can be used as thickeners in soups etc[102], they can also be dried for later use[12]. Root - cooked. It can be dried, ground into a powder and made into noodles[105]. Seed - raw or cooked[172]. Easy to harvest, but the seed is rather small and fiddly to use[K]. A drink similar to lemonade (but without the fizz) is made by boiling up the leaves[102]. Medicinal Uses: Poultice; Diuretic; Astringent: whole plant, used in the fresh state, is diaphoretic, diuretic and refrigerant[222]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers, inflammation and scurvy[222]. The leaf juice is useful in the treatment of urinary and kidney diseases[4]. A leaf poultice is applied to tumours, cysts etc, and is a folk treatment for cancer[222]. tea made from the roots is astringent and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and excessive menstrual bleeding[222]. Other Uses:Dye: Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots, they do not need a mordant[168]40 |
| Germination Temp | germinates readily in cold or warm soils32 |
| Habitat | meadows and grassy slopes18; open areas and meadows24; grassy pastures, wasteland32; heaths and acid grasslands[17]40 |
| Hardiness | tolerates maritime exposure40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs petioled, sessile in upper part, 1 “ long, entire or with spreading triangular lobes at base18; arrow-shaped24, 28 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe and North America28 |
| Moisture Req | moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | division in spring40 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | 1-2years after seeding18; aerial parts gathered in early summer24; harvest green plant when young and succulent32 |
| Opt Planting Time | sow autumn or spring in situ40 |
| Parts Used | aerial parts24; leaves, root28 |
| Pollination Req | wind, not self-pollinating, male and female fls borne on separate plants40 |
| Propagation Method | easy by seed18, 32; seed or division40 |
| Range | introduced to US28 |
| Root Description | spreading by slender rootstock18; interconnected by tough stolons32 |
| Seed Description | ripens Jul-Sept40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 80,00032 |
| Soil Ph | weed of acid soils[17, 55], although a plant of acid soils, it can tolerate some alkalinity[17]40 |
| Soil Requirements | any garden soil18; succeeds in most soils[37], preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil40 |
| Stem Description | leafy, usually grooved18; slender, low-growing24; slender, smooth, sour tastin28 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | transplant in spring, grows best in cold32 |
| US Govt Restrictions | prohibited for sale in AL, AZ, AR, CT, GA, IA, KS, KE, LA, |
| Binomial Name | Ruta graveolens |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | alkaloids: arborine, arborinine, graveoline, graveolinine, and gamma-fagarine, 24 coumarins: bergapten, psorsalen, rutamarin, umbelliferone, flavanoids: quercitin, rutin12 |
| Bloom | Jun-Sep40; spring-fall12 |
| Bloom Date | May 12, 1998; 05/05/99 |
| Cautions | juice can cause contact dermatitis12; Can be toxic when taken internally. Do not take during pregnancy, used only under care of physician. Handling fresh herb can cause dermal photosensitivity26; causes dermatitis in some persons18; All parts of this plant are poisonous in large quantities[19]. It should not be used at all by pregnant women since it can induce abortions[165]. The sap contains furanocoumarins, sensitizing the skin to light and causing blistering or dermatitis in sensitive people[200]40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Ruta graveolens rue, herb-of-grace Hardy, drought and pest tolerant perennial, bushy, to 3ft native to the Mediterranean. Graceful blue-green deeply dissected leaves lend rue the name, herb-of-grace. Blooms in combs of yellow, May-Sept. Direct seed in well-drained limey poor soil in spring under full sun. Loves rocks and dry conditions. Grows larger in hotter climes. Hardy to -20F. Good companion of roses and raspberries. Harvest leaves just before flowering. European tradition, rue used as red dye, perfumery, moth repellent (dried leaves), medicinally as stimulant, antispasmodic, mild sedative, antidote, anti-aphrodisiac, abortifacient. Lethally toxic, do not use during pregnancy, internal use is not advised, dermal blisters result when plant alkaloids contact skin under sun exposure. |
| Cultivation Notes | Plants can be grown for ground cover when planted about 45cm apart each way[208]. They can be trimmed back in spring to keep them bushy[208], Rue is a poor companion plant for many other species, growing badly with sage, cabbage and sweet basil[14, 18, 20, 201]. It is a good companion for roses and raspberries[201], plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]40 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-1426; 15-19 days32 |
| Direct Sowing Req | from seed, germs readily and self-sows freely12; best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200], it can also be sown in early to mid spring in a cold frame[14, 27]40; sow in flats in spring32 |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Fruit | a 4- or 5-lobed capsule18 |
| Functions/Uses | warming, used as antispasmodic26; used medicinally and as a condiment18; Edible Uses: Rutin; Tea; Leaves; Condiment: Leaves - raw or used as a seasoning[2, 7, 19, 21, 27, 89]. It is occasionally eaten in salads[4], but is strongly aromatic and slightly toxic, so should only be used in small quantities[7, 19, 148, 183]. The taste is strong and bitter[238]. The leaves contain rutin, which has a beneficial effect upon the ciculatory system[218]. The leaves can be brewed into a tea[183]. Medicinal Uses: Rubefacient; Homeopathy; Haemostatic; Antidote; Antiinflammatory; Stomachic; Stimulant; Ophthalmic; Expectorant; Emmenagogue; Emetic; Carminative; Antispasmodic; Anthelmintic; Abortifacient: Rue has a long history of use as a domestic remedy, being especially valued for its strengthening action on the eyes[4]. The plant contains flavonoids (notably rutin) that reduce capillary fragility, which might explain the plants reputation as an eye strengthener[238]. Some caution is advised in its use internally, however, since in large doses it is toxic and it can also cause miscarriages[4, 7, 238]. The whole herb is abortifacient, anthelmintic, antidote, antispasmodic, carminative, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, ophthalmic, rubefacient, strongly stimulant, mildly stomachic and uterotonic[4, 7, 21, 165, 218]. The tops of fresh shoots are the most active medicinally, fresh or dried[4]. An infusion is used in the treatment of hysterical affections, coughs, flatulence etc[4]. The juice of the plant has been used in treating earaches and chewing a leaf or two is said to quickly bring relief from giddyness, nervous headaches, palpitations etc[4]. An alkaloid found in the plant is abortifacient, antiinflammatory and antispasmodic[218]. A homeopathic remedy is obtained from the fresh herb, [232]. This is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints including eye strain, headache and sprains[232]. Other Uses: Ground cover; Strewing; Essential; Repellent; Dye: The growing or the dried plant can be used to repel insects, it is most useful when the plant is grown near roses and raspberries[4, 14, 18, 20, 148]. The dried herb can also be put in the linen cupboard to repel moths[14, 18]. The growing plant is also said to repel cats[20]. A red dye is obtained from the plant[148]. An essential oil is obtained from the leaves and young shoots, it is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring[61]. The plant was formerly used as a strewing herb[148]40; limited culinary use, in minute amounts to salads, as flavoring to pickles, bitter like black pepper, primary action as antispasmodic for smooth muscles, antispasmodic action attibuted to alkaloids arborine and arborinine, coumarin retamarin and essential oil, as a diaphoretic, antispasmodic, emmenagogic, stimulative, mild sedcative, anaphrodisiac, and aboritfacient (uterine-stimulant), expels worms, breaks fevers, and colds, relieves toothache, antidote for insect and snakebites, drank as a tea to produce abortion within 24hours, also brings digestive pain, delirium, tremors, death, arbortifacient dose is toxic12 |
| Genus | Ruta |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26 |
| Habitat | rocks, old walls and dry hills, mainly on limestone[89]40 |
| Hardiness | hardy18; established plants are drought tolerant[190]. hardy to about -10°c, possibly to lower temperaturesr when it is grown in a dry soil[187]40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs alternate, 2-3-pinnately dissected, glandular-dotted, lf segments oblong or spatulate, to 1/2” long18; evergreen40; finely divided, fern-like, alterante, dissected into oblong or spatula shapes, up to 1/2” long, smooth, glaucous, bluish green, dotted with oil glands12 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe, Meditteranean12 |
| Moisture Req | dry to moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring12; cuttings of young shoots in late spring[1]. cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200]. Very easy[K]. Layering in early summer. Old plants often self-layer[200]40 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | gathered before the plant flowers, harvested in early summer shortly before flowering begins40, 12 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26; Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts40 |
| Parts Used | leaves40,12 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; seed or division18; seed40; stem cuttings, root division, seed12 |
| Range | Southern Europe, grown in herb gardens18; S. Europe40; nat in south and south-central Erope12 |
| Seed Description | ripens Aug-Oct40 |
| Seedling Care | When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 14,00026 |
| Soil Ph | Likes some lime in the soil[11]40; 6.8-812 |
| Soil Requirements | not particular, poor, well-drained12; well drained, poor, succeeds in any soil but is hardier in a poor dry soil[4, 37, 200], prefers a well-drained or rocky soil[20040 |
| Spacing | 12-24”26; 3ft in south, 1ft in north12 |
| Species | graveolens |
| Stem Description | aromatic, pungent, glabrous, glaucous, subshrub18; woody12 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 12; full sun to part shade40 |
| Binomial Name | sagalus membranaceus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | asparagine, calcyosin, formononetin, astragalosides, kumatakenin, sterols24 (1) plant pigments: formononetin, astaisoflavan, astrapterocarpan, 3’-hydroxyformononetin, 2’,3’-dihydroxy- 7, 4’-dimethoxyisoflavone, 7,3’-dihydroxy-9,10- dimethoxypterocarpane, isliquiritigenin; (2) sugars: D-glucose, D-fructose, sucrose; (3) linoleic acid, linoleinic acid, B-sitosterol, betaine, choline, astragaloside I-VII, isoastragaloside, I, II, soyasaponin I15; astragalan I-III, linoleic acid, aminobutyric acid and delta-beta-asparagine34 |
| Cautions | none |
| Catalog Prose | Yellow vetch Milk Vetch Root Huang-Qi This beautiful, herbaceous, short-lived perennial is one of the most important plants we grow. Astragalus is best started in mid-February in a small cell. The seed needs to be scratched between two pieces of fine sandpaper, then planted. It likes to be bottom-watered while small. A hardy transplant, it will make pea-like pods containing seeds in late summer the first year. We make an annual planting of the “Yellow Emperor.” Each year it becomes larger and more woody, sprawling up to three feet. Harvest for root by the fourth year. A superior tonic root in Chinese medicine, Astragalus strengthens the body’s surface resistance and is said to invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. As an immune system stimulant and protector of adrenal cortical function, it shows promise for cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, as well as for environmental allergies. 2-3 feet. Deep, sandy, well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil. Full sun. Scarify seed. ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS Yellow vetch, Milk Vetch Root Huang-Qi Chinese native perennial, 2-3 ft tall, sprawling, yellow pea-like flowers in late summer. Start indoors mid-Feb. Plant out after last spring frost or direct seed. Germination of 5-7 days with scarification or overnight soak. Cover with less than 1/2” soil, water well. Full sun, deep, sandy, well-drained soil. Thin to 2 ft when seedlings have 4-6 leaves. Harvest root in autumn of year 3 Sun dry. A superior tonic root in Chinese medicine, “Yellow Emperor” strengthens the immune system and invigorates chi. 1999 Astragalus membranaceus milk vetch root, huang qi Chinese native perennial, 2-3 ft tall, sprawling, yellow pea-like flowers in late summer. Start indoors mid-Feb. Plant out after last spring frost or direct seed. Germination of 5-7 days with scarification or overnight soak. Cover with less than 1/2” soil, water well. Full sun, deep, sandy, well-drained soil. Thin to 2 ft when seedlings have 4-6 leaves. Harvest root in autumn of year three. Sun dry. A superior tonic root in Chinese medicine gaining popularity in the West. “Yellow Emperor” strengthens the immune system and invigorates chi. |
| Cultivation Notes | adaptable to growing conditions, easy to cultivate, roots may rot in poor drained soil10 |
| Days to Bloom | 180 |
| Days to Germinate | 5-7 days if scarified, 2-3 wks if not, fall planted seed will germinate spring10; 7-1026 |
| Direct Sowing Req | cover with >1/2” soil and keep well watered10 |
| Disease and Insect Problems | browning on tips of leaves in spring |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Fruit | papery, two-valved pod with short dark hairs10; 2-locular pod34 |
| Functions/Uses | adaptogenic, immune stimulant, diuretic, vasodilator, antiviral, tonic, increase stamina and endurance, improve resistance to cold, blood tonic. Research: diuretic, lowers blood pressure, increases endurance, restore normal immune function in cancer patients24, tonifying effects, considered a ch’i tonic, diuretic effect, nephritis effect especially in treating proteuria and delaying high blood cholesterol, cardiotonic effect by increasing contraction of normal hearts, vasodilation effects improving blood circulation of skin and enhancing nutrition, antibacterial effect with action on Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus haemolyticus, Diplococcus pheumonia, Staphlococcus aureus, hypertensive effects by lowering blood pressure15; root decocted and used in numerous prescriptions in combination with other drugs for its tonic, diuretic, and antipyretic activity. Used for colds, fevers, weakness, senility, general debility, diabetes, anorexia, arthritis, rheumatism, and many other conditions. Possesses prophylactic affect in chronic bronchitis. Extracts of the drug are hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and bactericidal. Extracts are used as a folk cancer remedy. The root is considered an immune system modulator and is currently used in China in conjunction with cancer patients receiving chemotherapy to help strengthen their immune systems34 |
| Genus | Astragalus |
| Germination Info | Difficult Without Scarification, Fall Planted Seeds Germ. in Spring3 |
| Germination Light | diffused10; dark preferred26 |
| Germination Temp | 60Ý-80ÝF |
| Greenhouse Req | Normal Temperature Range |
| Habitat | grows along margins of forest, in shrub thickets, thin open woods, and grasslands near forest margins10; grows in gravelly slopes34 |
| Indication for Harvest | after leaves have turned brown or dropped |
| Leaf Description | herbaceous, lvs alternate, dividing into 12-24 oval to elliptical-shaped leaflets, stipules lance shaped10; leaves alternate, odd-pinnate; leaflets elliptical, 18-2434 |
| Medicinal Origin | China10 |
| Moisture Req | keep well watered10 |
| Opt Divide Time | None |
| Opt Harvest Time | Spring or Autumn, usually autumn10 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | N/A |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots of 4-yr-old plant harvested in autumn24, 4th or 5th yr, usually autumn, sometimes spring10; after 4 or 5 yr26 |
| Opt Planting Time | planted after last spring frost, or the previous fall10, spring or autumn24; Spring or Fall26 |
| Origin | Qingpu Hort. Co. |
| Parts Used | Dried Root24, Chinese consider cult. root superior to wild10; root34 |
| Plant height | sprawling up to three feet, 2-3 feet |
| Pollination Req | By Insects |
| Processing Req | lateral rootlets removed, crown cut off, and main root dried in sun until 60-70% dry. Roots sorted by size and straightened, tied into bundles, before 100% dry, sliced lengthwise into pieces 3/16” thick. If already dry, covered with moist cloth to be sliced10 |
| Propagation Method | seed10,24,34; direct seed or transplant26; |
| Range | N. Province of Heilongjiang, South to Shandong Peninsula10 |
| Root Description | yellow |
| Scarification | nick with small file or sand paper10, 26 |
| Seed Description | hard, dark-brown, kidney shaped, 1/8”10 |
| Seed Storage Req | Cold Storage (44 F), Low Humidity |
| Seeds per OZ | 370026 |
| Soil Ph | Normal Range |
| Soil Requirements | deep, sandy, well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil10, sandy, well-drained soil24; soil should be light and porous and well-drained34 |
| Spacing | 2’ in row, 2’ row alternately spaced, when seedlings 4-6 lvs, thin to 1ft10; 8”26 |
| Species | membranaceus |
| Stem Description | herbaceous with sprawling stem34 |
| Stratification | soaking overnight in warm water will enhance germination after strat10; soak seeds in warm water overnight to hasten germination34 |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun24, 26,34 |
| Transplanting Req Est | after seedlings develop 6 leaves10; plant in permanent place, does not like to be transplanted34 |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Salvia lyrata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | summer23; Apr-Jun28; Jul-Aug40; May-June13 |
| Bloom Date | May 19, 1998, 04/25/99 to 06/22/99 |
| Cautions | None known40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Salvia lyrata cancerweed, lyre-leaved sage Lyre shaped leaves surround base which sends a flowering stalk branching into whorls of blue-purple, 1” flowers, May-June. Perennial to 2ft, cancerweed is native to southeastern US, hardy to -20F. Naturally occurring in dry, rocky soils, seed can be sown in spring after an optional 3 month stratification at 40F. Keep moist after sowing. Germination in 2 weeeks. Prefers well-drained sandy loam and full sun, thin to 16”. After established withstands dry, hot climates or wet spring deluge. Deer resistant. Attracts bees. Harvest leaves in summer, root when dormant. Fresh leaves poulticed to remove warts, applied every 12 hours for several days. Root used by Native Americans for sores, whole plant for colds, cough, asthma, constipation, folk cancer remedy. |
| Cultivation Notes | Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet[200], members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]40 |
| Days to Germinate | 2 weeks40 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | 4-ovoid, 3-angled nutlet18 |
| Functions/Uses | crushed leaves used to remove warts37; Am. Indians used root in slave for sores, whole plant tea used for colds, coughs, nervous debility, with honey for asthma, mildly laxative adn diaphoretic, folk remedy for cancer and warts28; Medicinal Uses: Laxative; Diaphoretic; Salve; Warts: The plant is diaphoretic and mildly laxative[222]. The fresh leaves are applied to remove warts[207]. The plant is also a folk remedy for cancer[222]. The leaves and seeds are made into an ointment to cure wounds and sores[207]. Another report says that the roots are used[222]40; fresh leaves will, when bruised and applied to warts, generally destroy the, the application to be cnotinued for a day or two, adn renewed every 12 hours, it is also reputed to have cured cancers13 |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Greenhouse Req | sow March/April in a greenhouse[200]40 |
| Habitat | dry or stony site18; dry woodlands37; sandy soils, lawns28,40; shady woods, meadows13 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -20 TO -10 F; -28.8 TO -23.4 C23 |
| Leaf Description | basal lvs to 8cm, lyrate, toothed to erose, membranous, pubsc., cauline lvs few, lyrate to pinnatifid, undulate to lobed, seg. orbicular23; forming rosettes, lvs basal, obovate, spring lvs opposite, lyrate-pinnatifid to sinuate, later summer lvs nearly entire18; lyre-shaped basal leaves37; leaves mostly basal, oblong, cleft,(dandelion-like), edges rounded28; radical leaves obovate, lyre-shaped or sinuate-pinnatifid, sometimes almost entire, and petiolate, cauline leaves mostly , but 1 0r 2 pairs, just below raceme, smaller adn narrower than the radical13 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Moisture Req | dry to moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season[200]. |
| Opt Planting Time | spring40 |
| Parts Used | leaves40, 13 |
| Pollination Req | bees40 |
| Propagation Method | seed, cuttings40 |
| Range | Pa. to Fla, TX to se. Kansas, Ill28; Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Florida, west to Texas and Illinois40; Canada-Fla13 |
| Seedling Care | keep moist when young32 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained, sandy loam40 |
| Spacing | 16”0 |
| Species | Lyrata |
| Stem Description | herb, erect, sparsely branched, pubesc23; square in cross-section18; erect, quadrangular, nearly leafless, branching and covered with hairs pointing downward13 |
| Stratification | cold, moist may help32 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer40 |
| Binomial Name | Salvia miltiorrhiza |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | pigments, derivateives of phenanthrenequinones, namely Tanshinone I, IIA, IIB, cryptotanshinone, adn also salbiol, protocatechuyl aldehyde and vitamin E |
| Bloom Date | May 12, 1998; 05/12/99 |
| Days to Germinate | 15-203 |
| Direct Sowing Req | In August or April, After Frost3 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | nutlets oblong16 |
| Functions/Uses | used to relieve pain and regulate menstruation by promoting blood circulation and eliminated blood stasis, also as a sedative for the treatment of menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, extra-uterine gestation, hepatosplenomegaly, angina pecoris, fidget, insomnia, carbuncles, and ulcers16 |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Germination Info | Can be Sown Indoors Before Last Frost3 |
| Habitat | roadside ditches, sunny hillsides or ate the borders of woods over most parts of China16 |
| Indication for Harvest | Dormancy |
| Leaf Description | lvs opposite and are imparipinately divided, 5 sometimes 3, or 7 leaflets are ovate shaped, 2-7cm long and 0.8 -1.5 cm wide16 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Opt Divide Time | Early Spring Before Leaf3 |
| Opt Harvest Time | While Plant is Dormant, Fall or Spring |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots dug in spring or autumn16 |
| Opt Planting Time | After Last Frost |
| Parts Used | dried root16 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Radix Salviae Mitiorrhizae |
| Processing Req | roots cleaned and dried16 |
| Range | China |
| Root Description | subcylindrical, slightly curved and branched, 10-20cm long and 3-10mm in diameter, often bear a short rootstock at the top, to which is often attached the aerial stems, surface is brownish-red, with longitudinal wrinkles, old roots are purplish-brown with a rough surface which easily exfoliates, their texture is hard and brittle, and the fractured surface is porous with fissures, the outer part is brownish red and the central part grayish yellow or purplish brown, a slight odor and tastes slightly bitter and astringent16 |
| Root Storage Pref | Cut off Lateral Rootlets and Dry in Sun3 |
| Scarification | None |
| Seedling Care | Side Dress with Manure 2-3 Times Durring Season3 |
| Soil Ph | Normal Range |
| Soil Requirements | Moist, Sandy, Rich |
| Spacing | 1’ 3 |
| Species | miltorhizza |
| Stratification | None |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Sanguinaria canadensis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | benzophenanthridine alkaloids, including sanguinarine, chelerythrine12 |
| Bloom | spring, before leaves appear, end of Mar to June12; March-April47 |
| Bloom Date | 3/28/99 to4/4/99 |
| Cautions | toxic alkaloids, not for internal use12 |
| Cultivation Notes | soil pH and location effect alkaloid content of root12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | in well-prepared woodland seedbed, 1/2” beneath surface12; |
| Family | Papaveraceae- |
| Functions/Uses | Cherokees used in tiny doses of root in treatment of lung inflammation, croup, coughs, and externally as a wash for ulcers and sores. Iroquios used roots as emetic, a cold remedy, for intestinal problems, and externally for sores, and cuts. Ojibwa squeezed a little of fresh root juice onto a lump of maple sugar, letting it melt in the mouth, to treat sore throat, Omaha-Ponca used root as a decorative skin stain and boiled it to make a red dye, for general debility, Delaware ate a pea-sized piece of root each morning for a month, root used as face paint for Delawares’ Big House Ceremony, as a love charm, a bachelor would rub root on palm of his hand, shake hands with the woman he desired to marry, and if the charm was successful, then she would be willing to marry after 5-6 days, used by settlers for a wide variety of purposes, externally dried roots used as a wash to treat ill-conditioned ulcer, as an expectorant ingredient in cough preparations, emetic and carhartic, small dose of fresh root produces heartburn, nausea, faintness, vertigo, diminished vision, and vomiting. Recent use as antiplaque agent for dental-care products, sanguinarine subject to recent research as a broad sprectrum antibacterial agent against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, also experimental antispasmodic and expectorant effects, antigingivitis, a small amount of alkaloid in dentifric and a mouthwash effectively killed bacterial considered important in formation of plaque, well-known follk cancer remedy, and topical products containing plant extracts have beeen used to treat cancer of nose and ear12 |
| Genus | Sanguinaria |
| Habitat | cool, moist, rich, shaded, deciduous woods12 |
| Leaf Description | distinctive, each with undulate, rounded lobes toward the top half of the leaf, whic is usually broader than long, exudes red latex when broken12; disappearing in summer47 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America Native Americans of eastern deciduous forests12 |
| Moisture Req | keep moist12 |
| Opt Divide Time | late summer, early fall, when leaves begin to die back to the ground, each with a bud or eye12 |
| Opt Harvest Time | about one month after flowering pods have to be monitored on a daily basis to collect seeds12; quick to develop, capsules split while still green adn are oftern hidden by leaves, check one month after flowering, when seed starts to turn brown, collect capsules47 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | slow-growing taking 3-4 years before root crop harvest, fall when moisture content is low, highest alkaloid content occurs in flowering and fruiting stage12 |
| Opt Planting Time | must be immediatedly sown before aril dries12; immediately after released from capsule47 |
| Origin | L |
| Processing Req | after collecting seed capsules, place in a plastic bag with 1/4 cup moist soil, and keep them cool until capsules split and release seeds47 |
| Propagation Method | seed, root cutting12 |
| Range | southern New York and New Jersey to northern Florida, west to east TExas and north to Wisconsin and southern Canada12 |
| Root Description | fingerlike rhizome exuding red latex when broken12 |
| Seed Description | elongate seed capsule12 |
| Seed Development Time | about a month after the early spring flowring period ends, seed pods give no outward sign of maturity12 |
| Seed Viability Time | do not store, lose viability if flesh aril (a small white appendage of seed) dried out47 |
| Soil Requirements | high in organic matter, rich in humus, with good drainage, not excessively moist12; rich, high in humus, well-drained47 |
| Spacing | 6”12 |
| Species | canadensis |
| Stem Description | exudes red latex when broken12; |
| Stratification | do not stratify, will rot47 |
| Sun Requirement | full shade, with full sun at beginning of life cycle following woodland leaf cycle12; light to moderate shade, under hardwoods47 |
| Transplanting Req Est | Easy to Transplant from Wild |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Schizonepeta tenuifolia (=Nepeta japonica) |
| Ann/Per | Annual Perennial |
| Active constituents | essential oil 1.98%: d-menthone, dl-menthone, d-limonene, (-)-pulegone15; volatile oil containing menthone and limonen24 |
| Cautions | contraindicated for liver wind pattersn, contraindicated in fully erupted measles or open sores36 |
| Catalog Prose | Schizonepeta tenuifolia Japanese Catnip Jing jie This was the first year we direct-seeded this annual. What a bonus! It grew beautifully large and was covered with a mass of lavender tails that moved with every breeze. The plants were thinned to eight inches but became one powerful mass by the end of November. Non-invasive and well behaved, you must collect the seeds to have it again. The flowers, stems and leaves are pungently bitter and very aromatic. Most often used for sore throats and temperature regulation, it is also used for skin rashes both externally and internally. 1999 Schizonepeta tenuifolia Chinese catnip, jing jie Annual mint, perennial in warmer climes, far east native. A mass of lavender tails that moves with every breeze. Easy. Direct seed in spring in sandy loam and full sun, thin to 8”. By November a thick minty mass. Non-invasive, collect seeds for following year. Flowers, stems and leaves are pungently bitter and very aromatic. Harvest herb in fall. Medicinally cultivated in China, most often used for sore throats, laryngitis, colds and temperature regulation. It is also used for skin rashes and early stages of measles. Current research confirms jing jie’s (dried plant) ability to increase subsurface blood flow and shorten blood coagulation time. Do no use in cases of fully erupted measles or open sores. |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | pungent flavor, mild, warm property, leaves taste similar to Perilla, enters lungs adn liver meridians, traditionally used to dispels wind, resolves surface, controls bleeding applied to fever due to common cold, headache, laryngitis, carbuncles, tumors, postpartum syncope due to blood disorders, epitxis, hematochezia, pharmacology: sudorific and antipyretic effects, antibacterial, antiphlogistic, hemostatic (shortens blood coagulation time)15; acrid, aromatic, slighly warm entering lung and liver, releases exterio and expels wind, used for exterior patterns for either wind cold or wind heat pathogenic influences, also for carbuncles or boils when first erupting, especially accompanied by chills and fever, encourages rash to surface adn alleviates itchin during initial stages of measles and skin eruptions with itchin, stops bleeding, pharm: effect on temperature regualtion, diaphoretic adn increases circulation in subcutanious areas, hemostatic36; in Chinese tradition, jing jie valuied as an aromatic and warming herb, taken to alleviate skin conditions such as boils and itchiness, induces sweating and is used to treat fever and chills and as a remedy for measles, Current rsrch: confirmed ability to increase blood flow in vessels just beneath skin24 |
| Leaf Description | lance-shaped24 |
| Medicinal Origin | China15 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | aerial parts gathered in fall24 |
| Origin | China |
| Parts Used | entire dried plant15; stem or bud36; aerial parts24 |
| Plant height | 1-3 feet |
| Plant spacing | eight inches |
| Preparation | 3 to 9g15 |
| Stem Description | upright, square24 |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Scrophularia buergeriana (Scrophularia oldhamii) |
| Ann/Per | Biennial Perennial |
| Active constituents | fructose, glucose, oligosaccharide, stachyose, harpagoside, 8-(O-methyl-P-coumaroyl)-harpagide15 |
| Bloom | July-Aug44; July45 |
| Bloom Date | May 27, 1998, 05/07/99 to 07/01/99 |
| Cautions | Do not use figwort if suffering from heart condition24 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Scrophularia buergeriana Japanese figwort, hsuan shen Strong-scented perennial or biennial to 3ft native to northern China, Korea, Manchuria, and Japan, this figwort prefers wet grassy areas along rivers, seeps and lowlands where it blooms in spikes of yellow-green, July-Aug. Sow indoors in early spring, plant out after danger of frost in moist sandy loam under full sun. Space at 12”. Related to snapdragons, flowers crawl up the stem in tubular, insect friendly cymes. Keep moist in dry times. Sidedress with compost during growing season. Harvest root in fall. Sun dry. Used in Japan as a yin tonic, hsuan shen, the root medicine, also has been used for malaria, fever, high blood pressure, and sore throat. Research confirms hypotensive, antipyretic, and vasodilating effects. |
| Family | Scropulariaceae, figwort family |
| Fruit | septicidal capsule18; two-celled, two-valved capsule4; fruiting Aug-Sept45 |
| Functions/Uses | tonic for heart, treat fever, malaria, kidney disease, typhoid fever, yellowish discharge from vagina14; bitter, salty, cold, entering lung, stomach, and kidney, nourishes yin, dispels heat, purges fire, removes toxin, applied to febrile diseases, impairment of yin, thirst, constipation, macula, swollen and sore throat, carbuncle, scrofula, pharmacology: vasodialting effect: dilates blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and posseess antiphlogistic effects, hypotensive lowering blood pressure, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, antifungal, hemolytic15 |
| Habitat | grassy areas along rivers in lowlands14; thrives in wet or damp places, in open woodland, on riverbanks, along ditches24; grassy places along rivers in lowlands44 |
| Leaf Description | strong-scented18; leaves narrowly deltoid or deltoid-oblong, 5-10 cm long, 2.5-5 cm wide, acuminate truncate to broadly cuneate at base,the petioles wingless or very slightly winged44 |
| Medicinal Origin | East Asia14; Japan15 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | herb gathered in summer while in flower24 |
| Origin | Beijing IMPLAD |
| Parts Used | root14; dried root15 |
| Plant height | 12-18” |
| Range | Dist: Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi45 |
| Root Description | swollen, fleshy14 |
| Stem Description | 4-angled18, 14; erect, 4-angled (square), glabrous, nearly simple44 |
| Binomial Name | Scutellaria baicalensis (=Scutellaria macrantha ) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | flavonoids including baicalein, and baicalin10; flavonoids baicalin, wogooside, baicalein and benzoic acid adn B-sitosterol16 |
| Bloom | Aug40; July-Aug10 |
| Bloom Date | June-Aug; June 12, 1998; July and August |
| Cautions | None known40 |
| Catalog Prose | Scutellaria baicalensis Baikal Scullcap Huang-qin This perennial is one of the most important plants we grow, and not the easiest! We start plants in the greenhouse in mid-February, and transplant out when they have some size and the danger of frost has passed. Once established, they grow long, woody stems that bear incredibly beautiful purple to blue flowers that linger through July and August. By hand weeding we keep them free of competition and can often spot a self-seeded young one. They don’t seem to be especially long-lived or extremely cold resistant, but they do seem to be drought hardy. A rock gardener’s delight. A very important herb in Chinese medicine, Scullcap has been used to purge the fire of a high fever and to dispel heat, expel wetness, stop bleeding and detoxify. It is also said to be soothing to a fetus and helpful in preventing abortion. It has been used for lung inflammation, coughing, high blood pressure, acute dysentery and hepatitis. 15 inches. Well-drained garden soil. 1999 Scutellaria baicalensis Baikal skullcap, huang-qin Known medicinally in China for over 2,000 years, this mint-family perennial to 15”, gets its name from Lake Baikal in Siberia where it can be found wild in high and dry sandy soils. Woody stems bear incredibly beautiful bluish-purple flowers that linger through July and August. Start plants in the greenhouse in mid-February. Cold moist stratification may be helpful, but is not essential, expect germination in 2-3wks. Transplant out when 4-6” high and danger of frost has passed under full sun and in bed of light, well-drained, ordinary garden soil, spaced 9”. Once established, tolerant of drought and heat. Hardy to -20F. Hand weed to keep them free of competition, aerate soil and sidedress with compost twice yearly to encourage vigorous growth. Great for rock gardens. For medicine, pinch back buds to enhance root yield. Harvest root of 3-4 year plant in spring. Dry in dappled shade. Dried roots with reddish hue are sun damaged and of poor quality. Very important herb in Chinese medicine, huang qin is used to purge the fire of a high fever and to dispel heat, expel wetness, stop bleeding and detoxify. It is also said to be soothing to a fetus and helpful in preventing abortion, in addition to treating scarlet fever, hypertension, lung inflammation, breast cancer, shingles, coughing, insomnia, acute dysentery and hepatitis. |
| Cultivation Notes | This species requires sharp drainage and, once established, is drought tolerant[238]40 |
| Days to Bloom | 1807 |
| Days to Germinate | 15-2026,10; 6-9days33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | cover with 1/4” soil10; sow outdoors in situ40 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | 4 nutlets18; ripens Sept40 |
| Functions/Uses | fever treatment, diuretic, lowers blood pressure, stops bleeding, sedative26; Edible Uses:Tea; Leaves:Young leaves - cooked as a vegetable[105, 177, 183]. The whole plant is dried and used as a tea substitute[105, 183].Medicinal Uses: Stomachic; Expectorant; Astringent; Anodyne; TB; Anticholesterolemic; Tonic; Sedative; Nervine; Laxative; Haemostatic; Febrifuge; Diuretic; Cholagogue; Antispasmodic; Antipyretic; Antibacterial. This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. It has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years and recent research has found that the roots contain flavonoids that greatly enhance liver function and also have antiinflammatory and antiallergenic effects[238]. The root is anodyne, antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, laxative, nervine, mildly sedative, stomachic and tonic (for TB)[46, 61, 147, 174, 176, 218, 238]. It reputedly calms the foetus in pregnant women[238].The root is used internally in the treatment of enteritis, dysentery, diarrhoea, jaundice, chronic hepatitis, urinary tract infections, hypertension, threatened miscarriage, nosebleed and haemorrhage from the lungs or bowel[238]. It is one of the ingredients of the Chinese drug 'injection of three yellow herbs'[238]. The seed is used to cleanse the bowels of blood and pus[218]40; bitter, cold, purges fire of high fever, dispels heat, expels wet-heat, stops bleeding, detoxifies, and is soothing to a fetus, used in prescriptions for all types of fevers, colds, red eyes, with swelling and pain, high blood pressure, hypertension, insomnia, headaches, enteritis, vomiting of blood, nosebleed, bloody stool, for patients with bexation and thirst due to feverish conditions, cough due to lung heat, pneumonia, diarrhea, dysentery, hot uring, jaundice due to wetness and heat, hepatitis, restless fetus, uterine bleeding, threatened abortion, carbuncles, furuncles, sores with swelling, and burns, root used for treatment of diphtheria and to prevent scarlet fever, externally poultided of powecered root mixed with water for herpes zoster (shingles), research shows antibacterial effect agains Staphylococcus aureus, antiviral activity against influenza, antifungal, proven diuretic, fever-reducing, and blood-pressure lowering, root extract shown to increase bile production, utility in chronic hepatitis, baicalein is antibacterial, baicalin is sedative, antipyretic, hypotensive, and diuretic, root used for treatment of scarlet fever, acute upper respiratory tract infections, antipyretic, anodyne, astringent, stimulant ot respiratory organs, diuretic, antimicrobial, hypotensive, folk remedy for breast cancer10; eliminate dampness and heat and as a detoxicant for febrile infectious diseases, coughs with thick yellow phlegm or blood, pneumonia, jaundice, hepatitis, dysentery, conjunctivitis, and pyogenic infections of the skin, hypertension and threatened abortion16; roots treat high fever, dry coughs, vomiting of blood, consitpation, hypertension, inflammation of the breast, jaundice, diarrhea, prevents spontaneous abortion14 |
| Genus | Scutellaria |
| Germination Info | Germinate Over One to Four Weeks7 |
| Germination Light | light preferred26; light has no effect33 |
| Germination Temp | 60Ý-80ÝF7; 70F33 |
| Greenhouse Req | Keep Temperature Above 60 ÝF7; if there is only a small quantity of seed it is better to sow it in a pot in a cold frame in early spring40 |
| Habitat | sandy and rocky places near the sea shore40; along roadsides, in fields, and in high, dry, sandy mountain soils10; sunny hillsides16 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -20 TO -10F; -28.8 TO -23.4C23; Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[238]40; very hardy10 |
| Indication for Harvest | Large and Woody After 3 Years, Short Lived Perennial7 |
| Leaf Description | erect, leaves 1.5-4cm, ovate-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, base orbicular or tapering, apex obtuse to acute, entire, glab. to finely hairy, ciliate. Fac. secund, sometimes branched23; lvs opposite, simple, lanceolate, obtuse, entire, ciliate, subsessile18; lvs opposite, lance shaped to linear, 1/2 to 1 1/2” long, with an obtuse apex, entire, and withoutt leaf stalks, or with bery short leaf stalks, leaf margins have small stiff hairs, black glandualr dots on lower surfaces10 |
| Medicinal Origin | China10 |
| Moisture Req | dry to moist, soil shouldn’t dry out dring growing season40; drought tolerant10 |
| Mulch Req | sidedress with compost 1-2x during season, aerate soil, keep weeded10 |
| Opt Divide Time | division in spring just before new growth begins. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer40 |
| Opt Harvest Time | spring or fall, harvest seed from 2 or 3 yr old plants10; spring or fall16 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | spring considered best time to harvest, whole plant pulled, herb and lateral rootlets removed and discarded10 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | harvested in the autumn or spring from plants 3 - 4 years old, dried for later use[238]40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26,10; late spring[200]40 |
| Parts Used | root10,16 |
| Plant height | 15” |
| Pollination Req | insects40 |
| Preparation | 3-9g, in decoction, pills, powders, poultice, or wash10 |
| Processing Req | root dried uncer ligh sunshine until half dry, then root bark scraped off, when half-dry, cut into slices and fully dried, strong sunligh should be avoided during drying, turns roots reddish (undesirable)10; dried in sun16 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; seed40, 10 |
| Pruning | flower buds pinched back to return more energy to roots10 |
| Range | Eastern China, Eastern Russia, E. Asia40 |
| Root Description | rhizomatous18 |
| Root Storage Pref | dried in shade, bark removed, re-dried10, 16 |
| Scarification | None |
| Seed Description | globose, dark brown167 |
| Seed Development Time | 12 Weeks7 |
| Seed Viability Time | 3 Years+7 |
| Seeds per OZ | 16,00026 |
| Soil Ph | Normal Range |
| Soil Requirements | dry, sandy, good drainage essential10; ordinary garden soil, light, well-drained40 |
| Spacing | 9” apart, 12”-18” between rows10; 8”26 |
| Species | baicalensis |
| Stem Description | simple or branched at base, glab. or with short hairs, often suffused purple23; stems basally decumbent18; lax, mostly smooth10; tetragonal and branching at the base16; spreading herb14 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 10; full sun to partial shade40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer40; transplant when seedlings 4-6” high10 |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Scutellaria barbata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and steroids16,15 |
| Bloom | between spring and summer39 |
| Bloom Date | May 19, 1998, 05/15/99 to 07/05/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Scutellaria barbata Barbat scullcap, ban zhi lian Wild in rich, fertile paddy fields in China and Japan, Barbat scullcap, also named streambank scutellaria, blooms early summer in whorls of bluish-purple racing up the stem to 2ft. Seed this perennial indoors in early spring, in moist rich loam. Tamp into soil and expect seedlings in 9-15 days. Stratification may help but is not essential. When 6” transplant to rich -average bed under full sun to partial shade. Space 12-18”. Likes moisture. Sidedress with compost to encourage growth. Harvest herb in summer or fall when full and healthy. Wash and sun dry. Known only from Chinese folk tradition, ban zhi lian is said to treat appendicitis, hepatitis, jaundice, dysentery and invigorate blood circulation. May be effective in treating cancer associated with lungs, stomach and intestines, although no pharmacological research has been performed on this promising plant. |
| Days to Germinate | 6-9days33 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | 4 nutlets18; spheroidal and tuberculate16 |
| Functions/Uses | febrifuge, detoxicant, invigorates blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis, for treatment of appendicitis and hepatitis, also used externally for carbuncles, deep-rooted boils, contusions and sprains, and poisonous snake bites16; bitter, cold, antipyretic, antidote, diuretic, hemostatic, reduces swelling for abscesses and boils due to heat excess, poisonous snake bites, ulcers in stomach and lungs, cancer in lungs, stomach and intestines, effective in treating certain forms of cancer19; slightly “han” cold, pleasant and bland to taste, clears fever and cools blood, detoxifies, and promotes diuresis, used for sore throat pain, boils, schistosomiasis, poisonous snakes, tumors39; pungent, neutral, cleanses heat, removes toxin, disperses stagnancy, controls bleeding, controls pain for hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematuria, jaundice, sore throat, lung abscess, furuncle, scrofula, incised wound, swelling due to carcinoma, trauma, lesions, snakebite, red dysentery, pharmacology: bacteriostatic effect15 |
| Germination Light | light has no effect33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Habitat | paddy fields, hillsides, and moist grasslands16; growing on fertile and moist areas along paddy fields and streams39 |
| Leaf Description | herb, lvs opposite, simple18; herb, leaves opposite, ovate shaped, 1-3cm long adn 0.5-1.5cm wide, their margins sparsely serrate16; lvs opposite, ovoid, or lanceolate, apexes obtuse, bases cuneat or straight, margins sparsely cremnate or almost intact, lower leaves on lower stems larger, with short petioles, upper leaves smaller, almost no petioles39 |
| Medicinal Origin | China39 |
| Moisture Req | Medium moisture |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | summer ofr fall, when stems and leaves luxuriant16 |
| Parts Used | whole plant16,19,39 |
| Processing Req | washed clean and dried in sun16 |
| Range | most parts of China16 |
| Root Description | rhizomatous18 |
| Soil Requirements | Avg. garden soil |
| Stem Description | square-stemmed18; oblong, green or slightly purplish39 |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Binomial Name | Siegesbeckia pubescens (Siegesbeckia orientalis var. pubescens) |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | darutin and alkaloids15,36 |
| Bloom | fall39 |
| Cautions | contraindicated for patients with deficient yin or blood36 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Siegesbeckia pubescens siegesbeckia, xi xian cao To 4ft along hilly roadsides in East Asia, this self-seeding erect annual blooms in fall with tiny yellow flowers subtended by hairy, sticky bracts good for sticking to clothing and spreading seed. Easy from seed, direct sow in average garden soil under full sun. Thin to 12”. Hardy and hard to fail. Somewhat invasive, thin in later years, easily controlled with hoe. Harvest entire plant in summer when full and lush, before going to seed. Xi xian cao, the entire dried plant, is bitter and cold, useful in treating malaria, rheumatoid, arthritis, irritability, insominia, and forgetfulness. New pharmacological evidence reveals antibacterial, hypotensive, and atiphlogistic effects. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene, 4-angled39 |
| Functions/Uses | treatment of malaria, bitter35; bitter, cold entering liver, spleen, kidney, expels wind dampness, and strengthen sinews, for facial paralysis and hemiplegia, numbness and weakness in back and legs, calm the spirit, used for irritability, insomnia, and forgetfulness, clears heat and pacifies liver, transforms damp heat, effect on blood pressure, lowering, treatment of malaria36; has “han” cold properties, bitter to taste, slightly toxic, dispels gas and opens up “lo” passageways, stimulates blood circulation and alleviates pain, resolves “moisture” heat, for rheumatoid arthritis, pains and aches in sides and legs, hemiplegia, hypertension, sciatica, weeping dermatitis, mastitis39; bitter flavor, cold, entering liver and kidney meridians, removes wind and dampness, strengthens tendons and bones for rheumatoid arthritis due to wind and dampnesss, aching and numbness in limbs, asthenia in loins and knees, suppurtive infection on the body surface, pharm: antibacterial, hypotensive, antiphlogistic15 |
| Habitat | hilly roadsides39 |
| Leaf Description | herb, lvs opposite, ovate-oval, apexes acuminate, bases cuneat, extending below t form wings39 |
| Medicinal Origin | China35 |
| Origin | Beijing |
| Parts Used | entire plant35,36,39; odor like a pig15 |
| Plant height | 4ft |
| Plant spacing | 1ft centers |
| Scarification | not required0 |
| Stem Description | erect with striped furrows covered densely by long greyish white pilose or glandular hairs39 |
| Stratification | not required0 |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Silphium laciniatum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | July to Sept28, 21; summer23; July-Aug40 |
| Bloom Date | summer; 07/01/99 |
| Cautions | slightly toxic28; plant might be toxic[222]40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Silphium laciniatum compass plant, gum weed To reduce exposure to scorching midday prairie sun, leaves of this long-lived perennial align north to south. Thus, early American settlers named it compass plant. A 10-ft tall member of the sunflower family native to central US, compass plant grows wild in dry rich prairie soils with radiant yellow blooms July-Sept. Stratify seed for 3months at 40F to seed in spring or direct-seed in fall to overwinter. Best germinated in greenhouse and transplanted when 6-8” tall, after danger of frost to permanent location. Extensive, deep roots make later transplanting and root division propagation challenging. Plant out in any garden soil, poor soil produces smaller, more manageable plants, under full sun to partial shade. Space 18-24”. Slow to grow, first year spent in root development, blooms in 2-3 years. Mature plants may need staking. Not invasive. Collect rosin in summer by small incision in upper stem, collect leaves on summer mornings and root in fall. Sun dry. Used by Plains Indians to treat pulmonary ailments, including cough and asthma and to expel worms and relieve tension. Resinous sap can be chewed like gum and imparts sweet freshness to breath. Toxicity reported. |
| Cultivation Notes | mature plants need staking21; leaves of young plants tip vertically and align themselves north to south to minimise exposure to the midday sun[200]40 |
| Days to Bloom | 2nd or 3rd year from seed21 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achenes compressed, broadly winged on edges, pappus lacking or of 2 minute awns confluent with marginal wings18; broad, flattened achene about 1/2 “ long, notched at the tip21 |
| Functions/Uses | root tea for general debility worm expellent, leaf tea medic for cough and lung ailments, root tea for same28; pounded root Pawnee made a tea for general debility, tea also use by Santee Dakotas to rid horses of worms and by Omahas and Poncas as horse tonic, Omahas used dried root for head colds or pain in body, Mesquakies boiled rootss for emetic, used resinous sap for chewing gum, anglos used leaves for direction since they often pointed in a north-south direction, recent study shows the over 1/2 of 460 plants leaves measureed within 10 degrees of north-south line, used by doctors in 19th century as antipyretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, tonic, styptic, antispasmodic, stimulant, and diaphoretic21; Edible Uses: Gum: resin exudes naturally from the plant, and can also be obtained by incision[4]. It is an inexpensive substitute for mastic and is used as a chewing gum to sweeten the breath[4, 61, 105]. It forms on the upper part of the flowering stem[183]. Medicinal Uses: Vermifuge; Tonic; Expectorant; Emetic; Diuretic: resin obtained from the plant is diuretic[4, 61, 222]. It imparts a strong aromatic odour to urine[4]. A tea made from the roots is vermifuge and a tonic for general debility[4, 61, 222]. It is used as an expectorant in coughs and other pulmonary ailments[4]. A tea made from the leaves is emetic, it has also been used in the treatment of coughs, lung ailments and asthma[222]40 |
| Genus | Silphium |
| Greenhouse Req | best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[200]40 |
| Habitat | open prairies, roadsides, especially in areas of mild disturbance21; prairies and glades[222]40 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -30 TO -20 F; -34.4 TO -28.9 C23 |
| Leaf Description | lvs alt., deeply 1-2-pinnatifid, basal lvs to 40cm, uppermost lvs to 10cm, hirsute beneath23; lvs alternate, deeply pinnnatifid to 2-pinnatifid, lower lvs. to 20” long, upper lvs successively reduced18; lvs alternate, stiff, stalked below, grasdually reduced up the stem, basal lvs prominent up to 1 1/2 ft lon adn 1 ft wide, deeply pinnately divided, with the segments mostly linear and coarsely totothed,21 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28; Native American21 |
| Moisture Req | moist to dry40 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring[188], difficult due to the deep and extensive root system40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring21 |
| Origin | L |
| Parts Used | leaf, root28; stems and root21 |
| Plant height | 10ft |
| Plant spacing | 3ft centers |
| Pollination Req | insects40 |
| Propagation Method | seed or division18; seed as soon as ripe40 |
| Range | OH to SD, South to AL and TX18; Central N. America - Ohio to Minnesota, south to Alabama and Texas40 |
| Root Description | woody21 |
| Seed Description | ripens Aug-Sept40 |
| Seedling Care | slow-gowing, first year develops root system21; Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer40 |
| Seeds per OZ | large seed |
| Site Preference | roadsides, dry fields, along roadsides |
| Soil Requirements | any good18; poor soil yield smaller plants21; any ordinary garden soil[1]. Prefers a deep moisture retentive moderately fertile soil that is not too nitrogen rich40 |
| Species | lacinatum |
| Stem Description | st. 1.5-3m, hispid or hirsute, sometimes glandular23; st stout, very hispid18; coarse herb, errect, stiff-hairy, resinous, usually single and unbranched21 |
| Stratification | yes21 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun18; full sun to partial shade40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | deep and extensive root system which makes transplanting difficult[200]50 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Silphium terebinthinaceum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | summer23; Aug-Oct28; Jul-Aug28 |
| Cautions | potentially toxic28 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Silphium terebinthinaceum prairie dock Numerous golden flowers above huge heart-shaped leaves are familiar even today along prairieland waste places, roadsides and woodlots. South from Ontario into Missouri and Tennessee, this perennial grows 2-9ft, depending on the soil, hardy in heat and drought and temps dropping to -30F. Stratify seed for 3 months at 40F and plant indoors in early spring. Can also be direct sown in fall for spring germination. Plant out after danger of frost to permanent location, spaced 18-24”. Does well in any soil, but grows tallest in rich, moisture retentive fertile soil. Go easy on nitrogen. Full sun to dappled shade. Deep taproot makes later transplanting difficult. Slow to mature. Harvest leaves on summer mornings, root in fall, and rosin when it bleeds. Like compass plant, praire dock was used by Plains Indians to treat general weakness and pulmonary complaints such as cough and asthma. Rosin can be chewed like gum to clean teeth. Potentially toxic. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | root tea as genearl tonic for debility, worm expellent, leaf tea aemetic, once used for coughs, lung ailments, asthma, resin diuretic, root tea for coughs, asthma, gonorrhea28; Medicinal Uses:Vermifuge; Tonic; Expectorant; Emetic; Diuretic: A tea made from the roots is vermifuge and a tonic for general debility[4, 61, 222]: tea made from the leaves is emetic, it has been used in the treatment of coughs, lung ailments and asthma[4, 61, 222],A resin in the plant is diuretic[4, 61, 222]. Other Uses:Gum: gum or resin that is obtained from the stem can be chewed to cleanse the mouth and teeth[207]40 |
| Genus | Silphium |
| Greenhouse Req | best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[200]40 |
| Habitat | prairies18; prairies, glades28; Prairies, dry woods and glades[222, 235]40 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -30 TO -20 F; -34.4 TO -28.9 C23 |
| Leaf Description | lvs mostly basal, to 4cm, long-petiolate, ovate, oblong or elliptic, usually cordate at base, sharply dentate to pinnatifid, flab. or scabrous23; lvs mostly basal, but alternate on stems above, long-petioled, ovate to oblong or elliptic, to 2ft long, usually cordate, thick, sharply serrate to pinnatifid, scabrous18; lvs huge, heart-shaped, odor of turpentine when crushed28 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Moisture Req | moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring[188], difficult due to the deep and extensive root system40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring |
| Parts Used | root, leaves, resin28,40 |
| Propagation Method | seed or division18; seed40 |
| Range | S. Ontario to OH and MN, South to GA, LA and MO18; ont. to Tenn, Missouri to Ohio, Indiana28,40 |
| Root Description | taprooted18 |
| Seed Description | ripens Aug40 |
| Seedling Care | Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 1,100 |
| Soil Requirements | any good18; Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil[1]. Prefers a deep moisture retentive moderately fertile soil that is not too nitrogen rich40 |
| Species | terebinthinaceum |
| Stem Description | essentially glabrous18 |
| Stratification | yes |
| Sun Requirement | full sun18; full sun to partail shade40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | Plants have a deep and extensive root system which makes transplanting difficult[200]40 |
| Binomial Name | Silybum marianum (=Carduus marianus) |
| Ann/Per | Annual or Biennial Annual Biennial |
| Active constituents | silymarin26; flavonlignans (silymarin in seeds), bitter principles, polyacetylenes24; flavolignans (silymarin) composed of silybinin, silydianin, adn silychristin, apigenin, silybonol, and myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids12 |
| Bloom | spring-summer23; July-Sept40,28 |
| Cautions | none reported12; When grown on nitrogen rich soils, especially those that have been fed with chemical fertilizers, this plant can concentrate nitrates in the leaves. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers40 |
| Catalog Prose | Silybum marianum Milk Thistle This is an impressive plant with its 6 foot flower stalk and white-streaked leaves. The leaves are sharp and spiny. The annual or biennial plant is easy to grow and has many uses. The leaves can be eaten as a vegetable (remove the spines), the plant parts used as a tea and the processed seeds provide silamaryn that is said to have a powerful regenerative effect on the liver. To six feet. Average soil. Full sun 1999 Silybum marianum milk thistle Impressive plant with 6ft flower stalk and white-streaked sharp, spiny leaves said to be the milk of Virgin Mary, lending it the names, blessed thistle and St. Mary’s thistle. Originally from SW Europe and Mediterranean, this annual/ biennial is naturalized throughout the US and Australia. Easy. Direct seed in garden in spring or summer. Early season plantings result in summer blooms, May-Aug sowing brings biennial blooms. Plant under full sun in any well-drained soil, alkaline preferred. Tamp seeds lightly into soil as light is required for ready germination, expect seedling in 2 wks. Very hardy and adaptable, readily self seeds. Like a dandelion, wind carries seeds on white feathers making escape easy and containment challenging. Collect seeds after blooming, flowers when full and vibrant, leaves when young, and roots in May of second year. Leaves can be eaten as a vegetable (remove the spines), flower heads boiled and eaten like cauliflower, plant parts used in tea for depression and seed extract provides silymarin which has a powerful regenerative effect on the liver in cases of cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and mushroom poisoning. Nitrogen-rich soils and chemical fertilizers concentrate nitrates and may lead to stomach cancer. |
| Cultivation Notes | readily self-seeds24; very adaptable12; tolerates stong wind, young plants are prone to damage from snails and slugs[200]. Plants will often self sow freely[K]40 |
| Days to Bloom | summer and complete its life cycle in one growing season[K], if sown in summer will act as a biennial and bloom following season40 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1426; 1-2wks12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | easy to cultivate by seed26 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achenes smooth, mottled brown18 |
| Functions/Uses | all parts edible, silymarin found in seeds for liver26; depression and liver problems, remarkable ability to protect liver form damage resulting from alcoholic and other poisoning, portects liver, stimulates secreation of bile, increases breast milk production, antidepressant, resrch: from Germans in 1970’s focused on silymarin showing that sever liver breakdown resulting form ingestin carbon tetracholride oor death cap mushrooms, may be prebented if silymarin is taken immediatesly before or within 48hours, used successfully to treat hepatitis adn liver cirrhosis, traditionally used as fl heads boiled and eaten like artichokes, a spring tonic, increasing breast milk production, excellent for depression, hepatitis and jaundice, liver poisoning from alcohol, chemotherapy24; all parts edible and used as food, young leaves with spines cut off in spring salads, older lvs eaten boiled or steamed like spinach, young stalks peeled, soaked and eaten like asparagus, second yr root soaked overnight and eaten or bakied in pies, fl heads eaten like artichoke, medicinally for liver disease, acute hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis, amanita poisoning, regenerative capacity of liver cells, scavenges free radicals and leuktrienes, stabilizes liver cell membranes, stimulates protein synthesis and accelerates regeneration of damaged liver tissue12; Edible Uses: Oil; Flowers; Stem; Root; Leaves; Coffee: Root - raw or cooked[1, 2, 4, 52, 183]. A mild flavour and somewhat mucilaginous texture[K]. When boiled, the roots resemble salsify (Tragopogon hispanicus)[1, 4, 115].Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 4, 5, 52, 89, 115]. The very sharp leaf-spines must be removed first[46, 183], which is quite a fiddly operation[K]. The leaves are quite thick and have a mild flavour when young, at this time they are quite an acceptable ingredient of mixed salalds, though they can become bitter in hot dry weather[K]. When cooked they make an acceptable spinach substitute[238]. It is possible to have leaves available all year round from successional sowings[K]. Flower buds - cooked[1, 238]. A globe artichoke substitute[12, 183], they are used before the flowers open. The flavour is mild and acceptable, but the buds are quite small and even more fiddly to use than globe artichokes[K]. Stems - raw or cooked[4, 100]. They are best peeled and can be soaked to reduce the bitterness[5, 183]. Palatable and nitritious[4, 115], they can be used like asparagus or rhubarb[12] or added to salads. They are best used in spring when they are young[105]. A good quality oil is obtained from the seeds[4]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[21, 46, 61, 183].Medicinal Uses: Homeopathy; Hepatic; Tonic; Stomachic; Stimulant; Emmenagogue; Emetic; Diuretic; Diaphoretic; Cholagogue; Bitter; Astringent: whole plant is astringent, bitter, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, hepatic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[4, 21, 160, 165,238]. It is used internally in the treatment of liver and gall bladder diseases, jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatitis and poisoning[238]. Silymarin, an extract from the seed, acts on the membranes of the liver cells preventing the entry of virus toxins and other toxic compounds and thus preventing damage to the cells[244]. It also dramatically improves liver regeneration in hepatitis, cirrhosis, mushroom poisoning and other diseases of the liver[222, 238]. German research suggests that silybin (a flavonoid component of the seed) is clinically useful in the treatment of severe poisoning by Amanita mushrooms[222]. Seed extracts are produced commercially in Europe[222]. Regeneration of the liver is particularly important in the treatment of cancer since this disease is always characterized by a severely compromised and often partially destroyed liver[K]. A homeopathic remedy is obtained from equal parts of the root and the seed with its hulls still attached[4]. It is used in the treatment of liver and abdominal disorders[9]. Other Uses: Oil; Green manure: good green manure plant, producing a lot of bulk for incorporation into the soil[K]40; young leaves (with spines removed) eaten as a vegetable, traditionally tea from whole plant used to imporve appetite, allay indigestion, restore liver function, used for cirrhosis, jaundice, herpatitis, liver poisioning from chemicals or drug and alcohol abuse, silymarin, a seed extract dramatically imporvs liver regeneration in hepatitis, cirrhosis, mushroom poisoning, and other liver diseases, German research suggests that silybin, a flavonoid componenet of the seed is clinically useful in treating severe Amanita mushroom poisoning, while used clinically in Europe, its use in the US is not well known, research suggests seed extracts may have therapeutic possibilities in liver cirrhosis, commercial preparations of the seed extracts are manufactured in Europe28 |
| Genus | Silybum |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Germination notes | germs readily12; |
| Habitat | open areas24; waste places[17], usually close to the sea[5], especially if the ground is dry and rocky[165]40 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= 0to +10F; -17.7 to -12.3C23; Hardy to about -15°c[200]40 |
| Leaf Description | Lvs dark, flossy, marbled white, basal lvs 25-50x12-25cm, pinnatifid, obovate, petiolate, subglabrous, deeply trianfular lobed, stem lvs smaller, less deeply dissected, auriculate-amplexicaul, with pale yellow spines to 8mm23; lvs large, pinnately lobed to 2 1/2 ft long, 6-12 “ across, clasping, green marbled with white, glossy, heads 2-2 1/2” across, involucral bracts spreading to reflexed, acuminate18; lvs alternate, mottled, smooth, shiny, adn scalloped with sharp spones on margin lobes12; lvs mottled or streaked with white veins, sharp-spined, clasping28 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe24 |
| Moisture Req | dry12; dry to moist40 |
| Opt Harvest Time | late summer24; in second year12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | fl heads in fall24; plant is harvested when in flower and dried for later use[238]40 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | second year12; best edible roots are produced from a May/June40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring or fall26; early spring or late fall12; March or April, also be sown from May to August40 |
| Parts Used | seeds, flower heads24 |
| Plant height | six ft. |
| Pollination Req | bees40 |
| Preparation | decoction, capsules, tinctures, tablets24 |
| Processing Req | once seed is ripe and ready for harvest, they easily shatter from the receptacle, making handling difficult, large-scale harvesting has tremendous amt of loss12; sowing the seed in the spring as well as the summer should ensure a supply of edible leaves all year round[K]40 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed26; simple by seed18; easy from seed12; seed40 |
| Range | naturalized and a weed in California and elsewhere in US18,28; widely nat. in California and Australia24; S. Europe, N. Africa and W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain40 |
| Seed Description | ripens Aug-oct40; black, shiny seeds are crownd with a spreadin silky pappus, similar to a dandelion seed12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 110026 |
| Soil Ph | alkaline40 |
| Soil Requirements | poor, dry soils, well-drained12; well-drained, any well-drained fertile garden soil[1, 200]. Prefers a calcareous soil[12]40 |
| Spacing | 24-36”26 |
| Species | marianum |
| Stem Description | Stems to 1.5m, glabrous or slightly arachnoid-pubescent23; glabrous, simple or little-branched18; stout, branching12 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 24, 40 |
| Binomial Name | Symphytum x uplandicum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | root- allantoin, leaves- pyrrolizidine alkaloids (symphytine, echimidine)12 |
| Bloom | Apr-Sept12; May-June40 |
| Bloom Date | 04/26/99 |
| Cautions | toxic to humans after ingestion causes veno-occlusive disease of liver from pyrrolizidine alkaloids, blood flow hampered due to clotting of large veins that drain liver, comfrey root has 10x PA level of leaves, young lvs have 16x level of mature leaves, banned from interanal use in Canada, Germany and Australia, should not be ingested for long pds of time12; This plant contains small quantities of a toxic alkaliod which can have a cumulative effect upon the liver. Largest concentrations are found in the roots, leaves contain higher quantities of the alkaloid as they grow older and young leaves contain almost none. Most people would have to consume very large quantities of the plant in order to do any harm, though anyone with liver problems should obviously be more cautious. In general, the health-promoting properties of the plant probably far outweigh any possible disbenefits, especially if only the younger leaves are used40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Symphytum X uplandicum Russian comfrey, knitbone A natural hybrid of common comfrey, Symphytum officinale and prickly comfrey, S. asperum, Russian comfrey cultivation arose in the Caucuses, wild populations are unknown. A perennial to 5 ft, comfrey bushes in large luxuriant, hairy dark green leaves. May-June a flowering stalk of small purple blooms appears bringing in bees and producing infertile seeds. Plant roots in permanent location 3-6” deep, in any soil. Prefers loose, rich, clay loam with pH 6-7 and dappled shade for at least part of the day. Space at 2-3ft, and mulch to keep weeds down. Due to deep and extensive root system, hard to eradicate once established, but great for root division propagation. Hardy to -30F, keep soil moist during an extensive dry season. Harvest mature leaves by cutting just above the crown. Spread in single layer and shade dry. Harvest root in fall before frost or spring before new leaves appear. Wash, slice, and dry in sun. Cultivated historically as a high vitamin potherb, tea, and root for coughs and fever, comfrey is now known to impede blood flow in and out of the liver. Disease attributed to pyrrolizidine alkaloids, highest in new leaves. Externally poulticed leaves and roots for cuts, bruises, boils, exzema, sprains, sores, varicose veins and “knitting” broken bones. Not recommended for internal use. |
| Cultivation Notes | A naturally occurring hybrid species (S. asperum x S. officinale), it does not set viable seed and so is not aggressive, fragments of root left in the soil can produce new plants, Subject to attacks by the rust fungus, this can be alleviated by giving the plants a high potash feed, wood ashes are often used[26] 40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | cut roots into 3” cuttings, plant in permanent location12; sow spring or autumn in a cold frame40; plant root cuttings 3-6” deep42 |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Functions/Uses | vitamin B-12, popular in 3rd world as animal food crop0; young leaves boiled as springtime pot herb containing calcium, phosphorus, potassium , vit A, and up to 22% protein, B12, (1977 report showed comfrey to be devoid of B12), traditionally, leaves, root as expectorant, emollient, astringent, demulcent, hemostatic, poultice of leaves or root placed over sprain or broken limb to aid in knitting tissue, root used to allay diarrhea, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, bronchitits, pneumonia, whooping cough, allatoin a cell proliferant12; Edible Uses:Tea; Leaves:Young leaves - cooked or raw[2, 4, 5, 9, 46, 61]. The leaf is hairy and the texture is mucilaginous. It may be full of minerals but it is not pleasant eating for most tastes. It can be chopped up finely and added to salads, in this way the hairyness is not so obvious[183]. Young shoots can be used as an asparagus substitute[46]. The blanched stalks are used[183]. Older leaves can be dried and used as a tea[26]. The peeled roots are cut up and added to soups[183]. A tea is made from the dried leaves and roots[183]. The roasted roots are used with dandelion and chicory roots for making coffee[183]. Medicinal Uses:Vulnerary; Refrigerant; Haemostatic; Expectorant; Emollient; Demulcent; Astringent; Anodyne:Comfrey is a commonly used herbal medicine with a long and proven history in the treatment of various complaints. The root and the leaves are used, the root being more active, and they can be taken internally or used externally as a poultice[4, 222]. Comfrey is especially useful in the external treatment of cuts, bruises, sprains, sores, eczema, varicose veins, broken bones etc, internally it is used in the treatment of a wide range of pulmonary complaints, internal bleeding etc[4, 238, K]. The plant contains a substance called 'allantoin', a cell proliferant that speeds up the healing process[4, 21, 26, 165, 222,238]. This substance is now synthesized in the pharmaceutical industry and used in healing creams[238]. The root and leaves are anodyne, astringent (mild), demulcent, emollient, expectorant, haemostatic, refrigerant, vulnerary[4, 21, 26, 165, 222]. Some caution is advised, however, especially in the internal use of the herb. External applications and internally taken teas or tinctures of the leaves are considered to be completely safe, but internal applications of tablets or capsules are felt to have too many drawbacks for safe usage[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The leaves are harvested in early summer before the plant flowers, the roots are harvested in the autumn. Both are dried for later use[238]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root, harvested before the plant flowers[232]. Ths has a very limited range of application, but is of great benefit in the treatment of broken bones and eye injuries[232]. Other Uses:Ground cover; Gum; Compost; Biomass. The plant grows very quickly, producing a lot of bulk. It is tolerant of being cut several times a year and can be used to provide 'instant compost' for crops such as potatoes. Simply layer the wilted leaves at the bottom of the potato trench or apply them as a mulch in no-dig gardens. A liquid feed can be obtained by soaking the leaves in a small amount of water for a week, excellent for potassium demanding crops such as tomatoes. The leaves are also a very valuable addition to the compost heap[26, 200]. A gum obtained from the roots was at one time used in the treatment of wool before it was spun[100]. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 1.2 metres apart each way[208]40 |
| Greenhouse Req | when large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter40 |
| Habitat | Not known in a truly wild situation40 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -20 TO -10 F; -28.8 TO -23.4 C23; hardy to about -20°c[187]40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs oblong to elliptic-lanceolate, shortly decurrent or amplexicaul, pubesc23; lvs oblong, elliptic-lanceolate or ovate, often somewhat decurrent at base, hairy on both sides, base cordate, or rounded, st. lvs. sessile18; 8-12” lvs entire, oval, or lance shaped, round or heart-shaped at base becoming progressively smaller toward top of plant, both leaves andstems covered with rough, bristly hairs12; rich, deep green covered with fine, rough hairs, making them prickly, from the clum of basal leaves rises a single stalk of smaller leaves that clasp the stalk42 |
| Leaf storage pref | when leaves are dry, store leaves either whole, lying flat in airtight boxes, or gently crumbled and stored in jars42 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe40 |
| Moisture Req | good drainage essential, rainfall sufficient except in areas receiving less than 36”/yr12; moist40; prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly42 |
| Mulch Req | well supplied with compost or manure12; compost, manure, limestone, and phosphate rock all help, mulch keeps weeds down42 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring or fall12; divide young plants in spring as soon as leaves begin growing42 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | harvest leaves as flowers bud, first spring cutting has highest pyrrolizidine alkaloid level, use first cuttings as mulch or compost12; gather by leaves by cutting several inches above crown42 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | spring or fall12; gather in fall just before forst frost, or early spring before new leaves appear42 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring or fall40 |
| Parts Used | leaves and root40,12,42 |
| Pollination Req | bees40 |
| Processing Req | dry leaf under shade, spread in thin layers to assure air circulation12; spread leaves in single layer on screens in a shady but warm place, clean roots by washing, then cut into thin slices and dry on screen in sun, most easily used as a powder42 |
| Propagation Method | easy by seed, division, or root cutting18; seed, but since hybrid rarely produces viable seed, best propagated by root division12; seed, division succeeds at almost any time of the year. Simply use a spade to chop off the top 7cm of root just below the soil level. The original root will regrow and you will have a number of root tops, each of which will make a new plant. These can either be potted up or planted out straight into their permanent positions40; root cutting is best42 |
| Range | commonly grown in North America12 |
| Root Description | thick18; taproot may stretch 6ft into soil12; root system is very deep40; 1” thick and a foot or more long, with a blck extyerior and white interior, grow just beneath the soil surface as spreading rhizomes and are somewhat fibrous, flshy, juicy, adn mucilaginous42 |
| Soil Ph | 5.5-8.712; 6-7 for luxuriant growth42 |
| Soil Requirements | any soil prefers rich, deep, moist soil, high in organic matter and produces thick roots and huge leaves, avg, well-drained soil12; clay, tolerates most soils and situations 40; any soil, but most luxuriant in loose, rich, loamy soil42 |
| Spacing | 3ft12; 2-3ft, will grow closer together but roots will be difficult to harvest42 |
| Stem Description | coarse, hispid18; erect stems that branch at top12 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to partial shade12,40; tolerates full sun but does better in dappled shade for at least part of the day42 |
| Transplanting Req Est | Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts40 |
| Binomial Name | Talinum paniculatum (=Talinum patens, Portulaca paniculata Jacq., Portulaca patens L.) |
| Ann/Per | Annual, Tender Perennial Perennial |
| Bloom | May-Aug20 |
| Bloom Date | June 3, 1998 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Talinum paniculatum fameflower, tu ren shen Tender perennial or annual to 3ft native to chert and sandstone outcroppings of southern US and Mexico, south to Peru. Beautiful bright glossy green- leafed rosette bears blooms of small pink to magenta turning to bright purple seed balls, May-Aug. Ornamenal. Easy to direct seed, spring when soil is warm, in sandy, rocky loam under full sun, thin to 6”. Self-seeding, although not invasive, thin in later years. Drought tolerant but doesn’t last in winters below +30F. Harvest root in fall. Naturalized globally, tu ren shen has a long Chinese medicinal history. Sweet and neutral, used for loss of energy, and problems associated with lungs and spleen. |
| Cultivation Notes | good for rock gardens20 |
| Days to Bloom | fls open at noon and close after a couple of hours20 |
| Family | Portulacaceae |
| Fruit | 3-valved cap, many seeded18 |
| Functions/Uses | sweet and neutral, strengthens spleen and lungs, stops cough, regulates menses, used for spleen qi deficiency, tiredness, night sweats, and spontaneous day sweats35; sweet, neutral, strengthen middle-warmer and benefits vital energy, nourish lungs and promotes production of body fluid, for deficiency of vital energy, spontanous perspiration due to general debility, spleen-asthenia, diarrhea, cough due to lung-dryness, lack of lactation41; Environmental: ornamental (fide Econ Pl Aust),Weed: potential seed contaminant (fide Econ Pl Aust; Pl Res SEAs 8:269. 1993)46 |
| Genus | Talinum |
| Habitat | level sandstone and chert glades and rocky outcrops above bluffs20 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP=+30 TO +40 F; -1.1 TO +4.4 C23 |
| Leaf Description | lvs to 10cm, elliptic or obovate23; lvs elliptic or obovate, to 3” long, linear, midribs sometimes persisting and becoming spiny18 |
| Origin | Bejing |
| Parts Used | root35 |
| Range | widely introd. elsewhere23; Northern America: Mexico; United States - Arizona [south], Florida [south], New Mexico [south], Texas [south], Southern America: Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; Brazil; Costa Rica; Cuba; Dominica; El Salvador; French Guiana; Grenada; Guadeloupe; Guatemala; Guyana; Hispaniola; Honduras; Jamaica; Martinique; Montserrat; Nicaragua; Panama; Peru; Puerto Rico; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and Grenadines; Venezuela natzd. elsewhere46 |
| Root Description | tuberous23, 18 |
| Soil Requirements | well-draining20 |
| Species | Paniculatum |
| Stem Description | erect23 |
| Sun Requirement | full to partial sun20 |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Tanacetum parthenium (=Chysanthemum parthenium, Matricaria parthenium) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | sesquiterpene lactone, parthenolide12; volatile oil (alpha-pinene), sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide), sesquiterpenes (camphor)24 |
| Bloom | Summer23; July-Aug40; June-Nov12; all summer24 |
| Cautions | none known, Use with caution[165], the fresh leaves can cause dermatitis and mouth ulcers if consumed[238]. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]40 |
| Catalog Prose | Tanacetum parthenium Feverfew A bushy perennial with bright green leaves and daisy-like flowers, Feverfew is direct-seeded when soil is warm. Thin to 1 1/2 feet, and watch it grow. This little plant is self-sufficient. It is becoming famous for treatment of some migraine headaches. It is used as tea in many folk remedies and has antiseptic properties. 1-3 feet. Ordinary garden soil. 1999 Tanacetum parthenium feverfew, pyrethrum A bushy short-lived perennial to 3ft with aromatic bright green leaves and thick clusters of daisy-like flowers, feverfew is native to the Balkan peninsula of SE Europe but today, is naturalized throughout northeast US, Europe and Australia. Easy. Direct seed in spring when soil is warm in any well drained soil under full sun. Tamp into soil, but not too deep as light is required to germinate. Or plant early in greenhouse for higher germ, keep moist with light mist or bottom water. Expect seedlings in 2 weeks. Thin to 1-2ft. Blooms in second year. Self-sowing, pinch back flowers to sustain longevity and thicken growth. Gather leaves anytime when lush, harvest plant when in bloom. Shade dry. Recent studies suggest that feverfew is effective in treatment of migraine headaches. Pinch off leaves and chew 2-3 a day for prevention. May cause sores in some individuals when eaten fresh. In European folk tradition, leaves and flowers used as sedative tea and for antirheumatic, antiseptic, emmenogoguic, antiinflammatory, and vasodilating properties. |
| Cultivation Notes | indoor planting recommended for higher germ, to prevent stretching keep nighttime temps below 68F26; self-seeding18,12; feverfew is a short lived perennial but usually self-sows prolifically[7, K]. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[238]. The cultivar 'Golden' (syn 'Yellow') has yellow tinted leaves[183]. The leaves have a refreshing aromatic aroma[245], Plants usually self-sow freely and so, once you have the plant, further sowing is usually unnecessary[K]40 |
| Days to Bloom | 80-9026; bloom in second year18 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-1425; 10-1512 |
| Direct Sowing Req | gently press seeds into soil, do not cover26, 12; with sufficient seed it can be sown outdoors in situ40 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | prevention and treatment of migraine headaches, fevers, menstrual cramps26; dried fls are medicinal18; Edible Uses:Tea; Condiment: dried flowers are used as a flavouring in cooking certain pastries[177, 183]. The plant is used in cooking to impart a deliciously aromatic bitter taste to certain foods[7]. A tea is made from the dried flowers[183]. Medicinal Uses:Antiecchymotic; Antiinflammatory; Vermifuge; Vasodilator; Stomachic; Stings; Stimulant; Sedative; Emmenagogue; Carminative; Bitter; Aperient;Antispasmodic. Feverfew has gained a good reputation as a medicinal herb and extensive research since 1970 has proved it to be of special benefit in the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism[238, K]. The leaves and flowering heads are antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, aperient, bitter, carminative,emmenagogue, sedative, stimulant, stings, stomachic, vasodilator and vermifuge[4, 7, 21, 36, 46, 53, 100, 165].A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate menses[222, 238]. Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises etc[7]. Chewing 1 - 4 leaves per day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches[222]. Other Uses:Repellent; Essential: dried flower buds are a source of an insecticide. They are said to have the same properties as pyrethrum (obtained mainly from T. cinerariifolia)[61,100, 201]. Steep 1 cupful of the dried flowers in one litre of hot soapy water for an hour. Strain, then allow to cool slightly before use[201]. An essential oil from the plant is used in perfumery[7]40; stomach ailments, fevers, menstural irregularities, headache, headache from common cold, tonci, carminative, emmenagogue, vermiguge, stimulant, colic, stomachache, morning sickness, kidney pains, digestive aid, migraine relief12; analgesic, reduces fever, antirheumatic, promotes menstrual flow, bitter24 |
| Genus | Tanecetum |
| Germination Light | light preferred26, 12 |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination notes | simple culture18 |
| Germination Temp | 70-75F26; 70F12 |
| Greenhouse Req | 8-10wks before last frost, gently press seeds into medium26; sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the pot to dry out40 |
| Habitat | mountain scrub, rocky slopes, walls, waste places and a weed of gardens, avoiding acid soils[9]40, 12 |
| Hardiness | min temp= -10 to 0F; -23.3 to -17.8C23; hardy18 |
| Leaf Description | aromatic, lvs 2.5-8cm, ovate, 1-2-pinnatisect, sef. 1-3.5cm, in 3-5 pairs, pubesc., glandular-punctate, crenate or entire26; lvs oblong to broadly ovate in outline, blade 3” long, pinnatifid, lower lvs petioled, hairy at least beneath18; yellowish-green, oval, up to 3” long, with 3-7 oblong elliptical lobes, further dibided into smaller segments with an entire or round-toothed margin12 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe |
| Moisture Req | keep soil moist until seedlings appear26; dry-moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | Division in spring. Since the plants are quite short-lived, this method is not really very serviceable[K]40; spring or fall12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | plant is gathered as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[7]40; harvest leaves just before comes into flower12; leaves harvested anytime, aerial parts/ whole plant harvested when in bloom24 |
| Opt Planting Time | as soon as soil can be worked, spring26; spring40 |
| Parts Used | dried flowers18 |
| Plant spacing | thin to 1 1/2 feet, 1-3 feet0 |
| Pollination Req | bees, insects, self-fertile40 |
| Preparation | fresh leaves (to prevent migraine, eat 2-3 leaves daily on a piece of bread), tincture, capsules, tablets24 |
| Processing Req | dry leaves in shade12 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; readily from seed18; very easily grown plant, by seed40; seed or division12; seed or cuttings24 |
| Pruning | plants should be pinched back as they form, because it will die after going to seed, roots remain perennial, also enhances bushy growth12 |
| Range | introd. into north and south America18; S.E. Europe to Asia. Naturalized in Britain[17]40; nat from Quebec to Md and west to MO and OH12 |
| Scarification | none |
| Seed Description | ripens Aug-Sept40 |
| Seedling Care | bottom water or mist, thin when first set of true leaves appear26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 225,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained, moist, fertile26; well-drained, succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1]40; any good garden soil12; well-drained24 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26; 1ft12 |
| Species | parthenium |
| Stem Description | erect, bushy18; strongly aromatic, ridged12 |
| Stratification | none |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26,24 |
| Transplanting Req Est | to containers after 2-4wks, harden and trnsplant outdoors after danger of frost26; When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer, after the last expected frosts40 |
| Binomial Name | Urtica dioica |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | aerial parts: flavonoids (quercitin), amines (histamine, choline, acetycholin, serotonin), glucoquinone, minerals (calcium, potassium, silicic acid, iron; root: plant sterols (stigmast-4-enzone and stigmasterol), phenols24 |
| Bloom | summer23; June-Sept28, 12; May-Oct40 |
| Cautions | fresh plants sting28; The leaves of the plants have stinging hairs, causing irritation to the skin[21, 200]. This action is neutralized by heat or by thorough drying, so the cooked leaves are perfectly safe and nutritious[200]. However, only young leaves should be used because older leaves develop gritty particles called cystoliths which act as an irritant to the kidneys[172]40; mature plants covered with stinging hairs that can cause severe dematitis when touched42 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Urtica dioica stinging nettle Introduced perennial native to Eurasia, stinging nettle thrives in nitrogen-rich soils of moist woodlands, creekbeds and pastures. Named for silica-tipped stinging hairs on stems and leaves, nettle blooms June-Sept in tiny green male and female flowers borne on separate plants and wind pollinated. Direct seed in spring, or late winter in cold frame in rich, moist high nitrogen soil under part shade. Using gloves, thin to 1ft. Hardy in all US zones. Good companion for other herbs, increasing their oil content. Mulch with nitrogen rich compost if plants wane or to increase yield. Hard to eradicate once established, spreads by runners so plant in permanent locale and sink barriers to contain. Harvest young leaves in spring, and whole plant cut 4-6” from ground before flowering. Shade dry. For fiber, gather dying plant in fall. Dig root in fall, after leaves have died. Attracts butterfly caterpillars. Eaten cooked as delicious potherb high in iron and calcium, stinging nettle’s tonic history dates back to Dioscorides in 1st century. Medicinally used as warming tea for anemia, arthritis, poor circulation, allergies, kidney and urinary ailments. Leaves make excellent compost activator breaking down into rich humus. Fiber from stems useful in making string, cloth and paper. Careful, hairs cause contact dermatitis, wear gloves when handling fresh leaves. |
| Cultivation Notes | There are at least 30 species of insects that feed on it and the caterpillars of several lepidoptera species are dependant upon it for food[30], Especially when growing in rich soils, the plant can spread vigorously and is very difficult to eradicate. It is said that cutting the plant down three times a year for three years will kill it[4]. It is a good companion plant to grow in the orchard and amongst soft fruit[53, 54]. So long as it is not allowed to totally over-run the plants, it seems to improve the health of soft fruit that grows nearby and also to protect the fruit from birds, but it makes harvesting very difficult40; when nettle grown with other herbs, like valerian, marjoram, sage, peppermint, and angelica, it increases oil content of these plants, when added to compost, activates decomposition, compost into rich humus12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | only just covering the seed40 |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Fruit | achene18 |
| Functions/Uses | embodies iron element, artihritis, eczema, anemia26; young tops cooked like spinach18; traditionally a leaf te used in Europe as a blood purifier, blood builder, diuretic, astringent, for anemia, gout, glandular diseases, rheumatism, poor circulation, enlarged spleen, mucous discharges of lungs, internal bleeding, diarrhea, dysentery, its effect involves the action of white blood cells, aidein coagulation adn formation of hemoglobin in red blood corpuscles, iron-rich leaves have been cooked as a potherb, studies suggest CNS-depressant, antibacterial, and mitogenic activity, inhibits effects of adrenaline, may be useful against kidney and urinary system ailments, Germans have been using the root in treatments for prostate cancer, Russians are using the leaves in alcohol for cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder) and hepatitis, alleviates arthritis28; Edible Uses: Colouring; Curdling agent; Leaves; Drink:Young leaves - cooked as a potherb and added to soups etc[1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 36, 183]. They can also be dried for winter use[12]. Nettles are a very valuable addition to the diet[244], they are a very nutritious food that is easily digested and is high in minerals (especially iron) and vitamins (especially A and C)[4, 201, 238]. Only use young leaves (see the notes above on toxicity) and wear stout gloves when harvesting them to prevent being stung. Cooking the leaves, or thoroughly drying them, neutralizes the sting, rendering the leaf safe to eat[4, 244]. The young shoots, harvested in the spring when 15 - 20cm long complete with the underground stem are very nice[85]. Old leaves can be laxative[5].The plants are harvested commercially for extraction of the chlorophyll, which is used as a green colouring agent (E140) in foods and medicines[238]. A tea is made from the dried leaves, it is warming on a winters day[21, 183]. A bland flavour, it can be added as a tonic to China tea[238]. The juice of the leaves, or a decoction of the herb, can be used as a rennet substitute in curdling plant milks[183].Nettle beer is brewed from the young shoots[200]. Medicinal Uses:Stings; Tonic; Hypoglycaemic; Haemostatic; Galactogogue; Diuretic; Astringent; Antidandruff; Antiasthmatic. Nettles have a long history of use in the home as a herbal remedy. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used as a tonic and blood purifier. The whole plant is antiasthmatic, antidandruff, astringent, depurative, diuretic, galactogogue, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic and a stimulating tonic[4, 9, 21, 36, 165, 238]. An infusion of the plant is very valuable in stemming internal bleeding[4], it is also used to treat anaemia, excessive menstruation, haemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints, especially eczema[238]. Externally, the plant is used to treat skin complaints, arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, haemorrhoids, hair problems etc[238]. This species merits further study for possible uses against kidney and urinary system ailments[222].The juice of the nettle can be used as an antidote to stings from the leaves and an infusion of the fresh leaves is healing and soothing as a lotion for burns[4].A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves[4]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatic gout, nettle rash and chickenpox, externally is is applied to bruises[4]. Other Uses:Oil; Waterproofing; Biomass; Liquid feed; Hair; Fibre; Compost; Repellent; Dye. A strong flax-like fibre is obtained from the stems[200]. Used for making string and cloth[1, 4, 6, 13, 36], it also makes a good quality paper[115]. The fibre is produced in less abundance than from flax (Linun usitatissimum) and is also more difficult to extract[4]. The plant matter left over after the fibres have been extracted are a good source of biomass and have been used in the manufacture of sugar, starch, protein and ethyl alcohol[4].An oil obtained from the seeds is used as an illuminant[4]. An essential ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator[32]. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost[K]. The leaves are also an excellent addition to the compost heap[12, 18, 20] and they can be soaked for 7 - 21 days in water to make a very nutritious liquid feed for plants[54]. This liquid feed is both insect repellent and a good foliar feed[14, 18, 53].The growing plant increases the essential oil content of other nearby plants, thus making them more resistant to insect pests[18, 20, 54]. Although many different species of insects feed on nettles, flies are repelled by the plant so a bunch of freshly cut stems has been used as a repellent in food cupboards[4].The juice of the plant, or a decoction formed by boiling the herb in a strong solution of salt, will curdle milks and thus acts as a rennet substitute[4]. This same juice, if rubbed into small seams of leaky wooden tubs, will coagulate and make the tub watertight again[4].A hair wash is made from the infused leaves and this is used as a tonic and antidandruff treatment[172, 201].A beautiful and permanent green dye is obtained from a decoction of the leaves and stems[4, 115]. A yellow dye is obtained from the root when boiled with alum[4, 115]40; diuretic, tonic, astringent, prevents hemorrhaging, antiallergenic, increases breast-milk production (leaf), reduces prostate enlargement (root), antiallergenic for hay fever, asthma, itchy skin conditions, and insect bites, juice used to treat nettle stings, anemia24 |
| Genus | Urtica |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Habitat | waste places28; waste ground, hedgerows, woods etc, preferring a rich soil and avoiding acid soils[4, 9]40; wild in moist, nitrogen rich soils42 |
| Leaf Description | dioecious, lvs to 15cm, ovate, acuminate, base cordate to truncate23; mostly ovate, to 6” LONG, ACUMINATE, CORDATE TO TRUNCATE AT BASE, DEEPLY SERRATE, OPPOSITE, STIPULED18; lvs mostly oval, bases barely heart shaped28; ovate, sharp-pointed leaves with heart-shaped base and deeply toothed, may reach 6” long, covered with tiny, hollow silica-tipped hairs12 |
| Leaf storage pref | airtight jars42 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe24 |
| Moisture Req | moist, in creekbeds42; damp12 |
| Mulch Req | addition of nitrogen increases yield12 |
| Opt Divide Time | division succeeds at almost any time in the growing season. Very easy, plant them straight out into their permanent positions40; fall after leaves die back12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | for medicinal purposes, the plant is best harvested in May or June as it is coming into flower and dried for later use[4, 238], for cord, it is harvested as the plant begins to die down in early autumn and is retted before the fibres are extracted[4, 99]40; young shoots picked in spring, aerial parts and leaves in summer when in flower24; pick in spring or just before flowering, just 1/3 of growth, before flowering cut4” above ground42; May or June before flowering, use gloves12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | fall24 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26; sow spring in a cold frame40; fall or spring42 |
| Parts Used | whole plant28; aerial parts, root24 |
| Pollination Req | wind40 |
| Preparation | decoction, ointment, soup, capsules, infusion, tincture24 |
| Processing Req | shade dry42 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; seeds or cuttings18; seed and division40; from runners from an established stand42; seed, cuttings, or root division12 |
| Range | widely naturalized23, 18,28 |
| Root Description | creeping, extensive rootstock forming extensive patches12 |
| Scarification | none required |
| Seed Description | ripens June-Oct40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 150,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | Prefers a soil rich in phosphates and nitrogen. Plants must be grown in a deep rich soil if good quality fibre is required[4, 115]40; fertile, fine soil42; rich12 |
| Spacing | 8-12”26 |
| Species | dioica |
| Stem Description | little-branched, bristly18; stiff stinging hairs28 |
| Stratification | none required |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26, 12; semishady42 |
| Transplanting Req Est | prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and plant them out in the summer40 |
| Binomial Name | Vaccaria segetalis (=Vaccaria pyramidata, Vaccaria hispanica, Saponaria vaccaria) |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | vacsegoside, gypsogenin, glucoronic acid, glucose, arabinose, xylose, fucose, rhamnose, isosaponarin, saponaretin, vitexin36; saponin: vacsegoside, isosaponarin, starch, fat, protein, alkaloids15; Composition: Seed (Dry weight): Protein: 15 Fat: 2.5 Source: [218] Notes : The report does not make it clear whether this is a zero moisture basis40 |
| Bloom | summer23; late spring39; July-Aug40 |
| Cautions | contraindicated for use during pregnancy36; The seeds and other parts of the plant contain saponins[218, 240]. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm, they are also broken down if thoroughly heated[K]. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Vaccaria segetalis cow-cockle, wang bu liu xing Annual hanging to 2ft, delicate and tiny pink clawed flowers falling on ends around clasping heart leaves cow-cockle, thought to be good cattle food, grows wild along hillsides in native southcentral Europe and Asia. Now widely introduced throughout North America, cockle, or dairy pink, is seeded directly in the garden or in a greenhouse, press into soil, in spring. Keep moist. Space at 8" and plant in sandy loam or rocky garden, under full sun to partial shade. Blooms early spring, and in Missouri, dies back before summer’s heat. Not heat tolerant, needs attention during dry spells. Hangs beautifully down a rock wall or cascading from a hanging pot. Harvest seeds in summer when ready and replant following spring. In East Asia, wang bu liu xing, the globular, black seeds of Vaccaria segetalis are eaten ground into meal, containing up to 16% protein. Medicinally, they’re valued for promoting circulation, reducing swelling and inflammation of breasts and loins, treating shingles and sluggish menstruation. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. |
| Direct Sowing Req | direct sow40 |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Fruit | a caps18; capsule ovate-round39 |
| Functions/Uses | treat inflammation of the breast, benign breast tumor, absence of lactation following labor, induce menstruation14; bitter, neutral, entering liver and stomach, moves blood and promotes curculation through channels, in upper part of body promotes lactation in lower part promotes menstruation, used for indufficient lactation or amenorrhea from congealed blood, reduces swelling, used for painful swelling, especially of breast or testicles, Pharm: effect on uterus, stimulatory, treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)36; neutral, pleasant yet bitter to taste, promotes menstrual regularity and stimulates blood circulation, induces labor and promotes lactation, reduces inflammation and relieves pain, used for abscesses and ulcers, sluggish labor in pregnant women, menstrual irregularity, poor lactation39; Edible Uses:Seed; Leaves; Condiment: Leaves - used as a condiment[177, 179, 183]. Seed - ground into a meal[179]. Rich in starch[179]. The seed contains 13.8 - 16.1% protein and 1.6 - 3.2% fat[218]. The seed also contains saponins, see notes above on toxicity[218].Medicinal Uses:Antipruritic; Febrifuge; Vulnerary; Styptic; Oxytoxic; Galactogogue; Emmenagogue; Diuretic; Antiphlogistic; Anodyne. The seed is anodyne, discutient, styptic and vulnerary[147, 176, 178, 218]. A decoction is used to treat skin problems, menstrual problems and sluggish labour[218]. The seeds are also taken internally as a galactogogue[218]. The flowers, leaves, roots and shoots also have the same properties[218].The sap of the plant is said to be febrifuge and tonic[240]. It is used in the treatment of long-continued fevers of a low type[240]. The plant is used externally to cure itch[240]40; sweet, bitter, neutral, entering liver and stomach meridians, moves blood, regulates mensis, smooths parturition, increases lactation, disperses swelling carbuncle, promotes healing of incised wound, for amenorrhea, agalactia, dystocia, painful swelling, toxic furuncle, pharmacology shows uterine-stimulatory effect15 |
| Habitat | wild on hillsides or cultivated in gardens39; weed of cultivated fields[50]40 |
| Leaf Description | 3-8mm, wedge-shaped, toothed23; lvs sessile, lanceolate to ovate, to 2 3/4” long, cordate18; lvs opposite, ovate-lanceolate, apexes acuminate, bases clasping stem, margins intact39 |
| Medicinal Origin | East Asia36 |
| Moisture Req | moist40 |
| Opt Planting Time | April40 |
| Parts Used | seeds14,36,39, 15 |
| Plant spacing | 8”, needs to be hanging above ground, will not twine up trellis |
| Pollination Req | lepidoptera, self-pollinating40 |
| Propagation Method | seed40 |
| Range | introd. N Amer23; adventive in N. Amer as a weed in grain fields18; C. and S. Europe, north to Belgium. An introduced and not infrequent casual in Britain[17]40 |
| Seed Description | nearly globose18; globular, black39; ripens Aug-Sep40 |
| Soil Requirements | well drained40 |
| Stem Description | glaucous23; erect, glabrous18; erect, forked14; erect, cylindrical nodes39 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun40 |
| Binomial Name | Valeriana officinalis (=Valeriana excelsa) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | valepotriates (valtrate and didrovaltrate), tannings, choline, alkaloids, and essential oil (bornyl acetate and isovalerate), valerenic acid, valerenone12; volatile oil (up to 1.4%, bornyl acetate, beta-caryphyllene), iridoids (valtrate, isovaltrate), alkaloids24 |
| Bloom | fall39; May-Aug12; June-Aug37, 40 |
| Bloom Date | 05/12/98; 05/05/99 to 07/07/99 |
| Cautions | none reported, considered safe by FDA for culinary use12; large doses or extended used may produce symptoms of poisoning37; It is said that prolonged medicinal use of this plant can lead to addiction[9]. A course of treatment should not exceed 3 months40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Valeriana officinalis valerian Lovely and lithe, a perennial to 5ft, valerian radiates in fragrance among dense flowering heads of white, pink and lavender, May-Aug. Native to grassland mountainsides of eastern Europe, now naturalized over much of eastern and central US. Start seed indoors in spring, tamping lightly into soil, as light required to germinate in about 15 days or direct seed in garden early spring. Keep seedlings very moist. When vigorous, plant out in moist rich loam, full sun to partial shade at 12" spacing. Good companion. Hardy to –40F. Sidedress with nitrogen-rich compost during growing season and keep moist in dry weather. Blooms in second year. For medicine, pinch back flowers, putting more energy into root production. Harvest root in fall of second year after plant has died back. Slice thick roots and sun dry. Attracts insects and cats. Fabled use by the Pied Piper of Hamelin to lead rats away. Valerian’s medicinal use dates back to Dioscordes, in 1st century AD, who named it "phu", honoring the dried root aroma. Traditionally prescribed for stress, depression, hysteria, muscle spasms, migraine, and insomnia. Recent studies show sedative, pain-relieving, sleep-inducing and antidepressant effects. Do not use in large doses or over extended time period. |
| Cultivation Notes | self sowing and has root runners, may become weedy12; cats are very fond of this plant, particularly the powdered root[1, 4, 20]. Once a cat has discovered a plant they will often destroy it by constantly rolling40 |
| Days to Bloom | second year32 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-2126; 2012; 10-1632 |
| Direct Sowing Req | easy to grow, self-seeding26; sow when ripe12; sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed40; sow seed on surface of flat, or direct seed very early in spring32 |
| Family | Valerianaceae |
| Fruit | an achene with one fertile and 2 sterile seeds18 |
| Functions/Uses | root used for nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, pain relief26; strong intoxicating odor, expecially when bruised, Roman used the plant as incense and in Middle Ages roots used as perfume, cats and rats attracted to it, believed to have been used by the Pied Piper of Hamelin to lure away rats, aphrodisiac, valerian tea as strong sedative, roots treat spasms, conbulsions, hysteria, fever14; warming, bitter adn acrid to taste, emitting charcteristic odor, carminative, antispasmodic, antipyretic, for influenza, rheumatism, neursthenia, apprehension adn insomnia, traumatic injuries39; culinary in broths as flavoring, cats love the aroma, as do rats, herbal tranquilizer, antispasmodic, sleep aid, tea and tincture antispasmodic, anodynes, carminative, hypnotics, nervine, relieve stress, muscle spasms, mental depression, despondency, migrine, insomnia, stomach cramps, fatigue, nervous conditions, root affects CNS, stimulating it from fatigue and calming it in agitation, experimental data shows valerian is a mild sedative, spasm-reducing, mild pain-relieving, increases coronary blood flow12; antispasmodic, calmative, carminative, hypnotic, nervine, stomachic, useful for all sorts of nervous conditions, migraine, and insomnia, helpful for hysteria, neurasthenia, fatigue, and stomach cramps that cause vomiting, tea as enema for pinworms, and externally as a wash for sores and pimples37; sedative, relasant, relieves muscle spasms, relieves anxiety, lowers blood pressure, research: confirmed sleep aid, induces and improves quality of sleep, lowers blood pressure, valepotrates (iridoids) are sedative and depressant, reduces nervous activity by prolonging action of an inhibitory neurotransmitter, traditionally used for epilepsy, mental overactivity and excitabiltiy, anxiety and insomnia, tremors, panic, palpitations, sweating, relaxes smooth muscles, for shoulder and neck tension, asthma, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle spasms, menstrual pain, reduces high blood pressure caused by anxiety and stress24; Edible Uses:Tea; Seed; Condiment:Seed[172]. No further details are given but the seeds of other members of this genus are parched and then eaten. An essential oil from the leaves and root is used as a flavouring in ice cream, baked goods, condiments etc[183]. It is especially important in apple flavours[238]. The leaves can also be used as a condiment[61]. The plant is used in moderation as a herbal tea[183]. Medicinal Uses:Stimulant; Sedative; Nervine; Hypnotic; Diuretic; Carminative; Antispasmodic.Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilizer and nervine, particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain[4, 222]. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension etc[238]. It should not be prescribed for patients with liver problems[238]. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries[238]. The root is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant[4, 7, 9, 14, 21, 46, 147, 165, 192, 218]. The active ingredients are called valepotriates, research has confirmed that these have a calming effect on agitated people, but are also a stimulant in cases of fatigue[222]. Other Uses: Liquid feed; Essential; Compost; Repellent. The plant yields about 1% of an essential oil from the roots[7, 238]. It is used in perfumery to provide a 'mossy' aroma[57, 61, 238], though the scent is considered to be disagreeable by many people[207]. The dried roots are also placed in linen cupboards and clothes drawers in order to scent the clothes[4]. The dried root attracts rats and cats, it can be used as a bait to lure them away from other areas[100]. An ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator[32]. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost[K]. The plant can also be used to make a very good liquid plant feed[14, 18, 201]. It attracts earthworms[14, 18]. The leaves are very rich in phosphorus[201]40 |
| Genus | Valeriana |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26; requires light for germination[200]40, 32 |
| Germination notes | extra care32 |
| Greenhouse Req | pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring40 |
| Habitat | sunny mountains39; escaped from cultivation to roadsides and thickets37; wild in damp conditions24; grassland, scrub, woods etc, on dry or damp soils[9, 17]. Avoids acid soils40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs opposite, simple, mostly cauline, pinnatifid to pinnate, with 7-10 parirs of oblong-ovate to lanceolate segm, entire or toothed18; stem leaves opposite, merging with short and broad ochreae, lvs oddly pinnnate-compound, divided into nemerous (4 to 10 pairs) segments, upper segments curved-lanceolate, lower segments ovate-round, both edges deeply serrated, basal leaves with long petioles39; deeply divided larger at base and smaller up flower stalk, 7-10 pairs of oblong or lance-shaped leaf segments characterized the fernlike leaves, entire or toothed12; opposite, pinnate with 7-25 lanceolate, sharply serrate leaflets37 |
| Medicinal Origin | Eurasia14 |
| Moisture Req | moist12, 40 |
| Mulch Req | heavy feeder, does well with sidedressing of compost rich in nitrogen adn phosphorus32 |
| Opt Divide Time | fall12; spring, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions40 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | fall of second year after vegetative growth yellows and dies12, 24; roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried[4,9, 238]40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring or fall26; spring12, 24 |
| Parts Used | root18, 14,39, 12, 37 |
| Pollination Req | bees, flies, beetles40 |
| Preparation | use only fresh rootstock in infusion, cold extract, tincture37; fresh or dried root in tablet, powder, tincture, and decoction24 |
| Processing Req | harvest by mowing tops to the ground, roots lifted with a spade, fork, or plow, remove dirt, roots 3/4” and thicker should be split before drying, wash, under shade or low forced heat (below 100F), odor develops when drying12 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed, transplant26; seeds or division18, 12 |
| Pruning | when grown for its medicinal root, the plant should not be allowed to flower[4]40 |
| Range | Europe, West Asia, Naturalized locally in Canada and N US18; naturalized in western Europe and in US from Nova Scotia to PA, OH to MN, and Quebec12; New England south to New Jersey and west to Ohio37; Britain40 |
| Root Description | thickened, strong-smelling taproot or rhizome18; emits a characteristic odor39; yellow-brown tuberous37 |
| Root Storage Pref | fresh root is about 3 X as effective as roots dried at 40° (the report does not specify if this is centrigrade or fahrenheit), whilst temperatures above 82° destroy the active principle in the root[240]40 |
| Scarification | none noted |
| Seed Description | ripens July-Sept40 |
| Seed Viability Time | very short, sow when ripe12 |
| Seedling Care | frost hardy32 |
| Seeds per OZ | 38,00026; 35,500 seeds/oz32 |
| Soil Ph | 6-712 |
| Soil Requirements | wide variety but prefers moist, rich loam12; avoids acid soils, it succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1], preferring a rich heavy loam in a moist site[4, 7, 17]40 |
| Spacing | 12-18”26; 1ft12, 32 |
| Species | officinalis |
| Stem Description | erect, with purple keeled lines39; succulent, hollow, and grooved12; hollow, angular, furrowed37 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26; none noted12, 32 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26, 12, 40; does well in light woodland40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when several sets of true leaves appears32; prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions in the summer if sufficient growth has been made. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse or frame for their first winter and plant them out early in the following summer40 |
| Binomial Name | Verbascum thapsus |
| Ann/Per | Biennial |
| Active constituents | mucilage, flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, volatile oil, tannins24 |
| Bloom | June-Sept37; June-Aug40 |
| Bloom Date | June- Aug; June 3, 1998; 06/20/99 |
| Cautions | seeds are toxic and should never be used internally42; The leaves contain rotenone and coumarin, though the quantities are not given[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide and coumarin can prevent the blood from clotting[K]. Hairs on the leaves can act as an irritant[222]40 |
| Catalog Prose | Verbascum thapsus Mullein Vastly underrated as a landscape element, Mullein is one of our biennial favorites. An outstanding first year plant with very large gray flannel leaves, it brings forth in the second summer a tall, yellow-flowered spike that can get to 8 feet. Self-seeding and returning like an old friend, Mullein naturalizes well and has few needs. We allow it to wander about the garden as it wishes, appreciating its soft and elegant nature. Non-invasive. Traditionally all parts of the plant are used: the flower in oil for earache; tea for coughs, chest symptoms and as a diuretic; and, as a poultice for ulcers. The leaves are reported to be strongly anti-inflammatory. 1-8 feet. Poor to average soils. Full sun. 1999 Verbascum thapsus common mullein Vastly underrated as a landscape element, this biennial favorite native to Europe is an outstanding first year plant with huge gray green flannel leaves. In its second summer a tall, yellow-flowered spike grows to 8 ft. Easy. Direct seed on surface of dry, sandy, poor, calcareous soil. Tamp into soil, as light is required for germination in 20 days. Needs full hot sun and likes dry conditions but may need more water in seedling stage. Thin to 12”. Easy transplant. Self-seeding and tolerant to -40F. Cutting back seed stalk ensures plants keep contained, but generally non-invasive. Harvest flowers as they open, leaves when in bloom and root in fall. Shade dry. Attracts butterflies. Traditionally all parts of the plant are used: the flower in oil for earache; tea for coughs, mucus, chest symptoms and as a diuretic; and, as a poultice for wounds, warts, and ulcers. The leaves are reported to be antispasmodic and strongly anti-inflammatory. Seeds are toxic and shouldn’t be taken internally, hairs may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. |
| Cultivation Notes | Hybridizes with other members of this genus, though the progeny are usually sterile[200]. A very ornamental plant, it often self-sows, especially on dry calcareous soils[53, 124]40; prefers short period of moisture in spring48 |
| Days to Bloom | blooms second year32 |
| Days to Germinate | 12-1526; within 2 - 3 weeks40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sow seed on surface of disturbed soil or flat surface, press down32; sow directly after danger of frost42; sow late spring to early summer in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[200]40 |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Fruit | a caps18 |
| Functions/Uses | respiratory ailments, relaxing expectorant, flowers for infused oil for earache, rheumatism26; medieval Europeans dipped plant in suet and used it as a torch, bactericidal properties, relieves respiratory problems and earaches, fls considered stronger than leaves, for antispasmodic, demulcent, emolllient, astringent, sedative, flower/oil infusion for earaches, discharges form ear, frostbite, bruises, piles, and inflammation of mucous membranes, whole plant considered sedative, root stronger than lvs or fls42; coughs and congestion, specifically for tracheitis and bronchitis, lvs and fls in infusion to reduce mucus formation and stimulate coughing up of phlegm, externally as emollient and wound healer, steeped in oil for ear infections and hemorrhoids24; anodyne, antispasmodic, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary, mullein tea for coughs, hoarseness, bronchitis, bronchial catarrh, and whooping cough, flower tea for pain and insomnia, externally for inflammatins or painful skin conditions, breathe vapor for nasal congestion, crushed fresh flowers for warts, poultice of leaves for wounds and sores37; Edible Uses: Tea: aromatic, slightly bitter tea can be made by infusing the dried leaves in boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes[183]. A sweeter tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers[183]. Medicinal Uses: Narcotic; Odontalgic; Homeopathy; Vulnerary; Expectorant; Emollient; Demulcent; Astringent; Antiseptic; Anodyne. Great mullein is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy, valued for its efficacy in the treatment of pectoral complaints[4]. The leaves and the flowers are anodyne, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary[4, 7, 13, 21, 46, 53, 165, 222]. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of chest complaints and also to treat diarrhoea[4, 238]. Externally, a poultice of the leaves is applied to ulcers, tumors and piles[4, 222]. Any preparation made from the leaves needs to be carefully strained in order to remove the small hairs which can be an irritant[7]. An infusion of the flowers in olive oil is used as earache drops, or as a local application in the treatment of piles and other mucous membrane inflammations[4, 222, 238]. This infusion is also strongly bactericidal[4]. A decoction of the roots is said to alleviate toothache and also relieve cramps and convulsions[4]. The juice of the plant and powder made from the dried roots is said to quickly remove rough warts when rubbed on them[4]. It is not thought to be so useful for smooth warts[4]. The seeds are slightly narcotic and also contain saponins[4]. A poultice made from the seeds and leaves is used to draw out splinters[4]. A decoction of the seeds is used to soothe chillblains and chapped skin[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves[4]. It is used in the treatment of long-standing headaches accompanied with oppression of the ear[4]. Other Uses:Insecticide; Wick; Tinder; Lighting; Insulation; Dye: A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers by boiling them in water[4]. When used with dilute sulphuric acid they produce a rather permanent green dye, this becomes brown with the addition of alkalis[4, 13, 100, 168]. An infusion of the flowers is sometimes used to dye the hair a golden colour[4, 200]. The flowering stems can be dipped in wax and used as torches[53, 106, 124]. The down on the leaves and stems makes an excellent tinder when quite dry[4, 53, 115]. It is also used as an insulation in shoes to keep the feet warm[4,200] and to make wicks for candle[1, 4, 13, 100, 115, 124]. One report says that the leaves contain rotenone, though it does not say in what quantity[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide[K]40 |
| Genus | Verbascum |
| Germination Light | light preferred26; light dependent32 |
| Germination notes | extra care32 |
| Habitat | old dry fields18; dry, marginal areas where spartan conditions allow it to macximaize development of beneficial oils42; open uncultivated land along roadsides24; clearings, fields, pastures and waste places37sunny positions in uncultivated fields and waste ground, especially on dry soils[7, 13, 17]40 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -40 to -30F; -40.0 to -34.5C23 |
| Leaf Description | grey- to white-tomentose, basal lvs 8-50x2.5-14cm, obovate-oblong, obtuse, entire or crenate23lvs to 1ft long, toothed, soft, alternate, simple18; long, furry, in first season produces only a leaf rosette on ground, lvs are 6-15” long and resemble foxglove, with soft, dense mass of white harirs covering leaves, in second year, grows tall42; slightly hairy, gray-green oval to lance-shaped leaves24; alternate, thck, felt-like, light green leaves with stems winged by decurrent bases, basal rosette of larger, obobat- lanceolate or oblong leaves37 |
| Leaf storage pref | dark place in airtight container42; baled, dried at low 85F to high 120F, store in unheated warehouse48 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe42 |
| Moisture Req | moist or dry40 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | fls handpicked as they open, lvs when fls in bloom42; leaves and fls in summer24; plant is harvested when in flower and is dried for later use[238]40 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | fall42 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring through Fall26 |
| Parts Used | flowers, leaves, roots42; leaves and flowers37 |
| Plant height | 1-8 ft. |
| Pollination Req | flies, lepidoptera, self40 |
| Preparation | for respirtaory problems, infustion of 1/4 cup dried mullein fls to 1 pint water, strain, oil produced by macerating fresh flwers and infusing in olive oil, take several handfuls of mullein in glass container, cover with olive oil, steep for 7-10 days, strain42; infusion, tincture37; used in herbal smoking mixtures48 |
| Processing Req | dry flowers quickly in warm place in the shade42; can be swathed, windrowed adn baled, sun cure leaves and bale, 1/2” screen sold as crude spice, powdered to 1/4” screen, don’t breath dust48 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26; cuttings, division, or by seeds, self-sowing18; seed42, 48 |
| Range | Europe and Asia, naturalized in North America23, 18; naturalized in many temperate regions24; Atlantic coast west to SD and KS37 |
| Seed Description | ripens Aug-Sept40 |
| Seed Viability Time | long viability[200]40 |
| Seedling Care | little care, may need water attention when young32 |
| Seeds per OZ | 250,0000; 300,00026 |
| Soil Ph | alkaline40 |
| Soil Requirements | any except cold and wet18; poor, gravelly soil32; not rich, sandy, light soil42; well-draining, succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, thrives on chalk[200]. Prefers a light soil[200]40; poor dry48 |
| Spacing | 12-18”26; 1ft32 |
| Species | thapsus |
| Stem Description | stems usually unbranched23; erect from a rosette, yellow-tomentose with stellate hairs18; second year stout, fibrous with white pith42; tall, stout, simple or branched37 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 32, 40, 48 |
| Transplanting Req Est | easy transplant32; when they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in late summer40 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| US Govt Restrictions | prohibited for sale: HI, WA |
| Binomial Name | Verbena hastata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | glucosides (verbenalin, hastatocide) and tannin21 |
| Bloom | May-Sept21; July-Aug40 |
| Cautions | None known40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Verbena hastata blue vervain, wild hyssop Growing 5 ft or more in moist prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and seeps from Canada south through California and east to Florida, this native perennial flowers in spikes of blue violet, May-Sept. Moist stratify seed for 1 month at 40F, or plant out in early spring before last frost, when ground is soft and wet. Light required to germinate in 5-12 days. Plant under full sun in well draining fertile loam. Space at 12”. Prolific in areas of heavy grazing. Harvest leaves in summer and roots in fall. Sun dry. Attracts insects and butterflies. Leaf tea traditionally used by Teton Dakotas and Omaha as a tonic. Also tea makes a soothing nerve tonic for insomnia, stomachaches, and menstrual problems. |
| Cultivation Notes | increase in heavily grazed areas, cattle avoid eating them21 |
| Days to Germinate | 21-2826; 3-5days33; 12 days32 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sow early spring in a greenhouse or cold frame and only just cover the seed[1]40 |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Fruit | dry, enclosed in a persistent calyx, separating into 4 nutlets at maturity18; 4 nutlets ripening after flower opens37; 4 slender, reddish-brown nutlets containing one seed21 |
| Functions/Uses | leaf tea as female tonic, roots more active than leaves, used for liver, respiratory, and nervous disorders and menstrual complaints26; antiperiodic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, tonic, vermiguge, vulnerary, a natural tranquilizer, used as antiperiodic for nervous problems, warms tea for fevers and colds, ridding congestion in throat and chest, for insomnia and other nervous conditions, effective for eliminating intestinal worms, cold infustion as a tonic, externally, tea heals sores and wounds37; Teton Dakotas boiled leaves for stomachaches, Omahas for beverage, Mesquakies used root as remedy for fits, Menominis made tea from roots to clear up cloudy urine, Chippewas used dried powdered root as snuff for nosebleed, Anglos as diaphoretic and expectorant, lab research shows verbenalin shows uterine stimulant activity21; Edible Uses:Tea; Seed:Seed - roasted and ground into a powder or used as a piņole[105, 161, 183]. Pleasantly bitter, some of this bitterness can be removed by leeching the flour[183].The leaves are used as a tea substitute[161, 183]. Medicinal Uses:Vulnerary; Vermifuge; Tonic; Expectorant; Emetic; Diaphoretic; Antiperiodic. leaves and roots are antiperiodic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary[4, 21, 46, 222]. The roots are more active than the leaves[222]. The plant is used in the treatment of gravel, worms and scrofula[4]40 |
| Germination Light | light preferred26; light required33 |
| Germination notes | best if started from dry seed than fresh33, extra care32 |
| Greenhouse Req | refrigerate in moist medium for 2 weeks before planting in greenhouse (to stratify)32 |
| Habitat | moist praires and meadows, low open woodlands, stream banks, around springs and seepage areas and roadsides21; swales, damp thickets and shores[43]40 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -40 to -30F; -40.0to -34.5C23; Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]40 |
| Leaf Description | to 15x4cm, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, serrate, rarely lobed, rough above23; lvs lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, to 6” long, serrate or dentate18; oblong, lanceollate, gradually acuminate, serrate, 3-6” long, lower lvs are hastately lobed at the base, giving it its name37; opposite, simple, lance-shaped to broadly egg-shaped, 4-18cm lon, 1-11 cm wide, margins coarsely toothed and lobed at base21 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America Native Americans21 |
| Moisture Req | moist40 |
| Opt Divide Time | late fall or early spring21; Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Basal cuttings in early summer40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26; early spring32; late fall or early spring21 |
| Parts Used | dried plant18; rootstock, herb37; leaves, roots, flowering tops21 |
| Pollination Req | bees, flies, lepidoptera, self40 |
| Preparation | infustion, tincture37 |
| Propagation Method | transplant26; easy from seed or transplant21 |
| Range | England37; British Columbia to Nov. Sc. s. to Calif., Ariz. Fla18; N. America - Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to Florida, and from California to British Columbia40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 100,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained, succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained but moisture retentive soil40 |
| Spacing | 8”26; 12”32 |
| Stem Description | erect, branced or unbranched23; stiff and erects18; bristly, quadrangular37; erect, rough, hairy, unbranched or branch21 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26, 32; needs moist at 40F for 3mo33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer, Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer40 |
| Binomial Name | Veronicastrum virginicum (=Leptandra virginica, Veronica virginica, Veronicastrum virginicum) |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | root: saponins, volatile oil, sugars, tannins24; leptandrin, volatile oil, tannin, gum, resin21 |
| Bloom | summer23; Jun-Aug21; July-Aug40 |
| Bloom Date | June 12, 1998, 06/16/99 |
| Cautions | do no use fresh root, do not take during pregnancy24; Caution is advised, the plant is potentially toxic[222]40 |
| Catalog Prose | Veronicastrum virginicum Culvers Root A sleeper in the medicinal plant world, Culvers root is one of the most asked about plants in our gardens. A prairie perennial, growing to 5 feet, it can be direct-seeded or transplanted. It is also easily propagated by root division in fall. A multiple flower stalk sends up a candelabra of tail-like white flowers in June, making a delicious attraction for everything that flies. There is a strong geometric symmetry to the multiple branches that have whorls of leaves every 5 to 7 inches. This is a visually powerful plant, highly energetic. Non-invasive. Traditionally used as a laxative, to induce sweating, to stimulate the liver and as a diuretic. Breaks up stagnation in the body. 2-5 feet. Average soil. Full sun. 1999 Veronicastrum virginicum Culver’s root A sleeper in the medicinal plant world, Culver’s root is a US native prairie perennial, to 5 ft, with tall candelabra spikes of tapering tiny white flowers curling softly above lance-shaped whorled leaves. Direct-seed or sow indoors in a greenhouse on top of rich, well-draining loam under full sun to partial shade. In southern climes, plant in moist, dappled shade. Plant early spring when ground can be worked. Also easily propagated by root division in fall. Space at 24-32”. Harvest root in fall of second year. Sun dry and age 1 year before use. Attracts all that fly, buzz and hum. Traditionally used by Native Americans, the Missouri, Delaware, Osage, and Mesquakie as a violent purgative. Also used as a strong laxative, to induce sweating, to stimulate the liver and in ceremony, to purify. Breaks up stagnation in the body. Fresh root highly toxic, use of aged root should be limited to low dosage. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. |
| Days to Bloom | 2 years21 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sow indoors32; sow in a cold frame[200], or sow seed outdoors in situ40 |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Fruit | ovoid capsule18; woody, egg-shaped capsuled21 |
| Functions/Uses | known to Native American peoples of Missouri and Delaware as a violent purgative, it was used in moderate doeses as a laxative, detoxicfier, adn remedy for liver disorders, stimlutes bile production, used today as a laxative and remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders, herb used to treat flatulence adn bloating, eases discompfort of hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse, used occasionally for skin problems if caused by poor liver function24; Osages, Missouris, Delawares and others used Culver’s root tea as a violent purgative, Dakotas and Winnebagos used it to treat snakebite, remedy to Mesquakies, used to cure fits and consitpation, to dissolve gravel in kidneys, brewed a root tea to treat ague, drunk by women who were weak or in labor, Menominis of Great Lakes used as purgative and reviver, been found in medicine bags and war bundles, used to purify people, animals, medicine, and weapons that had been defiled by a person who had just experience a death n the family, Chippewas steeped 5 roots in a quart of water to make a tea as purgative and blood cleanser. Used by Anglos as purgative, emetic, alterative, cholalogue, substitute for mercury (as a purgative), used to treat liver disorders, biloius fever, pleurisy, and venereal disease21; Medicinal Uses:Tonic; Cholagogue; Laxative; Hepatic; Emetic; Cathartic: root is anodyne, cathartic, emetic, hepatic, laxative and tonic[4, 46, 61, 165, 218, 222]. The fresh root is a violent cathartic and possibly emetic, the dried root is milder in its action, but less certain[4]. The root also gently excites the liver and increases the flow of bile[4, 238]. A tea made from the roots is strongly laxative[213, 222]40 |
| Genus | Veronicastrum |
| Germination Light | light required32 |
| Greenhouse Req | larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring40 |
| Habitat | meadows, woodlands24; rich woods and moist prairies21; meadows, rich woods, thickets and prairies[43]40 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -40 TO -30 F; -40.0 TO -34.5 C23; Hardy to at least -20°c[187]40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs 4-7, lanceolate to oblanceolate, serrate, glab23; lvs mostly 5, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, to 6”, toothed, whorled, simple18; lance-shaped lvs in whorls24; lvs whorled, 3-7 per node, simple, lance-shaped, 2 3/4-5 1/2” long, 3/8-1 3/16” wide, margins toothed21 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America Native Americans24 |
| Opt Divide Time | late summer of fall21; autumn or spring[200]40 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | fall24; fall of 2nd year21; The roots are harvested in the autumn and should be stored for at least a year before use[213]40 |
| Opt Planting Time | early spring32; fall or spring40 |
| Parts Used | dried root24; roots21 |
| Plant height | to 5 feet, 2-5 feet |
| Pollination Req | insects, self-pollinating40 |
| Processing Req | roots must be dried and aged for at least a year before use, or will cause intestinal cramping32 |
| Propagation Method | division of rootstock, seeds, cuttings21; seed40 |
| Range | Mass to Man., South to FL and TX18; Eastern N. America - Ontario to Manitoba, south to Massachusetts, Alabama and Texas40 |
| Root Description | black24 |
| Seed Description | numerous tiny, light brown seeds21 |
| Seeds per OZ | tiny |
| Soil Requirements | easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil[200]40 |
| Spacing | 2ft32 |
| Species | virginicum |
| Stem Description | erect24; erect, smooth, and hairy, sometimes branched above grow in colonies21 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or shade21; prefers cool summers[200], prefers a sunny position[188]40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | as leaves begin to ripen in late summer21; when they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer40 |
| Binomial Name | Vitex agnus-castus |
| Ann/Per | Tender Perennial Perennial |
| Active constituents | iridoids, such as aucubin and agnuside, and flavonoids identified from leaves ans seeds, volatile oil (castin) and fixed oil12; volatile oil (cineol), alkaloids (viticine), flavanoids (casticin), iridoids (aucubin, agnoside, eurostoside)24 |
| Bloom | April in deep south lasting into Oct in north, typically Jun-Aug12; Sept-Oct40 |
| Bloom Date | week of June 23rd (1998); 06/20/99 |
| Cautions | none noted12; excess can cause formication (a sensation of ants crawling on the skin)24; some caution is advised since excessive doses can cause a nervous disorder known as formication, which manifests as a sensation of insects crawling over the skin[238]40 |
| Catalog Prose | Vitex agnus-castus Sui Hua Mu Jing Vitex is a hardy, large spreading shrub with an open spreading habit. They are easily started from seed or cuttings and have lovely purple blooms from June through July. The fruits (seeds) of this perennial are valued for their cough-supressing qualities. Also used for digestive disturbances. To 15 feet. Ordinary soil. Full sun. 1999 Vitex agnus-castus chaste tree Chaste tree, a perennial native to west Asia and the Mediterranean, was once eaten by monks in celibacy and is even mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, used to protect against evil. This subtropical deciduous shrub grows to 15 ft with an open spreading habit, finger-like aromatic leaves and fragrant flowers in 1 ft long cymes of lavender, July-Oct. Start from seed in spring, best in greenhouse in well-drained soil of any type. Bury, prefers dark to germinate in 3 weeks. Plant out after following spring under full sun and in dry, poor soil. Richer soil produces paler blooms. Space at 1-2 ft. Drought tolerant, does not handle overwatering well. Missouri, at zone 6, is at the northern end of cold tolerance for this species. Sidedress with compost in fall, and in areas where temps drop below 0F. May be pruned in fall as border shrubbery. Collect ripe berries in fall. Seeds of chaste tree, although once used as an anaphrodisiac, are still thought to have powerful hormonal effect. Currently refuted for this age-old use, researchers agree in validity of traditional treatments of women’s complaints, in particular, PMS, menopause, menstrual irregularity, lactation difficulties, and migraines and depression associated with menses. |
| Cultivation Notes | put cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in peat-moss/perlite, mist until rooting begins12 |
| Days to Germinate | 3026; germination is usually free and quick[113]40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | easy12 |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Fruit | small drupe18; pungent, sweet flavor12 |
| Functions/Uses | regulates hormones, promotes lactation, relieves spasms/ pain26; twigs for basket-making, fruits traditionally antiaphrodisiac for chastity, traced back to ancient Greece, tea of fruits for treatment of rheumatic conditions and colds, fruits as digestive carminative, tincture of fresh berries to increase milk production and alleviate menstrual disorders, in small doses, fruit helpful in treatment of impotence and perhaps cases of nervousness or mild dementia, Eur sci. rsrch focus on use for menstrual and menopausal disorders, seed extract controls excessive nmenstraul bleeding or too-frequent menstraution, ability to stimluate progesterone production, may regulate effect on estrogen, in Germany used to help reestablish normal menstraution and ovulation after women stop taking birth-control pills, confirmed to increase milk flow, reduce water retention during menstruation, allay effusions in knee hoint associated with PMS, Agnolyt(R) (current German product) prep of chaste tree fruits, used for PMS, polymenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, associated with uterine fibroids, also relieves headaches as a result of birth control pill, controls mastodynia and irregular uterine bleeding, prep of fruit used to treat primary or secondary corpus-luteum insufficiency, PMS, mastodynia, menopausal symptoms, and inadequate lactation, flavonoids with antibacterial effect12; regulates hormones, progesterogenic, increases breast-milk production, Research shows clear hormonal effect on body, antiandrogenic, inhibiting male androgens, progesterogenic effect acting on pituitary gland, valuble in treating PMS and increasing fertility. Traditionally used as hormone regulator, for menstrual problems and PMS, bloating, brest swelling, tenderness, irritabiliy, depression, regulates periods, migraine and acne associated with periods, infertility due to low progesterone, difficulty in breast feeding24; Edible Uses:Condiment: fruit is used as a condiment, it is a pepper substitute[46, 61, 100, 183]. The aromatic leaves are also used as a spice[183, 227]. This plant forms one of the ingredients of the legendary Moroccan spice mixture 'ras el hanout'[183]. Unfortunately, the seed is very unlikely to be produced in Britain[K]. Medicinal Uses: Sedative; Infertility; Febrifuge; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Women's complaints; Stomachic; Ophthalmic; Galactogogue; Aphrodisiac; Anaphrodisiac. seeds and fruits are anaphrodisiac, aphrodisiac, galactogogue, ophthalmic, sedative, stomachic, women's complaints[89, 148, 165]. Prolonged usage restores corpus luteum function[165]. Unfortunately, the berries are unlikely to be produced in the British climate[K]. The berries of this plant have a range of medicinal actions but possibly the most important is its ability to rectify hormonal imbalances caused by an excess of oestrogen and an insufficiency of progesterone[224]. It acts upon the pituitary gland, reducing the production of certain hormones and increasing the production of others, shifting the balance in favour of the gestagens. Thus it has a wide application of uses in malfunctions of the feminine reproductive system and has been used with great effect in restoring absent menstruation, regulating heavy periods, restoring fertility when this is caused by hormonal imbalance, relieving pre-menstrual tension and easing the change of the menopause[224]. The berries are considered to be an aphrodisiac[89], though other reports say that they are anaphrodisiac[11, 46]. The reason for this apparent disagreement is that the berries have a regulating effect on the body and so are likely to increase sexual activity in those who are not very active in this area whilst reducing it in those who are very active[K].The fresh berries are pounded to a pulp and used in the form of a tincture for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, weakness etc[4]. Other Uses:Essential; Basketry; Dye; Wood.A perfume is made from the flowers[227]. Young stems are used in basket making[46, 61, 100]. A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves, the seed and the roots[100, 148]. Wood - hard, close grained[146]40 |
| Genus | Vitex |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26 |
| Germination notes | germinates readily without pregermination treatment12 |
| Greenhouse Req | sow in a warm greenhouse40 |
| Habitat | damp places by streams and on the littoral[45]40 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= 0 TO +10F; -17.7 TO -12.3C23; hardy as far north as NY state12; Hardy to about -10°c40 |
| Leaf Description | lfts 5-9, to 11.5x2cm, marrowly elliptic, glabrescent and grey-brown above, grey-white and densely adpressed-pubesc. beneath23; lflts 5-7, lanceolate or elliptic, to 4” long, acuminate, nearly entire, very dark green above, grayish-tomentose beneath18; 5-9 lflts on palmate lvs, lflts entire or have wvy edges12; deciduous, aromatic, palm-shaped leaves24; deciduous with leaves appearing June-Oct40 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe and China12 |
| Moisture Req | well-drained, does not like standing water12; intolerant of waterlogging[202]40 |
| Mulch Req | mulch heavily in winter or bring inside when temps below -5F26 |
| Opt Divide Time | cuttings May-July, before flowering12; cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, November in a cold frame[113]40 |
| Opt Harvest Time | ripe berries collected in fall24 |
| Opt Planting Time | sping26; spring or fall24; March40 |
| Parts Used | fruit, seeds, leaves12; dried and fresh berries24 |
| Plant height | To 15 feet |
| Pollination Req | insects40 |
| Preparation | tablest, tincture24 |
| Propagation Method | transplant26; best with cuttings, also layerings, seed12; seed24; seed40 |
| Pruning | open spreading, pruned back within a couple of feet of ground each yr for smaller shrub12; Any pruning is best carried out in the spring and should consist of cutting out dead wood and shortening last year's flowering branches[219]40 |
| Range | South Europe, Naturalized in S. US and other Warm Regions, nat. in trop regions23; Europe and West Asia, introd to Eur in 1570, nat in Fla GA, AL, MI, LA, AR, TX and southeastern OK12 |
| Scarification | none required12 |
| Soil Requirements | any good18; wide variety from desert, hot dry to fertile, moist where is luxuriant, plants of rich soils have paler blooms12; well-drained, poor soil, prefers a light well-drained loamy soil, succeeds in dry soils40 |
| Spacing | 1-3’26 |
| Species | Agnus-castus |
| Stem Description | aromatic shrub or small tree23, 18; densely hairy and resinous12 |
| Stratification | yes26; none required12; seed does not need pre-treatment[113]40 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, 12; warm sunny position sheltered from cold drying winds[49, 200]40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | difficult due to long, stringy roots12; prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of the following year40 |
| When to Plant | Spring |
| Binomial Name | Withania somnifera |
| Ann/Per | TP Perennial Annual |
| Active constituents | alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides), iron24 |
| Bloom | lte. summer26 |
| Cautions | possible toxicity due to alkaloids, use only under practitioner26; The plant is toxic if eaten[238]40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Withania somnifera ashwaganda Ranging from India through the Middle East, this stout bushy shrub, to 3ft, blooms mid-summer in fragile greenish-white flowers and berries brillianty in bright red soon after. An annual in areas where temps drop below +20F, ashwaganda is an easy start. Scarify seed and inoculate overnight before planting. Sow seeds indoors in very early spring, under 1/8” soil, and keep warm and moist. Seedlings appear in 15-20 days. Grow out until late spring/early summer, when ground is very warm, then transplant to protected area of well-drained, average soil under full sun. Does well in rocky areas. Space at 12-16 ft. Flowers and fruits heavily in first year, but will need to be brought indoors with fall’s approach for seed production which may take up to 200 days. Vulnerable to insects, needs water in dry times, and likes compost. Overwinters well in dry areas, zones 9-10. Once established in these climes, needs little attention. Collect leaves in spring, fruit in fall, and root after berries have dropped. The ginseng of Ayurvedic Medicine, ashwaganda tonifies chronic conditions caused by stress, overwork, and exhaustion. It improves vitality, counters debility, relaxes and relieves. Iron-rich leaves useful in treating anemia. Used traditionally as an aphrodisiac, for infertility and impotence, as uterine tonic following childbirth, and for chronic antiinflammatory diseases such as lupus and cancer. Alkaloid content of leaves is potentially toxic. Use only under care of physicain. Abortifacient, do not use during pregnancy. |
| Cultivation Notes | will not overwinter outdoors, unless soil remains very dry (roots rot)32; This species is not hardy in temperate climates but it can be grown as an annual, flowering and fruiting in its first year from seed[169]40 |
| Days to Germinate | 14-2126; 1532; 2 weeks40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | start in greenhouse40 |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Fruit | orange-red berries in papery husk26 |
| Functions/Uses | ayurvedic tonic, roots used to improve energy, increase stamina, and tone nerves26; Ayurvedic to improve vitality after chronic illness, tonic, strenghtening and aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, tonic, sedative. Research indicates alkaloids are seadative, reduce blood pressure and lower heart beat, in 1970 research showed that withanolides, similar to human steroid hormones are antiinflammatory, inhibit growth of cancer cells, for chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus. rheumatoid arthritis, cancer preventative, increases hemoglobin levels, reduces graying of hairy, improves sexual performance, helps with recovery of chronic illness (1980 study). Traditionally used to strenghten, to restore vitality in those suffering from overwork or nervous exhaustion, reduces vata and kapha, clarifies the mind, calms and strengthens nerves, promotes sound and restfull sleep, restorative for elderly or chronically ill, reduces overactivity, encourage rest and relaxation, counters debility due to long-term stress, useful in treating anemia24; Edible Uses: curdling agent. seeds are used to curdle plant milks in order to make vegetarian cheeses[183, 240].Medicinal Uses:Tonic; Narcotic; Diuretic; Deobstruent; Abortifacient; Astringent; Aphrodisiac; Adaptogen; Sedative; Antibiotic. This species is one of the most widespread tranquilisers used in India, where it holds a position of importance similar to ginseng in China[238]. It acts mainly on the reproductive and nervous systems, having a rejunative effect on the body[238]. The plant is little known in the West[192]. The whole plant, but especially the leaves and the root bark, are abortifacient, adaptogen, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic, strongly sedative and tonic[169, 192, 238, 240]. Internally, it is used to tone the uterus after a miscarriage and also in treating post-partum difficulties[192]. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion, debility, insomnia, wasting diseases, failure to thrive in children, impotence, infertility, multiple sclerosis etc[238]. Externally it has been applied as a poultice to boils, swellings and other painful parts[192, 240]. The fruit is diuretic[240]. The seed is diuretic and hypnotic[240]. Other Uses:Soap; Repellent.The fruit is rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[169, 192]. The leaves are an insect repellent[169]40 |
| Germination Light | darkness preferred26 |
| Germination notes | easy, start seed in greenhouse32; high germination rate40 |
| Greenhouse Req | start seed32 |
| Habitat | Open places, disturbed areas etc[192]. An undershrub in stony places[238]40 |
| Hardiness | annual in temperate zones0,32 |
| Leaf Description | oval24 |
| Medicinal Origin | India24 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring24 |
| Opt Harvest Time | fruit in fall24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | leaves in spring24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | fall24; root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]40 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring, 8 mo. after 1st frost26; early spring40 |
| Origin | Seeds of Change |
| Parts Used | leaves, root, berries24 |
| Preparation | decoction, powder, capsule24 |
| Propagation Method | transplant26; seed or cuttings24 |
| Range | Australia, E. Asia, Africa40 |
| Seedling Care | consider giving the plants some protection, such as a cloche, until they are established and growing away well40 |
| Seeds per OZ | 14,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained moderately fertile soil[169, K]. Prefers a dry stony soil[238]40 |
| Spacing | 12”26,32 |
| Stem Description | stout shrub24 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26, warm sheltered position40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | transplant out after soil is very warm32; prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frost40 |
| Binomial Name | Xanthium sibiricum |
| Ann/Per | A Annual |
| Active constituents | xanthostrumarim, resin, alkaloids, ceryl alcohol, sitosterol, vit C36 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in headache or painful obstuction from deficient blood, toxic fresh, changed in decoction and (alkaloids?) are not significantly present in herb after it has been decocted or treated by high heat, effects CNS by decreased movement and reaction to stimuli and irregular breathing followed by difficulty breathing and coma (in mice), pathology revealed damage to all major organs, especially liver and kidneys36 |
| Catalog Prose | Xanthium sibiricum Burrweed Cang’er An annual used in Chinese medicine, the burrweed has wonderful analogs here in the Ozarks. It produces a smaller burr than the strumarium, but the appearance is very Xanthium like. It is used to dispel sinus and headache troubles and has an antibacterial effect. 1-2 feet. Moist, well-drained-soil. 1999 Xanthium sibiricum Siberian burrweed, cang er zi Annual, to 2ft, native to East Asia producing a small burr fruit, that moves easily through the gardens. Direct seed in well-drained moist sandy loam in lowland area, under full sun to partial shade thin to 12-16”. Self-seeding, thin in later years or better yet, harvest aerial parts in summer before going to seed. Cang er zi is used in Chinese Traditional Medicine to treat sinus problems, lower back pain and indigestion. Current research indicates antibacterial, stomachic, and antimicrobial effects. Alkaloids present in fresh herb are toxic and are broken down with boiling. Contraindicated for use during prenancy and in weak individuals. Use only under physicians care. |
| Cultivation Notes | invasive35 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | burr35 |
| Functions/Uses | sweet, slightly bitter, warm, poisonous, entering lung and liver, opens nasal passages used for any nasal or sinus problems with a thick, viscous discharge and related headache, desperses wind and expels dampness, used for wind damp painful obstruction or skin conditions with itching, expels exterior wind used as an auxiliary herb for exterior conditions with splitting headaches that radiate to teh back to the neck, Pharm: antimicrobial effect, use in otolaryngology, local application used to treat chronic rhinitis, use for lower back pain36; pungent, weet, warm entering spleen and stomach, promotes digestion, moves ch’i, strenghthens spleen, controls diarrhea, resolves surface, for loss of appetite, indigestion, diarrhea, Pharmacology: stomachic effect promoting digestion15 |
| Genus | Xanthium |
| Medicinal Origin | China36 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring0 |
| Origin | Bejing and 1 from Guang Xi ??? |
| Parts Used | fruit and herb36; aerial parts15 |
| Plant height | 4ft, 1-2 feet |
| Plant spacing | 2ft center |
| Scarification | none required0 |
| Site Preference | along creek bottoms, likes moisture |
| Soil Requirements | poor, dry35 |
| Species | sibrircum |
| Stratification | none required0 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun35 |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | prohibited for sale in: AL, AR, FL, GA, HI, KS, LA, |