Tobacco is a member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. This family includes tomato, pepper, eggplant, Irish potato, and a number of other plants. Tobacco belongs to the genus Nicotiana, and almost all commercial tobacco is of the tabacum species. The Nicotiana rustica species was commonly used by...

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial plant in the ginger family, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its rhizomes (underground stems) are used to produce a bright yellow-orange spice, also called turmeric, which is widely used in South Asian cooking...

You may not have heard of some of our herbs before, but you’ve probably heard of peppermint. It’s the most used flavoring from the mint family and is everywhere during the Christmas season. Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Peppermint (Mentha piperata) has been referred to a “blast of...

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a semi-evergreen perennial and a member of the Lamiaceae—mint family. The plant originates from Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Hyssop makes a lovely functional and ornamental herb to grow in your garden. The plant...

Yarrow is an herbaceous perennial featuring small bunches, or “heads”, of flowers. Yarrow is a great low-maintenance addition to your garden. It self-sows easily and thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sun but can adapt to a variety of situations. Yarrow is considered a “cure-all” herb for its many medicinal...

So, we’ve all heard of Hops but what exactly are they and what are they used for? Hops is also known as the “alpha acid”, they’re cone-shaped flowers derived from the plant Humulus Lupulus, mostly used in brewing beer. Many herbalists use Hops for its medicinal properties. It has been known to help with...

Feverfew is a perennial plant with small, daisy-like flowers that are cultivated in flower gardens throughout Europe and the US. It is known to repel moths, flies, ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and more insects! Tanacetum parthenium. Feverfew flowers from June through August and requires full or...

Catnip is great for more than just your cats! Catnip is a short-lived perennial plant that grows to be 20-40 inches tall and wide and has flowering heads that bloom from late spring to autumn. The name “catnip” comes from the fact that about 2 in 3 domestic cats are attracted to it. In addition to its uses with cats, it is...

Horehound features ornamental foliage that have a slight heart shape. The name “horehound” is likely a derivative of the Old English word horhoune, which means hoary or hairy, as both the leaves and stems are covered in fine hair. The herb is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern and central...

Motherwort is a spiky, weedy, clumping perennial herb that can reach at least five feet tall, motherwort is often found growing wild, especially in wet areas. It is also a commonly found weed along roadsides and in neglected gardens. Motherwort produces clusters of pink to purple flowers that bloom from midsummer

Bee balm is a native American plant not only known for its brightly-colored flowers and fragrant foliage. The flowers were used by North American Indians to make tea which were considered a useful treatment for colds, stomach aches, and insomnia. Bee balm produces slender, tubular flowers that bloom in June...

Mullein is a herbaceous biennial or a short-lived perennial herb that is Native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. Once mature, this plant typically reaches up from 2-7 feet tall and can be up to 2.5 wide. A drought-tolerant variety, mullein produces bright yellow blooms with five-petaled flowers grouped closely...

German Chamomile is an annual that produces small, daisy-like flowers. Plants produce sweet, pineapple-like, aromatic blooms. Grown for medicinal use, chamomile is known to aid with digestion and boasts anti-inflammatory properties. It also makes for a great ground cover and can also be grown in...

Purple Coneflower is by far the most popular variety of coneflower. With beautiful purple blooms, this variety is great for pollinators and medicinal uses alike. Native to North America, these plants are hardy, drought-tolerant, and long blooming. The flowers have daisy-like features made up of several small...

Commonly known as pot marigold, calendula is different from the common marigold, and instead more closely related to daisies and chrysanthemums. It grows relatively quickly, flowering six to eight weeks from seeding at 1-2 feet tall and wide. They are most commonly orange, but can also be red, yellow, pink, or cream. 

Broadleaf Sage is a popular shrubby perennial with broad silvery leaves and tiny lavender flowers. There are hundreds of varieties of salvia throughout the world but the common garden sage primarily has the highest medicinal properties. Sage is native to the Mediterranean region but grows well throughout the world...

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion. It’s native to the Mediterranean and various regions in...

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a plant that is native to India. Holy basil is also known as tulsi or tulasi. Holy Basil is one of the most popular and often used medicinal herbs that you’ll find. This variety is said to be both calming and energizing. While not used as often as sweet basil in culinary dishes...