herb

Job's Tears is a tropical grass native to Southeast Asia, and has been naturalized in Southern America as well as the Caribbean. Job's Tears is a member of the grass and rice family of plants (poaceae).  Wide ornamental blades grow upright and arch at their ends. Long, beautiful spikes of grain are produced in the warm seasons, swelling into gorgeous strings of seeds that resemble pearls, or tears. This unique grain is often described as resembling barley in both size, color and form. The plant is self-seeding annually, and is a perennial around the east coast and in warmer climates. This plant creates an excellent textured foliage, making it a great hedge plant. It's also well-suited to grow in containers, easily reaching heights of 4 to 6ft. It is best to plant Job's Tears during the rainy season, in Spring (right now!!).  Grain heads will sprout and be ready for ample harvest as the weather becomes more dry.  Job's Tears has several edible uses, primarily as a cereal grain. In Asia it is commonly used to make grain alcohol that is often sweetened and combined with spices. A milk like drink similar to Horchata can be made from the grains as well.  Medicinally, the bran is known to have cancer fighting properties. The pea-shaped grains of the plant naturally have a hole that easily allows for stringing of the grains. They are moisture resistant, and durable and are often used to make necklaces and rosaries due to the added symbolism of the tear-shape.

Medicinal and Aromatic Coastal Shrub Common Names: La Cach, Coastal Premna, Headache Tree, Agara, Arani, VasaFamily: LamiaceaeOrigin: Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands Premna serratifolia, commonly known as La Cach or Coastal Premna, is a hardy shrub or small tree known for its medicinal properties and aromatic leaves. This plant is often found growing in coastal areas and tropical forests, thriving in warm, humid environments. La Cach is widely used in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia and India, where its leaves, roots, and bark are used to treat a variety of ailments. The leaves are fragrant and are sometimes used as a spice in cooking. This versatile plant is drought-tolerant, resilient to coastal winds, and adds both medicinal and ornamental value to gardens. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Foliage: La Cach has oval to lance-shaped, serrated leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The leaves are used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. La Cach plants flower and produce seeds year-round, but it is really cultivated for its foliage. The young leaves and tender shoots are typically cooked and eaten as greens or used to wrap meat or veggies with and grilled. The leaves, flowers, and roots of La Cach are known for their purported medicinal qualities in the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine. Flowers: The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.  La Cach always gets a lot of attention during our Food Forest Tours due to it's unique appearance, beautiful deep purple berries (only harvested for seed) and eye-catching flowers.  It has a shrubby habit and makes a great ornamental hedge that always attracts a large number of butterflies and other pollinators. Growth Habit: Premna serratifolia grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching up to 10-20 feet tall. It has a bushy, spreading habit and can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. Medicinal and Culinary Uses La Cach is highly valued in traditional medicine. The leaves, roots, and bark are used to treat fever, headaches, respiratory issues, and digestive disorders. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a common remedy for wounds and infections. In addition to its medicinal uses, the aromatic leaves can be used as a spice in cooking, particularly in Southeast Asian cuisine. The leaves are sometimes added to soups or stews for their fragrance and flavor.

Lemon balm is an aromatic herbaceous perennial or annual, distinguished by its lemony scent. Originating from the Mediterranean and Central Asia, it is now cultivated across the world for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental use. Growing to a height of 24 inches, it boasts wrinkled serrated leaves with a slightly hairy texture and tiny white to yellow/purple flowers blossom in whorled clusters, offering honeybees nectar-rich pollen. Lemon Balm is an exceptional herb that lends its distinct, citrus-like flavour to cuisines from around the world. Its essential oils are also used in aromatherapy for relaxation and rejuvenation, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. Its medicinal properties have been celebrated for centuries, helping to soothe an upset stomach, aid digestion, and promote restful sleep.

Lolot is a herbaceous perennial vine with creeping rhizomes, commonly known as Wild Betel.  It is cultivated for it's dark green, glossy leaves which have both medicinal and culinary purposes. Lolot is most popularly used to wrap meat with in Southeast Asian cooking.  The leaves are traditionally prepared fresh as a salad in Laotian and Malay cuisine. Medicinally, the whole plant possesses anti-inflammatory, expectorant and anodyne properties. Lolot has a beautiful tropical look and makes the perfect ground cover for an edible landscape!  A member of the Piper family, Lolot is related to other Sow Exotic favorites, Hoja Santa and Black Pepper Vine.

Nutritious, Taro-Like Root Vegetable Common Names: Malanga, Yautía, Cocoyam, Tannia, Arrowleaf Elephant EarFamily: AraceaeOrigin: Tropical Americas and the Caribbean Malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is a tropical root vegetable known for its starchy tubers and large, elephant ear-shaped leaves. Popular in Caribbean, Latin American, and African cuisines, Malanga is often compared to taro, though it has a distinct nutty flavor and smoother texture when cooked. It is a highly nutritious root, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a staple food in many tropical regions. In addition to its culinary uses, Malanga is valued for its hypoallergenic properties, as it is easy to digest and often recommended for people with food sensitivities. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Tuber: Malanga produces large, starchy tubers with brown, scaly skin and creamy white, yellow, or purple flesh, depending on the variety. The tubers are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C and B6. The tubers can be boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed, similar to potatoes or yams. Foliage: The plant’s large, arrow-shaped green leaves add ornamental value, resembling elephant ears, making Malanga both a practical and attractive addition to tropical gardens. Growth Habit: Malanga grows as a large herbaceous perennial, typically reaching 3-5 feet tall, with a spreading growth habit. Culinary and Medicinal Uses Malanga is primarily used as a starchy vegetable in a wide range of dishes. It can be boiled, mashed, fried, or grated into soups, stews, and fritters. It is also used to make flour, which is popular in gluten-free baking. Due to its easy digestibility, Malanga is often recommended as a hypoallergenic food for individuals with dietary restrictions or gastrointestinal issues. Its high fiber content promotes digestive health, while its nutrient profile supports overall wellness.

Soothing Herbal Powerhouse with Soft Blooms and Silky Roots Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a medicinal herb and flowering perennial treasured for centuries for its soothing, mucilaginous roots and leaves. Native to Europe and Western Asia, this soft, silvery plant is the original source of the sweet we know today—but its true gift lies in its ability to calm inflammation, support digestion, and soothe the respiratory tract. The plant features velvety leaves and pale pink hibiscus-like flowers, loved by pollinators and perfect for herb gardens, cottage borders, and apothecary patches. Its roots, leaves, and flowers are traditionally used in teas, syrups, and salves to ease sore throats, coughs, and skin irritations. Marshmallow grows best in moist, well-draining soil with full to part sun and is particularly suited to medicinal gardens, wetland edges, and temperate food forests. This hardy perennial brings a gentle beauty and powerful healing energy to any space. Why You'll Love It: Supports respiratory, digestive, and skin health naturally Attracts pollinators with soft pink blooms Traditional plant ally in herbalism for soothing inflammation Easy to grow in moist, sunny to partially shaded spots Soft, silvery foliage adds texture and charm to herb gardens

Licorice-Sweet Culinary Herb with Golden Blooms and Healing Power Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida), also known as Mexican Mint Marigold, is a fragrant, golden-flowered herb native to Central America and a beloved culinary and medicinal plant with a bold, anise-like flavor. Often used as a heat-tolerant substitute for French tarragon, this plant thrives in hot, sunny gardens and is prized for its edible leaves and vibrant blooms. Its narrow, glossy green leaves add a licorice-sweet punch to vinegars, herbal teas, sauces, eggs, and fish dishes. The bright yellow marigold-like flowers bloom throughout summer and fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects while adding color and cheer to your herb garden or landscape border. Traditionally used by the Aztecs for rituals, teas, and remedies, Mexican Tarragon also has calming, digestive, and antimicrobial benefits. It’s drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and easy to grow—making it a hardy, high-value plant for gardeners in warm climates. Why You'll Love It: Delicious heat-tolerant alternative to French tarragon Fragrant edible leaves and bright pollinator-friendly flowers Used in teas, vinegars, traditional medicine, and ritual Drought-tolerant and pest-resistant in sunny gardens Attracts butterflies and bees while blooming all season Growing Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best flavor and flowering Pinch young stems regularly to encourage a fuller, bushier plant Harvest leaves in the morning for peak essential oil content Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering season Grows well in containers—perfect for patios and sunny herb spirals

Moldavian Balm, also known as Maldavian Dragonhead - or as we like to call it in the nursery, Dargon Balm -  is an annual herb of the Lamiaceae family, related to Mint and Beautyberry. Native to temperate areas of Asia and Eurasia, the erect, multi-stemmed minty-lemon plant contains ribbed, pleasant scented leaves which can be dried into a tea, used as a spice, or employed for their citrusy essential oil. Their attractive blue-purple summer flowers grow in rows up the plant’s stem and have a similarity to Lemon Balm, bringing all the bees to the yard! Seeds can be used for their astringent properties and have been used in traditional medicine for aiding in fever.  This easy maintenance Moldavian Balm can be easily grown in containers or in a sunny to partially shady place and enjoys arid moisture. Harvest yourself a refreshing Moldavian Balm tea, or add it to your lemonade!

Low-Growing Aromatic Mint with Intense Herbal Fragrance Pennyroyal is a low-growing, spreading mint with small rounded leaves and soft purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. Unlike taller culinary mints, this species forms a creeping mat, making it excellent as a groundcover in herb gardens or containers. When crushed, the leaves release a strong, sharp, minty aroma with earthy undertones—much more intense than common peppermint or spearmint. Its compact habit and fragrant foliage make it both ornamental and highly aromatic in the landscape. Fast-growing and adaptable, Pennyroyal thrives in warm conditions and can quickly fill in spaces with its trailing stems. Its dense foliage also naturally suppresses weeds when planted as a living groundcover. Cultural & Herbal Significance Pennyroyal has a long history in European and Mediterranean herbal traditions, where it was valued for its aromatic qualities and use in traditional remedies. Historically, it was used in herbal teas, strewing herbs, and natural insect deterrents. In older folk traditions, pennyroyal was associated with purification and protection. Today it is most commonly grown for its fragrance, ornamental use, and as a natural garden companion plant. Important note: Pennyroyal contains concentrated essential oils and should not be consumed in large quantities or used medicinally without professional guidance. Why Grow Pennyroyal? Strongly aromatic mint with compact, creeping growth Excellent groundcover for herb gardens and containers Naturally deters some insects with its potent fragrance Pollinator-friendly purple blooms Easy to grow and adaptable in warm climates

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), native to the Mediterranean region, is a fragrant evergreen herb celebrated for its needle-like leaves and small, pale blue to white flowers. Traditionally used in cooking for its robust, woodsy flavor, Rosemary also holds a place in herbal medicine for its purported memory-enhancing properties. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil and requires minimal watering once established and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers, Rosemary is both a culinary delight and a beautiful addition to any garden!

Rue, also known as Herb of Grace, is a small shrubby perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet high with delicate blue-green foliage and small, bright yellow flowers. It is in the citrus family (Rutaceae) and is native to the Balkans and southeastern Europe where it is used as a bitter flavoring in traditional cuisines of the eastern Mediterranean.  Rue’s shrubby nature and charming foliage and flowers make it an excellent low-growing hedge, border, or container plant. The yellow flowers that bloom in June and July attract butterflies, but the highly fragrant leaves give off a strong aroma when crushed and can also repel insects. Planted in the garden, Rue is an effective insect-repelling companion. It is the national herb of Lithuania, and in southeastern Europe, it developed a reputation as a magical protective herb and was often planted in doorways to ward off evil spirits.  Rue is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant. It is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant after it is established and will grow in a variety of soils as long as they are well-draining. It does best in full sun but will tolerate light shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10.

Mild Italian Green with Whimsical Flowers and Culinary Charm Sculpit (Silene inflata syn. vulgaris), also known as Stridolo, Silene, or Bladder Campion, is a delicate and flavorful herb cherished in Italian and Eastern European cuisine for its tender, slightly wild greens. Its mild, slightly herbal flavor is often described as a cross between arugula, tarragon, and chicory, making it perfect for use in omelets, risottos, salads, soups, or chopped fresh into herb blends. This perennial features soft, edible green leaves and delicate balloon-like flowers that attract beneficial pollinators and give the plant an ornamental edge. Sculpit thrives in full sun to part shade, grows quickly in spring and fall, and reseeds easily for continued harvest year after year. Perfect for edible landscaping, cottage gardens, or permaculture herb spirals, Sculpit is low-maintenance, cold-hardy, and packed with culinary and ecological value.

Self Heal, commonly known as heal-all or cure-all plant, is a very interesting and important wildflower herb whose young stems and leaves are cultivated for myriad medicinal and culinary purposes.  In traditional herbal medicine, Self Heal is said to assist in general healing of the body. Self Heal grows in a range of light and soil conditions but does really well as a groundcover with light shade.  Self Heal ranges in growth from 6-20 inches.  It spreads from the taproot and cutting back will yield stronger, thicker stems.  Self heal is fairly drought tolerant and low maintenance once it is established.  Flowers provide excellent forage for bees and are loved by pollinators!

Siberian Motherwort, also known as Marihuanilla or Honeyweed, is a perennial or annual medicinal herb.  It grows tall, erect, and full of vibrant purple flower spikes. The flowers produced in whorls around the upper half of the stems and it's toothed foliage are highly ornamental and unique. It makes a showstopping hedge and is beloved by pollinators.  Siberian Motherwort grows wild along the coastal regions of Brazil and Mexico, but is native to China, Mongolia, and (surprise!) Siberia. Medicinally, this plant was traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help alleviate some symptoms of menstruation or for ritual smoking purposes. It's purported effects are comparable to cannabis in that they provide a mellow and relaxed sensation. This plant does not tolerate frost and can be overwintered indoors.  Siberian Motherwort is of the Leonurus (mint) family of plants and very closely related to two other Sow Exotic favorites; Klip Dagga and Wild Dagga.

Society Garlic, or Tulbaghia violacea, is a versatile perennial herb native to southern Africa. Known for its delicate, star-shaped lavender flowers and grassy, fragrant leaves, this plant is as beautiful as it is useful. Perfect for zones 7-10, it thrives in sunny gardens, containers, and borders, offering a unique combination of ornamental appeal and culinary utility. The plant's leaves and flowers have a mild garlic flavor, making them an excellent addition to soups, salads, stir-fries, and pestos. Despite its garlic-like scent, it’s a member of the lily family and not a true garlic. Society Garlic is also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes. Plant Society Garlic in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and thrives with occasional watering. Deadhead flowers to encourage blooming, and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Stevia, scientifically known as Stevia rebaudiana, is a remarkable plant highly esteemed for its sweet leaves, which are a natural, zero-calorie alternative to sugar. Originating from South America, stevia has been used for centuries by the Guarani peoples of Brazil and Paraguay, primarily for sweetening beverages and as a herbal remedy. This hardy perennial is easy to grow in well-drained soils and thrives in warm, sunny environments, making it a fantastic addition to your herb garden. Helpful Hint: as a sweetener, 1/4 of ground leaves is equal to 1 tsp of sugar.  Our stevia plants are naturally grown and carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. Each plant comes in a 4-inch biodegradable pot, ready to be transplanted into your garden or container. The leaves can be harvested as soon as they are fully developed, typically within a few months of planting. Enjoy natural sweetness in your beverages and desserts, or dry the leaves to create your own stevia powder. With our robust plants, you can sustainably produce your sweetener year after year.

A tall perennial herb native to Europe and Asia that produces clusters of aromatic pale-pink or white flowers which are great for attracting pollinators. The scent of the flowers is sweet and similar to vanilla. The plant can grow very tall, up to 4 feet and requires a full sun to partial shade. It's important to know that if you're growing Valerian for it's medicinal qualities make sure you grow it in an easy to access part of your garden because the root is what you'll be harvesting. The soil conditions need to be moist, well-drained loamy soil or compost-rich soil.  Valerian root is known to have many medical benefits. It's an excellent remedy for stress, anxiety, or insomnia, and great for healing the nervous and digestive systems. 

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa), also known as Opium Lettuce, is a biennial herb plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. This distinctive plant can grow to heights of up to 6 feet under optimal conditions, and it features a central stem that is thick, fibrous, and often tinged with a reddish-purple color.One of the most notable and sought-after characteristics of Wild Lettuce is its sap. When the stems or leaves are cut or broken, they exude a milky latex that has been historically used for its sedative and analgesic properties.  This latex contains compounds such as lactucin and lactucopicrin, which contribute to its medicinal uses. In herbal medicine, extracts from Lactuca virosa have been used to treat various ailments such as insomnia, anxiety, and pain. It is also used in some cultures for its psychoactive effects, though it is important to note that the potency and safety can vary widely. The plant has long, green leaves that can appear bluish-green and have toothed or wavy edges with a waxy feel. As it grows, the lower leaves drop off, leaving the top ones more visible. Its small, yellow flowers resemble dandelions and cluster on branching stems, blooming from late spring to early fall. The plant produces small, dry fruits called achenes, featuring a fluffy structure that helps them spread on the wind. Wild Lettuce thrives in well-drained soil, often found in full sun to partial shade. It typically grows in waste areas, along roadsides, and in fields. Despite its common name, it is not closely related to the lettuces commonly grown in gardens for consumption but shares some visual similarities.

Yerba Mate is an evergreen tree in the Holly family (Aquifoliaceae), native to the steamy subtropics of South America. Indigenous people of Paraguay first brewed the dried leaves into a delicious beverage that is high in caffeine, antioxidants, and micronutrients. It is a commonly used beverage in South America, and now it is gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative to coffee that boosts energy, burns fat, and reduces cholesterol. Fragrant white flowers bloom on the tree during the late fall and early winter and develop into bright red ornamental berries in the spring. The thick, leathery leaves can be harvested and dried at any time of the year when the foliage has become full on the tree. It will grow to 50 feet high outdoors and can also be grown as a container plant indoors or outdoors. Yerba Mate will grow in full sun to partial shade in rich, loamy, well-draining soil that is never allowed to dry out. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.