Herb

 Aloe Vera is a healing, perennial succulent native to Africa and the Middle East that stands out with its captivating, fleshy foliage that can reach 1-2 ft and its majestic flower spikes that soar to 4 ft! During summer's warm months, it blooms red and orange flowers that beckon hummingbirds and other pollinators. This fast-growing plant spreads through its base pups, making it a great medicinal ornamental and beautiful hardy ground cover. It grows best in full sun or part shade and in loose, sandy or rocky, fast-draining soils; indoor plants are best in a cactus soil mix. Water regularly in the first growing season to establish a root system; drought tolerant once established.  Aloe's succulent foliage can be harvested year-round.

Versatile and Nutritious Starch Source Common Names: Arrowroot, West Indian Arrowroot, Obedience PlantFamily: MarantaceaeOrigin: Central and South America, Caribbean Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a perennial herb known for its edible rhizomes, which are the source of the fine, easily digestible arrowroot starch. Native to Central and South America, Arrowroot has been used for centuries as a food thickener, dietary staple, and natural remedy. The starch extracted from the rhizomes is gluten-free, making it a popular alternative to wheat flour for thickening sauces, soups, and desserts. Arrowroot is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, making it a valuable addition to gardens focused on both ornamental and practical uses. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Rhizomes: Arrowroot's arrow-shaped rhizomes are tuberous and starchy, serving as the source of the plant’s famous arrowroot starch. The starch is highly digestible and gluten-free, making it ideal for those with dietary sensitivities. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking.  It is a low-temperature friendly starch and can also be boiled down alone to create a jelly. Its roots are peeled and grated into water where it’s dried after several rinses and made into a powder flour.  The creeping rootstalk tubers are perfect for cultivating thicker textures in sauces, soups and so on. Foliage: The plant has large, bright green, lance-shaped leaves that grow upright, making it both attractive and functional in garden landscapes. Growth Habit: Arrowroot grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial, reaching 3-5 feet tall. The plant spreads via underground rhizomes and can be grown in containers or garden beds. It takes a bit of patience to grow, requiring up to 12 months of humid weather to squeeze as much starch as it can, but it’s worth the wait! Arrowroot has been growing in use because of its easy to digest characteristics. Culinary and Medicinal Uses Arrowroot starch is highly valued for its culinary versatility, especially as a gluten-free thickening agent for soups, sauces, gravies, and desserts. It is also used in baking and as a substitute for cornstarch. Arrowroot’s neutral flavor and clear consistency make it ideal for delicate dishes. Medicinally, arrowroot has been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, soothe upset stomachs, and aid in wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is also used in skincare to absorb moisture and as a base in natural cosmetics.

Ashwagandha, also known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, is an annual medicinal herb plant from the Nightshade family. It is cultivated heavily in India and is native to parts of the Middle East, the Indian Peninsula, and the Himalayan regions.  Ashwagandha is an annual or short-lived perennial that features elliptical green leaves and small white bell shaped flowers. The flowers grow into lantern like cases, which contain bright red cherries bearing dozens of tiny seeds. The root is ready to harvest 150 to 180 days after planting, just as the berries have formed and the leaves have begun to yellow.  Ashwagandha is widely known for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic medicine; the root being the most commonly used part. Taken as a tea or in tincture form, it is believed to reduce anxiety and depression, and to help achieve mental clarity and boost the immune system. Studies show that its potential medicinal effects are due to the presence of alkaloids and steroidal lactones within the plant that promote anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects. It's a great medicinal plant for any herbalist's garden!  Ashwagandha is an essential herb in our medicinal garden and food forest.  We carefully harvest its roots in the fall by digging up the entire plant and separating the roots from the base of the plant.  We remove the red berries (seed pods) from their lantern casings then sun dry the roots and the seeds separately.

Whimsical Blooms That Pop with Beauty and Medicinal Power Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), also called Chinese Bellflower or Doraji, is a cold-hardy perennial herb known for its puffy, balloon-like buds that burst open into stunning star-shaped blue-violet flowers. Native to East Asia and used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, it’s as healing as it is ornamental—especially cherished for its soothing root, used to support lung health, coughs, and inflammation. This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny garden beds and borders, adding dreamy vertical interest and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its edible root can be prepared like a vegetable or dried for teas and tinctures. Balloon Flower is a perfect fit for medicinal herb gardens, pollinator plots, and cottage-style borders. Why You'll Love It: Unique balloon-like buds burst into stunning blue-violet stars Medicinal root used in teas, soups, and herbal formulas Cold-hardy, perennial, and easy to grow Attracts bees and butterflies to your garden Perfect for cottage gardens, herbal borders, and pollinator beds Growing Tips: Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil Avoid disturbing the roots once established—Balloon Flower doesn’t like to be moved Water regularly but don’t overwater—roots may rot in soggy soil Cut back stems after flowering to encourage more blooms and tidy growth Harvest roots in fall after 1–2 years for medicinal use

Beijing Grass is an exotic medicinal herb that comes from the Spiderwort family of plants.  Although it's rare and hard to find, Beijing Grass actually grows very easily. It's a low-lying grassy perennial ground cover that grows and spreads very quickly. Plant in the ground or in pots! Beijing grass can be overwintered easily indoors. The smooth green leaves are about 3 to 6 inches long, and can be eaten raw, cooked or juiced. Beijing Grass has been an important healing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It helps to support and strengthen the immune system, detoxify the body, and aid in respiratory healing. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, is rich in flavonoids, syringic acid,  and glycosphingolipids (G1B) which prevent free radicals and work to inhibit cancerous cells.

Lemon Bergamot is a culinary and medicinal herb, native to the United States and Mexico that blooms in the late spring and early summer. Its 3-foot stem is covered in dense purple whorls, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and herbalists to the garden, while its lemon-scented leaves add a subtle, fresh scent. Bergamot can be grown year-round as a perennial or as an annual in colder climates.

Bloody Dock, or Red-Veined Dock, is an edible perennial grown as a colorful foliage plant and as a zesty salad green. It is native to Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa and has naturalized in parts of the U.S. and Canada. The green, lance-shaped leaves grow in a rosette 18" high and wide decorated with a network of bright reddish-purple veins that make Bloody Dock a striking plant for a border, container, or around a pond. The young raw leaves give a pop of color to salads and can be cooked like spinach and used in soups, omelets, and sauces. They have a tart, lemony flavor, and zing from oxalic acid, but only young leaves should be eaten because older leaves are tough and bitter. Bloody Dock has antiseptic and astringent properties as well as being high in vitamins A and C. In the late spring to early summer, 2' to 3' tall flower spikes grow up from the leafy rosette with small, star-shaped, copper-colored flowers. These spikes are usually removed to encourage bushier growth of the rosette and to prevent the plant from self-seeding since it has a tendency to become invasive. Bloody Dock grows best in full sun but will tolerate some partial shade in rich, moist, well-draining, organic soil. It does well at a pond's edge and can also be grown in a garden as long as the soil is kept consistently moist and well-draining. Bloody Dock is a perennial within its hardiness zone of 4 to 8 but can also be grown as an annual.

Calea Zacatechichi, also known as Calea ternifolia, is a flowering plant from the Daisy family. It is commonly found in its native habitat on exposed and disturbed hillsides in Mexico and Central America. The plant grows to be a small bush or shrub, and features small yellow-white flowers. It goes by the common names of Mexican Dream Herb and Bitter Grass (due to it's bitter tasting leaves). The word Zacatechichi is a Nahuatl word that means 'bitter'.  Calea Zacatechichi is one of the plants that make up the Aztec Entheogenic Plant complex- the many plants that the ancient Aztec peoples viewed as sacred, and used within their religious ceremonies for divination and healing. The plant is revered for it's ability to induce powerful, vivid, memorable, and sometimes strangely prophetic dreams. The traditional native use is to smoke the dried leaf material in a cigarette prior to going to bed, or as a boiled tea. Those interested in the dreaming effects of this plant should note that there is variation in the strength of these effects, depending on the strain of the plant, and the concentration of active constituents within the plant.  Calea Zacatechichi is an unique and interesting plant, perfect to add to any hobbyists garden! This is the bitter variety. Our plants have performed well in sandy soil with full sun.

Chipilin is a beautiful perennial or annual legume native to Central America and Southern Mexico.  Chipilin is cultivated for it's edible foliage. Chipilin plants are typically grown as a annuals in the seasonal garden. The leaves are grown, harvested, and prepared as a leafy vegetable in the local cuisines of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tobasco, El Salvador, and Guatemala.  The leaves are high in iron, calcium, beta carotene, and magnesium. They can be boiled and served green, dried and used as an herb, or added to tamale dough for color and flavor. Common names include Chepil, Chepilin, Chipilin and Longbeak Rattlebox.

Mentha Requienii is a member of the mint family of plants and commonly referred to as Corsican Mint. It is a very fragrant, hearty and fast-growing perennial that is perfect as a ground cover. It features bright green leaves and the iconic square stem of mints. It is known for having a strong minty-sage aroma, which is why it is frequently used in the culinary capacity for flavoring.  This mint is native to Corsica, Italy and Sardinia, but has been naturalized in similar environments elsewhere.  Corsican Mint is low growing and likes partial shade with moist soil. Drying out the plant between watering will help increase the hardiness of the plant, as well as essential oil production. This results in a stronger and more flavorful herb! 

Native Aquatic Edible with Arrow-Shaped Elegance Duck Potato, also known as Broadleaf Arrowhead or Wapato, is a hardy aquatic perennial native to wetlands across North America. Celebrated for its arrowhead-shaped leaves and edible tubers, this plant has been a staple in Indigenous diets for centuries. Its striking white flowers and lush foliage make it a standout in water gardens and naturalized pond edges. Why You'll Love It: Edible Tubers: Produces starchy, chestnut-flavored tubers traditionally harvested and consumed by Native American tribes. Wildlife Magnet: Attracts ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, enhancing biodiversity in aquatic environments. Ornamental Appeal: Features showy white flowers and distinctive arrow-shaped leaves, adding aesthetic value to water gardens. Erosion Control: Helps stabilize soil in wetland areas, preventing erosion along pond and stream banks. Low Maintenance: Thrives in a variety of wet conditions with minimal care once established. Growing Tips: Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Soil: Grows best in rich, loamy soil submerged under 2–12 inches of water. Watering: Keep soil consistently wet; suitable for ponds, marshes, and rain gardens. Spacing: Plant tubers or divisions 12–18 inches apart to allow room for growth. Propagation: Propagate by dividing rhizomes or planting tubers in spring or early summer. Maintenance: Remove dead foliage in late fall; monitor for invasive spread in small ponds.

Elderberry, or Sambucus canadensis, is a versatile native Florida plant, valued for both its ornamental appeal and practical uses. This easy-to-grow, deciduous shrub flourishes in various soils, especially moist, well-drained ones, and is naturally found in North American environments like wetlands and woodlands. It grows quickly to 5-12 feet, forming a rounded shape with compound leaves.From late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant clusters of white or creamy flowers, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. These give way to edible berries, ripe by late summer, popular in jams, jellies, and wines. Medicinally, the flowers and cooked berries are used for their health benefits, including immune support and inflammation reduction.Elderberry is low maintenance, thriving in full sun to partial shade and requiring regular pruning for shape and fruiting. It's pest and disease-resistant, making it a hassle-free choice for Florida gardens. For gardeners, Elderberry offers aesthetic beauty, ecological support, and practical benefits, making it an ideal plant for both novices and experts.

Despite the common name false cardamom, Alpinia mutica is a plant that will truly earn its place in your garden, your kitchen, and yes, your heart. This lush, green bundle of tropical euphoria will gently lure your senses with its aroma of cinnamon and citrus. ‘False’ varieties of cardamom are harvested for their leaves, not seeds as when you grow ‘true’ varieties of cardamom. Use Alpinia mutica leaves the same way you would use other cardamom plant varieties to spice up your life: The leaves add flavoring to warm teas, desserts, rice, fish, and more.  Alpinia mutica will add a gentle wave of green to your garden. This plant prefers a warm, shady climate, where it can thrive without much fuss. It will thrive in warm, humid conditions that are similar to its swampy, native forest habitats in Southeast Asia.

Unique, Medicinal Herb with a Strong Flavor Common Names: Giâp Cá, Fish Mint, Lizard Tail, Heartleaf, Chameleon PlantFamily: SaururaceaeOrigin: Southeast Asia Giâp Cá (Houttuynia cordata), commonly known as Fish Mint or Lizard Tail, is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia. This unique herb is known for its strong fishy aroma and is widely used in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, particularly in salads, soups, and as a garnish. It is also prized for its medicinal properties, which have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Giâp Cá is a hardy plant that thrives in wet, shady conditions, making it an ideal addition to herb gardens or as a ground cover in moist areas. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Leaves: The heart-shaped leaves of Giâp Cá are dark green with a purple tint and have a distinctive fishy aroma that intensifies when crushed. The leaves are edible and are often used in salads or as a garnish in Southeast Asian cuisine.Flowers: The plant produces small, white flowers that grow in spikes, though it is primarily grown for its foliage.Growth Habit: Giâp Cá grows as a low, spreading herb, reaching up to 1-2 feet in height. It spreads via underground rhizomes and can quickly cover large areas, making it an effective ground cover in moist, shady locations. Culinary and Medicinal Uses Giâp Cá is widely used in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine. The fresh leaves are often added to salads, spring rolls, or served as a garnish for soups and grilled dishes. The fishy, pungent flavor of the leaves pairs well with strong flavors like garlic, chili, and fermented foods. In Vietnam, Giâp Cá is commonly used as a fresh herb in raw salads or served alongside grilled meats and fish. Medicinally, Giâp Cá has been used in traditional Chinese and Vietnamese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties. The plant is believed to help detoxify the body, support respiratory health, and treat infections. The leaves can be made into a tea or tincture for medicinal purposes.

Deep Detox Root with Edible Greens and Pollinator Power Greater Burdock, also known as Gobo, is a powerful medicinal and culinary plant grown for its nutrient-rich taproot, edible young shoots and leaves, and striking thistle-like appearance. Widely used in Asian, European, and herbal traditions, Burdock root is prized for its ability to support liver function, detoxify the blood, and aid digestion. In Japan, it’s a staple veggie known as Gobo, commonly stir-fried, pickled, or simmered in stews. This biennial herb forms a rosette of large, velvety green leaves in its first year, then sends up a towering flower stalk in year two, blooming with purple, pollinator-attracting flowers that develop into the iconic burrs that inspired Velcro. The deep roots break up heavy soils and mine nutrients, making Burdock a great addition to regenerative gardens and food forests. Easy to grow and adaptable, Burdock thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially when given loose, deep ground to develop long, straight roots. Harvest the roots in the first year for best flavor and medicinal potency.

Greek Mountain Tea, also known as Ironwort, Mountain Tea, or Shepherd's Tea, is a perennial evergreen herb or small shrub well known for it's fuzzy succulent foliage, fragrant orange bell-shaped flowers, and medicinal properties.  It grows abundantly in Mediterranean regions and is native to Greece.  Prepared as a tea (dried flowers, leaves, stems), it may aid in digestion, strengthen the immune system and suppress colds, sinus congestion, even pain and mild anxiety.

Iboza, also known as Incense Bush, scientifically known as Tetradenia riparia or Iboza riparia, is a robust and aromatic semi-evergreen shrub hailing from the highlands of South Africa. Renowned for its lush, velvety foliage and striking floral display, Iboza grows vigorously, forming dense clusters of leaves that are both visually pleasing and highly fragrant. The leaves of Iboza are broad, slightly serrated, and covered in soft hairs, giving them a unique texture. When crushed, they release a strong, spicy aroma reminiscent of nutmeg, making this plant a favorite among those who appreciate fragrant gardens. During the cooler months of late winter to early spring, Iboza produces profuse clusters of tiny, delicate flowers. These blooms range in color from white to pale lavender and attract an array of pollinators, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal. In addition to its aesthetic attributes, Iboza is revered in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It has been used historically to treat a range of ailments, from colds and flu to headaches and digestive issues. The plant’s essential oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its medicinal use. The name Iboza is derived from the Zulu word referring to the aromatic leaves. The Zulu culture of Southern Africa have used this plant for centuries to relieve respiratory issues, stomach aches and headaches, through simply crushing and inhaling the leaves or making a tea from them. 

The Jamaican Dandelion, also known as the Piss-a-Bed Plant or Coffee Senna, is a tropical to subtropical short-lived biennial native to the tropical Americas. A part of the Fabaceae family, it is related to Carob and the Lablab Bean. Hefty compound leaves house dainty, yellow flower clusters and seed pods.  Each part of the fast growing plant is used. Traditionally used in Jamaica as a cold helper and diuretic, the bitter tasting Jamaican Dandelion is used for liver cleansing and shortness of breath. Applied externally, the leaves are used on ringworm and eczema. Seeds, once parched and ground, make for a helpful coffee-like drink which is said to help the bladder and kidneys. Jamaican Dandelion has long been used for its beneficial properties. Bearing confirmed antibacterial, anticancerous, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic properties, it’s quite a useful tool to have around.

Hardy, Nutritious Leafy Green Common Names: Java Ginseng, Fame Flower, Pink Baby’s Breath, Philippine GinsengFamily: TalinaceaeOrigin: Tropical Americas and Southeast Asia Java Ginseng (Talinum paniculatum) is a fast-growing, hardy plant known for its medicinal uses and nutritional value. Despite its common name, Java Ginseng is not related to true ginseng but is widely used in traditional medicine for its health-boosting properties. This leafy green plant features fleshy, succulent leaves and delicate, pink flowers, making it both an edible and ornamental addition to gardens. The plant is easy to grow and is highly valued for its leaves, which can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked like spinach. Java Ginseng is known to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Leaves: Java Ginseng produces fleshy, succulent leaves that are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. The leaves have a slightly tangy, spinach-like flavor and can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked in soups and stir-fries. These leaves are also used in traditional medicine, where they are believed to boost energy, improve immune function, and support general health. Flowers: The plant blooms with clusters of small, pink or magenta flowers on tall, slender stems, adding ornamental value to gardens. These delicate flowers attract pollinators, making Java Ginseng an attractive option for wildlife gardens. Growth Habit: Java Ginseng is a hardy perennial that grows rapidly in warm climates, reaching 2-3 feet tall. Its tolerance for a variety of soil types and minimal care requirements make it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. Java Ginseng: The Hardy, Nutritious Leafy Green Botanical Name: Talinum paniculatumCommon Names: Java Ginseng, Fame Flower, Pink Baby’s Breath, Philippine GinsengFamily: TalinaceaeOrigin: Tropical Americas and Southeast Asia Java Ginseng (Talinum paniculatum) is a fast-growing, hardy plant known for its medicinal uses and nutritional value. Despite its common name, Java Ginseng is not related to true ginseng but is widely used in traditional medicine for its health-boosting properties. This leafy green plant features fleshy, succulent leaves and delicate, pink flowers, making it both an edible and ornamental addition to gardens. The plant is easy to grow and is highly valued for its leaves, which can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked like spinach. Java Ginseng is known to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value Leaves: Java Ginseng produces fleshy, succulent leaves that are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. The leaves have a slightly tangy, spinach-like flavor and can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked in soups and stir-fries. These leaves are also used in traditional medicine, where they are believed to boost energy, improve immune function, and support general health.Flowers: The plant blooms with clusters of small, pink or magenta flowers on tall, slender stems, adding ornamental value to gardens. These delicate flowers attract pollinators, making Java Ginseng an attractive option for wildlife gardens.Growth Habit: Java Ginseng is a hardy perennial that grows rapidly in warm climates, reaching 2-3 feet tall. Its tolerance for a variety of soil types and minimal care requirements make it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. Medicinal and Culinary Uses Java Ginseng is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. Its nutrient-rich leaves are incorporated into salads, soups, and stir-fries, while in folk medicine, it is believed to enhance stamina, lower blood sugar, and aid digestion. The plant is also used in herbal teas and tonics to promote general wellness.