Herbs and Herbalism
Plant ID
Costus Large perennial up to 2m/6ft, thick tapering root, black flowers
Alfalfa A perennial plant Grows 60-90cm/2-3ft has deep roots and erect stems. The leaves are trifoliate, narrow and egg shaped. The flowers are like clover flowers blue/purple in colour and bloom in-between June and October
Bacopa Monniera Herb Leaves: small, fleshy,
sessile and kidney shaped Flowers: solitary blue or white with purple veins.
Fruit: ovoid capsules
Borage Hardy, hairy annual plant. 30-60cm/1-2
ft Sturdy, hollow, prickly stem. Leaves-dark green, pointed, oval, hairy. Flowers:
May-September. Five petalled star, pink then turn blue
Chicory Perennial herb. 90-150cm/3-5 ft Thick
yellow taproot, milky when broken. Stems, milky sap Lower leaves-long arrow
shaped, toothed and hairy underneath. Upper leaves smaller, stalkless. Clear
blue, white or pink daisy 3-5cm across like lowers in clusters July-September
which close in the evening and open in the morning
Cowslip Perennial soft hairs 30cm/1ft Leaves in basal rosette, wrinkled long, ovate, dark green above, pale green beneath Flowers: scented yellow, red, orange, blue, violet April –May Fruit: oval enclosed within sepals. Sepals: pale green
Liquorice Perennial legume up to 90cm/3ft
Roots soft fibrous Flowers: Blue-ish June – July
Rue goats Perennial hairless bushy up to 90cm/3ft.
Leaves: pinnate Flowers: purple, blue or white July-September followed by long
pods
Skullcap baical Leaves: opposite, lanceolate,
sessile, acute apex. Flowers: blue, helmet shaped upper lip
Violet Low creeping perennial up to 15cm/½ft. 12cm/5in spread dark green heart shaped stalked leaves, violet-blue flowers 5 sepals March – May Sweet smell
Mallow common Perennial herb height 90cm/3ft. Fleshy taproot, slightly hairy erect stem. Dark green lobed stalked leaves. Pinkish, purple/bluish five petalled flowers April-October
Figwort Perennial, erect up to 1.2m Stems:
rectangular, glandular hairs, quadrangular Leaves opposite, short stalked, oval,
pointed, toothed, 10-12cm long, 3-5cm wide Flowers: green/brown June-July
Henbane Annual or biennial bushy herbaceous,
50-80cm/20-32in tall. Stems: erect, unbranched with soft white hairs Sticky,
smelly foliage. Up to 80cm Leaves: alternate, ovate or oblong, toothed, stalkless
and hairy Lower leaves: stalked and hairy Flowers yellow/brown purple veined
corolla tubes with leafy bracts June – October Fruit: Smooth green in a five
toothed cup
Mugwort Perennial downy branched herb up to 1.5m/5ft, purplish, angled, woody, branched stems, dark green pinnate divided, 5-7 lobes, serrate leaves, almost hairless upper surface and are white underneath. Small red/brown flowers July –September Unpleasant smell
Asafoetida 6 - 10 ft Fleshy root with bristly
fibres. Long, slim leaves. Green-yellow flowers. Flat reddish-brown fruit
Ashwagandha A woody shrub. Leaves: large, elliptical Flowers: green-yellow Fruit: red berry
Bonesetter Shrub. Stem: thick, fleshy, ridged,
quadrangular. Leaves fleshy, alternate, ovate, serrate margin. Flowers: small.
Yellow-green
Dogs mercury Unbranched herbaceous up to 20cm/8in.
Leaves: slender, ovate, fine hair Flowers: develop in leaves axis, green, petalless.
Male and female on different plants. Male flowers – spike Females – in groups
of 2 or 3
Figwort Perennial, erect up to 1.2m Stems:
rectangular, glandular hairs, quadrangular Leaves opposite, short stalked, oval,
pointed, toothed, 10-12cm long, 3-5cm wide Flowers: green/brown June-July
Hops Perennial deciduous climbing plant. Up
to 8m/23ft. Stems: clinging, hairy Bears male and females flowers on different
plants June-September. Dark green leaves and green/yellow cone like flowers
2.5-3cm long, 2-2.5cm wide. Fruit early September. Twines in a clockwise direction
Ivy Perennial evergreen climber up to 30m/100ft
Stem: branched Leaves alternate, stalked glossy dark green with white veins.
Upper leaves -ovate Flowers: small green, yellow stamen in umbels September-December
Fruit: black berries late winter – early spring
Onion Perennial or biennial hairless herb
up to 1.2m/4ft, hollow leaves, globelike fleshy bulb Flowers: white/green June
–August
Shatter stone Erect annual herb up to 60cm/2ft.
Leaves: small, closely arranged, short petiole, obtuse apex. Flowers: numerous,
unisexual, monoecious and yellow/green
Sorrel common Erect perennial 10-120cm/4-47in tall. Leaves oblong, arrow shaped and clasping the stem near the top of the plant Flowers spikes of small, red and green flowers on a smooth stem May – August
Dong quai Perennial up to 2.5m Leaves: large, tripinnate Leaflets: ovate and serrated Stalks and petioles: cylindric, grooved, hollow Flowers: small green/white or yellow in umbels Fruits: up to 7mm long, elliptic, winged. Rhizome: fleshy, short Roots: fiberous
Aloe Evergreen perennial 30cm/1ft. The root
in very fibrous, strong and light brown in colour. The leaves are long, tapering
and fleshy. In each leaf is a clear gelatinous sap. Yellow or orange flowers
Calendula Hardy annual herb. 30cm-50cm/12-
20 inches Spindly root, angular, hairy stems. Leaves ovals or lanced shaped,
mid green Orange or yellow many petals flowers. Flowers June -October. Seeds
curved and rough.
Cowslip Perennial soft hairs 30cm/1ft Leaves
in basal rosette, wrinkled long, ovate, dark green above, pale green beneath
Flowers: scented yellow, red, orange, blue, violet April –May Fruit: oval enclosed
within sepals. Sepals: pale green
Balm Herbaceous perennial. 90cm/3ft. Stem-hairy
and square. Leaves-opposite, stalked, hairy, 3-4cm long, ovate, wrinkled, coarse
serrate margin, rounded base and lemon scented. Flower-small yellow buds that
turn into white or pink flowers June-August
Bearberry Evergreen shrub. Up to 20cm/8in.
Trailing stems and branches. Leaves-dark green , paler under surface, spatulate,
ovate, leathery, 2cm long, 0.5-1cm wide, margins entire. Flowers-clusters, white,
pinkish flowers bloom May-August. Bright red berries in autumn.
Cat’s Foot Perennial low creeping Leaves:
obovate, white, cottony on the undersurface Flowers: White or pink flowers,
sepal like bracts May-August
Centaury Annual or biennial Hairless
Up to 60cm/2ft Root-woody and fibrous. Leaves –opposite, ovate. Pink/Red flowers
July-September five petals. Flowers open early morning but close around noon
Chicory Perennial herb. 90-150cm/3-5 ft Thick
yellow taproot, milky when broken. Stems, milky sap Lower leaves-long arrow
shaped, toothed and hairy underneath. Upper leaves smaller, stalkless. Clear
blue, white or pink daisy 3-5cm across like lowers in clusters July-September
which close in the evening and open in the morning
Chiretta green Erect, branched annual herb
up to 1m. Leaves: lanceolate, glaborous. Flowers: small white or pink with brown
or purple blotches. Capsules –oblong
Cowberry Small evergreen shrub 40cm/16in high. Leaves leathery, oval untoothed. Flowers pink or white open in clusters May – July. Fruits red, spherical
Fenugreek Annual. 60cm/2ft. Taproot, hollow
and hairy. Leaves- finely toothed three leaflets. Flowers creamy white or pink
June - August. Followed by seeds pods contain sixteen yellow brown pebble shaped
seeds
Germander Pink Evergreen perennial up to 36cm/14in
Leaves opposite, oval, pointed, rounded toothed, dark, shiny, leathery up to
3cm long, 1cm broad Flowers lavender –pink, two lipped July-August
Hemp agrimony Perennial, hairy 90-150cm/36-60in
Stems: red-purple tinged, stiff, erect, angular, rough Leaves: palmate, grey/green
toothed, three lobed, mostly paired. Flowers protruding stamens, massed together
forming broad, flat top clusters, usually pink/purple occasionally white. Tubular
Hollyhock Tall, leafy biennial or perennial
herb. Erect stems Up to 3m/10ft.Leaves long stalked and wrinkled Flowers: pink,
crimson, yellow, white July – September
Jasmine Perennial, climbing evergreen shrub
up to 10m/33ft, bright green leaves, star shaped white/pink flowers followed
by black berries
Rhubarb Perennial up to 1.5m/5ft. robust stems,
branching towards the top. Large leaves Flowers small white or pale pink May-June
Clover red Perennial hairy height and spread
20-60cm Leafy branching stems Flowers tubular pink/purple in round heads late
spring, 2-3cm long. 2cm wide. Leaflets: trefoil
Pink –Bell Shaped
Comfrey Perennial height 90cm/3ft Thick black tap root up to 3m/10ft deep. Stem-rough, hairy, hollow and square. Leaves dark green, hairy pointed ovals up to 25cm long, 10cm wide. Flowers, bell like May-October droop in paired clusters white, cream, pink or mauve bellflowers
Blackcurrant Biennial 1m width 3-4m Stems: woody, branched, prickly Leaves: dark green trifoliate prickly, toothed, red/purple in autumn. Flowers five petals pink or white May-September. Fruit comprises of drupelets turning green to red to black August-October
Borage Hardy, hairy annual plant. 30-60cm/1-2 ft Sturdy, hollow, prickly stem. Leaves-dark green, pointed, oval, hairy. Flowers: May-September. Five petalled star, pink then turn blue
Alfalfa A perennial plant Grows 60-90cm/2-3ft has deep roots and erect stems. The leaves are trifoliate, narrow and egg shaped. The flowers are like clover flowers blue/purple in colour and bloom in-between June and October
Asarabacca Perennial up to 10cm tall Creeping, fleshy, hairy stem Leaves in pairs, dark green, kidney shaped, shiny, leathery surface Flowers: solitary, short stalked purple-brown bell like flowers April –May
Basil Holy Erect, annual herb up to 1.5m/5ft. Leaves: opposite, elliptical, oblong. Flowers: very small, purplish long close spikes
Belladonna Perennial herb. Thick, whitish root, erect, branching purplish stem. Height 60-150cm/2-5ft. Leaves-dark green, long up to 25cm, pointed oval, stalked, entire margin. Drooping, solitary, bell shaped dull purple flowers, bourne at base of leaves bloom, yellow stamens June-August. Black berries-August-November. Foul smell if plant is crushed.
Burdock Greater Biennial. Robust, hairy, erect plant 80-150cm/32-60in tall. Leaves alternate, stalked, basal leaves rough with heart shaped blades, untoothed, up to 50cm/20in. Flowers: similar to thistle heads red/purple occasionally white. Flower bracts with golden green with hooked tips July – September
Couch grass Perennial. Up to 1.5m/5ft Flowers: purple June-October
Cowhage Evergreen climber. Leaves: downy. Flowers: purple or white in clusters, covered in orange or brown bristles
Cowslip Perennial soft hairs 30cm/1ft Leaves in basal rosette, wrinkled long, ovate, dark green above, pale green beneath Flowers: scented yellow, red, orange, blue, violet April –May Fruit: oval enclosed within sepals. Sepals: pale green
Hemp agrimony Perennial, hairy 90-150cm/36-60in
Stems: red-purple tinged, stiff, erect, angular, rough Leaves: palmate, grey/green
toothed, three lobed, mostly paired. Flowers protruding stamens, massed together
forming broad, flat top clusters, usually pink/purple occasionally white. Tubular
Houndstongue Biennial, greyish 40-70cm/16-28in
tall. Mousy smell. Long silky hairs Leaves: long tongue shaped, alternate Flowers
blood red or purple funnel shaped June – August Fruits: flattened, spiny which
sticks to clothes and animal fur
Rehnmannia Perennial herb up to 40cm/ Flowers:
red-purple tubular. Root: orange
Rue goats Perennial hairless bushy up to 90cm/3ft.
Leaves: pinnate Flowers: purple, blue or white July-September followed by long
pods
Thistle cotton Biennial up to 2.5m covered
with cotton like hair. Stems: erect Flowers: purple solitary July-September
Clover red Perennial hairy height and spread 20-60cm Leafy branching stems Flowers tubular pink/purple in round heads late spring, 2-3cm long. 2cm wide. Leaflets: trefoil
Mallow common Perennial herb height 90cm/3ft. Fleshy taproot, slightly hairy erect stem. Dark green lobed stalked leaves. Pinkish, purple/bluish five petalled flowers April-October
Biennial. Robust, hairy, erect plant 80-150cm/32-60in tall. Leaves alternate, stalked, basal leaves rough with heart shaped blades, untoothed, up to 50cm/20in. Flowers: similar to thistle heads red/purple occasionally white. Flower bracts with golden green with hooked tips July – September
Centaury Annual or biennial Hairless
Up to 60cm/2ft Root-woody and fibrous. Leaves –opposite, ovate. Pink/Red flowers
July-September five petals. Flowers open early morning but close around noon
Houndstongue Biennial, greyish 40-70cm/16-28in
tall. Mousy smell. Long silky hairs Leaves: long tongue shaped, alternate Flowers
blood red or purple funnel shaped June – August Fruits: flattened, spiny which
sticks to clothes and animal fur
Mugwort Perennial downy branched herb up to
1.5m/5ft, purplish, angled, woody, branched stems, dark green pinnate divided,
5-7 lobes, serrate leaves, almost hairless upper surface and are white underneath.
Small red/brown flowers July –September Unpleasant smell
Pimpernel scarlet Prostate annual. Leaves:
opposite 1-2cm long, 1cm broad, ovate, sessile, black dots on undersurface.
Flowers: small, scarlet, star like, finely toothed
Poppy opium Annual sturdy, hairless up to
1.2m/4ft. Blue/green foliage milky sap Stems: unbranched Leaves oval, toothed
Flower: white or reddish with purple base and streaks up to 10cm June-August.
Fruit: black seeds
Rehnmannia Perennial herb up to 40cm/ Flowers: red-purple tubular. Root: orange
Salad burnet Perennial 8-30cm/3-12in Flat,
rosettes of leaves. Tight clusters, crimson flowers
Sorrel common Erect perennial 10-120cm/4-47in tall. Leaves oblong, arrow shaped and clasping the stem near the top of the plant Flowers spikes of small, red and green flowers on a smooth stem May – August
Germander Pink Evergreen perennial up to 36cm/14in
Leaves opposite, oval, pointed, rounded toothed, dark, shiny, leathery up to
3cm long, 1cm broad Flowers lavender –pink, two lipped July-August
Violet Low creeping perennial up to 15cm/½ft. 12cm/5in spread dark green heart shaped stalked leaves, violet-blue flowers 5 sepals March – May Sweet smell
Bittersweet -Perennial up to 2m, creeping, climber Leaves stalked oval to lanceolate, alternate become more pointed towards top of stem Bark: ashen grey with age Flowers: violet 5 petals small yellow stamens May-September Berries: green then yellow then red, oval
Mint horse Mint horse Hairy. Grey foliage up to 1m tall. Stem: rectangular and branching Leaves opposite, nearly sessile, ovate-lanceolate, serrated, downy Flowers: lilac or white, dense spike
Hydrocotyle Small, creeping perennial. Leaves: glabrous, kidney shaped up to 2.5cm diameter, crenate margin, rounded apex. Flowers: pale violet, umbels
Asparagus wild A climber up to 2m tall much branched. Leaves: needle like. Flowers: numerous, white, minute. Rootstock: tuberous. Stem: woody
Bacopa Monniera Herb Leaves: small, fleshy,
sessile and kidney shaped Flowers: solitary blue or white with purple veins.
Fruit: ovoid capsules
Balm Herbaceous perennial. 90cm/3ft. Stem-hairy
and square. Leaves-opposite, stalked, hairy, 3-4cm long, ovate, wrinkled, coarse
serrate margin, rounded base and lemon scented. Flower-small yellow buds that
turn into white or pink flowers June-August
Basil Annual herb Average growing height 45
cm/18 in. Stem-erect, square and hairy. Leaves-pointed ovals, opposite, hairy,
stalked, aromatic. Flowers-small, white/cream in July –September
Bearberry Evergreen shrub. Up to 20cm/8in.
Trailing stems and branches. Leaves-dark green , paler under surface, spatulate,
ovate, leathery, 2cm long, 0.5-1cm wide, margins entire. Flowers-clusters, white,
pinkish flowers bloom May-August. Bright red berries in autumn.
Bergamot Tree with height up to 4.5m/15ft,
smooth oval leaves, white flowers small round yellow/green fruit
Carrot seed Annual or biennial or perennial
herb. Tough white root, hairy fern-like leaves, stems erect and often branched
white lacy flowers outer florets larger than inner ones, cushion shaped June
– September 50-100cm/20-40in tall.3 forked or pinnate bracts around flower head
Cat’s Foot Perennial low creeping Leaves:
obovate, white, cottony on the undersurface Flowers: White or pink flowers,
sepal like bracts May-August
Chamomile German Evergreen perennial Maximum height 60cm/2ft Single flower head-white with yellow centre like a daisy May-September. Hairless stem
Chicory Perennial herb. 90-150cm/3-5 ft Thick
yellow taproot, milky when broken. Stems, milky sap Lower leaves-long arrow
shaped, toothed and hairy underneath. Upper leaves smaller, stalkless. Clear
blue, white or pink daisy 3-5cm across like lowers in clusters July-September
which close in the evening and open in the morning
Chiretta green Erect, branched annual herb
up to 1m. Leaves: lanceolate, glaborous. Flowers: small white or pink with brown
or purple blotches. Capsules –oblong
Cinnamon Evergreen tree 6-10m/20-30ft Thick
bark, stocky branches. Shiny, leathery leaves, small white flowers, blue/white
berries
Cowberry Small evergreen shrub 40cm/16in high. Leaves leathery, oval untoothed. Flowers pink or white open in clusters May – July. Fruits red, spherical
Cowhage Evergreen climber. Leaves: downy.
Flowers: purple or white in clusters, covered in orange or brown bristles
Elder dwarf Hairless perennial. Stems erect
Leaves opposite, stalked, pinnate, pointed, toothed leaflets Flowers white,
pink anthers June-August
Fenugreek Annual. 60cm/2ft. Taproot, hollow
and hairy. Leaves- finely toothed three leaflets. Flowers creamy white or pink
June - August. Followed by seeds pods contain sixteen yellow brown pebble shaped
seeds
Galangal Stemless reed like herb. 150cm/5ft. Leaves-long, narrow. Grows horizontally. Flowers white with red veins. Rhizomes are reddish/brown
Gardenia Bush with white flowers
Hemp agrimony Perennial, hairy 90-150cm/36-60in
Stems: red-purple tinged, stiff, erect, angular, rough Leaves: palmate, grey/green
toothed, three lobed, mostly paired. Flowers protruding stamens, massed together
forming broad, flat top clusters, usually pink/purple occasionally white. Tubular
Hollyhock Tall, leafy biennial or perennial
herb. Erect stems Up to 3m/10ft.Leaves long stalked and wrinkled Flowers: pink,
crimson, yellow, white July – September
Honeysuckle Woody climbing perennial up to
6m/20ft. Oval leaves. Flowers yellow/white, pink tinged. Tubular shaped followed
by orange or red berries
Horseradish Hardy perennial.50cm/2-3ft. Stems:
erect, hollow, branching Leaves dark green, grow directly from ground large,
slightly toothed crinkly. White flowers May - September. White tapering root
Jack in the hedge Annual or biennial up to
70cm/28in tall erect, slender stems. Leaves green, slightly toothed, alternate,
heart shaped, stalked smell of garlic when crushed. Flowers small, white clustered
April –June
Jasmine Perennial, climbing evergreen shrub
up to 10m/33ft, bright green leaves, star shaped white/pink flowers followed
by black berries
Meadowsweet Aromatic perennial. 60-120cm/2-4ft.
Stems: stiff, upright, hairless Branched towards top. Leaves: long stalked,
pinnate with 2-5 pairs of leaflets over 2cm long silvery below Stipules green
above, downy beneath Flowers: dense clusters creamy white 5-6 petals, 25mm across
June – October. Strong aroma
Onion Perennial or biennial hairless herb
up to 1.2m/4ft, hollow leaves, globelike fleshy bulb Flowers: white/green June
–August
Patchouli Perennial bushy herb up to 1m/3ft,
hairy stem, furry ovate leaves, white flowers tinged with purple
Pepper black Perennial woody vine up to 5m/16ft,
heart shaped leaves, small white flowers, berries
Poppy opium Annual sturdy, hairless up to
1.2m/4ft. Blue/green foliage milky sap Stems: unbranched Leaves oval, toothed
Flower: white or reddish with purple base and streaks up to 10cm June-August.
Fruit: black seeds
Rhubarb Perennial up to 1.5m/5ft. robust stems,
branching towards the top. Large leaves Flowers small white or pale pink May-June
Rue goats Perennial hairless bushy up to 90cm/3ft.
Leaves: pinnate Flowers: purple, blue or white July-September followed by long
pods
Schisandra A vine or liana with twisting stem
up to 15m. Leaves: elliptical, alternate, wedge shaped base. Flowers: white
or cream. Berries: small, ovoid, red in clusters
Shepard’s purse Annual or biennial up to 40cm.
Upright, branching stems Basal leaves in rosette Lanceolate, pinnately lobed,
sometimes lobed or hairy Flowers: white 2-3mm May-December
Ginger Perennial, up to 1m/3ft, narrow spear shaped leaves, white or yellow flowers
Comfrey Perennial height 90cm/3ft Thick black tap root up to 3m/10ft deep. Stem-rough, hairy, hollow and square. Leaves dark green, hairy pointed ovals up to 25cm long, 10cm wide. Flowers, bell like May-October droop in paired clusters white, cream, pink or mauve bellflowers
Mint horse Mint horse Hairy. Grey foliage up to 1m tall. Stem: rectangular and branching Leaves opposite, nearly sessile, ovate-lanceolate, serrated, downy Flowers: lilac or white, dense spike
Caraway Annual/Biennial, hairless. Average
growing height 60 cm/24 in Smooth, furrowed stems. Finely cut leaves and large
umbels of white flowers May- June
Chervil Annual.30cm18 inches. Root thin, whitish.
Wiry, bright green fern like leaves. Umbels of tiny white flowers May-June
Dong quai Perennial up to 2.5m Leaves: large,
tripinnate Leaflets: ovate and serrated Stalks and petioles: cylindric, grooved,
hollow Flowers: small green/white or yellow in umbels Fruits: up to 7mm long,
elliptic, winged. Rhizome: fleshy, short Roots: fiberous
Melilotus Bushy perennial/biennial herb up to 1m/3ft, smooth erect stems, pinnately, trifoliate, oval leaves, white or yellow 5-6cm long flowers June - September. Hairless brown seed pods
Cuckoo Flower Perennial herb, almost hairless
stems up to 30cm/1ft with a rosette of stalked pinnate leaves Flowers start
lilac turn white four petals, stalked April – June
Woodruff sweet Perennial, hairless up to 30cm/1ft tall Upright, rectangular stems, unbranched, slender, quadrangular, brittle Leaves in whorls, 6-9 elliptical, pointed bristles on edges Flowers: white, forming loose heads, 4 petals April – June Fruit covered in hooked bristles
Blackcurrant Biennial 1m width 3-4m Stems: woody, branched, prickly Leaves: dark green trifoliate prickly, toothed, red/purple in autumn. Flowers five petals pink or white May-September. Fruit comprises of drupelets turning green to red to black August-October
Blackthorn Deciduous Thorny shrub or small tree up to 6m/20ft. Slate grey/black bark. Leaves appear in April after the flower -small & oval, alternate, finely toothed. Sharp spines, orange wood. White flowers - February to April 5 white petals Green berries in June Dark-blue berries around August. Ripe in October-November. Called sloes
Agrimony -Perennial that grows up to 250-100cm/20-40in
high. Hairy, erect stems Mid green leaves with serrated edges and grow in alternate
large and small pairs along dark green slender stem. Small bright yellow five
petalled flowers on a tapering spike and are apricot scented. June – September
Ashwagandha A woody shrub. Leaves: large,
elliptical Flowers: green-yellow Fruit: red berry
Aloe Evergreen perennial 30cm/1ft. The root in very fibrous, strong and light brown in colour. The leaves are long, tapering and fleshy. In each leaf is a clear gelatinous sap. Yellow or orange flowers
Asafoetida 6 - 10 ft Fleshy root with bristly
fibres. Long, slim leaves. Green-yellow flowers. Flat reddish-brown fruit
Astragalus Herbaceous perennial reaching 1m.
Leaves: pinnate leaflets in 18-20 pairs. Flowers: dark, yellow. Root long cylindrical
taproot
Barberry Indian Small erect spiny shrub. Leaves:
elliptical. Flowers: yellow in racemes. Fruit: red berries
Bonduc Climber, prickly. Leaves: bipinnate
up to 60cm, with 6-8 pairs small leaflets. Flowers: yellow, small in racemes.
Pods covered in prickles contain hard grey polished seeds
Bonesetter Shrub. Stem: thick, fleshy, ridged,
quadrangular. Leaves fleshy, alternate, ovate, serrate margin. Flowers: small.
Yellow-green
Buttercup Celery Leaves Hairless up to 1m tall. Leaves 3 lobed, toothed Flowers: yellow June-November
Calendula Hardy annual herb. 30cm-50cm/12-
20 inches Spindly root, angular, hairy stems. Leaves ovals or lanced shaped,
mid green Orange or yellow many petals flowers. Flowers June -October. Seeds
curved and rough.
Caltrops Thorny perennial creeper. Flowers:
pale yellow. Leaves: pinnate
Cardamom Perennial reed like herb up to 4m/13ft tall, long blade shaped leaves, yellowish flowers with purple tips, red/brown seeds
Coltsfoot Perennial Stems: fleshy, stocky, purplish scales. 10-25cm/4-10in tall. Leaves: appear after flowering, basal, rounded and long stalked with heart shaped base appear end of April. Flowers: Bright golden daisy like, petals narrow and many February – April. Flowers appear before the leaves. Seeds make a dandelion clock
Dill Annual or biennial aromatic herb.1m/2-5
ft Long thin spindly root, Stems hollow blue/green. Tiny yellow flowers, on
flat umbels July-September, Flat small seeds
Elecampane Large, hardy herbaceous perennial.
Up to 240cm/8ft. Roots - thick, dark brown. Stems-hairy, erect and filled with
spongy pith. Leaves coarse, thick and toothed. Green on top, grey underneath.
Upper leaves oval Yellow flowers June-October
Gymnema Large woody climber. Leaves: opposite,
ovate, hairy. Flowers: yellow, small
Henbane Annual or biennial bushy herbaceous,
50-80cm/20-32in tall. Stems: erect, unbranched with soft white hairs Sticky,
smelly foliage. Up to 80cm Leaves: alternate, ovate or oblong, toothed, stalkless
and hairy Lower leaves: stalked and hairy Flowers yellow/brown purple veined
corolla tubes with leafy bracts June – October Fruit: Smooth green in a five
toothed cup
Hollyhock Tall, leafy biennial or perennial
herb. Erect stems Up to 3m/10ft.Leaves long stalked and wrinkled Flowers: pink,
crimson, yellow, white July – September
Honeysuckle Woody climbing perennial up to
6m/20ft. Oval leaves. Flowers yellow/white, pink tinged. Tubular shaped followed
by orange or red berries
Hops Perennial deciduous climbing plant. Up
to 8m/23ft. Stems: clinging, hairy Bears male and females flowers on different
plants June-September. Dark green leaves and green/yellow cone like flowers
2.5-3cm long, 2-2.5cm wide. Fruit early September. Twines in a clockwise direction
Karela Slender, branched climbing shrub. Leaves: kidney shaped, lobed. Flowers: yellow Fruit: similar to cucumber with ridges or soft spines up to 7cm
Madder Perennial climbing plant. 60-90cm/2-3ft.
Leaves: oblong with prickly underside Flowers yellow star shaped June-August
Marigold marsh Perennial herb 40cm/16in stout,
hollow stems, partially creeping arising from a thick creeping rhizome Leaves
dark green, kidney shaped Flowers: yellow sepals but no petals 5cm wide March
–June Claw like seed pods
Melilotus Bushy perennial/biennial herb up
to 1m/3ft, smooth erect stems, pinnately, trifoliate, oval leaves, white or
yellow 5-6cm long flowers June - September. Hairless brown seed pods
Mullein great Biennial/Perennial stout1-2m/3-6ft.
Leaves lanceolate, crenate, downy leaves Flowers yellow clusters in long spikes
30-45cm long June- August. Whole plant covered in white/grey soft hair
Safflower Annual up to 90cm/3ft Flower Yellow
thistle like set in spiny bracts June
Shatter stone Erect annual herb up to 60cm/2ft.
Leaves: small, closely arranged, short petiole, obtuse apex. Flowers: numerous,
unisexual, monoecious and yellow/green
Stonecrop yellow Hairless 5-10cm/2-4in Short
stems Leaves: oval, fleshy Flowers: bright yellow June- July
Tansy Hardy perennial almost hairless. Up
to 1m/3ft Stems branched towards top. Leaves un-stalked, dark green, pinnate,
toothed segments Clusters of yellow, button shaped, petalless flowers July-October.
Creeping roots, dark ferny leaves. Very aromatic
Turmeric Perennial herb up to 1m/3ft, thick
rhizome herb, dull yellow flowers
Wormwood sweet Prostate or erect annual. Stems:
woody Leaves: pinnately divided, lobes filiform or lanceolate, entire or toothed
margins. Flowers: small, yellowish, in panicles
Ginger Perennial, up to 1m/3ft, narrow spear
shaped leaves, white or yellow flowers
Avens Perennial 30-60cm/1-2 ft. Hairy stems Leaves in groups of 3, long stalked Flowers: yellow, solitary 5 petals May-October
Vanilla grass Perennial up to 20-25cm/8-10in. Tufted grass, short narrow leaves Flowers: yellowish spikes up to 1in
Dong quai Perennial up to 2.5m Leaves: large, tripinnate Leaflets: ovate and serrated Stalks and petioles: cylindric, grooved, hollow Flowers: small green/white or yellow in umbels Fruits: up to 7mm long, elliptic, winged. Rhizome: fleshy, short Roots: fiberous
Hyacinth Bell shaped flowers of many colours
Arnica Perennial alpine aromatic herb. Up
to 60cm/2ft branching stems Basal leaves ovate or obovate Stem leaves opposite
un-stalked Daisy like flower June-August
Chamomile German Evergreen perennial Maximum height 60cm/2ft Single flower head-white with yellow centre like a daisy May-September. Hairless stem
Chicory Perennial herb. 90-150cm/3-5 ft Thick
yellow taproot, milky when broken. Stems, milky sap Lower leaves-long arrow
shaped, toothed and hairy underneath. Upper leaves smaller, stalkless. Clear
blue, white or pink daisy 3-5cm across like lowers in clusters July-September
which close in the evening and open in the morning
Coltsfoot Perennial Stems: fleshy, stocky, purplish scales. 10-25cm/4-10in tall. Leaves: appear after flowering, basal, rounded and long stalked with heart shaped base appear end of April. Flowers: Bright golden daisy like, petals narrow and many February – April. Flowers appear before the leaves. Seeds make a dandelion clock
Asarabacca Perennial up to 10cm tall Creeping, fleshy, hairy stem Leaves in pairs, dark green, kidney shaped, shiny, leathery surface Flowers: solitary, short stalked purple-brown bell like flowers April –May
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