Herbs and Herbalism

Plant ID

Europe - Stems

Branched

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.

Bistort Hardy hairless perennial.  90cm/3ft.Upright, branching stem Broad, oval leaves, silvery hairs on the veins beneath. Flowers pink spikes, June-August

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

Broom Perennial, deciduous branched shrub up to 2m fairly straight, erect branches tall Leaves: lower leaves are alternate, trifoliate whilst higher leaves sessile Flowers: yellow May-June Fruit: elongated, hairy pods green-black

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

Celandine greater Perennial up to 1m tall. Upright, branching stems, bristly hair, and bright orange milky sap. Leaves: alternate green above, blue/green beneath pinnate with oval toothed lobes 15-30cm long, 5-8cm wide. Leaflets: opposite, rounded teeth Flowers yellow 2-3cm, 4 petals May-October Fruit 2-5cm capsule

Chickweed Annual or biennial.  Numerous, branching weak stems up to 45cm/18in. Stems-pale green, fine hair, juicy, jointed. Leaves oval, stalked, egg shaped in pairs, green, soft. Small, numerous white star like five divided petals. Flowers January-December

Clove’s hare foot Annual, grey, hairy up to 30cm/1ft. Erect branching stems Leaves alternate, trifoliate Flowers May-August

Coriander Annual, hairless. Maximum 60cm/2 ft Leaves broad, oval, fern like and toothed. Stem round and branching around top Clusters white. Pale mauve Flowers between June and august. Seeds -small round and light brown. Can be separated into halves

Heather Short, evergreen perennial shrub up to 1m/3ft tall. Branched stems Leaves numerous in opposite rows, smooth or hairy, undivided, alternate. Flowers purple, pink or white and bell shaped in spikes July – November

Hemlock Biennial, hairless up to 1.5m/5ft stems: erect, branched, purple hollow, spotted fowl smelling when crushed Feathery foliage Flowers small white umbels June – August Fruit, tiny, rounded

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

Knapweed black Perennial 30-60cm/1-2ft tall tough, branching stems, similar to thistles but without the prickly leaves. Leaves are undivided Flowers bright purple, globular, tubular June-September

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

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

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

Pennyroyal Creeping perennial stems 7-15cm/3-6in high. Stems: branched almost hairless Leaves ovate short stalked up to 2-3cm, serrate Flowers July & August –lilac

St John’s Wort Perennial 40-80cm/16-32in tall Hairless stiff, erect branched stems. Leaves untoothed, un-stalked opposite, sessile and oval. Flowers yellow, 5 petals, clusters black dots many stamens, no nectar May – September

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

Pellitory of the wall Perennial herb. Leaves: slender, lanceolate-ovate with brittle, reddish, ridged stalks. Flowers: green with yellow stamens

Rupturewort smooth Creeping annual or perennial. Stem: brittle Leaves opposite, oval Flowers small, round, un-stalked July – September

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

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

Caltrops Thorny perennial creeper. Flowers: pale yellow. Leaves: pinnate

Chamomile Roman Small stocky perennial herb up to 30cm/1ft, hairy stem, creeping. Slightly furry leaves. Daisy like yellow/white flowers June-September

Creeping Jenny Hairless perennial up to 5cm tall, creeping stems up to 50cm long, Leaves opposite, round to ovate, stalked Flowers: solitary 5 petals yellow May-July

Ground pine American  Stems: long, creeping, yellow-green, scaly, 2mm in diameter, forked branches. Leaves: minute, scale like bearing cylindrical spikes of spore cases

Feverfew Perennial plant. Up to 60cm/2ft. Stem: downy, erect Leaves: light yellow/green, divided toothed lobes, alternate, stalked, ovate, pinnate, entire or crenate margin Flowers: white or yellow July –September Short lived, 2cm diameter Aromatic

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

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.

Betony Hardy perennial.60cm/2ft. Stems: upright, hairy Leaves-round, lobed, hairy. Set in pairs along a hairy stem. Basal leaves up to 7cm long, ovate or obtuse, cordate base Red/purple flowers tight oblong spikes June-August. Looks similar to a nettle

Bistort Hardy hairless perennial.  90cm/3ft.Upright, branching stem Broad, oval leaves, silvery hairs on the veins beneath. Flowers pink spikes, June-August

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

Butterbur Perennial. Erect, deciduous up to 1m Leaves stalked, heart shaped and toothed Flowers: blue or red in spikes February – March before the leaves appear

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

Celery seed Biennial up to 30-60cms1-2ft, fleshy erect stalk, umbels of white flowers July –November

Clove’s hare foot Annual, grey, hairy up to 30cm/1ft. Erect branching stems Leaves alternate, trifoliate Flowers May-August

Cowbane Perennial. Stem: rigid, hollow, furrowed Basal leaves: long stalked. Upper leaves divide into three and three again Flowers: white umbels July – August

lder dwarf Hairless perennial. Stems erect Leaves opposite, stalked, pinnate, pointed, toothed leaflets Flowers white, pink anthers June-August

lecampane 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

Feverfew Perennial plant. Up to 60cm/2ft. Stem: downy, erect Leaves: light yellow/green, divided toothed lobes, alternate, stalked, ovate, pinnate, entire or crenate margin Flowers: white or yellow July –September Short lived, 2cm diameter Aromatic

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

Flax Annual, hairless up to 90-120cm/3-4ft. Erect stem Leaves: lance shaped to 4cm Flowers: solitary, 5 petals, pale blue saucer shape 1 ½ cm across 3-5 white veins June – July Seeds flat, shiny and brown 5-6mm

Hemlock Biennial, hairless up to 1.5m/5ft stems: erect, branched, purple hollow, spotted fowl smelling when crushed Feathery foliage Flowers small white umbels June – August Fruit, tiny, rounded

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

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

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

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

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

Savory summer Annual herb up to 45cm/1½ ft, slender erect slightly hairy purple stems, small pale lilac flowers August –October

St John’s Wort Perennial 40-80cm/16-32in tall Hairless stiff, erect branched stems. Leaves untoothed, un-stalked opposite, sessile and oval. Flowers yellow, 5 petals, clusters black dots many stamens, no nectar May – September

Thistle cotton Biennial up to 2.5m covered with cotton like hair. Stems: erect Flowers: purple solitary July-September

Tormentil Creeping, perennial, hairy, erect stems Low growing plant up to 10cm Leaves: 3 toothed leaflets with two basal leaves like stipules giving a 5-fingered effect. trefoil root leaves, stem leaves with 5 leaflets, serrate Flowers: 4 sepals and petals yellow May-September

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

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

Cowbane Perennial. Stem: rigid, hollow, furrowed Basal leaves: long stalked. Upper leaves divide into three and three again Flowers: white umbels July – August

Barberry Perennial thorny deciduous bush up to 3m tall. Pale green to pale grey bark. Leaves: short stalked spiny teeth Flowers: yellow May-June Fruit: purple berries

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

Clove’s hare foot Annual, grey, hairy up to 30cm/1ft. Erect branching stems Leaves alternate, trifoliate Flowers May-August

Barberry Perennial thorny deciduous bush up to 3m tall. Pale green to pale grey bark. Leaves: short stalked spiny teeth Flowers: yellow May-June Fruit: purple berries

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

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

Avens Perennial 30-60cm/1-2 ft. Hairy stems Leaves in groups of 3, long stalked  Flowers: yellow, solitary 5 petals May-October

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

Betony Hardy perennial.60cm/2ft. Stems: upright, hairy Leaves-round, lobed, hairy. Set in pairs along a hairy stem. Basal leaves up to 7cm long, ovate or obtuse, cordate base Red/purple flowers tight oblong spikes June-August. Looks similar to a nettle

Bryony white Perennial, climbing. Stems: weak, hairy arising from a perennial rootstock Root: like a turnip yellow/grey on the outside, white on the inside Flowers: green/white star shaped with five petals June-September. Fruit: red berries

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

Burning bush Tall. Hairy plant up to 1.2m. leaves stalked, pinnate with 7-11 finely toothed oval leaflets Flowers May-June

Catnip Herbaceous perennial. Maximum growing height 1m/3 ft Stem: quadrangular and hairy.  Leaves: stalked, cordate-ovate, pointed, serrate margin, white hairy under surface. Flowers-small white, pinkish tubular, two lipped, in short dense spikes July-September

Chamomile Roman Small stocky perennial herb up to 30cm/1ft, hairy stem, creeping. Slightly furry leaves. Daisy like yellow/white flowers June-September

Chickweed Annual or biennial.  Numerous, branching weak stems up to 45cm/18in. Stems-pale green, fine hair, juicy, jointed. Leaves oval, stalked, egg shaped in pairs, green, soft. Small, numerous white star like five divided petals. Flowers January-December

Clove’s hare foot Annual, grey, hairy up to 30cm/1ft. Erect branching stems Leaves alternate, trifoliate Flowers May-August

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

Cornflower Annual or biennial herb.30-90cm/1-3 ft Stems have felty hair Leaves-lances shaped, grey-green. Single blue flower on long stem May-September. Seed silvery and flattish

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

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

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

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

Lady’s mantle Perennial herb. Up to 50cm/20in densely hairy stems Leaves-blue/green kidney shaped, finely toothed. Clusters of flowers greenish-yellow petal-less yellow stamens May –September

Mint water Perennial Rough, hairy mint up to 60cm/2ft tall. Leaves tinged with purple, opposing pairs, short stalked, oval, toothed. Flowers blue/lilac bushy head July – September

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

Parsley piert Annual, hairy Leaves: three lobed, fan shaped, serrate Flowers: small, no petals green May-October

Restharrow Perennial, woody, hairy, sharp spines Low growing, woody Leaves: roundish, oval or trefoil Flowers: bright pink, leafy spikes. Stipules covered with tiny hairs attached to leaf stalk June – September

Savory summer Annual herb up to 45cm/1½ ft, slender erect slightly hairy purple stems, small pale lilac flowers August –October

Self heal Thistle like spiny blue/green perennial 20-90cm/8-36in tall. Leaves blue-green three lobed spiny with pale veins and margins. Flowers blue in rounded heads with spiny bracts July – August Fruit egg shaped. Root: up to 8cm

Tormentil Creeping, perennial, hairy, erect stems Low growing plant up to 10cm Leaves: 3 toothed leaflets with two basal leaves like stipules giving a 5-fingered effect. trefoil root leaves, stem leaves with 5 leaflets, serrate Flowers: 4 sepals and petals yellow May-September

Viper’s burgloss Tall biennial 30-90cm/1-3ft covered in white bristly hair. Leaves: rosettes large stalked leaves may wither before flowering. Flowers blue buds June-September

Angelica Hairy biennial or perennial with large lobed bright green ferny leaves, which are serrated and divided into 3. Flowers July - August tiny and yellowish/white, grouped into large umbels Between 120cm/300cm4ft-10ft. Stout stems and hollow

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

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

Cowbane Perennial. Stem: rigid, hollow, furrowed Basal leaves: long stalked. Upper leaves divide into three and three again Flowers: white umbels July – August

Gentian great yellow Perennial hairless up to 1.5m, simple hollow stems. Leaves to 30cm long, opposite and strong veins Flowers: yellow July-August

Ground elder Hairless perennial or biennial forming large patches 30-100cm/12-40in tall. Hollow stem Leaves finely toothed, stalked in groups of three at the end of each stem. Flowers white umbels June –August

Hemlock Biennial, hairless up to 1.5m/5ft stems: erect, branched, purple hollow, spotted fowl smelling when crushed Feathery foliage Flowers small white umbels June – August Fruit, tiny, rounded

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

Horsetail Perennial up to 90cm/3ft Cone bearing, hollow, grooved stems March-April

Arenaria Ruba Herb Stems: jointed Leaves: flat, linear 1cm long. Stipules ovate, pointed Flowers: small, pink in spreading panicles

Mint peppermint Perennial herb up to 1m/3ft. Hairy or hairless. Erect red tinged, quadrangular, stems. Leaves opposite, ovate up to 9cm long, 3cm wide, petiolate with serrate margin, tinged with purple. Flowers stalked, small, lilac, red/purple in tight whorls at base of the leaves July-September

Pellitory of the wall Perennial herb. Leaves: slender, lanceolate-ovate with brittle, reddish, ridged stalks. Flowers: green with yellow stamens

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.

Hemlock Biennial, hairless up to 1.5m/5ft stems: erect, branched, purple hollow, spotted fowl smelling when crushed Feathery foliage Flowers small white umbels June – August Fruit, tiny, rounded

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

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

Savory summer Annual herb up to 45cm/1½ ft, slender erect slightly hairy purple stems, small pale lilac flowers August -October

Dodder Leafless red twining stems. Flowers tiny pink July- October. Twines anticlockwise over gorse and heather. Parasitic suckers

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

Coriander Annual, hairless. Maximum 60cm/2 ft Leaves broad, oval, fern like and toothed. Stem round and branching around top Clusters white. Pale mauve Flowers between June and august. Seeds -small round and light brown. Can be separated into halves

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

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

Buckthorn Perennial spiny deciduous shrub or small tree up to 8m Leaves alternate, opposite Flowers: Greenish groups of 2-8 May-June Fruit Black berries, globular 8-10mm September

Caltrops Thorny perennial creeper. Flowers: pale yellow. Leaves: pinnate

Restharrow Perennial, woody, hairy, sharp spines Low growing, woody Leaves: roundish, oval or trefoil Flowers: bright pink, leafy spikes. Stipules covered with tiny hairs attached to leaf stalk June – September

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

Bugle Creeping biennial or perennial 10-30cm/4-12in tall with a square-ish stem. Flowers: little, blue, pink or white, tubular April-July Leaves oval, opposite, lightly toothed and shiny

Catnip Herbaceous perennial. Maximum growing height 1m/3 ft Stem: quadrangular and hairy.  Leaves: stalked, cordate-ovate, pointed, serrate margin, white hairy under surface. Flowers-small white, pinkish tubular, two lipped, in short dense spikes July-September

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

Dead nettle white Hairy patch forming perennial with square stem up to 60cm/24in. Leaves in pairs, triangular, pointed, coarsely toothed. Flowers creamy/white whorls, un-stalked March - November

Dyer’s greenwood Stems: 15-20cm long, angular. Leaves: hairless, lanceolate sessile, 2cm long, 4mm broad. Flowers: yellow

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

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

Ladys bedstraw Perennial spreading up to 40cm/16in Four angled slender stem Leaves: whorls of 8-12, downy underneath revolute margins. Flowers small numerous yellow and white which smell of honey June –September

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

Mint peppermint Perennial herb up to 1m/3ft. Hairy or hairless. Erect red tinged, quadrangular, stems. Leaves opposite, ovate up to 9cm long, 3cm wide, petiolate with serrate margin, tinged with purple. Flowers stalked, small, lilac, red/purple in tight whorls at base of the leaves July-September

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

Angelica Hairy biennial or perennial with large lobed bright green ferny leaves, which are serrated and divided into 3. Flowers July - August tiny and yellowish/white, grouped into large umbels Between 120cm/300cm4ft-10ft. Stout stems and hollow

Flag sweet Perennial, hairless up to 1.5m/5ft Leaves: grass like Stem: triangular Flowers: green/yellow May-June

Sand sedge Grass like rhizome. Stems triangular up to 30cm/1ft Flowers May-June

Aconite -A hardy hairless, perennial, which grows to 60-90cm/2-3ft tall. Root: turnip shaped Stems: strong, un-branched, hairy Dark green and glossy leaves above, whitish underneath. Leaves all the way up the stem, palmate, stalked and divided into 5 segments. Purple or blue flowers 5 petals shaped like helmet in June-August tuberous black root Fruit a follicle with 3-5 seeds

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

Broom Spanish Shrub up to 3m/10ft high, woody branches, bright green leaves, large yellow flowers

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

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

Restharrow Perennial, woody, hairy, sharp spines Low growing, woody Leaves: roundish, oval or trefoil Flowers: bright pink, leafy spikes. Stipules covered with tiny hairs attached to leaf stalk June – September

Sage wood Perennial downy Upright, woody stems with spikes of green/yellow flowers, prominent stamens. Up to 30cm/1ft Leaves toothed opposite July –September

Self heal Thistle like spiny blue/green perennial 20-90cm/8-36in tall. Leaves blue-green three lobed spiny with pale veins and margins. Flowers blue in rounded heads with spiny bracts July – August Fruit egg shaped. Root: up to 8cm

Ground pine American  Stems: long, creeping, yellow-green, scaly, 2mm in diameter, forked branches. Leaves: minute, scale like bearing cylindrical spikes of spore cases

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