Herbs and Herbalism

Plant ID

Leaves

Arrow shaped

Sorrel common - Erect perennial 10-120cm/4-47in tall. Leaves 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

Fleabane yellow - Perennial hairy, bushy. Leaves alternate greyish underneath heart or arrow shaped and stalked. Basal leaves oval with narrow base. Flowers bright yellow daisy like in clusters July –September

Chicory -Perennial herb. 90-150cm/3-5 ft Thick yellow taproot, milky when broken. Lower leaves-long arrow shaped, toothed and hairy underneath. Upper leaves smaller, stalkless. Clear blue, white or pink daisy like lowers in clusters July-September which close in the evening and open in the morning Europe

Bindweed Greater -3m/10ft tall Hairless plant. Stems twining, climbing Leaves arrow shaped, untoothed, alternate leaves. Flowers large white trumpets with yellow centres July – September  North America

Cuckoo pint -15-35cm/6-14in tall. Hairless, fleshy with long stalked untoothed arrow shaped leaves often covered in dark blotches. Flower: chocolate brown spike enclosed in large pointed hood. Spathe yellow/green April-May

Cardamom - Perennial reed like herb up to 4m/13ft tall, long blade shaped leaves, yellowish flowers with purple tips, red/brown seeds Asia

Bittercress hairy An annual height 5-25cm/2-10in. Leaves compound, flowers white small clusters Feb-September long narrow seed pods

Fat hen -Spreading branched annual stiff upright stems 20-150cm/8-60in tall. Leaves thick diamond shaped grey/green. Flowers tiny pale green/yellow and bunched in spikes June – October. Fruit tiny each containing one black seed

Self heal -Perennial 15-30cm/6-12in tall covered in tiny hairs. Stem square Leaves slightly stalked oval to diamond shaped toothed or untoothed Flowers purplish clustered in dense oblong shaped heads June- November Pair of leaves directly under flower head

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

Aspen -Deciduous. Up to 25m/80ft Lives 50-60 years. Thin green/grey bark. Shiny brown, sticky, pointed buds. Egg shaped leaves. Catkins 2-3 inches long like furry caterpillars. Male catkins contain bunches of furry stamen with purple/red heads surrounded by fluffy grey down. Female have no stamen. Flowers: April Europe

Roseroot - Perennial alpine or rock plant up to 30cm/1ft Leaves: egg shaped silver/green Flowers star shaped yellow

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

Chervil - Annual.30cm18 inches. Root thin, whitish. Wiry, bright green fern like leaves. Umbels of tiny white flowers Europe, Asia

Coriander Annual. Maximum 60cm/2 ft Leaves broad, oval, fern like and toothed. Clusters white. Pale mauve Flowers between June and august. Seeds -small round and light brown. South Euro

Cow parsley -Erect leafy-branched perennial 1m/3ft tall. Hollow green furrowed stems, hairy near base. Leaves grass green divided, alternate ferny, erect. Flowers umbels tiny white flowers, small clusters of flowers form larger, loosely circular flower heads April – June

Fennel -Herbaceous perennial or biennial. 2m/7 ft. Feathery, segmented leaves and bright golden flowers that bloom in large flat umbels in July-October. Strong smelling, solid stems

Seeds are oval and ribbed and should be dried before use Europe

Herb Robert - Annual. 10-45cm/4-20in Hairy stems that are green tinged with red. Fern shaped leaves pink flowers April- November Seeds: long beaked Strong smell

Tansy - Hardy perennial almost hairless. Up to 1m/3ft Clusters of yellow, button shaped, petalless flowers July-October. Creeping roots, dark ferny leaves. Very aromatic

Yarrow - Perennial ferny herb Rough, angular stem. Dark green feathery leaves. Large flat topped clusters of white or pale lilac flowers that bloom June-December. Height 60cm/2ft aromatic

Angelica -Hairy biennial 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 Europe

Garlic - Perennial herb up to 1m/3ft Long, narrow, flat leaves like grass. Whitish flowers June- August. Bulb of 5-15 cloves in papery skin

Gay feather - Perennial up to 60cm/2ft. Grassy foliage Flowers: lilac-purple fluffy spikes July-September

Thrift - Tufted perennial 10-20cm/4-8in Leaves grass like rosettes. Stems hairy without leaves and single pink flower head April –June Seeds papery

Vanilla grass - Perennial up to 20-25cm/8-10in. Tufted grass, short narrow leaves Flowers: yellowish spikes up to 1in

Balm - Herbaceous perennial. Height-90cm/3ft. Stem-hairy and square. Leaves-hairy and lemon scented. Flower-small yellow buds that turn into white or pink flowers June-August

Chamomile Maroc -90-125cm tall, hairy leaves, yellow flowers surrounded by white ligulets Africa

Bellflower clustered - Perennial, upright up to 30cm-60cm/1-2ft long stalks heart shaped leaves Flowers erect sessile violet/blue clusters June –October

Buckwheat - Heart shaped leaves. White-pale pink flowers July-September. Three sided angular nuts

Cubebs - Evergreen climbing vine up to 6m tall, heart shaped leaves Africa, Asia

Pepper black - Perennial woody vine up to 5m/16ft, heart shaped leaves, small white flowers, berries

Scurvy grass - Low growing plant. Leaves: fleshy heart shaped, upper ones un-stalked Flowers four white petals and smooth May – August

Violet -Low creeping perennial up to 15cm/½ft. 12cm/5in spread dark green heart shaped leaves, violet-blue flowers March – May Sweet smell

Fleabane yellow - Perennial hairy, bushy. Leaves alternate greyish underneath heart or arrow shaped and stalked. Basal leaves oval with narrow base. Flowers bright yellow daisy like in clusters July –September

Hedge woundwort -60-100cm/24-40in tall. Stems: square, erect, soft hair. Leaves: paired, short stalks, toothed, heart shaped and pointed (similar to nettle leaves), basal leaves long stalked. Flowers in spikes, dull red/purple whorls forming at the base of upper leaves June –September

Jack in the hedge - Annual or biennial up to 70cm/28in tall hairy, slender stems. Leaves green, slightly toothed, alternate, heart shaped, stalked smell of garlic when crushed. Flowers small, white clustered April –June

Violet dog -8-20cm/3 ½ - 8in tall Leaves: long stalks, heart shaped, slightly toothed Flowers: No scent deep violet April-June

Birthwort - Perennial plant. 30-90cm/1-3ft Heart shaped finely toothed leaves. Flowers-May/June. Attracts flies

Celandine lesser - Perennial plant. Hairless short fleshy stems 5-25cm/2-10 in Leaves heart shaped often with blotches or spots Bright yellow flowers star like March-May (early as mid January in South England when it is mild)

Dead nettle red - Purple tinged annual. 10-40cm/4-16in tall. Leaves in pairs, heart shaped, toothed, pointed. Flowers pink/purple in whorls can flower all year round if mild

Horehound white - Hairy perennial Height 45cm/18inches. Heart shaped toothed leaves. Downy white all over Flowers white, tiny June – September

Nettle stinging - Course upright perennial covered with fine stinging hair Up to 120cm/4ft.Leaves toothed, heart shaped Flowers thin catkins of undistinguished green flowers June - September

Burdock greater -Robust, erect plant 80-150cm/32-60in tall. Leaves alternate, 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

Marigold marsh - Perennial 1.5m/5ft stout, hollow stems Leaves dark green, kidney shaped Flowers: yellow sepals but no petals 5cm wide March –June Claw like seed pods

Snakeroot - Up to 35cm/14in, hairy stem, two kidney shaped leaves, creeping stockroot, brown/purple bell shaped flower that is white inside America

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

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 petalled flowers. Flowers June -October. Seeds curved and rough. Europe, Asia

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

Flax - Annual up to 90-120cm/3-4ft. Leaves: lance shaped Flowers: pale blue saucer shape 1 ½ cm across June – July Europe, Britain

Labdanum - Small sticky shrub up to 3m/10ft tall, lanced shaped leaves which are white are furry on the underneath, white flowers

Lavender spike - Evergreen sub-shrub up to 1m/3ft tall with lance shaped leaves. Flowers dull grey/blue colour

Madonna lily - Bulbous perennial. 90cm-150cm/3-5ft. Lance shaped leaves. White, strong scented flowers June-July.

Mint cornmint - Herb up to 60cm/2ft, leafy stem, lance shaped leaves, lilac flowers

Mint spearmint - Perennial herb, bright green lance shaped toothed leaves. Pink or lilac coloured flowers

Soapwort - Perennial 30-90cm/1-3ft Leaves: pale green lance shaped Flowers: pink June –September

Eyebright - Annual 5-20cm/2-8in. Leaves lanced shaped, hairy. Numerous white or lilac flowers June-September. Semi-parasitic Europe

Dandelion -Hardy perennial. Up to 30cm/1ft hollow stems exudes a milk juice when cut Leaves-lanced shaped, roughly toothed growing from base of plant. . Flowers-large, yellow, numerous petals March-November followed by fluffy seed heads

Evening Primrose - Biennial Erect un-branched 60-100cm/2-3ft. Leaves oval, lance shaped often toothed. Flowers: saucer shaped bright yellow and large usually falling after a day’s blooming

Asafoetida -6 - 10 ft Fleshy root with bristly fibres. Long, slim leaves. Green-yellow flowers. Flat reddish-brown fruit Afghanistan

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 Africa, Caribbean, America

Bog myrtle - Deciduous shrub 0.5-2m/1-6ft. Leaves grey/green, narrow toothed. Shiny red twigs. Flowers red and orange (male and female) catkins on separate plants April – May before leaves

Tarragon - Perennial herb. Up to 60cm/2ft. Long, narrow, undivided leaves. Small yellow/green flowers July-October. Long, fibrous roots

Forget me not - 30cm/1ft. Pale blue or white flowers April-June Oblong leaves.

Honeysuckle wild- Deciduous twining, climbing shrub 6m/20ft tall. Leaves: opposite, oval to oblong dark green Flowers creamy/yellow often flushed with purple. June- October Fruit red berry

Madder - Perennial climbing plant. 60-90cm/2-3ft. Leaves: oblong with prickly underside Flowers yellow star shaped June-August

Primrose - Herbaceous perennial. Height 5-12cm/2-4in inches. Stems slender, soft hair Leaves: bright green, oblong, form rosettes at base of plant Flowers: pale yellow January- May

Sage common - Evergreen perennial shrub. Maximum 75cm/2.5 ft. Low growing. Grey/green oblong leaves and hairy. Purple whorl flowers. Woody at base

Red campion -50-100cm/20-40in tall stems branched, hairy, erect. Leaves untoothed, oblong-oval, lower leaves are stalked. Flowers unscented five petals 1.5-2cm/½-1in across deep pink flowers May –November

Bearberry - Evergreen shrub. Up to 8 inches. Trailing stems and branches. Leaves-dark green, ovate, leathery. Flowers-clusters, white, pinkish flowers bloom May/June. Bright red berries in autumn.

Bistort - Hardy perennial.

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

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. 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

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

Burdock - Tall biennial plant. Up to 2m/6ft Leaves large oval. Purple flowers July-September followed by small green burrs. Which are very sticky Europe

Calamintha - Bushy perennial less then 1m/3ft high, soft oval leaves, pale purple flowers Europe, Asia

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 petalled flowers. Flowers June -October. Seeds curved and rough. Europe, Asia

Chickweed -A common annual weed. Numerous, branching weak stems up to 45cm/18in. Stems-pale green, fine hair, juicy. Leaves egg shaped in pairs, green, soft. Small, numerous white star like five divided petals. Flowers March-September Europe

Damiana - Small shrub. Leaves ovate, pale green. Flowers yellow and aromatic

Honeysuckle - Woody climbing perennial up to 6m/20ft. Oval leaves. Flowers yellow/white, pink tinged. Tubular shaped followed by orange or red berries

Honeysuckle wild- Deciduous twining, climbing shrub 6m/20ft tall. Leaves: opposite, oval to oblong dark green Flowers creamy/yellow often flushed with purple. June- October Fruit red berry

Marjoram sweet - Bushy perennial up to 60cm/2ft, hairy stem, dark green oval leaves, grey/white flowers in clusters or knots

Melilotus - Bushy perennial herb up to 1m3ft, smooth erect stems, oval leaves, white or yellow flowers June - September. Hairless brown seed pods

Ragged Robin -20-70cm/8-28in Slender erect stems can be branched and long slender opposite leaves. Base leaves are oval spoon shaped and stalked Flowers bright purple/pink four narrow lobes per petal May-August

Self heal -Perennial 15-30cm/6-12in tall covered in tiny hairs. Stem square Leaves slightly stalked oval to diamond shaped toothed or untoothed Flowers purplish clustered in dense oblong shaped heads June- November Pair of leaves directly under flower head

Speedwell Germander -20-40cm/8-16in tall Leaves oval, almost triangular lower ones have short stalks, upper un-stalked Flowers: bright blue 9-12mm/ 3/8 in across each with two stamens. March-July

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

Thyme wild - Semi shrub or herb Creeping plant with woody stems and runners 5-10cm/2-4in tall. Leaves very small oval and arranged in opposing pairs. Flowers pink/purple June-August

Valerian red -Perennial Stout, fleshy plant thick erect stems up to 50-80cm/20-32in tall. Leaves grey/green of blue/green paired and mostly untoothed. Stem leaves un-stalked, oval to spear shaped broad bases that clasp around stem. Flowers red, pink or white star shaped in dense fluffy heads June- august

Hawthorn - Shrub or small tree 8m/26ft tall Bark-purplish/brown. Twigs-black sharp thorns. Leaves green, oval, lobed 5-19cm long White with pink centres flowers in May. Red fruit around October. Deciduous can live over 400 years

Basil - Annual Average growing height 45 cm/18 in. Stem-square and hairy. Leaves-pointed ovals, aromatic. Flowers-white/cream in July and August.

Basil wild - Perennial Square stems 40-75cm/16-30in tall. Slight aromatic, covered in hairs. Leaves opposite, mostly oval. Flowers pink-purple dense whorls at base of upper leaves July- September

Belladonna - Perennial plant. Thick, whitish root, purplish stem. Height 60-150cm/2-5ft. Leaves-dark green, long pointed oval. Drooping, bell shaped purple flowers, bloom June-August. Black berries-August-November. Foul smell if plant is crushed.

Dock - Perennial. 90cm/3ft Large oval pointed leaves. White fleshly Roots Flowers greenish June-October

Marjoram wild - Perennial 75cm/30in Stems: square Leaves: oval pointed Flowers: purple, 2 lipped August – October. Aromatic

Borage- Hardy 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 and square. Leaves dark green, hairy pointed ovals. Flowers May-October droop in paired clusters white, cream, pink or mauve bellflowers

Enchanter’s nightshade - Slender stems with opposite leaves that are stalked and oval with a heart shaped base and pointed top 30-60cm/12-24in tall. Flowers white or pink tiny June - August

Alecost - A hardy herbaceous perennial, which grows to 2-3ft tall. Dies back completely in winter. It has light brown creeping roots and a ridged stem, which is woody near the base. The leaves are oval and finely toothed, and long up to 1ft in length. The flowers appear in late June in small clusters, and are button shaped and yellow. The plant has a slight minty odour and taste.

Balm of gilead - Evergreen perennial shrub. Height 120cm/4ft. Leaves-toothed, oval, aromatic. Stem-square, ridged, prickly-woody after the 2ed year. Flowers-pink clusters late summer-early autumn

Bilberry - Deciduous shrub. Hairless twigs, height 20-50cm/8-12in. Leaves oval, slight toothed. Flowers solitary, drooping, green/pink April-June. Fruit – small, round, black July – September

Coriander Annual. Maximum 60cm/2 ft Leaves broad, oval, fern like and toothed. Clusters white. Pale mauve Flowers between June and august. Seeds -small round and light brown. South Euro

Evening Primrose - Biennial Erect un-branched 60-100cm/2-3ft. Leaves oval, lance shaped often toothed. Flowers: saucer shaped bright yellow and large usually falling after a day’s blooming

Raspberry - Slender shrub up to 2m/6ft slightly spiny. Leaves toothed, oval often whitish beneath. Flowers small white in clusters Fruit red fruit berry formed by drupelets July – September

Rose dog -Deciduous shrub. 3m/10ft hooked prickles Oval toothed leaves 5-7 leaflets that are paired except the one at end. Flowers June-July-5 petalled, pink or white, small clusters June/July followed by bright red hips August –November

Yellow archangel -30-60cm/12-24in tall. Strong smelling, hairy. Leaves paired oval, toothed. Flowers. Bright yellow in tight whorls up the stem April - July

Bergamot -Hardy perennial.60-90cm/2-3ft. Leaves - oval, toothed, pointed. Stem-hard, ridged, square, slightly hairy tinged red near leaves joints. Flowers-tight clusters, tubular, shaggy scarlet blooms June-August

Alkanet Green -50-100cm/20-40in tall, Bristly erect branched stems. Leaves untoothed, narrow base oval to spear shape. Flowers bright blue spiralled and clustered April-August

Cowberry - Small evergreen shrub 40cm/16in high. Leaves leathery, oval untoothed. Flowers pink or white open in clusters May – July. Fruits red, spherical

Marjoram - Herbaceous perennial 60cm/2ft. leaves oval, untoothed. Flowers pale pink/purple July – October

Red campion -50-100cm/20-40in tall stems branched, hairy, erect. Leaves untoothed, oblong-oval, lower leaves are stalked. Flowers unscented five petals 1.5-2cm/½-1in across deep pink flowers May –November

Cinquefoil marsh - Perennial, creeping Leaves: grey/green pinnate with 3-5 leaflets Flowers: Dark purple star like May-July Fruits: purple

Meadowsweet - Aromatic perennial. 60-120cm/2-4ft. Pinnate leaves with 2-5 pairs of leaflets silvery below Flowers: creamy white June – October Fragrant

Valerian - Herbaceous tall perennial.30-150cm/2-5ft. Leaves-pinnate Pinkish flowers June – August strong smell

Geranium - Perennial hairy shrub up to 1m/3ft, pointed leaves, serrated at edges, small pink flowers

Anise - An annul herb. Height 30-60cm/1-2 ft. Mild green lacy leaves, rounded stem. Small clusters of white flowers July-August. Asia

Bindweed sea- Creeping stems Leaves: small, rounded Flowers: Pink large trumpet like June- August

Coltfoot -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

Nasturtium - Annual Climbing plant 30cm-1m/1ft-3ft. Leaves: round Red, yellow and gold bell shaped flowers June-September

Wallflower pennywort - Perennial 15-40cm/6-16in tall. Leaves round and fleshy Flowers: small, bell shaped, cream/pale white June-august

Watercress - Hardy hairless perennial. Shiny, rounded leaves on fleshy stems. 30-60cm/1-2ft. Tiny white flowers followed by long seedpods May - October

Cloudberry - Low creeping shrub up to 20cm/8in. Leaves rounded, lobed. Flowers five white petals solitary June-August. Fruit round, red at first orange when ripe

Betony- Hardy perennial.60cm/2ft. Leaves-round, lobed, hairy. Set in pairs along a hairy stem. Pink/purple flowers June-August. Looks similar to a nettle

Dead nettle henbit Hairy annual up to 30cm/12in high with square green/red stem. Leaves rounded bluntly toothed top leaves partly clasping stem. Flowers pink/purple in whorls March - October

Ginger - Perennial, up to 1m/3ft, narrow spear shaped leaves, white or yellow flowers Asia

Good King Henry - Perennial often reddish. Up to 60cm/2ft wide spread Leaves triangular spear shaped almost untoothed Flowers yellow in spikes May – August

Mustard -Erect green/grey annual up to 3m/10ft. Spear shaped upper leaves, smooth flat pods, and bright yellow flowers June – August. Seedpods against stems

Ramsons - Bulbous perennial up to 50cm/20in tall hairless, strong smelling Leaves broad and spear like, Basal leaves broad, fleshy. Flowers white and star like in a rounded umbel April – June

Valerian red -Perennial Stout, fleshy plant thick erect stems up to 50-80cm/20-32in tall. Leaves grey/green of blue/green paired and mostly untoothed. Stem leaves un-stalked, oval to spear shaped broad bases that clasp around stem. Flowers red, pink or white star shaped in dense fluffy heads June- august

Vervain - Herbaceous perennial. Bushy. Stiff, square stems Height 60-90cm/2-3ft.Leaves: grey/green spear shaped Flowers: 2 lipped lilac small June-October

Alkanet Green -50-100cm/20-40in tall, Bristly erect branched stems. Leaves untoothed, narrow base oval to spear shape. Flowers bright blue spiralled and clustered April-August

Centaury - Annual or biennial Up to 60cm/2ft Root-woody and fibrous. Spoon shaped leaves. Pink/Red flowers July-September five petals. Flowers open early morning but close around noon

Calamus - Reed like aquatic plant 1m/3ft tall, sword shaped leaves, green/yellow flowers India

Narcissus - Long sword like leaves, white flowers with yellow trumpets and red edge. Up to 50cm/19in

Orris - Perennial up to 1.5m/5ft with sword shaped leaves, pale blue flowers

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 Africa, Asia, South Europe

Anemone wood -5-30cm/2-12in tall. Leaves whorls of 3, 3 deep lobes. Flowers nod in slightest breeze white sometime pink March-May

Gooseberry - Low many branched shrub 1.2m/4ft tall. Leaves 3 or 4 lobed blunt toothed. Flowers drooping red tinged, green/yellow. April Fruit green/yellow or purple, egg shaped and usually hairy from July

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

Hemp agrimony - Perennial 90-150cm/36-60in Stems: red-purple tinged, stiff, erect Leaves: grey/green toothed, three lobed, mostly paired. Flowers protruding stamens, massed together forming broad, flat top clusters, usually pink/purple occasionally white.

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 Mediterranean, Asia

Bogbean - Aquatic plant Leaves: trefoil Flowers: pink outside, white inside fringed with long white hair May-June Fruit: globular

Good King Henry - Perennial often reddish. Up to 60cm/2ft wide spread Leaves triangular spear shaped almost untoothed Flowers yellow in spikes May – August

Speedwell Germander -20-40cm/8-16in tall Leaves oval, almost triangular lower ones have short stalks, upper un-stalked Flowers: bright blue 9-12mm/ 3/8 in across each with two stamens. March-July

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 March - November

Anemone wood -5-30cm/2-12in tall. Leaves whorls of 3, 3 deep lobes. Flowers nod in slightest breeze white sometime pink March-May

Heather bell - Evergreen shrub up to 60cm/2ft. Leaves smooth in whorls of three with a short shoot in the leaf. Flowers: bell shaped corolla tube with stamens hidden inside purple June - September

Back to More Information on Herbs

Back to Herbs and Herbalism Index