
Herbs and Herbalism
Plant ID
UK
Leaves
Basal Leaves Cordate Base
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fumitory Annual hairless up to 30cm/1ft weak
Root: yellow, small stems, upright and branched. Leaves: alternate, stalked,
pinnate blue/green feathery: Flowers: slender, tubular, two lipped, short spikes
pink/white tipped purple May Fruit: globular
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
Marshmallow Perennial 90cm/3ft. Grey-green
alternate short stalked triangular or heart shaped toothed leaves, White root
Tall erect stems. Soft hairs Flowers June-September single pale pink or white.
Pansy wild Annual/perennial up 20 30cm/1ft
leafy stem Leaves alternate Flowers yellow – purple 15mm/½in across. May – September
Thorn apple Annual up to 1m/3ft in height
hairless, coarse, branched Root: large, fibrous Stem: erect, stout Leaves: petiolate,
alternate, ovate, toothed, veined up to 25cm long, 15cm wide, sinuous-dentate
irregular teeth Flowers: white or purple tubular or trumpet shaped June – October
Fruit: green spiny. Unpleasant smell
Toadflax Perennial, many stemmed, hairless up to 90cm.3ft Leaves: alternate grey/yellow, grass like Flowers: pale yellow, 2 lipped, orange spot on lower lip June-October
Cuckoo pint 15-35cm/6-14in tall. Hairless, fleshy with long stalked untoothed arrow shaped dark green leaves often covered in dark blotches. Flower: chocolate brown spike enclosed in large pointed green hood. Spathe yellow/green April-May Fruit: red berries
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
Foxglove Biennial or perennial 1-2m/3-6ft tall. Stems: Erect, unbranched covered in soft hairs. Leaves: ovate, opposite, broad, blunt, finely toothed, soft green/grey underneath, 10-30cm long up to 10cm wide, sub-acute apex, crenate margin. Flowers large drooping bells pink/purple with dark spots surrounded by white rings inside each one of them June – 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.
Blackberry 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
Celandine lesser Perennial plant. Hairless
short fleshy creeping stems 5-25cm/2-10 in Leaves dark green, heart shaped,
long stalks often with blotches or spots Bright yellow flowers star like 8-12
petals March-May (early as mid January in South England when it is mild)
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
Cuckoo pint 15-35cm/6-14in tall. Hairless,
fleshy with long stalked untoothed arrow shaped dark green leaves often covered
in dark blotches. Flower: chocolate brown spike enclosed in large pointed green
hood. Spathe yellow/green April-May Fruit: red berries
Daisy Ox eye Perennial up to 60cm/2ft Leaves: dark green, serrate, spatulate Flowers: large on individual slender stems and daisy like May-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.
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
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
Vanilla grass Perennial up to 20-25cm/8-10in. Tufted grass, short narrow leaves Flowers: yellowish spikes up to 1in
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
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
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
Crosswort Stem: slender 30-60cm/1-2ft. Leaves: whorls of 4, ellipsoidal, oblong, hairy. Flowers: yellow, small clusters
Bellflower clustered Perennial, upright up to 30cm-60cm/1-2ft long stalks heart shaped leaves Flowers erect sessile violet/blue clusters June –October
Celandine lesser Perennial plant. Hairless
short fleshy creeping stems 5-25cm/2-10 in Leaves dark green, heart shaped,
long stalks often with blotches or spots Bright yellow flowers star like 8-12
petals March-May (early as mid January in South England when it is mild)
Horehound white Hairy aromatic perennial Height
45cm/18inches. Heart shaped toothed leaves, wrinkled, stalked. Downy white all
over Flowers white, tiny, in dense whorls. Calyx –10 hooked teeth June – September
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
Plantain greater Perennial, hairy up to 30cm/1ft
Leaves in basal rosette oval, rounded or heart shaped, strongly veined, blunt
apex Flowers: small yellow/green with purple then yellow anthers in a long dense
spike April-November
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
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
Ground Ivy Perennial, evergreen creeping 10-30cm/4-12in erect, square, unbranched, purplish hairy stems Leaves: opposite, kidney shaped, hairy, serrated, rounded, blunt tipped Flowers: paired or in 3s blue, purple, pink or white, two lipped April – September
Bog myrtle Deciduous shrub 0.5-2m/1-6ft. Leaves
grey/green, narrow toothed, leathery, lanceolate obovate 2-3cm long, 1cm wide.
Shiny red twigs. Flowers red and orange (male and female) catkins on separate
plants April – May before leaves
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
Gratiola Perennial, hairless Erect branching
stems up to 30cm/1ft Leaves opposite, lanceolate, pointed, un-stalked, finely
toothed, sessile Flowers white, solitary, tubular, fine stamens June-August
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
Mouse ear hawkweed Perennial, creeping up
to 30cm/1ft Leaves: lanceolate, 3cm long white underneath and sparsely hair
above, basal rosette Flowers: single stalked yellow, composite, 2-3cm
diameter May-October
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
Smartweed Leaves: narrow, lanceolate, sheathed at base. Flowers: white tinged with pink or green on a narrow drooping spike
Dodder Leafless red twining stems. Flowers tiny pink July- October. Twines anticlockwise over gorse and heather. Parasitic suckers
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
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
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
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
Crosswort Stem: slender 30-60cm/1-2ft. Leaves: whorls of 4, ellipsoidal, oblong, hairy. Flowers: yellow, small clusters
Primrose Herbaceous perennial. Height 5-12cm/2-4in inches. Stems slender, soft hair Leaves: bright green, oblong, form rosettes at base of plant up to 12cm long, 3cm wide, rounded apex, irregular margin Flowers: pale yellow January- May
Bog myrtle Deciduous shrub 0.5-2m/1-6ft. Leaves
grey/green, narrow toothed, leathery, lanceolate obovate 2-3cm long, 1cm wide.
Shiny red twigs. Flowers red and orange (male and female) catkins on separate
plants April – May before leaves
Cat’s foot Perennial low creeping Leaves: obovate, white, cottony on the under surface Flowers: White or pink flowers, sepal like bracts May-August
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
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
Foxglove Biennial or perennial 1-2m/3-6ft
tall. Stems: Erect, unbranched covered in soft hairs. Leaves: ovate, opposite,
broad, blunt, finely toothed, soft green/grey underneath, 10-30cm long up to
10cm wide, sub-acute apex, crenate margin. Flowers large drooping bells pink/purple
with dark spots surrounded by white rings inside each one of them June – September
Gratiola Perennial, hairless Erect branching
stems up to 30cm/1ft Leaves opposite, lanceolate, pointed, un-stalked, finely
toothed, sessile Flowers white, solitary, tubular, fine stamens June-August
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
Pimpernel scarlet Prostate annual. Leaves: opposite 1-2cm long, 1cm broad, ovate, sessile, black dots on undersurface. Flowers: small, scarlet, star like, finely toothed
Sage wood Perennial downy Upright, woody stems
with spikes of green/yellow flowers, prominent stamens. Up to 30cm/1ft Leaves
toothed opposite July –September
Savin Evergreen coniferous shrub up to 4m, pale green bark, dark green, opposite leaves, purple/black berries Flowers: March-May
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.
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
Bog bean Aquatic or creeping perennial. hairless
plant up to 30cm/1ft Leaves: long stalked, ovate, trefoil Flowers: star shaped
pink outside, white inside fringed with long white hair May-June Fruit: globular
Bryony Black Hairless perennial climber. Leaves:
heart shaped. Flowers: six petalled May. Berries: crimson, egg 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
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
Fluellen Branched annual Leaves: grey-green,
round, oval
Honeysuckle Woody climbing perennial up to
6m/20ft. Oval leaves. Flowers yellow/white, pink tinged. Tubular shaped followed
by orange or red berries
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
Plantain greater Perennial, hairy up to 30cm/1ft
Leaves in basal rosette oval, rounded or heart shaped, strongly veined, blunt
apex Flowers: small yellow/green with purple then yellow anthers in a long dense
spike April-November
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
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
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.
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
Foxglove Biennial or perennial 1-2m/3-6ft
tall. Stems: Erect, unbranched covered in soft hairs. Leaves: ovate, opposite,
broad, blunt, finely toothed, soft green/grey underneath, 10-30cm long up to
10cm wide, sub-acute apex, crenate margin. Flowers large drooping bells pink/purple
with dark spots surrounded by white rings inside each one of them June – September
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
Pimpernel scarlet Prostate annual. Leaves:
opposite 1-2cm long, 1cm broad, ovate, sessile, black dots on undersurface.
Flowers: small, scarlet, star like, finely toothed
Raspberry Slender perennial shrub up to 2m/6ft
slightly spiny. Leaves toothed, oval often whitish beneath, stalked, pinnate,
3-5 leaflets up to 12cm. Leaflets ovate, acuminate, rounded at base, toothed
margin Flowers small white in clusters Fruit red fruit berry formed by drupelets
July – September
Sorrel wood Low creeping plant 5-15cm/2-6in
tall. Leaves rounded ovate leaflets and lime green when young, long stalked
basal rosette. Flowers solitary bell shaped five white petals April – May
Thorn apple Annual up to 1m/3ft in height hairless, coarse, branched Root: large, fibrous Stem: erect, stout Leaves: petiolate, alternate, ovate, toothed, veined up to 25cm long, 15cm wide, sinuous-dentate irregular teeth Flowers: white or purple tubular or trumpet shaped June – October Fruit: green spiny. Unpleasant smell
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.
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
Angelica Wild Perennial herb up to 1.5m/5ft
tall Stems – branched, ridged, hollow Leaves: purplish 2 or 3 pinnate with the
lobes further divided and stalked Flowers: dense white or pink tinged umbels
July – August
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Gratiola Perennial, hairless Erect branching stems up to 30cm/1ft Leaves opposite, lanceolate, pointed, un-stalked, finely toothed, sessile Flowers white, solitary, tubular, fine stamens 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
Fluellen Branched annual Leaves: grey-green,
round, oval
Plantain greater Perennial, hairy up to 30cm/1ft
Leaves in basal rosette oval, rounded or heart shaped, strongly veined, blunt
apex Flowers: small yellow/green with purple then yellow anthers in a long dense
spike April-November
Sorrel wood Low creeping plant 5-15cm/2-6in tall. Leaves rounded ovate leaflets and lime green when young, long stalked basal rosette. Flowers solitary bell shaped five white petals April – May
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
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
Daisy Ox eye Perennial up to 60cm/2ft Leaves:
dark green, serrate, spatulate Flowers: large on individual slender stems and
daisy like May-September
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
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
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
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
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.
Daisy Ox eye Perennial up to 60cm/2ft Leaves:
dark green, serrate, spatulate Flowers: large on individual slender stems and
daisy like May-September
Good king Henry Perennial often reddish. Up to 60cm/2ft wide spread Leaves triangular spear shaped almost untoothed Flowers yellow in spikes May – August
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.
Bellflower clustered Perennial, upright up
to 30cm-60cm/1-2ft long stalks heart shaped leaves Flowers erect sessile violet/blue
clusters June –October
Bog bean Aquatic or creeping perennial. hairless
plant up to 30cm/1ft Leaves: long stalked, ovate, trefoil Flowers: star shaped
pink outside, white inside fringed with long white hair May-June Fruit: globular
Celandine lesser Perennial plant. Hairless
short fleshy creeping stems 5-25cm/2-10 in Leaves dark green, heart shaped,
long stalks often with blotches or spots Bright yellow flowers star like 8-12
petals March-May (early as mid January in South England when it is mild)
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
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
Fumitory Annual hairless up to 30cm/1ft weak
Root: yellow, small stems, upright and branched. Leaves: alternate, stalked,
pinnate blue/green feathery: Flowers: slender, tubular, two lipped, short spikes
pink/white tipped purple May Fruit: globular
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
Horehound white Hairy aromatic perennial Height 45cm/18inches. Heart shaped toothed leaves, wrinkled, stalked. Downy white all over Flowers white, tiny, in dense whorls. Calyx –10 hooked teeth June – September
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
Marshmallow Perennial 90cm/3ft. Grey-green alternate short stalked triangular or heart shaped toothed leaves, White root Tall erect stems. Soft hairs Flowers June-September single pale pink or white.
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
Blackberry 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
Bog myrtle Deciduous shrub 0.5-2m/1-6ft. Leaves
grey/green, narrow toothed, leathery, lanceolate obovate 2-3cm long, 1cm wide.
Shiny red twigs. Flowers red and orange (male and female) catkins on separate
plants April – May before leaves
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
Foxglove Biennial or perennial 1-2m/3-6ft
tall. Stems: Erect, unbranched covered in soft hairs. Leaves: ovate, opposite,
broad, blunt, finely toothed, soft green/grey underneath, 10-30cm long up to
10cm wide, sub-acute apex, crenate margin. Flowers large drooping bells pink/purple
with dark spots surrounded by white rings inside each one of them June – September
Gratiola Perennial, hairless Erect branching
stems up to 30cm/1ft Leaves opposite, lanceolate, pointed, un-stalked, finely
toothed, sessile Flowers white, solitary, tubular, fine stamens June-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
Horehound white Hairy aromatic perennial Height
45cm/18inches. Heart shaped toothed leaves, wrinkled, stalked. Downy white all
over Flowers white, tiny, in dense whorls. Calyx –10 hooked teeth June – September
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
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
Marshmallow Perennial 90cm/3ft. Grey-green
alternate short stalked triangular or heart shaped toothed leaves, White root
Tall erect stems. Soft hairs Flowers June-September single pale pink or white
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
Poppy red Hairy annual. 60-90cm/2-3ft. Leaves:
divided into paired segments, toothed and end in point Flowers solitary, deep
scarlet, 4 petals floppy up to 10cm/4in across, numerous stamens June – October
Fruit seed pods are hairless and flat topped like an inverted cone
Raspberry Slender perennial shrub up to 2m/6ft
slightly spiny. Leaves toothed, oval often whitish beneath, stalked, pinnate,
3-5 leaflets up to 12cm. Leaflets ovate, acuminate, rounded at base, toothed
margin Flowers small white in clusters Fruit red fruit berry formed by drupelets
July – 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
Thorn apple Annual up to 1m/3ft in height hairless, coarse, branched Root: large, fibrous Stem: erect, stout Leaves: petiolate, alternate, ovate, toothed, veined up to 25cm long, 15cm wide, sinuous-dentate irregular teeth Flowers: white or purple tubular or trumpet shaped June – October Fruit: green spiny. Unpleasant smell
Good king Henry Perennial often reddish. Up
to 60cm/2ft wide spread Leaves triangular spear shaped almost untoothed Flowers
yellow in spikes May – August
Marshmallow Perennial 90cm/3ft. Grey-green alternate short stalked triangular or heart shaped toothed leaves, White root Tall erect stems. Soft hairs Flowers June-September single pale pink or white.
Blackberry 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
Bog bean Aquatic or creeping perennial. hairless
plant up to 30cm/1ft Leaves: long stalked, ovate, trefoil Flowers: star shaped
pink outside, white inside fringed with long white hair May-June Fruit: globular
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
Cat’s foot Perennial low creeping Leaves: obovate, white, cottony on the under surface Flowers: White or pink flowers, sepal like bracts May-August
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