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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

  Basal Leaves Obtuse

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

  Basal Leaves Ovate

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

  Alternate

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

  Arrow Shaped

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

  Crenate Margin

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

  Dark Green

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

  Entire Margin

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

  Ferny

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

    Grass Like

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

  Hairy

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

  Heart Shaped

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

 

Kidney Shaped

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

  Lanceolate

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

  Leafless

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

  Leaflets

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

  Lobed

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

  Oblong

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

 

Obovate

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

  Opposite

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

 

Oval

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

  Ovate

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

  Paler Under Surface

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.

  Palmate

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

  Pinnate

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

  Pointed

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

  Round

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

  Serrated

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

 

Sessile

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

  Spatulate

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

 

Spear Shaped

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

  Stalked

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

 

Toothed

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

 

Triangular

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.

  Trifoliate

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

 

White

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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