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The listing is in alphabetical order by common name. Use the handy index to jump to particular section, just browse the list or use the search feature.
Most herbs have many uses including culinary, medicinal and as insect attractors. I have used the following icons to indicate the common, modern uses and attributes of the listed varieties.
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| Botanical Name | Agastache foeniculum |
| Common Name | Anise Hyssop |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full Sun, average water |
| Mature size, spacing | Ht: 24"-36", 12"-15" apart |
| Other Information | Toothed leaves, purple flowers on spikes, blooms early through late summer. Licorice flavored leaves and flowers, fresh or dried, make delicious teach |
| Botanical Name | Laurus nobilis |
| Common Name | Bay, Bay leaf |
| Attribute | Tender perennial. Evergreen. Hardy to Zone 8. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to half day sun. Average to low water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Height: up to 10'. In container culture: 5' |
| Other Information | Indispensible flavoring for soups, stews, chicken, sauces and more. Grow as single trunk tree or allow to grow as shrub. Does well in large container, protected from winter cold in northern areas. |
| Botanical Name | Monarda didyma |
| Common Name | Bee Balm |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, part shade. Average to little water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 15", 10"-12" apart |
| Other Information | Good landscape plant. Edible blossoms in salads, leaves and blossoms use in teach Historically known as "Oswego Tea". |
| Botanical Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Common Name | Calendula, Pot Marigold![]() |
| Attribute | Cool weather annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, part shade |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 24", 10"-12" apart |
| Other Information | Plant in Fall or early Spring in the South. Flowers are edible. Plant known as 'pot marigold' for its historical use of leaves as a 'potherb', especially as a Spring tonic. Blossoms rich in carotenoid for use as dye. |
| Botanical Name | Nepeta faassenii |
| Common Name | Catmint![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, part shade |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 18"-24", 15"-18" apart |
| Other Information | Forms a soft mound with soft, crinkled, gray-green leaves. Blue/purple flowers cover the plant for weeks in early summer. Needs well drained soil. Give this one plenty of room, but it's not really invasive like common mints. |
| Botanical Name | Nepeta cataria |
| Common Name | Catnip![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 12"-15" apart |
| Other Information | Vigorous growing member of the mint family. Dry for cat toys and a soothing teach |
| Botanical Name | Nepeta cataria citriodora |
| Common Name | Catnip, Lemon |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 12"-15" apart |
| Botanical Name | Matricaria recutita |
| Common Name | Chamomile, "Bodegold" |
| Attribute | Cool season annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 12"-15", 8" apart |
| Other Information | Small, daisy-like flowers in early to mid-Spring in the South. Use fresh or dried for tea. Will reseed if a few flowers left to dry on plant. Latin name means "capable of anything". |
| Botanical Name | Anthriscus cerefolium |
| Common Name | Chervil, Brussels Winter![]() |
| Attribute | Cool season annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun in North, part shade in South in Winter. Average water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 10", 6"-8" apart |
| Other Information | Known as "French parsley". Savory flavor. Grows like parsley. Used fresh or dried in cooked dishes such as salmon, asparagus and potatoes. Can be used to make an interesting pesto. |
| Botanical Name | Allium schoenoprasum |
| Common Name | Chives |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 12", 6"-8" apart |
| Other Information | Mild onion flavor. Grows in neat clumps that enlarge each year. Flowers best in full sun, purple flowers are also edible. Likes rich soil. Harvest by cutting whole leaf just above the ground. |
| Botanical Name | Allium tuberosum |
| Common Name | Chives, Garlic![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 12", 6"-8" apart |
| Other Information | Thin, flat leaves with a garlic flavor and edible flowers. Flowers best in full sun. Also called "Chinese leeks". |
| Botanical Name | Coriandrum sativum |
| Common Name | Cilantro, "Jantar"![]() |
| Attribute | Cool season annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18", 10"-12" apart |
| Other Information | A must for Tex-Mex cooking. Seeds used as the spice coriander. This variety slower to bold in the heat. |
| Botanical Name | Apium graveolens |
| Common Name | Cutting Celery ![]() |
| Attribute | Annual, tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun-part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Grows to 10", 8"-10" apart |
| Other Information | Celery flavor in a parsley-like plant. Use fresh in salads or add to soups, stews and sauces. |
| Botanical Name | Apium graveolens, var. |
| Common Name | Variegated Cutting Celery, E-Z Leaf Celery |
| Attribute | Annual, tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun-part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Grows to 10", 8"-10" apart |
| Other Information | Similar leaf shape and size to green cutting celery, but the leaves are variegated green and pale yellow. Very attractive in containers. Celery flavor is less pronounced than in green form. Use fresh in salads or add to soups, stews and sauces. |
| Botanical Name | Anethum graveolens |
| Common Name | Dill, "Boquet" |
| Attribute | Cool season annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 36", 12" apart |
| Other Information | One of the most widely grown varieties of dill. Dark blue-green color which blossoms early with large seed head and good foliage for pickling. |
| Botanical Name | Anethum graveolens |
| Common Name | Dill, Fernleaf![]() |
| Attribute | Cool season annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18", 10"-12" apart |
| Other Information | Variety grown especially for its ferny, tasty foliage. |
| Botanical Name | Oreganum dictamnus |
| Common Name | Dittany of Crete, Hop Marjoram![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, low water usage. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 12", spreads to about 15"-18". |
| Other Information | Round, wooly gray leaves with sprays of tiny pink cone shaped flowers. Good for dried arrangements. Attractive hanging basket or container plant. Native to mountainous regions of Greece and Crete. |
| Botanical Name | Chenopodium ambrosioides |
| Common Name | Epazote |
| Attribute | Reseeding annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade, average to little water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 40", 12"-15" apart |
| Other Information | This weedy annual readily self sows. Delicious tea. Indispensible to bean dishes for authentic South of the Border flavor. Also known as "Mexican Tea". |
| Botanical Name | Foeniculum vulgare |
| Common Name | Fennel, Bronze![]() |
| Attribute | Annual/Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 36", 12" apart |
| Other Information | Grown for attractive dark green to bronze foliage. Fine fennel flavor. A useful and very ornamental variety. |
| Botanical Name | Foeniculum vulgare |
| Common Name | Fennel, sweet; leaf and seed type ![]() |
| Attribute | Annual/Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 36", 12"-15" apart |
| Other Information | This variety used for its tasty leaf and flower heads. Let the seeds dry on the plant to use for flavoring and replanting. |
| Botanical Name | Tanacetum (Chrysanthemum) parthenium |
| Common Name | Feverfew![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun or part shade in the South, average water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 12" apart |
| Other Information | Light green lobed leaves form a soft mound with small yellow and white daisy-like flowers. Aromatic. Preparation of dried leaves have been used to treat migraines. |
| Botanical Name | Marrubuim vulgare |
| Common Name | Horehound |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, drought tolerant, good drainage |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 24" apart |
| Other Information | Hardy perennial that forms a soft, branchy mound. Stems and leaves are covered with soft hairs. Historically use in cough preparations and to make Horehound Candy. |
| Botanical Name | Marrubuim vulgare |
| Common Name | Silver Horehound |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, drought tolerant, good drainage |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 24" apart |
| Other Information | Similare to Horehound, but with a more silvery appearance and softer leaves. |
| Botanical Name | Lavandula spp. |
| Common Name | Lavender, Fernleaf![]() |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial. Hardy to Zone 9. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, drought tolerant, excellent drainage |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 30", 15"-18" apart |
| Other Information | Very diffrent form of lavender with wide, fern-like leaves. Medium green foliage with tall flower stalks topped by purple flower spikes. Flower spikes not as tall as some varieties, but very fragrant. Does extremely well in humid summer areas. |
| Botanical Name | Lavandula dentata |
| Common Name | Lavender, French![]() |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial. Hardy to Zone 9. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, drought tolerant, excellent drainage |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 15"-18" apart |
| Other Information | French strain of lavender with green, fringed leaves. Deep lavender flowers with a plump compres spike, topped by a tuft of large, upright, lavender-colored bracts. Does well in humid summer areas. |
| Botanical Name | Lavendula intermedia |
| Common Name | Lavender, Grosso ![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial to Zone 6, may need protection. |
| Cultural Requirements | Low water usage, full sun. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to about 2', space about 18" apart. |
| Other Information | Exceptionally resistant to sudden wilts, so very good for the humid south. Holds leaves and leaf color through winter, so a good landscaping variety. Color is lavender blue. Good lavender scent. |
| Botanical Name | Lavandula stoechas |
| Common Name | Lavender, Spanish![]() |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial. Hardy to Zone 7. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, drought tolerant, excellent drainage |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18"-24", 15"-18" apart |
| Other Information | Mounding habit with narrow 1" gray-green leaves with pleasant frangrance reminiscent of rosemary and lavender. Compact flower spikes look like little purple cones. Does well in humid summer areas. |
| Botanical Name | Lavandula spp. |
| Common Name | Lavender, Sweet![]() |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial. Hardy to Zone 9. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, drought tolerant, excellent drainage |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24"-30", 15"-18" apart |
| Other Information | Variety with more greenish leaves, very bushy plant. Medium purple flower spikes similar to L. dentata. Fragrance is warm with a hint of camphor. Does well in humid summer areas. |
| Botanical Name | Melissa officinalis |
| Common Name | Lemon Balm![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun or part shade in South, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 24" apart |
| Other Information | Member of the mint family keeps its shape best when regularly harvested. Leaves are bright green, flowers insignificant and should be cut off unless you want to use it to attract bees and butterflies. |
| Botanical Name | Cymbopogon spp. |
| Common Name | Lemon Grass |
| Attribute | Very tender perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 48", 36" apart |
| Other Information | Clumping grass with strong lemon flavor makes a refreshing hot or iced tea. Indispensible in Thai cooking. Can be used either dried or fresh. |
| Botanical Name | Cymbopogon flexuosus |
| Common Name | Lemon Grass, East Indian |
| Attribute | Very tender perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18", 12" apart |
| Other Information | Smaller form of Cymbopogon spp. with same useage and cultural practices. Better for containers because of its smaller size. Can start from seed. |
| Botanical Name | Cymbopogon Martini |
| Common Name | Lemon Grass, Rose |
| Attribute | Very tender perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 48", 36" apart |
| Other Information | Clumping grass with a flavor like lemon mixed with rose geranium. Makes an aromatic hot or iced tea. Can be used either dried or fresh. |
| Botanical Name | Origanum majorana |
| Common Name | Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram![]() |
| Attribute | Tender perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, drought tolerant, good drainage |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18", 18"-24" apart |
| Other Information | Sweet, mild aromatic herb used in meat dishes and with tomatoes. If left to flower, it's a great bee plant. Tea used to relieve symptoms of colds, headaches and to settle upset stomachs. Dried leaves are a fragrant ingredient in potpourri. |
| Botanical Name | Tagetes lemonii |
| Common Name | Mexican Mint Marigold, Texas or Mexican Tarragon |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial. Root hardy to Zone 7. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade. Low water usage. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to about 30". |
| Other Information | Often used in the south as a substitute for French Tarragon. Slightly anise flavor. Good in salsa, soups, with eggs and beef. |
| Botanical Name | Lippia graveolens |
| Common Name | Mexican Oregano |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade. Low water usage. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 4' to 5'. Shrubby in form. |
| Other Information | Native of Mexico. Very pungent oregano flavor and aroma. Very tasty in salsa. Long lasting flavor when dried. |
| Botanical Name | Poliomintha longiflora |
| Common Name | Mexican Oregano |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade. Low water usage. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 3' or so, 40" wide. Woody shrub. |
| Other Information | Light pink, tubular flowers cover this shrubby plant during the warm weather. Although not a true oregano, the narrow shiny green leaves are full of real oregano flavor. Dries well. |
| Botanical Name | Mentha spp. |
| Common Name | Mints click here to see many Mint varieties. |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, part shade, average to much water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Varies, see specific variety |
| Other Information | This large family of plants grows well almost anywhere. Tending to be invasive, they are easily kept under control by growing in containers sunk in the ground or anywhere. |
| Availability | Anytime |
| Price | Please see individual varities. Click here for mint types. |
| Botanical Name | Origanum hirtum |
| Common Name | Oregano, Greek ![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average to low water usage. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18", can spread to 3'. Easy to prune to size. |
| Other Information | Full flavor herb for cooking. Goes well with tomato, eggplant and pepper dishes, eggs and Middle Eastern cuisine. |
| Botanical Name | Origanum spp. |
| Common Name | Oregano, Italian |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18", spread to 2'. |
| Other Information | Sweet flavour similar to marjoram. This is the "pizza herb". |
| Botanical Name | Petroselinum crispum |
| Common Name | Parsley, Curly ![]() |
| Attribute | Biennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, part shade, average water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 12", 12" apart. |
| Other Information | Special combination of double and triple curled variety. Holds its shape well and is tasty and productive. Grow in full sun to part shade. Available anytime |
| Botanical Name | Petroselinum crispum |
| Common Name | Parsley, Italian Flat Leaf |
| Attribute | Biennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, part shade. Average water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 12"-15", 12"-15" apart. |
| Other Information | Large, flat, glossy, green leaves have a strong parsley flavor. The one chefs insist on. |
| Botanical Name | Salvia elegans |
| Common Name | Pineapple Sage |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade. Good drainage. Average to high water in very hot weather if planted in full sun. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 3' with equal spread. |
| Other Information | Leaves have sweet, pineapple fragrance good in tea. But the real glory of this one is the bright red flowers produced in late summer into fall until frost. The hummingbirds really go for these! |
| Botanical Name | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Common Name | Rosemary, Hill's Hardy![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial, upright shrub form. Hardy to Zone 8, perhaps Zone 7 with protection. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun. Average to low water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 40", 36"-40" apart. |
| Other Information | Rosemary was chosen by the Herb Society of America as the Herb of the Year for 2000. Known as The Herb of Remembrance. Versatile flavoring for many dishes such as pork, chicken and potatoes. Ornamental bush, may be clipped to maintain shapely form. This variety was found by Madalene Hill, the noted Texas herb grower, and is said to be hardy farther north than most other varieties. |
| Botanical Name | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Common Name | Rosemary, Tuscan Blue![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial, upright shrub form. Hardy to Zone 8. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun. Average to low water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 40", 36"-40" apart. |
| Other Information | Rosemary was chosen by the Herb Society of America as the Herb of the Year for 2000. Known as The Herb of Remembrance. Versatile flavoring for many dishes such as pork, chicken and potatoes. Ornamental bush, may be clipped to maintain shapely form. Tuscan Blue is a very upright, tall variety with brilliant, deep blue flowers. Very striking |
| Botanical Name | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Common Name | Rosemary, Upright![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial, upright shrub form |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun. Average to low water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 40", 36"-40" apart. |
| Other Information | Rosemary was chosen by the Herb Society of America as the Herb of the Year for 2000. Known as The Herb of Remembrance. Versatile flavoring for many dishes such as pork, chicken and potatoes. Ornamental bush, may be clipped to maintain shapely form. Tiny blue-violet flowers appear in Spring on well-established plants with dark green needle-like leaves. |
| Botanical Name | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Common Name | Rosemary, Shimmering Stars
|
| Attribute | Perennial, low-growing prostrate form. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average to low water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 15", 30"-36" apart. |
| Other Information | This is a great variety for growing over a wall, in a rock garden or even in a hanging basket. The flowers are very unusual with a tiny stripe on the petal. |
| Botanical Name | Salvia officinalis |
| Common Name | Sage, Garden ![]() |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, excellent drainage, average to low water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 24", 18"-24" apart |
| Other Information | Handsome, dusty green leaves. Vigouous grower, especially in areas with low humidity. In humid gulf coast South, good drainage is essential. Raised beds can be helpful. Also, plant far enough apart to assure good airflow to reduce problems such as fungal disease. |
| Botanical Name | Salvia officinalis |
| Common Name | Sage, Berggarten, Mountain Sage ![]() |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, excellent drainage, average to low water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: to 18", 18"-24" apart |
| Other Information | Large, roundish leaves. Very good in humid south. Large leaves make harvest easy. |
| Botanical Name | Sanguisorba minor |
| Common Name | Salad Burnet![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade. Average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 15"-18", 12" apart |
| Other Information | Cooling cucumber flavor. Great addition to salads, tomato juice and for flavored vinegar. In South, stays green all winter with the best flavor during cool weather. |
| Botanical Name | Satureja spp. |
| Common Name | Savory, Lemon![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 12", 8"-10" apart |
| Other Information | Like Summer Savory, this is a tender plant, but with a lemony flavor added to the thyme and savory flavor of Winter Savory. Great to flavor legumes, sausage, stews and meat dishes. Savory should not be eaten in excess by pregnant women. |
| Botanical Name | Satureja montana |
| Common Name | Savory, Winter![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 12", 8"-10" apart |
| Other Information | Perennial cousin to Summer Savory. If harvested when stems are young, the flavor is very similar to the annual Savory. Older leaves can be very strong. Savory should not be eaten in excess by pregnant women. |
| Botanical Name | Prunella vulgaris |
| Common Name | Self Heal![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade in the South, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 8"-15", 6"-8" apart |
| Other Information | Sprawling, hardy plant with copper-purple color flowers on spikes in early summer. Nice ground cover for sunny area. |
| Botanical Name | Rumex acetosa |
| Common Name | Sorrel![]() |
| Attribute | Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 8"-12", 8" apart |
| Other Information | A bright, lemon flavor for soup and sauces. Should be used sparingly in salads. Produces all year in the South; Spring through Fall in colder areas. |
| Botanical Name | Spilanthes oleracea |
| Common Name | Spilanthes |
| Attribute | Annual |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun to part shade, average water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 8"-12", 6"-12" apart |
| Other Information | Unusual button-like flowers in red and yellow mark this attractive, spreading herb. Known as "Toothache Plant" for its ability to numb the mouth by chewing on the leaves. In small amounts it adds a pungency to salads. Interesting and fun garden specimen. |
| Botanical Name | Thymus spp. |
| Common Name | Thyme species Click here to see a list of some thyme varieties. |
| Attribute | Tender Perennial |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun, excellent drainage, low water |
| Mature size, Spacing | Ht: 4"-10", 6"-10" apart |
| Other Information | Savory herb used in many dishes including eggs, meat, sauces, cheese and in salads and herbal vinegars. |
| Botanical Name | Achillea millifolium, 'Cerise Queen' |
| Common Name | Yarrow, Cerise Queen |
| Attribute | Perennial. Flowers are bright cherry pink. Drought tolerant. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full Sun. Low water. |
| Mature size, Spacing | To about 15". |
| Other Information | Not as invasive as white variety. |
| Botanical Name | Achillea millifolium |
| Common Name | Yarrow, white |
| Attribute | Perennial. White flowers. Drought tolerant. |
| Cultural Requirements | Full sun. Low water usage. |
| Mature size, Spacing | Grows to about 2'. Spreading habit. |
| Other Information | Can be somewhat invasive, but easily kept in check by dividing plants or simply pulling unwanted plants. |