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The listing is in alphabetical order by common name.

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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.
Key to icons: bee attracts beesbfly attracts butterflieshummer attracts hummingbirds
beaker has medicinal usesteapot use for tea





Botanical Name Ocimum basiliscum
Common Name Basil click here to see a list of many Basil varietiesbeebfly
Attribute Warm Season Annual
Cultural Requirements Full Sun, average water
Mature size, Spacing Ht: 12"-30", 10"-12" apart
Other Information Popular herb for making pesto and flavoring Italian sauces and vegetables.
Availability Spring through late Fall
Price See individual varieties. Click here to see a list of Basil varieties.




Botanical Name Agastache foeniculum
Common Name Anise Hyssopbeebflyhummerteapot
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 Balmbeebflyteapot
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 MarigoldCalendulabflybeaker
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 CatmintCatmintbeeteapot
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 CatnipCatnipbeebeakerteapot
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, Lemonbeebeakerteapot
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"bflybeakerteapot
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 WinterChervilbfly
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 Chivesbeebfly
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, GarlicGarlic Chivesbeebfly
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"Cilantrobeebfly
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 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"bfly
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, FernleafFernleaf Dillbfly
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 MarjoramDittany of Cretebee
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 Epazoteteapot
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, BronzeBronze Fennelbfly
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 Green Fennelbflyteapot
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 FeverfewFeverfewbfly beaker
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.

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Botanical Name Hibiscus sabdariffa
Common Name Jamaica, Roselle, "Red Zinger Tea" Hibiscus    
Attribute Annual, easily reseeds. Yellow flowers to 3" across.
Cultural Requirements Full sun, average water.
Mature size, Spacing grows to about 4' X 4'. Much branching.
Other Information teapotbfly Red calyx of flower is used for a tart tea, cold drink or jelly.

Botanical Name Marrubuim vulgare
Common Name Horehoundbeebeaker
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 Horehoundbeebeaker
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, FernleafFernleaf Lavenderbeebfly
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, FrenchFrench Lavenderbeebfly
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 Lavender, Grossobeebfly
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, SpanishSpanish Lavenderbeebfly
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, SweetSweet Lavenderbeebfly
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 BalmLemon Balmbee teapot
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 Grassbeakerteapot
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 Indianbeakerteapot
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, Rosebeakerteapot
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.

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Botanical Name Origanum majorana
Common Name Marjoram, Sweet MarjoramMarjorambeebeakerteapot
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 bfly
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 OreganoPoliomintha beebflyhummer
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.
beebeakerteapot
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 Greek Oreganobeebeaker
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 bee
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 Curly Parsleybfly
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 Italian Parsleybfly
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 Pineapple Sage beebflyhummerteapot
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 HardyHill's Hardy, Rosemarybee teapot
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 BlueTuscan Blue Rosemarybee teapot
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, UprightRosemarybee teapot
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 Rosemary, Shimmering Stars beeteapot
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.

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Botanical Name Salvia officinalis
Common Name Sage, Garden Sage, Gardenbee
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 Berggarten sagebee
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 BurnetSalad Burnetbee
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, LemonLemon Savorybee
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, WinterSavory, Winterbee
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 HealPrunellabeaker
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 SorrelSorrelbeaker
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 Spilanthesbeaker bfly
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 beaker
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 beaker
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.

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