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Jack In the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Indian's turnip. Interesting plant with a with a hooded purple striped spathes, grows to 3 ft. Native to the Eastern woodlands. Enjoys a moist, shady location. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.
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Jiao gu lan (gynostemma pentaphyllum)
Featured Herb For 2006
This herb native to the mountainous areas of southern China, Japan and South East Asia and is receiving a lot of recognition for its use as an anti-aging tonic and adaptogen. The tasty tea made from the stems and leaves of this herbaceous perennial vine have 4 times more ginseng-like saponins than either American or Asian Ginseng. It has been used in Chinese Medicine to delay the aging process and increase energy. Research in Japan shows that the herb has a powerful effect on numerous body systems. It has been used in Chinese medicine to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, enhance circulation, increase energy without being over-stimulating, improve focus and memory, support a strong immune system and can increase stamina and endurance for athletes. This vigorous perennial vine is hardy to 10 degrees and can climb 20 to 30 feet in a season. Jiao gu lan prefers a moist partly shaded location and responds well to a fertile garden soil. Quite easy to grow and will produce a large crop to harvest for tea. This is a plant quickly gaining in popularity which is all the more reason to cultivate it in our home herb gardens. Hardy to zone 8. $9
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Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
Traditionally the roots were used by the North American Indians and pioneers to induce sweating and as a valuable remedy for kidney problems. This plant originates from the Eastern U.S.. The leaves are vanilla scented when crushed. It really makes a statement in the garden, reaching up to 10 feet in height, it belongs at the back as a border. Hardy to zone 3.
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Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
Used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. It is also used as a top quality industrial lubricant that may replace sperm whale oil. Used in shampoos. It is believed to arrest hair loss and induce new growth. Small leathery green leaves. Does well over wintered in the greenhouse. Hardy to zone 9.
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Kashmir Tree Mallow (Lavatera cachmeriana)
Another introduction in line with my GIANT plant Fetish. This unusual cultivar originates from the Himalaya of Kashmir, often found growing at extremely high elevations. In a garden setting it can grow to an impressive 8 to 10 feet in good soil, with showy, 2 inch pinkish/lavender flowers. The root and leaves have demulcent qualities common to all mallows and can be emetic if taken in large quantities. The leaves are also eaten as a green when young and the flowers are edible and pretty in salads. Prefers a moist site full or partial shade. Perennial. Very hardy to Zone 3.
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Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
Lion's foot, Bear's foot ,Dew cup, Water chalice flower. Traditionally used as a tea for treating PMS or menopausal type mood swings. Another great women’s ally. The lower leaves are large, 6-8 inches in diameter, 6-18" long. Flowers bloom from June to August, are yellow-green in color, on short stalks. Grows best in shade or partial shade. Keep it well watered and in a cooler site. Perennial to Zone 3.
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Laserwort (Saposhnikoba divaricata)
Fang feng. An important Chinese remedy for colds, fevers and sinus problems (especially those of a persistent wind, moist nature). The roots are analgesic, anti-spasmodic, fever-reducing, and antibacterial. It is also used to harmonize the spleen and liver system and to treat migraines and rheumatoid arthritis. A close relative to parsley. Its leaves are eaten as a potherb in China. Hardy to zone 5.
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Lavender Czech (Lavandula angustifolia Krajova)
A hardy lavender strain from my ancestors homeland. Stout mounded plants give a profuse fragrant early summer bloom. Hardy to zone 5.
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Lavender, Wings of Night (Lav.Stoechas cv."Wings of Night")
This Spanish Lavender has darker purple bracts and a slightly darker purple top bract. It seems to be a slightly smaller version of the species. 18-20". Hardy to zone 6.
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Lavender, Caty Blanc (Lavender x intermedia cv. Caty blanc)
Very Fragrant white flowered Lavender on 10 to 12 inch stalks. A very nice landscape plant and a really great addition to the white garden. Use in potpourris and to flavor jams, cookies or jellies. 24-30". Hardy to zone 6.
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Lavender, French long (Lavandula stoechas pedunculata)
A bushier Spanish lavender with large magenta flowers on tall stems with a strong camphor aroma. Great hardy perennial. Makes a striking border. Hardy to zone 7.
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Lavender, Goodwin Creek (Lavandula dentata)
Striking silvery toothed foliage and long spikes of deep purple blue flowers. Great in the landscape and in containers. Flowers all summer. Very heat tolerant. Hardy to zone 6.
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Lavender, Grosso (Lav.x intermedia cv. 'Grosso' )
A commercial cultivar raised in France for oil production. Tight silvery foliage, long flower spikes, beautiful fan-like blooming habit. Very fragrant. 20-24". Hardy to zone 6.
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Lavender, Hidcote Giant (Lav.x intermedia cv.)
A very fragrant lavender that rivals the commercial varieties in quality of oil production. Large compact heads of dark aster-violet flowers. 20-24" stem length. Hardy to Zone 5.
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Lavender, Munstead (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Very Hardy strain and will bloom profusely wth an abundance of fragrant purple flowers. This variety is more tolerant of wetter sites and heavier soil. Hardy to Zones 4.
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Lavender, Provence (Lavender x intermedia cv. Provence)
Mauve flowers, very fragrant, very long flower spikes. Used for crafts. Blooms continuously from June to October. 24-36". Hardy to zone 5.
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Lavender, Royal Velvet (Lav.ang. Cv.)
An excellent form for dried flower bouquets. A fragrant plant. 18-20". Hardy to zone 5.
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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
A great tea herb, with many benefits. Assists in controlling high blood pressure, migraines, and depression. It is also good for hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease. External use has shown promising results with Herpes. Lemon Balm makes a great nightcap. Hardy to zone 4.
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Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Eastern Indian. The source of lemon grass oil used to flavor teas, ice cream, candy, pastries and desserts. Easy to grow and will produce a good crop of leaves to make tea and add to potpourris. Hardy to zone 9.
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Lemon Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii)
Bushy shrub from Australia. 15 feet in height with shiny dark green leaves which are heavily lemon scented. The leaves are used as a tea in Australia. Does well in a greenhouse over the winter. Hardy to zone 9.
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Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)
This plant is one that everyone must have! The fragrance is strongly lemon flavored and blends well with most other tea herbs. The leaves enhance salads, jellies, sauces, soups, fish, etc. Hardy to zone 8.
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Leopard Flower (Belamcanda chinensis)
SHE GAN Blackberry Lilly (She-gan). Traditional use: The dried roots have been used to treat upper respiratory problems such as coughs, asthma, sore throats and mumps. Externally, the poultice has shown value in reducing the swelling caused by infection or trauma. It has very attractive yellow-orange flowers with purple spots. The seeds are shiny and black like berries. A beautiful landscape plant, very tough and drought tolerant. Hardy to zone 5.
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Licorice Glycyrrhiza Glabra
Gan Cao. The Chinese use this plant in many formulas to mediate the medicinal character of other herbs. Known in China as aiding longevity, it also acts as an expectorant, balances blood sugar and cleanses toxins from the body. Licorice has been said to benefit all organs. It definitely improves the taste of all medicines. Hardy to zone 8.
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Licorice, Chinese glycyrrhiza uralensis
This licorice is the source of most commercial licorice used in the making of candy and herb tea. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory for arthritis, gastritis and for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also has a mild laxative action. Helpful for respiratory conditions. Harvest 3-year-old roots in Autumn. Hardy to zone 7.
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Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria majalis)
This hardy perennial has a spice-scented creeping rhizome with fragrant white flowers in the late spring followed by scarlet berries. This plant was believed to treat gout and to "comfort the heart". The flowering tops and roots are used to regulate the heartbeat in the same way as the digitalis species, but is less toxic. Lily of the Valley is a potentially poisonous plant and should not be used without thorough research and guidance. Delicate beauty of a plant prefers the shady areas of the yard. Hardy to zone 4.
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