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Lesser calamint. Famous as a culinary herb in Tuscany, Italy, where it’s unuusal minty flavor is a distinctive addition to the regional cuisine. Nepitella is a beautiful perennial for the herbal border forming a compact mound of shiny , green oregano-like leaves which become covered with lavender blue flowers to a height of 18 inches. Originating from Southern Europe, this plant was used medicinally during Medieval Times as a digestive aid, a de-wormer, to promote sweating, and for insomnia. The tea was a common remedy for stomach complaints. The fresh minty fragrance wafts through the garden whenever the plant is brushed and the blooms continue through most of the summer. Prefers a well drained sunny location. Perennial. Hardy to zone 5.
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Nootka Rose, Rosa nutkana, Bristly Rose, Wild Rose. This lovely wild rose species was first identified in the Pacific Northwest, but actually ranges all along the west coast as well as a bit inland from Alaska all the way into central California. An important plant to the tribes of the Northwest, the rosehips were often collected during winter as famine food when stores ran low. The fresh spring shoots were eaten as well and the leaves and flowers were used externally for stings, scrapes and as an eyewash. The fresh spring rosebuds are lovely to string as a necklace, and the petals are quite fragrant once dried and delicious added to a tea or cordial. The blooms which are quite showy are a single petal and range from darker pink to pale pink. The Nootka Rose can eventually reach 10 feet in height and 4 feet across when grown unchecked. They prefer a moist location with full sun and are a great addition to a hedgerow or fence line. Hardy to Zone 3.
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Syrian Oregano, Origanum maru, Bible Hyssop, Egyptian Marjoram. Originating from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, this flavorful and striking type of oregano is one of the largest varieties with attractive green leaves, reddish stems and can reach up to 4 feet in height when in flower. The leaves and flowers have excellent culinary flavor and the same anti-fungal and anti-microbial medicinal qualities as the Greek Oregano, yet the plant is much prettier and less invasive in a garden situation. Syrian Oregano prefers a well drained alkaline soil and full sun and is very drought tolerant, once established. Hardy to Zone 8.
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A perennial evergreen shrub. Native to the Pacific Northwest. Oregon Grape has a bitter and cold energy that serves as a gentle stimulant to the liver while it helps to shrink and dry the mucous membranes. It has been used to treat psoriasis, poor appetite, indigestion, oral herpes and bronchitis. Considered a potential analog for Goldenseal. It has a high berberine content in the roots, which are dug in fall or early spring. The berries make a great purple dye. Plant can grow to 6 feet with shiny green leaves. Perennial. Hardy to zone 5.
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Niu xi. A traditional Chinese herb used to nourish the kidneys and liver, drain dampness and promote circulation. In Chinese medicine it is prescribed for difficult urination, painful urethritis and suppressed menstruation. Commonly used to treat traumatic injuries, stiffness and pain of the lower back and loins and for weakness in the legs and feet. Not to be used during pregnancy. Hardy to zone 8.
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The Paper Birch is a striking tree hailing from the Northerly latitudes. It's white bark that peels seasonally resembles a snake shedding it's skin. Birch trees usually grow in dense groves and can eventually reach up to 80 feet in height. In spring, the birch is covered with male and female catkins which are attractive and fragrant. They give way to a set of lush green leaves beautifully contrasted with the white bark. In the Fall, the leaves turn a bright yellow/gold, and as the leaves drop the bare birch tree in winter has a beauty all it's own. Historically, the birch leaves and twigs were used as a potent anti-inflammatory by native people and European settlers. The leaves and twigs also act as a bitter and as a skin wash for skin eruptions. Extracted in vinegar, the mineral rich anti-inflammatory properties are readily available and a tea can also be brewed for pain relief from the leaves and peeled twigs. The Paper Birch is a great tree for the yard or herbscape and can eventually be pruned to induce sucker growth, which can then be harvested for medicine making. Hardy. To Zone 2.
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This common kitchen herb and a delightful addition to pesto with its flavorful, deep green foliage originates from the Mediterranean region. Parsley was greatly revered by the Greeks and was placed as a wreath on those who died, as well as planted along with Rue as a border around their gardens. Medicinally, parsley is an excellent diuretic and kidney cleanser. The leaves and root are both very effectiv. Parsley can also be used externally as a poultice to help with stings, bites and to help shrink growths. Easy to grow biennial. Parsley prefers a cooler climate, but is quite heat tolerant if given good soil and regular watering. Hardy to zone 8, probably colder, if mulched.
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Squaw vine. Winter Clover. This rare and beautiful plant must have the shade of hardwood trees. Traditionally used by North Native American tribes to ease labor. Hence the common name "squaw vine". Its uses were adopted by colonists and it was listed as an astringent tonic, diuretic, and when taken the last few weeks of a pregnancy it can contribute to a smooth labor. The berries were used as a cure for dysentery. A member of the madder family, it is a sweet groundcover with small heart shaped leaves, fragrant whitish pink flowers, and scarlet berries, which hang on all winter. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.
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This plant is an important sedative use to treat insomnia, anxiety, restlessness and nervous disorders. It is also anti-spasmodic and can help deaden nerve pain, menstrual cramps and headaches. It is very safe with no side effects or contraindications known. This showy, flowering vine has wonderful complex purple, white, or yellow flowers. You can make a tea or tincture with the leaves and flowers. Hardy to zone 5.
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Blue Passionflower, Passiflora caerula. Originating from South America, this type of passionflower is primarily enjoyed for its vigorous growth, unusual foliage and striking blue flowers. The native maypop, Passiflora incarnata, is preferred for medicinal use while this species is more suitable for a flower essence and the striking blue flowers are truly medicine for the soul. The vigorous vines can climb over 20 feet in a season and require a sturdy trellis and the unusual foliage creates an excellent privacy screen. The Blue Passionflower is best planted in full sun and well drained soil. A severe extended freeze may kill it back to its roots, but it will often resprout from the base. Perennial. Hardy to Zone 7.
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Out of Stock till later summer 2011 One of the definitive perfumes of the Orient and India. Used in perfumes and soaps. Leaves are great in potpourris. Not Hardy. Zone 11.
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A nice creeping variety that looks good between stepping stones. Has peppermint scented leaves that repel ants and fleas and used for delayed menstruation. Not for use during pregnancy. Likes part shade and plenty of moisture. Hardy to zone 6.
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Che qian.This plant has the same broad leaves as greater plantain. Seeds promote urination and clear heat. Specially noted for correcting eye problems caused by deficient liver and kidney or excess heat in the liver channel. Can also be used in the western tradition as a healing herb excellent for topical applications to stings, burns, and minor cuts and infections. Lush green leaves for a handsome rosette. Hardy to zone 4.
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The largest Plantain in the world. I have always had a fascination with gigantic forms of familiar plants. This plantain can reach 4 feet in height in fertile soil with gigantic leaves that lend a tropical feel to your landscape. Same medicinal virtues of any plantain with plenty of leaf matter for feeding your chickens, goats or using for compost. Definitely an unusual cultivar that will attract attention on the garden tour. =Grows well in sun or shade. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.
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Butterfly Weed. Stunning hardy perennial with bright orange flowers that butterflies love. Highly valued by Native Americans for healing lung ailments and wounds.The herb acts as an expectorant and anti- inflammatory. The root is dug after 2 or more years in the Fall. A Beautiful addition to any garden. Butterflies love the flowers. Hardy to zone 4.
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Poke is a strong medicinal herb to be used cautiously in low doses. Stimulating to the lymph system to clear blockages, the fresh root can be made into an oil (for external use only) to treat mastitis, swollen glands of the lymph system and certain types of tumors in the breast .Young shoots were traditionally eaten as a spring tonic food in the South and Midwestern U.S., but they must be cooked thoroughly. Striking tropical looking plant reaching great height of 5-10 feet over the course of the summer with showy leaves and dark purple/black berries, which look tasty but are TOXIC. Perennial. Hardy to zone 5.
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Wind flower. Pasque flower. The fresh plant tincture of Pulsatilla is used to calm nervous disorders associated with menopause, PMS, or insomnia. Take in small doses. Keep small plants free from weeds.Likes partial shade. Nice showy purple flowers in spring. Herbaceous perennial. Zone 4.
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