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Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Usually revered for its delicious, anti-oxidant rich fruit. The mineral rich leaves are a valuable herbal medicine as well. Planted about 2 to 3 feet apart the plants will send up numerous suckers which are excellent to harvest for drying while the mature plant is capable of producing copious amounts of delicious berries in the spring and again in Fall in milder climates, which are delicious fresh, frozen, canned as jam or mixed with other fruits!! The leaves were used primarily as a tea for mouth ulcers, sore throat, as an astringent for loose stools, and as a tonic taken specifically during pregnancy, but also highly valued as a mineral rich ally for men and women at any life stage. Prefers a good loam soil with decent drainage, reasonable fertility and some kind of trellis or support, as they can grow 4 feet in a season in ideal conditions. Prefers sun to partial sun. Partial sun in extremely hot climates. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.
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Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium )
This unusual and decorative plant is native to the wetlands and prairies of the southern United States. The fresh root was pounded and used by Native Americans as a poultice for snake bites and toothaches. It likes full sun and moist soil. Hardy to zone 9.
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Red Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia sanguinea maikoa)
Well known in South America for its medicinal virtues, it is ritually brewed with trichocereous pachanoi as one interpretation of Cimora. In Ecuador, it is being cultivated for scopolamine.The flowers are 8 to 10 inches long with brilliant orange/red at the mouth and yellow veins fading to yellow at the base. Very beautiful tropical perennial. Hardy to zone 10.
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Red Clover (trifolium Pratense)
Originally native to Europe, Western Asia and Northwest Africa, this common plant is also a highly effective medicinal herb which we want to make readily available to flourish in your herb garden. The entire plant is beneficial and is commonly planted as a nitrogen fixing green manure crop, as it enriches your soil for all of your plants and the deep roots are great for breaking up compacted soils. The blossoms are sweet magenta/light pink pom-pom's, which are quite lovely and much adored by bees of all kinds. The red clover blossoms have been traditionally used for bronchitis, whooping cough, and has long been known as a highly effective blood cleanser for detoxification. Red clover was also historically used as a cancer remedy both topically for tumors and internally and as a primary ingredient in the Hoxsey Formula and the larger version of the Essiac formula. Easy to grow perennial to about 2 feet tall quite drought tolerant once established. Hardy to zone 2.
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Red Plantain (Plantago Atropurpurea)
This unusual cultivar of plantain forms a rosette of really stunning, large, reddish maroon leaves. The color seems more pronounced in full sun locations and the leaves contain the same medicinal qualities of other plantain varieties. Great for topical application to insect stings, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory and incredibly soothing for irritated skin. A favorite ingredient for a salve or ointment. Self sows readily. Hardy to zone 5.
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Red Stem Wormwood (Artemesia scoparia)
Yin-chen. This useful artemesia is found naturalized throughout North Africa, tropical Asia and most of Europe. It has been used extensively in Chinese Medicine to remove damp-heat, treat jaundice, hepatitis and gallbladder inflammation and is an effective anti-bacterial treatment for several strains of Staph and strep.The entire aerial parts of the plant are used.The greenish/silvery leaves are highly fragrant and are a lovely contrast with the richly colored stems. Requires full sun and a sandy or well drained soil. Biennial. Hardy to zone 3.
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Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)
Sheng Di Huang. Chinese Foxglove. Virtually unknown in North America, this is one of the most important tonic herbs in Chinese medicine. The fresh or dried roots have been used for over 2,000 years. It has special importance as a remedy for “thirst disease”, associated with diabetes and for hemorrhages and excessive menstruation. Known to lower blood sugar, tone the heart sysytem while showing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Native to Northern China, this rare variety of foxglove flowers 1 foot high with deep red/purple trumpet shaped blooms. Low growing creeper. Hardy to zone 5.
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Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogen by Russian researchers. Studies show improvements in depression and schizophrenia. It also suggests that research in areas such as SAD, fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to name a few clinical conditions, is warranted. Studies also show Rhodiola's ability to optimize serotonin and dopamine levels which could have a good effect on people who take certain drugs for Parkinson’s disease. It is also said to be a reliable weight loss aid. Native to high mountainous regions throughout Europe and Asia. The best type of soil is sandy or brown forest soil, rich in humus, on the limey side. Plants usually reach their maximum height in the third year after planting. Zones 3 to 8.
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Rock Rose (Cistus ladanifer or Cistus creticus)
This is the best plant substitute for ambergris (from sperm whales) and is important in perfume manufacture. It is an aromatic stimulant and expectorant herb that controls bleeding and has antibiotic effects. Beautiful flowers bloom most of the summer. Perennial. Hardy to zone 7.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Traditional use: It is one of the most fragrant herbs commonly used for headaches, indigestion and to stimulate the nervous system and increase circulation. Rosemary helps improve memory and the strong scent lifts the spirit. It also has been used as an excellent hair rinse or hair oil. For culinary use it is delicious with potatoes and other savory dishes. Great addition to any tea blend. No herb garden can be complete without a rosemary plant. Excellent grown in containers and prefers well drained site with full sun. Hardiness varies by variety. Most are hardy to zone 7.
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Rosemary "Baby P. J." (Rosemary officinalis "Baby P. J")
Compact dwarf variety, well suited for container gardens. Stems are short and tightly packed with leaves. Excellent flavor. I hate to use this term, but it is a very “cute” plant.
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Rosemary, Gregori
Rosemary "Gregori ". This beautiful and hardy selection has been cultivated for generations by Italian residents of San Francisco. Found thriving on a remote homestead in Northern California where temperatures can dip into the low teens, this fantastic variety has prospered, becoming a large shrub covered with vivid blue flowers in Spring and a rich green foliage year round. Excellent variety for culinary and medicinal use. Highly recommended. Perennial. Hardy to zone 10.
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Rosemary, Hill Hardy (Rosemary officinalis cv. Hill Hardy)
A compact plant with an upright growth habit. Hardy to minus 10 degrees. Zone 6.
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Rosemary, Prostrate (Rosemary officinalis Prostatus)
A lovely creeping form for use in rock gardens. It also looks wonderful in hanging baskets. Zone 7.
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Rosemary, Severn Sea (Rosemary Prostatus cv. Severen Sea)
This is a beautiful creeping Rosemary with a broader foliage than normal, for the species. Zone 7.
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Rosemary, Tuscan Blue (Rosemary officinalis cv. Tuscan Blue)
This plant has short thick leaves of dark shiny green. A very strong columnar growth habit. One of my personal favorites, with vibrant blue flowers. Zone 7.
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Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Rue was once called the “Herb of Grace” and was included along with garlic in the “Vinegar of the Four Thieves” during the plague. Rue was once an officially recognized treatment for hypertension, diabetes, and allergic reactions. It's primary reputation is that of an ant-ispasmodic to smooth muscles. It is still a popular folk medicine in countries like Mexico, Lebanon, Iran, India and China. In traditional Chinese medicine, the leaves are applied to reduce inflammation from snakebites, insect bites, strain, and sprains. Used after Arnica has been tried. Not to be used during pregnancy, as it is uterine stimulant. It can cause contact dermatitis after handling the fresh plant. Hardy to zone 4.
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Rue (Ruta odorata)
Rare aromatic Central Asian species of rue. A hardy perennial with striking blue/green foliage. The ancient Druids used to plant a Rue plant next to their homes as protection. Hardy to zone 4.
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Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra)
Low creeping herb with glossy little leaves great for rock gardens between stepping stones. Used medicinally for urinary trouble. Helps to relieve kidney and bladder pain. This sweet little plant forms a dense mat of foliage and withstands heat and drought really well. An herb that more people should discover. Perennial. Hardy to zone 6.
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Safflower [Dyers Saffro] [Hong Hua] (Carthamus tinctorius)
Cultivated in China and Tibet for medicinal use, Safflower is grown all over the world in widely varying climates. The Chinese pinyin translates to Red Flower an apt description for these flowers which retain their bright orange-red color even when dried. Also well known for its oil–rich seeds, and as a dye plant. Traditionally, Chinese medicine uses safflower to invigorate the blood and aid in delayed menses, or other conditions requiring increased blood flow. Contraindicated for pregnancy and for people using blood thinners. Plants can reach 3 to 4 feet in a season in rich soil and will branch with multiple thistle like bright reddish–orange blooms in mid-summer.Annual. Hardy to Zone 10.
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Sage Brush (Artemesia tridentata)
Big sage Brush, High Desert Sage. This shrubby member of the artemesia family has been used in ceremony by Native peoples for generations. Sage brush can be found from British Columbia, south into Mexico in the high desert and dry plains areas where it thrives. The smell of a sage covered hillside after a spring rain is an indescribable pleasure for those of us who have been blessed to live amongst this plant. Historically, Sage Brush has been used to treat rheumatism, as an antiseptic, a digestive, a dewormer, as an eye wash, for sore throats, and respiratory conditions. Externally, the plant was used as a liniment for joint pain, a hair rinse for dandruff and hair loss, an insect repellant, and to disinfect a room. The fibrous bark was woven into baskets and mats and used as insulation in clothing while the inner bark was used to make paper. In ritual, Sage has been used to purify and cleanse an area by burning it as an incense or rubbing the leaves on the skin . The sage sticks were excellent for fire starting by friction and make great fire wood. When planted in a rock garden with full sun and excellent drainage, Sagebrush can be a beautiful garden specimen with its twisted trunk and rounded shrubby form it can reach up to 7 feet in height. Extremely drought tolerant once established and even deer do not bother this plant. Hardy perennial to zone 4.
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Sage Kashmir (Salvia himalayica)
Himalayan Sage. A vigorous sage variety originating from the mountains of Kashmir. Forms a rosette of wide green leaves and 2 foot high flower spikes with pretty whorls of bright blue flowers. Used traditionally as an astringent tea and poultice in Kashmir. Very pretty addition to the sage garden. Tolerant of varying soil tyes, but requires good drainage. Hardy to zone 7.
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Sage, Azure Blue (salvia azurea grandiflora)
This hardy sage has the bluest of blue flowers. The grayish/green foliage forms a small mound sending up dense flower spikes as tall as 5 feet. Native to the Central and Southwestern states, it has a strong camphorous smell to the leaves. The plant is drought hardy and tolerant of a variety of soil conditions. Perennial. Hardy to zone 5.
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Sage, Berggarten (Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten')
A lovely plant with pretty, round, gray/green silvery foliage and a robust low growth habit. It can be used like a garden sage. In the kitchen as a savory seasoning and as a medicinal tea for colds and flu. Very pretty selection. Perennial. Hardy to zone 5.
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Sage, Black (Salvia mellifera)
Another California Native. This stately sage grows into a substantial shrub up to 10 feet wide. The leaves are aromatic, deep green and textured. It blooms in late winter. Perennial. Hardy to zone 8.
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![Safflower [Dyers Saffro] [Hong Hua] (Carthamus tinctorius)](http://www.crimson-sage.com/shop/images/100233-379.jpg)
