Achyranthes bidentata, Ox knee- The root of this bushy, 3’ perennial herb is an important Chinese medicinal (huai niu xi), which invigorates the blood to relieve pain (menstrual, lower back, knees, etc). Easily grown, self-sows.

Agastache rugosa, Korean Mint - An attractive, trouble-free, short-lived perennial herb with light purple flowers in summer. The aromatic leaves make a pleasant flavored tea which improves appetite and digestion.

Alcaea rosea, Hollyhock- An old-fashioned garden favorite, these have single flowers in shades of pink, red and maroon on 5’+ spires. Flowers are soothing and have been used in cough syrups. Easily grown perennial.

Allium tricoccum, Ramps - Well-known early spring tonic wild food. This broad-leaved perennial onion is a spring ephemeral of rich woods which can be naturalized in shady areas with humus soil.

Amaranth spp, Amaranth, red mix- Several varieties of this self-sowing annual vegetable (summer ‘greens’) and grain. All have red-purple leaves and flowers in upright or pendulous spikes, 3-5’. Naturalize in your vegetable garden.

Angelica pubescens, Angelica du huo- Ornamental, potentially spectacular, annual or biennial to 10’x10’. The root is used in Chinese medicine to 'dispell wind dampness’ (E.g. rheumatism). Rich, moist soil, sun or light shade. Self-sows.

Anthoxanthum odoratum, Sweet vernal grass- Of the two species known as sweetgrass, this is the best for garden planting: an attractive clump-forming perennial,12". Flowers have been used medicinally and in potpourri. Self-sows.

Aralia cordata, Udo- Giant, eye-catching perennial herb to 10’. The blanched shoots are a spring luxury vegetable in Japan. A member of the ginseng family, root used medicinally. Rich moist soil, light shade. Eventually forms colonies if allowed.

Arctium lappa, Great burdock- Large biennial herb, to 6’ second year, with basal leaves to 3’. Roots (& leaf stalks) used as vegetable, in Japan, and medicinally as a blood cleanser for skin problems. Seeds used in Chinese medicine for colds, sore throat. Self-sows.

Arisaema triphyllum, Jack in the pulpit- The familiar native wildflower is relatively easy, and very satisfying, to germinate and grow. For deciduous shade, appreciating more sun if soil is humus-rich (moisture retaining).

Asclepias tuberosa, Pleurisy root, Butterfly weed - This orange flowered milkweed is one of our showiest summer wildflowers, for full sun and dry soil. Root used medicinally, for lung problems, etc.

Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus- A multi-stalked perennial herb, 3-4’, a legume. The root is important in Chinese medicine to tonify ‘defense energy’ (immunity). Prefers full sun and well-drained, lean (not rich), slightly alkaline soil.

Baptisia tinctoria, Wild indigo- Another legume, for similar situation, but acid soil. An attractive bushy perennial, 2-3’, with bluish foliage and yellow flowers. Important native medicinal (immune, anti-bacterial).

Barbarea verna, Creasy Greens, Land Cress - This species is the best tasting of the various mustards which paint fields yellow in late spring. A self-sowing, edible winter cover crop to naturalize in your vegetable garden.

Bupleurum falcatum, Bupleurum- Attractive, yellow flowered herb (Umbellifer), 30". The root is a major Chinese medicinal (chai hu) used in formulas for colds/flu, ‘harmonizing liver,’ etc. Moist, well drained soil, sun. Self-sows

Calendula officinalis, Pot Marigold - A showy hardy annual, 1-2'. The orange or yellow flowers are edible and also an important herb for skin, commonly used in cosmetic salves, etc. Easy.

Chamaelirium luteum, False unicorn, Devil's bit - An attractive wildflower ('fairy wands') of deciduous woods and acid soils. The root is considered tonic for female reproductive system. An important and threatened native medicinal.

Chelidonium majus, Celandine poppy mix- Pleasant little herb, 1-2', bushy, with bluish foliage and yellow flowers, will self-sow in good, moist soil, light shade. A medicinal herb: fresh sap for warts, etc., also used internally. Mix includes double and Asian forms.

Chenopodium giganteum, Lamb’s quarters, magenta- Self-sowing annual vegetable (summer greens) and grain (~quinoa). To 6’, branching - resembling lamb’s quarters but new growth vivid magenta. Naturalize in vegetable garden.

Chrysanthemum parthenium, Feverfew- An attractive perennial herb, 1-2’, small white daisies, dissected, aromatic foliage. Used medicinally for pain relief (migraine), fever, etc. Tolerant, prefers sun, well-drained soil. Self-sows

Cimicifuga racemosa, Black cohosh- Beautiful native wildflower of moist woods, 6’+ in bloom. The root is an important medicinal (menopause,etc) whose current popularity is resulting in overharvest of native populations.

Codonopsis pilosula, Codonopsis- A slender, twining, herbaceous vine to about 6’. The large 2-3 year old roots are a more easily grown substitute for ginseng, and favorite Korean root vegetable. Well-drained soil, light shade. Self-sows

Digitalis lutea, Yellow foxglove- An attractive perennial herb to about 3’, not as showy as the biennial foxgloves. One of the species used medicinally (source of a heart stimulant drug). For well-drained soil, part shade. Self-sows

Dioscorea batatas, Chinese yam- Strong, twining, herbaceous vine, to 20’+. Very fragrant bloom (Cinnamon vine). Too easily propagated by aerial bulblets and tending to take over neglected areas of good fertility. Better to grow on trellis in the veg. garden, harvest bulblets (edible). The large tuberous root is a highly valued tonic food/medicine (shan yao).

Dioscorea villosa, Wild Yam - This native species is a less vigorous herbaceous vine, reproducing by seed (rarely produced). The hard, inedible root is important medicinally: antispasmodic.

Echinacea purpurea, Purple coneflower- Familiar showy perennial herb. Easy to grow in good soil and sun. Important medicinal herb for boosting immunity. Make your own tincture from chopped 3 year old roots and alcohol (vodka).

Echinacea tennesseensis, Tennessee Coneflower - This endangered species is similar to the above, but with smaller, more vividly colored flowers.

Eclipta prostrata, Eclipta- Nondescript, sprawling annual, 12", growing in any moisture retaining soil in sun, happier (weedy) in mud. Considered to have tonic, rejuvenative powers in both Chinese (han lian cao) and Ayurvedic (bhingaraj) medicine.

Epilobium parviflorum, Small-flowered willow-herb- Short-lived perennial herb, 2-3’. Unimposing in every way. The flowering herb is "the sovereign remedy for the prostate," (for frquent/urgent urination, etc.) according to Bavarian folk healer Maria Treben.

Filipendula ulmaria, Meadowsweet- Clump forming perennial herb to 3’, often grown as an ornamental. The plant has antacid & pain relieving properties, for digestive problems. Rich, moist-wet (meadow) soil, sun or part shade.

Foeniculum vulgare, Bronze fennel- Perennial herb (Umbellifer), 3-5’ with attractive, finely dissected, bronze- purple leaves and yellow flowers. Leaves and seeds are edible, spice; seeds (a digestive aid) and roots used medicinally.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Southern ginseng- Very promising "new" herb with immune properties like ginseng & Astragalus. Herbaceous vine, ground-covering & climbing by tendrils. Dried herb consumed daily as tea for long life.

Hedeoma pulegioides, American Pennyroyal - Our native pennyroyal is an annual weed of poor soil, full sun. Looks like a miniature (6-12") shrub, highly aromatic. Medicinal and insect repellant. Self-sows

Hibiscus sabdariffa, Roselle - Tender perennial (grow as annual) herb to 6' with edible leaves, seeds and, especially, flower calyxes which are the red (and some of the zing) in red zinger tea.

Hypericum perforatum, St. John’s wort- Perennial herb with yellow flowers on 2-3’ stems above low, spreading foliage. Many medicinal uses, especially, at present, calming, anti-depressant, etc.Well-drained to dry soil, sun.

Lactuca virosa, Lettuce opium- Tall, slender (unbranched) biennial, 5-10’. The flowering plant and, especially, the abundant latex are used for insomnia, anxiety, etc. (but it's not opium). Succeeds in any reasonable soil & sun. Self-sows

Lavendula angustifolia, Lavender- Hardy shrub, 2-3’, with grey green leaves and fragrant violet-purple flowers which are used in perfumery & potpourri, also medicinally (nervous tension,etc). Well-drained/dry, neutral soil; sun.

Leonurus cardiaca, American motherwort- Perennial herb, 3’, attractive, if you like unusual leaf shapes and textures. Medicinal herb for the heart and female reproductive system, nervousness. Easily grown, self-sows.

Leonurus sibirica, Chinese motherwort- Biennial to 6’. Chinese medicinal (yi mu cao) used, like American species, for problems of the female reproductive system, also smoked recreationally. Easily grown, harvest to avoid weediness.

Lilium superbum, Turk's cap Lily - As the latin name indicates, our native lily is a world-class ornamental, to 8'. Easy from seed, but slow to reach blooming size (3 years?).

Lobelia inflata, Indian tobacco- Nondescript annual herb to about 30", self-sows in moist soil and light shade. Not a true tobacco (see Nicotiana). Used medicinally for lung problems (asthma, etc.) and in stop-smoking preparations (lobeline ~ nicotine).

Lunaria annua, Money plant- Biennial herb, 2-3’. Attractive purple-red flowers followed by familiar disk shaped seed pods used in dried arrangements. Self-sows in good, moist soil and. part shade.

Lychnis coronaria, Mullein Pink - Easy (self-sows), showy biennial herb with rich magenta-red flowers and silvery foliage.

Macleaya cordata, Plume poppy- Perennial herb, 8’+, with clouds of salmon pink flowers, scalloped leaves. Cultivated as a substitute for bloodroot. Invasive but easily controlled. Prefers rich soil and light shade.

Malva verticillata, Mallow- Upright, unbranched annual herb to 3’, important spring wildfood in many cultures, also medicinal. Easily grown in average garden conditions.self-sows

Marrubium vulgare, Horehound- Perennial herb, 1-2’, with interesting wooly foliage, suggesting (accurately) both a preference for dry, sunny conditions and a beneficial plant for the lungs. Easily grown.

Medeola virginiana, Indian cucumber root- Native woodland perennial,1-2’; attractive, esp. in fruit, when the top tier of whorled lvs. turns vivid red. The roots are one of our best wildfoods, like sweeter, crunchier cucumbers (but small).

Nepeta cataria, Catnip- Perennial herb, 2-3’, grey-green foliage and pale purple flowers. Medicinal uses of the herb include lowering fever, colds & flu, insomnia, etc. Easily grown in well-drained soil, sun/part shade. Self-sows

Nicotiana rustica, Native tobacco- Annual herb, 3’, yellow flowers. Native Americans grow this species for ceremonial use, also, being highest in nicotine, used in insecticides (best not inhale?) Vegetable garden conditions (full sun, etc.)

Oenothera glaziovinia, Magic evening primrose- Biennial to about 4’, upright, branching, rather coarse looking. In the evening, the buds open, simultaneously and rapidly enough to observe, into 2-3" luminous yellow saucers. Self-sows if happy.

Onopordum acanthium, Scotch thistle- Spectacular (repellant?) biennial to 6’, with large, silver, jagged & prickly leaves and purple flowers. Buds & stems edible, and as tasty, as artichoke, but smaller. For sunny, dry location.

Osmorhiza longistylis, Anise root- Native herb of moist woods, 2’ Umbellifer with dissected foliage, attractive and potentially ornamental. The sweet, anise-flavored taproot is edible and has been used medicinally.

Papaver somniferum, Poppy- Showy annual, 2-4’, mix of flower types & colors. Source of edible poppy seeds and medicinal opium. Sow in fall or early spring, resents transplanting. Succeeds under average gdn conditions; self-sows

Passiflora incarnata, Passion Flower, Maypops - Perennial climber with spectacular flowers. Invasive, often a component of tangled thickets. The whole plant is used for nervousness, insomnia, PMS,etc. Fruits also edible.

Patrinia scabiosaefolia, Patrinia- Perennial herb, 4-5’, ornamental with heads of tiny yellow flowers (encourage beneficial insects), dissected foliage. Chinese medicinal herb (bai jiang cao) to ‘clear heat, releave toxicity.’ Easy

Perilla frutescens, Perilla, Shiso- Tender annual, 2-3’. The leaves and seeds are both edible (flavoring, condiment) and Chinese medicines (zi su), for colds & flu, etc. Tolerant, prefers rich, moist, sunny. Self-sows

Platycodon grandiflorum, Balloon flower- Ornamental perennial herb, 2-3’, large blue flowers. Roots are eaten as a tonic vegetable and used medicinally (jie geng) for cough. Easily grown, prefers sun and well-drained soil.

Polygonatum commutatum, Giant Solomon’s seal- Perennial herb to 5’ (arching stems), ornamental. Spring shoots edible, resembling asparagus, flowers, young fruit also edible; root medicinal. Rich moist soil, part shade. Self-sows.

Polygonum tinctoria, Japanese indigo- Nondescript spreading annual, 1-2’. Hard to find dye plant, also a Chinese medicinal herb. Average garden conditions.

Rubia tinctoria, Madder - Sprawling perennial herb, 2-3'. An important dye plant, has also been used medicinally

Rudbeckia laciniata, Sho-chen - One of the many tall (6'+), yellow, autumn-flowering daisies, this native perennial herb of meadows & woods was the #1 spring greens of the Cherokee people.

Silybum marianum, Milk thistle- Annual or biennial herb, 3’+, with attractive marbled (but prickly) foliage and purple flowers. The seed is an important medicinal for preventing or curing liver damage due to toxins.

Stokesia laevis, Stokes’ aster-Perennial herb, 2’, with attractive frilly blue flowers in late summer. This southeastern wildflower is a good, trouble-free subject for the perennial border.

Stylophorum diphyllum, American Celandine -

Thermopsis caroliniana, Carolina lupin- Perennial herb, 3-4’, with yellow flowers; another good, low-maintainence native plant for the perennial border.

Tussilaga farfara, Coltsfoot- Perennial herb, 1-2’, with yellow daisy-like flowers in earliest spring, followed by large leaves. Beneficial for lungs, used in herbal smoking mixtures. Forms colonies in moist-wet disturbed soil, sun.

Urtica dioica, Stinging nettle- Perennial herb, 3’. So nutritious it has to defend itself with stings; also fiber, medicinal. Plant it in an out-of-the-way corner (rich, moist soil, light shade). World-class useful plant.

Verbena officinalis, Vervain- Annual-perennial herb, 3-4’, worth growing for the attractive blue-purple flowers, also a medicinal herb for liver, colds & menstrual problems. Moist-wet soil, sun or part shade.

Viburnum prunifolium, Cramp Bark - Ornamental shrub or small tree for moisture retentive soil and sun - light shade. Stem and root bark important for menstrual cramps, miscarriage, etc.

Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree - Ornamental shrub or small tree with palmate leaves and lavender flower spikes. Fruit regulates hormones: for menstrual, menopausal problems.

Withania somniferum, Ashwaganda- Tender perennial herb/subshrub, 3’+. The root is the foremost longevity/ rejuvenative herb in Ayurvedic medicine ("Indian ginseng"). Dry soil. Can be overwintered in pots (keep dry).

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