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Plant Profile: Shiitake
by Lex Barnard Common Names Shiitake, Shiitake Mushroom, Black Forest Mushroom, Chinese Black Mushroom, Donko (dōnggū) aka “winter mushroom”, xiang gu aka “flower mushroom”, bai hua gu Latin Name: Lentinula edodes Family: Marasmiaceae Habitat: Native to east Asia, largely China and Japan, as well as in warm and moist climates. Shiitake grows on decaying broadleaf (deciduous) trees and is largely cultivated throughout the world. They fruit during spring to late summer and early autumn. Parts Used: Fruiting body and mycelium
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Plant Profile: Nettle
by Lex Barnard Latin name: Urtica dioica Family: Urticaceae Habitat: Perennial herb often found in damp, nutrient-rich soil along bodies of water in relatively well shaded areas or places with access to full sun. It can also be found in disturbed areas and is often thought of as a “weed” due to its ability to spread quite far. This is due to the fact that nettles spread via rhizome as well as via seed. The leaves are saw-toothed, heart-shaped, and alternate on its stalk. There are stinging hairs that cover the stem and leaves. It can grow 3-5 feet tall and in zones 2-9.
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Plant Profile: Garlic
by Shay DeGrandis Common Names: Garlic, Ail, Ajo, Camphor of the Poor, Da Suan (TCM), Nectar of the Gods, Poor Man’s Treacle, Rason/Lasunam (Ayurveda), Stinking Rose Latin Name: Allium sativum Family: Alliaceae (previously listed as Amarylidaceae and Liliaceae) Habitat: With approximately 500 species native throughout the Northern Hemisphere, almost all cultures across the world have grown and utilized some type of garlic. Most garlic is currently cultivated in China and India while some is imported from South America. California is the largest grower in the U.S.
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Plant Profile: Pine
Pine trees are coniferous, evergreen trees. There are around seven different species that grow in Florida, and each of them grows in specific climates.
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Plant Profile: Horsemint
Monarda punctata is an upright, tall, sprawling perennial that grows wild throughout Florida. It typically grows in clumps around 2-4 ft wide. They produce pink, purple, or cream-colored bracts that are often mistaken for flowers, and some of these bracts can have spots. The flowers of this plant are found just above the colorful bracts, and they produce fruits that aren't showy but reseed well.
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Plant Profile: Echinacea
Echinacea is a perennial plant that grows to 4 ft. with upright stems and purple to pink flowers that are daisy-like. It’s a hardy perennial that has branched stems with oval, lanceolate, bristly leaves. The large flowers have brown-orange centers that are packed with bristly scales. Echinacea is native to central and eastern North America. It grows best in open woodlands and prairies.
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Plant Profile: Red Clover
This perennial herb grows to 16 in. high. It has hairy upright stems, leaves with 3 (sometimes 4) oval leaflets with a white crescent marking, and pink or purple egg-shaped flowerheads.
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Plant Profile: Chamomile
Chamomile’s common name, earth apple, refers to the sudden and enticing smell that arises when the flowers of this plant are crushed beneath your feet.
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Plant Profile: Rose
Several different species can be used, like R. damascena, R. canina, R. rugosa, R. virginiana, R. multiflora, R. gallica, R. centifolia, R. palustris, R. spinosissima, and a few others. It’s important to note that not all garden variety roses can be used, so be sure to verify your rose species before adding them to your herbal collection.
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Plant Profile: Usnea
Usnea's nickname, "lungs of the forest," comes from its sponge-like action to absorb airborne particulates. However, this means that it's susceptible to over-pollution. In fact, it's believed that when lichens like Usnea disappear, it's a warning that the air quality in the area is harmful.
Learn Herbalism in Florida and Globally
