Plant Profile Library
Valerian
Common Name: valerian, garden heliotrope, garden valerian, vandal root Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis, derived from the Latin word valere, meaning “to be well” or “to be strong” Family: Valerianaceae Habitat: Native to Europe and Western Asia but grows easily in much of North America. Grows well in partial to full sun, prefers rich soil and…
Ginger
Common Name: Ginger Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale; Zingiberaceae Part Used: rhizome Energetics: pungent, sweet, drying, warm to hot Actions: Stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative, antiemetic, analgesic Systems: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular (more…)
Sida
Botanical name: Sida rhombifolia, Sida ulmifolia, Sida acuta*, Sida cordifolia Family: Malvaceae Common name: Broomweed, wireweed, teaweed, fanpetals, Cuban jute, Indian hemp, bala (* A note on S.acuta vs. S.ulmifolia – “ Although S. acuta has often been applied to Florida material, Krapovickas (2003) restricted the use of S. acuta to plants with a glabrous…
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: Omphalotaceae Habitat: Native to east Asia, largely China and Japan, as well as in warm and moist climates. Shiitake grows on decaying broadleaf…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marshmallow
Native to Europe, it has also been naturalized in the Americas. As per its name, it grows in marshy habitats, the edges of wetlands, and disturbed areas. It is a perennial that grows 2-4 feet high and has several wooly stems. The leaves are usually 1-3 inches long and serrate; the flowers are purple in color and 1-2 inches in diameter.
Saw Palmetto
The Florida School of Holistic Living’s plant of the month for September 2022. Latin name: Serenoa repens, Uses: Berries!
Guava
The Florida School of Holistic Living’s plant of the month for August 2022. Latin name: Psidium guajava.
Spilanthes
The Florida School of Holistic Living’s plant of the month for July 2022.
Goldenseal
Hydrastis candensis of the Ranunclulaceae family. Otherwise known as goldenseal, eyebalm, eyeroot, and yellow puccoon is happiest in rich, open, and hilly woods. It is native to southeastern Canada and the eastern United States.
Dandelion
when i was a little girl my mama said to me,what’s your favorite flower, darling? i’ll get you a seed.i said, dandelion! dandelion! that one’s so pretty!she said, child, that one’s not a flower; that one’s just a weed.i still loved those mellow yellow petals anyway.what that thing they say about a rose by any…
Passionflower
This perennial herbaceous climbing vine is native to Central Florida and the southeast United States—found growing mostly from Texas to Florida. It grows easily by cutting and is happy in sandy Florida soil, sunshine, and rain.
Ramgoat Dashalong
Latin Name: Turnera ulmifolia Common Name: Yellow Alder, Yellow Elder, Ramgoat Dashalong, West Indian Holly, Sage Rose Family: Passifloraceae Habitat: T. ulmifolia is a small woody shrub native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean basin that can also be found in many tropical parts of the world. It grows in partial sun/shade. However, the…
Yaupon
Contributed by Maggie O’Halloran Common Names Yaupon Holly, Yaupon, Cassina Latin Name Ilex vomitoria Family Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family) HabitatLike many other hollies, yaupon holly is an evergreen shrub or tree that is loved for the colorful berries it produces on the female plants. Native to the land now called the United States this bushy…
Turmeric
Contributed by Maggie O’Halloran Common Names Turmeric, yellow root (more…)
Moringa
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common Names Wonder Tree, The Divine Tree, The Miracle Tree, Drumstick tree, West Indian Ben, Bridal Veil, Muringa/Muringai (Tamil), Jacinto (Spanish), Sahijan, Munaga (Hindi), Shigru, Shobhanjana (Ayurvedic). Benzolive Tree, or Ben Oil Tree (more…)
Beautyberry
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common Names Beautyberry, American Beautyberry, French Mulberry, Perfumed cherry, ZiZhu (more…)
Papaya
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common Names English Papaya, Pawpaw, Papaw, Melon Tree, Mummy Apple, Papaya, Kates (more…)
Cuban Oregano
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common Names French Oregano (in Cuba) Puerto Rican Oregano, Indian Borage, Spanish Thyme, Mexican mint, Broadleaf Thyme, Menthol Plant, Vicks Plant, Spanish sage, Hung chanh (Vietnamese), Bruja Oregano (Puerto Rico), Patta Ajwayin (Hindi) (more…)
Pineapple
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common NamesPineapple, Pine Apple, Piña(Spanish,) Ananas(Dutch, French, Hindi) Abacaxi (Portuguese,) Nanas (Southern Asia and East Indies,Tupi) Bahunetra (Sanskrit) (more…)
Lippia
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common NamesBushy Lippia, Bushy Matgrass, Licorice Verbena, Lippia, Marguerite; Marguerite Blanche; Marguerite Des Jardins; Melisse. Hindi: Basula; Chinese: 白棘枝, Kwéyòl: twa tas, Portuguese: erva-cidreira-brasileiraSpanish: Juanilama, Salvia morada, Salvia sija, Sanalotodo“The local and traditional names are numerous in Latin America, because of widespreadtraditional use, and are generally derived…
Magnolia
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common NamesMagnolia, Hou Po (China), Honoki (Japan) Indian Bark. Japanese white bark, The flower is Xin Yi Hua in TCM, Blue Magnolia, Swamp Sassafras, Cucumber Tree, Lily treeLatin NameMagnolia grandiflora, Magnolia virginiana, Magnolia officinalis and many moreFamilyMagnoliaceae HabitatNative to North and South America, the Himalaya’s and East…
Peach
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common Names Peach, Peach tree, Persian apple, Momo, Táo Ren. Latin Name: Prunus persica Family: Rosaceae HistoryPeach is an old European folk remedy that was adopted by the Indigenous people as a food and medicine when European settlers brought it to the New World. Peach trees were…
Mulberry
https://youtu.be/Q_4t97YUd9o Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common Names MulberryChinese name: Sang Shen (Berry/Fruit), Sang Ye (Leaves), Sang Bai Pi (Bark)Persian name: TootAyurveda: ShahtootFolk names: Tut, Morera, GelsoThe sap is known as “blood of a goose” in Magical formulas. Latin NameMorus alba (white mulberry) and Morus nigra (black mulberry)There are upwards of 50 genera…
Gotu Kola
Plant of Month profile contributed by Jessica Grandey Common Names Indian pennywort, marsh pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, antanan in Pakistan. In Malay cuisine it is known as pegaga, brahmi booti in Hindi, brahmi in Marathi, saraswati aku in Telugu, kudangal in Malayalam, ondelaga in Kannada, Vallarai keerai in Tamil, brahmi (Sanskrit in Ayurveda-not to be confused with…
Drymary
https://youtu.be/IVcMQ9G3i5o Common Names: Tropical chickweed, Drymary, whitesnow, West Indian Chickweed, heartleaf drymary, “Calabar woman’s eye” Latin name: Drymaria cordata Family: Caryophyllaceae (more…)
Peppermint
Common Names: Peppermint, Brandy mint, American mint, lamb mint, lammint Latin name: Mentha x piperita Family: Lamiaceae (more…)
Hibiscus
Common Names: Hibiscus, Jamaica, Roselle, Cranberry Hibiscus, Sorrel, Florida Cranberry, Isapa, Yakuwa, Gurguzu, Flor de Jamaica Latin name: Hibiscus sabdariffa; H. acetosella Family: Malvaceae (more…)
Vitex
Common Names: Vitex, Chaste tree, Chasteberry, Monk’s Pepper Latin name: Vitex agnus-castus Family: Lamiaceae (more…)
Goldenrod
Common Name: Goldenrod, fragrant goldenrod Latin name: Solidago odora, S. gigantea, S. ulmifolia, S. bicolor, and many others Family: Asteraceae (more…)
Cayenne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2n8DzRy3Jo Latin name: Capsicum annuum – Solanaceae Common name: Cayenne, chili pepper, chile Cayenne comes from the same Capsicum genus that includes many other peppers like habaneros and jalapenos. Capsicum peppers are from the western hemisphere where they have been used for thousands of years. The word Capsicum derives from the Greek word kapto meaning…
Porterweed
Latin name: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis – Verbenaceae Common name: Porterweed, snake weed, blue porterweed, Jamaican vervain, worryvine, Brazilian tea (more…)
Pine
Common name: PineLatin name: Pinus spp. (Pinus elliottii – slash pine, Pinus palustris – longleaf pine, Pinus clausa – sand pine, Pinus echinata – shortleaf pine, Pinus taeda – loblolly pine, Pinus serotina – pond pine, Pinus glabra – spruce pine) Family: Pinaceae (more…)
Fennel
Latin name: Foeniculum vulgare Family: Apiaceae Common name: Fennel https://youtu.be/JUpetmpUQRs Usage: The entire above-ground portion of the fennel plant can be utilized for food and medicine and have been for centuries. Valued by the Greeks & Romans, fennel tea was said to have been consumed before battle to give warriors courage. According to Greek myth,…
Calendula
Latin name: Calendula officinalis – Asteraceae Common name: Calendula, pot marigold https://youtu.be/76NAYWyKwrk Usage: This sticky, golden, aster is well known as an all-star skin remedy. The resinous flowers are cooling and soothing topically, as well as internally. Infused in a carrier oil (olive oil, almond oil, etc), calendula flowers can aid in finding relief from…
Plantain
March – Plantain Plantago lanceolata By Rasbak – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=210597 Latin name: Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata,Plantago virginica Family: Plantaginaceae Common name: Plantain https://youtu.be/OHcNNdrTCr4 The leaves of Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata, commonly known as plantain, are an essential component of any herbal medicine cabinet and first aid kit. Originating in Europe…
Oak
February – Oak Latin name: Quercus spp. – Family: Fagaceae Common name: Oak Usage: The wood of the oak genus, or Quercus, has long been utilized for its strength and durability, from ship framing to tanning hides to wine barrels. Nearly every culture throughout history that encountered the oaks utilized the tree in some fashion.…
Citrus
January – Citrus Latin name: Citrus spp. – Rutaceae Common name: Citrus, oranges, lemon, lime, pomelo, grapefruit, mandarins, etc. Usage: Many of the common citrus fruits we know and love are not only delicious but also beneficial for both their nutritional and medicinal properties. The flesh, juice and rind of many citrus species have been…
Prickly Pear Cactus
December -Prickly Pear Cactus Latin name: Opuntia spp. Family name: Cactaceae Common name: Prickly pear, nopales, tuna, Indian fig, many different names by many cultures of people across the regions in which it grows Usage: The usage of the many Opuntia species is great and varied, from food and medicine to dye and water purification.…
Bee Balm
Latin name: Monarda punctata (other species commonly utilized – M. fistulosa, M. didyma, M. citriodora) – Family: Lamiaceae Common name: Bee balm, horsemint, spotted bee balm, dotted horsemint, bergamot Usage: The Monarda genus is endemic to North America and contains about twenty species, many of which have a history of medicinal usage. Monarda punctata, or…
Ashwagandha
By Salicyna – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61791504 https://youtu.be/D–qKD3sysE Latin name: Withania somnifera Family: Solanaceae Common name: Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng*, winter cherries, asgandh *The common name Indian Ginseng is a misnomer, as it’s not related to any Panax (Ginseng) species. The thought was that Ashwagandha acted similarly to Ginseng, but they are completely different…
Spiderwort
Latin name: Tradescantia ohiensis – Commelinaceae Common name: Spiderwort, bluejacket, Ohio spiderwort, day flower, Widow’s Tears, Spider lily Varieties: T. ohiensis is most common throughout North and Central Florida, while T. hirsutiflora is found throughout the Panhandle. T. virginia is another common variety found outside of Florida and a popular search result when looking for…
Tulsi
June: Tulsi, Holy Basil Latin name: Ocimum gratissimum, O. tenuiflorum (previously O. sanctum), and O. africanum Family: Lamiaceae https://youtu.be/bqlqktqJsd4 Common name: Tulsi, holy basil, sacred basil Tropical tulsi: Vana (O. gratissimum), Krishna (O. tenuiflorum) Rama (O. tenuiflorum), African basil (O. gratissimum), clove basil (O. gratissimum) Temperate tulsi: (O. africanum) Usage: Within the Ocimum genus there…
Spanish needles
Latin name: Bidens alba – AsteraceaeCommon name: Spanish needle, beggarticks, shepherd’s needle, butterfly needle, pitchfork weed, ottrancedi, xian feng cao, gui zhen cao https://youtu.be/5REwfsDEOiU Uses: There are approximately 250 species within the genus Bidens. All occur within tropical and warm, temperate climates — roughly 7-8 of which grow in Florida. All-star of the genus — Bidens alba — is one…
Betony
Latin name: Stachys floridana – Lamiaceae (Mint Family) Common name: Florida betony, wild radish, rattlesnake weed, Florida hedgenettle Usage: The tubers of S. floridana are used as food and have a crisp, sweet taste. They can be eaten raw in salads and also make a stellar pickle. Harvest the tubers from late winter until spring.…
Violet
https://youtu.be/cGDNeOBJEu4 March – Violet Latin name: Viola odorata, Viola affinis, Viola sororia, Viola tricolor, (and related species) – Family: Violaceae Common name: Violet, sweet violet, common blue violet, common wood violet, heartsease Usage: There are anywhere between 525 to 600 species within the Viola genus. Identification of species can be challenging,…
Spearmint
Latin name: Mentha spicata (aka M. viridis or M. sativa) Family: Lamiaceae Common name: Spearmint, garden mint Usage: There are hundreds of varieties of cultivars within the mint family, many of which are used for their pleasant taste and medicinal value. One such variety is spearmint; utilized for its stimulant, carminative, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties,…
Dagga
Latin name: Leonotis nepetifolia Family: LamiaceaeCommon names: Dagga, Klip dagga, Lion’s ear, Shandilay Growth: Erect, loosely branched annual that can get 8 ft tall. The stems are starkly square and leaves are smooth, with toothed margins, and oppositely arranged. The flowers are inside ball like clusters, 2-4 in, circling the stem. “The tubular flowers that…
Scorpion Tail
Scorpion Tail Latin name: Heliotropium angiospermum, Heliotropiaceae Common names: Scorpion-Tail, Heliotrope Growth: About 2 feet in height, native to the Central East Coast of Florida, and South Florida, as well as the Caribbean and Central America. In Central Florida Scorpion-Tail is a nice herbaceous garden plant, rarely becoming weedy. The scorpion most likely to…
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium Latin name: Achillea millefolium Family: Asteraceae Common names: Yarrow, Milfoil Growth: In Central Florida can be used as a ground cover, the bipinnate leaves grow low to the ground and appear almost fern like, differing from their growth habit in almost every other location. The composite flowers are showy and require partial to…
Spanish Moss
Latin Name: Tillandsia usneoides Family: Bromeliaceae Spanish moss is best known for its stunning accent to a wooded landscape, but it is neither moss, nor Spanish. Its species name “usneoides” means that it has an appearance like moss – though is not actually a moss, but rather an epiphytic bromeliad, with long threadlike festoons that can grow several feet in…
Feverfew
Latin name: Tanacetum parthenium Family: Asteraceae Common names: feverfew Feverfew has a long history in traditional and folk medicine especially used by the Greeks and Europeans. Nicolas Culpepper is the most famous of herbalist that worked with and documented Feverfew. He says that “Venus commands this herb, and has commended it to succour her sisters…
Mullein
https://youtu.be/AjHZSIMW1hw Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus Family: Scrophulariaceae I still laugh out loud thinking about the Leaves and Roots customer back in the 90s who legally changed her name to “Verbascum” after a long love affair with the plant ally Mullein. We all lovingly called her Verbie for short, and really, who could blame her? This…
Chaya
I cringe when I hear the word “superfood” uttered in a mixed crowd. Between GOOP and Dr Oz, health and nutrition fads fill up my Facebook feed daily, and they fade into distant memory as quickly as they come. But many years ago, on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, I was introduced to a plant…
Elder
https://youtu.be/GyHKNMFum1Y Latin Name: Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis Common Names: elderberry, American elder, common elderberry, tapiro, sauco, Mexican elderberry, blue elder, American black elderberry, tree of music, pipe tree Family: AdoxaceaeHabitat: This perennial shrub grows all over the eastern US and is also native to FL and found across the state. It prefers riparian areas and…