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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.
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Plant Profile: 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.
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Plant Profile: Saw Palmetto
The Florida School of Holistic Living's plant of the month for September 2022. Latin name: Serenoa repens, Uses: Berries!
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Plant Profile: Guava
The Florida School of Holistic Living's plant of the month for August 2022. Latin name: Psidium guajava.
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Plant Profile: Spilanthes
The Florida School of Holistic Living's plant of the month for July 2022.
Learn Herbalism in Florida and Globally
