Plant Start Info Guide
Anise Hyssop - Agastache foeniculum
Medicinal Uses:
External: Traditionally applied as a poultice to treat burns and wounds
Internal: Historically used to relieve coughs, colds, and digestive discomfort
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Fertile, well-drained soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 4–8)
Native to North America
Pollinator Notes:
• Blooms over a long period, providing steady nectar
• Attracts honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Frequently used in pollinator garden designs for beauty and ecological benefit
Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera
Medicinal Uses:
Internal: Adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress, restore balance, and support overall vitality
Parts Used: Roots
Care: Full Sun | Sandy, well-drained soil | Low Water | Tender Perennial (Zones 8–12); grow as annual in cooler zones
Native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa
Tradition:
A foundational herb in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to promote resilience, energy, and equilibrium
Blue Cornflower / Bachelor's Button - Centaurea cyanus
Medicinal Uses:
External: Traditionally used as an eyewash to soothe eye irritation and reduce inflammation.
Internal: Historically consumed to aid digestion, stimulate appetite, and support liver and gallbladder function.
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health.
Parts Used: Dried flowers.
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, fertile soil | Moderate Water | Annual
Tradition:
Blue Cornflower has been valued since ancient times for its vibrant blue petals and medicinal properties, often used in herbal remedies and as a natural dye.
Borage - Borago officinalis
Medicinal Uses:
External: Traditionally applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and soothe irritations
Internal: Historically consumed to support adrenal function, promote lactation, and alleviate respiratory conditions
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Well-drained Soil | Moderate Water | Annual (self-seeding)
Tradition:
Long cherished as a pollinator plant, borage is a favorite among bees and is often grown to support healthy hives and vibrant gardens
Burdock - Arctium lappa
Medicinal Uses:
Internal: Historically used to support digestion, promote detoxification, and as a diuretic to aid in removing excess fluids
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Roots
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Deep, well-drained, loamy soil | Regular Water | Biennial (USDA Zones 3–10)
Tradition:
Burdock root has been consumed as a vegetable in various cultures and is known for its use in traditional herbal remedies aimed at purifying the blood and supporting overall health
Caraway - Carum carvi
Medicinal Uses:
External: Use in compresses to relieve muscle spasms, apply as oil to soothe skin conditions.
Internal: Aid digestion, alleviate bloating and gas, and stimulate appetite; also used to support respiratory health by acting as an expectorant.
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health.
Parts Used: Seeds.
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, fertile soil | Moderate Water | Biennial (Zones 3–7)
Tradition:
Caraway seeds have been used for centuries in culinary practices to flavor breads, cheeses, and meats, and have a longstanding reputation in herbal medicine for their carminative (gas-relieving) properties.
Calendula - Calendula officinalis
Medicinal Uses:
External: Minor cuts, burns, inflammation, fungal issues, eczema, rashes
Internal: Digestive lining support, antioxidant, antimicrobial, liver & lymph support
Parts Used: Entire flower head
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained Soil | Moderate Water | Annual (self-seeding) Zone 2-11
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects like hoverflies. Can deter asparagus beetle, tomato hornworm
Chamomile - Matricaria recutita
Medicinal Uses:
External: Soothe skin irritations and reduce inflammation
Internal: Aid digestion, alleviate anxiety, and promote restful sleep
Also attracts beneficial insects, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Flowers
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil | Moderate Water | Annual (self-seeding)
Tradition:
Cherished for centuries in herbal medicine, chamomile is renowned for its calming properties and is commonly consumed as a soothing tea
Catnip - Nepeta cataria
Medicinal Uses:
External: Alleviate headaches and reduce swelling
Internal: Ease digestive discomfort, reduce anxiety, relieve headaches, and promote restful sleep
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Well-drained Soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 3–9)
Tradition:
Known for its stimulating effect on cats, catnip has also been valued in traditional herbal practices for its calming properties in humans (and if ingested, it will calm the cat too!)
Comfrey/Knitbone - Symphytum officinale
Medicinal Uses:
External: Support wound healing, reduce inflammation, broken bones, pulled ligaments/sprains, varicose veins, burns *Garden Amendment*
Internal: Used to address digestive issues and respiratory ailments (*Contains PAs)
Also attracts pollinators, supports garden health as a fertilizer plant that speeds growth due to Allantoin
Parts Used: Roots and leaves
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Moist, fertile, well-drained soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 4–9)
Tradition:
Known as "knitbone," comfrey has been esteemed for centuries for its purported ability to promote the healing of bones and tissues
Echinacea/Purple Coneflower- Echinacea purpurea
Medicinal Uses:
External: Apply to wounds and skin infections, acne, boils, anscesses
Internal: Supports immune function, colds and respiratory infections, mouth infections, venomous bites, fever
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, enhancing garden health
Parts Used: Roots, leaves, and flowers
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained Soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (Zones 3–9)
Native to eastern North America
Tradition:
Valued by Native American tribes for its medicinal properties, Echinacea has been a staple in herbal remedies for centuries
Elecampane - Inula helenium
Medicinal Uses:
External: Soothe skin irritations and support wound healing.
Internal: Expectorant, clears mucus and alleviate coughs; also utilized to aid digestion.
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health.
Parts Used: Roots.
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Well-drained, loamy soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 3–8)
Tradition:
Elecampane has been valued since ancient times for its aromatic root, which has been used in herbal remedies and culinary preparations.
Flax - Linum usitatissimum
Medicinal Uses:
Internal: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber; traditionally used to improve digestive health, alleviate constipation, and support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure; may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health.
Parts Used: Seeds.
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, fertile soil | Moderate Water | Annual
Native to the Middle East; cultivated worldwide.
Tradition:
Flax seeds have been consumed for thousands of years, valued for their nutritional benefits and as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Garden Sage - Salvia officinalis
Medicinal Uses:
External: Gargle to soothe sore throats, apply to minor wounds, and inhale as a steam for respiratory support
Internal: Aid digestion, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and support cognitive function
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Leaves
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil | Low to Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 4–8)
Tradition:
Revered since ancient times, Garden Sage has been valued for its culinary and medicinal properties, often associated with wisdom and longevity
Holy Basil / Tulsi - Ocimum tenuiflorum
Medicinal Uses:
External: Reduce skin irritations and promote wound healing, fungal infections, pain
Internal: Has adaptogenic qualities—stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, viral infections, depression, cold/flu, high blood sugar, pain
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Care: Full Sun | Light, well-drained soil | Moderate Water | Perennial in tropical climates; grown as annual in cooler regions
Tradition:
Revered in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, Holy Basil is considered a sacred plant in Hindu culture and is used to promote longevity and spiritual well-being
Helichrysum/Immortelle - Helichrysum italicum
Medicinal Uses:
External: Wounds, burns, and skin inflammations for its purported healing properties.
Internal: Digestive discomfort, liver ailments, and respiratory issues.
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowers)
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil | Low Water | Perennial (Zones 7–10)
Tradition:
Known as "Immortelle" for its long-lasting, vibrant yellow flowers, this plant has been esteemed in Mediterranean cultures for centuries.
Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis
Medicinal Uses:
External: Soothe skin irritations and cold sores.
Internal: Reduce stress & anxiety, promote sleep, digestive aid, viral infections, cold & flu, fever
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health.
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops.
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Moist, well-drained soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 4–9)
Tradition:
Cherished for its calming properties, lemon balm has been used since the Middle Ages to uplift spirits and ease discomfort.
Marshmallow - Althaea officinalis
Medicinal Uses:
External: Traditionally applied to soothe skin irritations and minor wounds
Internal: Moistening herb used to alleviate dry coughs, sore throats, and digestive discomfort .
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Roots, leaves, and flowers
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Moist, fertile, well-drained soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 3–9)
Tradition:
Marshmallow has been valued for centuries for its mucilaginous properties, inspiring the creation of the confectionery treat that bears its name
Mullein - Verbascum thapsus
Medicinal Uses:
Internal: relaxes lungs, soothes sore lungs, calms asthma, alleviates dry coughs, strengthens bladder muscles, tightens tissues of hemorrhoids
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil | Low Water | Biennial (USDA Zones 3–9)
Tradition:
Mullein has long been revered in traditional medicine for its gentle yet effective support of respiratory health and its towering, torch-like flower stalks. Smoking the dried leaf is a very effective way to deliver the benefits directly into the lungs (great for smoke damaged lungs too)
Caution:
Mullein leaves have fine, fuzzy hairs that can be irritating to the skin and throat—always strain teas well, and avoid using the leaves as “natural toilet paper.”
Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris
Medicinal Uses:
External: Alleviate joint pain and muscle aches, insect repellant
Internal: Support digestive health and regulate menstrual cycles, internal muscle cramping, anxiety, activating the dreams
xAlso attracts beneficial insects, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Well-drained Soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 3–9)
Tradition:
Known as the "mother of herbs," mugwort has been used in various cultures for its medicinal properties and in culinary practices.
Safflower - Carthamus tinctorius
Medicinal Uses:
Internal: Support heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation; may aid in regulating blood sugar levels; alleviate menstrual discomfort, fever.
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health.
Parts Used: Flowers and seeds.
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, fertile soil | Moderate Water | Annual
Native to Asia and Africa; cultivated worldwide.
Tradition:
Safflower has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Chinese and Ayurvedic practices, for its purported benefits on circulation and pain relief
Self Heal / Heal All - Prunella vulgaris
Medicinal Uses:
External: Wound healing, sore throat relief, anti-inflammatory applications, drawing herb (abscess, boils, stings)
Internal: Digestive support, liver health, immune enhancement, cardiovascular support, ulcers, sore throat, seasonal allergies, inflammation
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers)
Known to attract bees and butterflies.
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Well-drained Soil | Moderate Water | Perennial | Zones 4-9
Native to Virginia and much of the Eastern U.S.
Skullcap - Scutellaria lateriflora
Medicinal Uses:
Internal: Anxiety, nervous tension, panic attacks, twitching, tension headaches, insomnia- helps quiet the mind and break the cycle of overthinking to support restful sleep
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops)
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Moist, well-drained soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 4–8)
Native to North America
Tradition: Named for its helmet-shaped flowers—and because it “puts a cap” on racing, cyclical thoughts—skullcap has long been cherished for its calming effects on the nervous system
Spilanthes / Toothache Plant - Acmella oleracea
Medicinal Uses:
External: Traditionally used to alleviate toothache pain and oral discomfort due to its numbing effect
Internal: Historically consumed to support digestion and stimulate appetite
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, fertile soil | Regular Water | Annual
Tradition:
Known for its distinctive "buzz button" flowers, the Toothache Plant has been used in traditional medicine for its anesthetic properties and in culinary dishes for its unique flavor
St. John's Wort - Hypericum perforatum
Medicinal Uses:
External: Wounds, burns, skin irritation, nerve damage
Internal: Depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances; ease nerve discomfort and support menopausal symptom relief, helps digestive issues due to stress
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Flowers and leaves
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Moist but well-drained soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 5–9)
Tradition:
Named for its tendency to bloom around St. John’s Day in late June, St. John’s Wort has a long history in traditional European medicine for supporting mood, rest, and resilience
Stinging Nettle - Urtica dioica
***Listed as an invasive species in Virginia – plant and manage responsibly***
Medicinal Uses:
External: Soothes joint pain, reduce inflammation, arthritis (by intentionally “stinging” the area)
Internal: Highly nutritious; weak hair/teeth/bones, seasonal allergies, UTI, asthma
Also supports pollinators and beneficial insects, and is a host plant for several butterfly species
Parts Used: Leaves, stems, roots, and seeds
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Moist, fertile, well-drained soil | Moderate to High Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 3–10)
Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa; naturalized and invasive in parts of North America
Caution: Fresh nettle leaves are covered in fine hairs that can sting—use gloves when handling, and always cook, dry, or blend well before consumption
White Sage- Salvia apiana
Parts Used: Leaves and stems
Care:
Full Sun | Well-drained, dry soil | Low Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 8–11)
Native to Southern California and Baja California
Tradition:
Widely used by Native American tribes in purification and ceremonial practices.
White Horehound - Marrubium vulgare
Medicinal Uses:
External: Traditionally applied to minor wounds and skin irritations
Internal: Historically used to relieve coughs, support respiratory health, and aid digestion
Also attracts pollinators, supporting garden health
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil | Low Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 3–10)
Tradition:
Known for its distinctive bitter taste, White Horehound has been used in traditional remedies for centuries, particularly in lozenges and syrups to soothe coughs and colds
Wild Lettuce - Lactuca virosa
Medicinal Uses:
External: Alleviate localized pain and reduce inflammation
Internal: Historically used as a sedative, pain reliever, and to address digestive discomfort
Parts Used: Leaves and stems
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Well-drained Soil | Moderate Water | Biennial (USDA Zones 5–9)
Tradition:
Known as "Opium Lettuce," it has been valued for its sedative and analgesic properties
Wood Betony - Stachys officinalis
Medicinal Uses:
External: Bruises, Wound wash, soothe burns
Internal: Headaches, digestive stimulant, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia, muscle tenstion, nervous tension, cramps
Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health.
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops).
Care: Full Sun to Partial Shade | Well-drained, loamy to clayey soil | Moderate Water | Perennial (USDA Zones 4–8)
Tradition:
Revered since ancient times, Wood Betony was believed to possess protective qualities and was commonly used in herbal remedies to address a variety of ailments.
Yarrow - Achillea millefolium
Medicinal Uses:
External: Staunches bleeding, wound healing, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and offers antimicrobial properties—especially effective against Gram-positive bacteria,
Internal: Fever, infection, regulate over or under menses, digestive support (like Beano)
**Also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting garden health**
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Care: Full Sun | Well-drained soil | Low to Moderate Water | Perennial (Zones 3–9)
Tradition:
Used as a wound herb in battles across the ages—from ancient Greece to field treatments as recently as World War II. FUN FACT: the fresh leaves can be shoved in the nostril to stop a nosebleed—VERY fun for children