GOOSEBERRY

Ribes

Unlike most other fruit crops, currants and gooseberries tolerate partial shade and prefer a cool, moist growing area with good air circulation. Northern slopes with protection from direct sun are ideal. Planting along the side of a building or shady arbor is suitable as well.

Rich, well drained soils that have a high moisture holding capacity are best. Incorporate organic matter to improve the soil, particularly if it is somewhat sandy. The ideal soil pH is about 6.5. Space 3′- 5 feet apart.

SERVICEBERRY

Amelanchier arborea

Showy, fragrant, ornamental shrub or small tree good in moist soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide variety of soils, but prefers a lighter soil. G rows 15-25′ ht x 12-15′ width.

White flowers in drooping clusters appear March to April, before the leaves emerge, followed by small, round green berries which turn red and mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and are often used in jams, jellies and pies. Full sun recommended for better berries. Besides a delicious fruit for humans and wildlife, serviceberry has been used as a spring tonic and antithelmintic.

Root suckers are common, and if not removed, will result in a shrubby growth habit for the plant.

YARROW

Achillea millefolium

The plant is a frequent component of butterfly gardens. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun, but can be grown in less ideal conditions. Can be planted as a groundcover to combat soil erosion. Drought resistant.

Useful companion plant, repelling some pest insects while attracting good, predatory ones. Attracts predatory wasps, which drink the nectar and then use insect pests as food for their larvae. Similarly, it attracts ladybirds and hoverflies.

Has many herbal uses. Was used as a food or in teas, popular as a vegetable in the 17th century. The younger leaves are said to be a pleasant leaf vegetable when cooked like spinach, or in soup. Yarrow is sweet with a slight bitter taste. The leaves can also be dried and used as an herb in cooking.

GREEN-HEADED CONEFLOWER

Rudbeckia laciniata

A sunflower-like perennial with a branched, leafy stalk growing up to 12′ tall. At the apex of the stalk, flowers have cone-shaped, greenish-yellow centers and back-tilted golden rays and are abundant July through October. The center cones elongate and become brownish as the seeds ripen.

Full sun to shade in moist, slightly acidic soil. Spreads rampantly by underground stems. May need staking in garden situations but otherwise very hardy.

MOUNTAIN MINT

Pyconthemum

Grows up to 5 ft. tall from slender rhizomes (underground stems) and is usually branched on the upper half. Leaves are light green turning to almost white as plant matures. Blooms in late summer to early fall. White to lavender flowers are in round, flat, clusters at the top of the plant. Grows in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers sun.

Raw or cooked flower buds and leaves are edible and have a hot, spicy, mint-like flavor that makes a great spice or seasoning for meat. Fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing herb tea, used for that run down feeling.

Freshens laundry when used in the dryer. Sprinkle on carpets to freshen the whole house and is said to be a good natural insecticide .

RABBIT TOBACCO

Pseudognaphlium obtusifolium

An eye-catching annual, wildflower with an engaging aromatic quality. Also called sweet everlasting. Growing to about 24-32” in full sun, it retains its woolly white stems and leaf undersides and aromatic qualities for months. Late in the season, the stem leaves turn grayish and take on a lasting curly, dried characteristic.

The Cherokee used the leaves in sweat baths, as a sedative for sleepless nights due to nervous complaints, colds and as a local pain reliever for muscle cramps and arthritic pains.

ANGELICA

Angelica archangelica

The herb Angelica loves rich humus soil and a lot of space. Prefers light shade in warm regions and slightly acidic soil. Needs regular watering and good drainage.

Grows to over 5′ and fills in nicely. For a large plant, it appears lacy and delicate, with very large umbels that bloom in May.

Angelica is a natural antibacterial agent, but its reputation has taken a few hits over the last 400 years or so. As a culinary herb, it has a hard to describe licorice aroma and taste mixed with some thing else. Its complex flavor works well with a number of other ingredients.

TENNESSEE PURPLE CONEFLOWER

Echinacea tennesseensis

Easy to grow in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Must be grown in isolation from other species of Echinacea (several miles) in order to harvest seed that retains the genetic integrity of the endangered species. Less vigorous growth habit.

Rose-purple petals (ray flowers) and spiny, coppery center disks with a green tinge. Long summer bloom from June until August. Flowers grow on rigid stems up to 2.5′ tall, with dark green, linear foliage.

Native On the Federal Endangered Species List

STINGING NETTLE

Urtica dioica

PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE NETTLE WITHOUT GLOVES!

Generally grows in moist, nitrogen-rich areas, preferring open, rich forests. Widely considered an invasive weed.

The tiny hairs on stems and leaves are loaded with several chemicals that cause a burning, stinging sensation that can last for hours. First aid remedies include rubbing the affected skin with rubbing alcohol or mud. Prevention is better than the cure!

Nettle internally has been used for cleansing the body and externally for arthritis and joint complaints.

Steaming destroys the stinging hairs. Enjoy nettles as delicious steamed spring greens, or make nettle tea, until the plants get tough.

Plants can be used to deter animals in the garden perimeter.

Take precautions when harvesting raw nettles.

WILD QUININE or

FEVERFEW

Parthenium integrifolium

A 3-4′ tall plant with aromatic foliage and bright white button-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. Good as cut flowers.
Prefers medium soil and full sun. Typically found in dry, somewhat heavy soils in prairies and rocky woods.

The leaves have been used for tea in order to reduce fevers, hence the names. The leaves contain tannin, which is thought to be beneficial for treating burns. Leaves were mashed into a moist, thick paste, which was then applied as a poultice to burns.

The flowers attract Halictine bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and plant bugs. The beetles usually feed on the pollen, while the other insects seek nectar.

HYSSOP

Hyssopus officinalis

Attractive plant with dark green foliage and spikes of small vibrant blue flowers. Grows 12-24” and prefers full sun to part shade and dry, well-drained soil with added organic matter.

The ancient herb is said to cure all manner of ailments from head lice to shortness of breath. It’s also a flavorful addition to salads, soups and stews. As a companion plant, it repels flea beetles and cabbage moths. Hyssop leaves are high in volatile oils giving a distinctive camphor scent and slightly bitter taste. Hyssop has been used traditionally in the production of liquors and perfumes. It’s has culinary applications both fresh and cooked, but hyssop’s strong flavor can be an acquired taste.

SOLOMON’S SEAL

Polygonatum biflorum

Hardy woodland plant preferring a light soil and shade. In the right environment it will thrive and multiply very rapidly by creeping rootstocks. Pale, arching green stems rise 18-24” with leaves turning one direction and drooping white flower clusters hang in the opposite direction. Small blackish blue berries follow.

Medicinally it has been used as a herbal tincture, salve, tea or supplement. As an alternative remedy, it may offer relief, healing or mending to sports injuries and other conditions related to tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, bruises, connecting tissues, cartilage, etc. It’s said to soothe and repair gastrointes-tinal inflammation and injuries. It is effective for feminine issues, such as menstrual cramps, PMS, bleeding, and the like. Also, it is known to lower blood pressure and relieve dry coughs.

FLOWERING SPURGE

Euphorbia corollata

Herbaceous groundcover that produces light green leaves that are covered with white flowers June through October. Drought tolerant once established. A toxic white latex in the leaves and stems keeps deer and other mammals away.

Grows up to 3′ tall in full sun. Prefers dry, poor but well-draining soils. Has a milky sap that can cause skin and eye irritation.

Several medicinal uses by the Cherokee are reported including a treatment for cancer, a purgative, an ointment for sores, and numerous uses of the root: a physic, a treatment for pin worms, and treatment of urinary tract diseases.

All parts of this plant are poisonous.

ST. JOHNS WORT

Hypericum perforatum

Small, maintenance free shrub with yellow flowers from spring to late summer. Not particular about the soil type and adapts to both moist and dry soil, and even tolerates occasional flooding. It withstands drought but grows best with irrigation during prolonged dry spells. Needs full sun to part shade.

St. John’s wort has gotten a lot of press for being a mood regulator that may have the effects of an antidepressant without some of the side effects. Check with your physician before using.

The Cherokee used the leaves in an infusion to reduce diarrhea, fever, and gastrointestinal pain. They used a milky compound to rub on sores; sniffed the crushed plant for nosebleed; and the root was used in poultice for snake bite.

NEW JERSEY TEA

Ceanothus Americanus

Native fragrant, perennial shrub with dense habit and bright green leaves.  White flowers on long stems in late spring to early summer. Full to part sun and average to slightly dry soil.  Good drought tolerance once established.  Grows 24-36: ht x 36-60″ wide.  Hardy zones 4-8.

Young twigs are noticeably yellow and provide subtle winter interest.  The leaves from this shrub make an excellent tea. 

Attracts butterflies and humming-birds. Good cut flower.

Host plant for Spring Azure, Summer Azure, Mottled Duskywing  butterflies

WILD BLUE INDIGO

Baptisia australis

3′-4′ height x 3′ spread. Lavender-blue flowers in early spring. Full sun in drier soils. Interesting seed pods develop when flowers are spent. Soil adaptable. Bees love this plant.

CAROLINA BUSH PEA

Thermopsis villosa

Low maintenance perennials from the mountains of N.Carolina & GA. Attractive silvery-blue foliage. 3-4′ stalks of bright yellow pea-like flowers in early summer. Sun to part shade. Good drainage. Self seeds.

STELLA de ORO DAYLILY

Hemerocallis

Flowers spring to fall. Forms a dense clump of grassy green foliage, with upright stems of fragrant, golden-yellow trumpet flowers. Repeat bloomer. Compact habit. Spent flower stems can be trimmed back after flowers are finished. Remove old foliage in late fall.

10-12” ht x. 12-24” wide. Full sun to part shade. Tolerates a variety of soils. Maintenance free.

CORAL BELLS

Heuchera americana

Evergreen with green leaves with noticeable veining. Spikes of tall, tiny, bell-shaped blooms in late spring to early summer. Woodland plant, full to part shade. Sun will affect leaf color. Cultivars with a range of foliage colors and flowers ranging from white and pink to light coral and deep red. Moist, well draining soil with organic matter. Foliage grows 12-15”. Spikes 24-36”.

COMMON BONESET

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Upright sturdy perennial that forms clumps of unbranched stems with tiny, white flowers arranged in fuzzy clusters atop 3-6 ft. stems in July through September. The stems are covered with long white hairs and bright green leaves that are toothed and up to 8” long. Leaves are opposite with bases that are fused together and wrap around the stem, so that the stem appears to pass through the leaves.

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Does well in both sandy and clay soils. Needs constant moisture.

Historically, boneset was used as a folk medicine for treatment of flus, fevers, colds and a variety of other maladies. Though some authorities claim the name boneset refers to the use of the plant to aid the healing process for broken bones, others claim that the name is in reference to the plant’s use as a diaphoretic in the treatment of an 18th century influenza called break bone fever. Also commonly called thoroughwort.

Hardy zones 4-8.