Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Karen This evergreen shrub is native to the dry rocky hills of the Mediterranean area and is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes beebalm, basal, and lavender.…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
Also called scarlet or Virginia strawberry, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes apples, lady’s mantle, and pyracantha. It is native to eastern…
Plants of Williamsburg: Horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana aka Cochlearia armoracia)
This herbaceous perennial is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes broccoli, alyssum, and stock. It’s origin is obscure but it is believed to be native to…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Also called herb of grace, rue is an evergreen mounding subshrub and a member of the Rutaceae family that also includes oranges, limes, and skimmia. It is native to the…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Oregano aka Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
This aromatic perennial herb is native from the Mediterranean to central Asia but has naturalized in the eastern US. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also…
Plants of Colonial Willimasburg: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium aka Chrysanthemum parthenium aka Pyrethrum parthenium aka Matricaria parthenium )
Feverfew is a bushy, aromatic biennial or short-lived perennial and a member of the aster family, Asteracea, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to the Balkans…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Also called Indian cress, this trailing annual is in the family Tropaeolaceae and is native to the Andes from Bolivia to Colombia. Plants grow 2-12″ tall or more with support…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia aka L. officinalis)
Although known as English lavender this strongly aromatic shrub is not native to England but to the western Mediterranean especially the Pyrenees and northern mountains of Spain. It is a…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana aka Majorana hortensis)
A native of North Africa and Southwest Asia, marjoram is a tender perennial and a member of the mint family, Labiatae, that also includes basil, rosemary and beebalm. Plants form…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare aka F. officinale)
Fennel is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae that also includes parsley, celery, and Queen Anne’s lace. It is native to the Mediterranean region region…