Plant Profile: Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
Karen Shiso, also called beefsteak plant, is a herbaceous perennial herb grown as an annual and is native to Southeast Asia and Indian highlands. It is a member of the mint…
Edible Flowers: Violets, Johnny Jump Ups, and Pansies (Viola spp)
These three members of the genus Viola are spring blooming plants known for their pretty five petaled flowers. The common violet (V. odorata) also known as sweet violet is a…
Plant Profile:Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
Chervil is an herbaceous herb native to the Caucasus but naturalized in Europe. It is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae) which includes parsley, dill, and many other aromatic…
Plant Profile: Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)
Alexanders is a biennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and known to the ancient Greeks. It grows wild in many parts of Europe and was introduced into England by…
Edible Flowers : Daylily (Hemerocalis fulva)
Daylily (Hemerocalis fulva) is also known by several other names including ditch lily, outhouse lily, and twany lily. It is native to Asia but was introduced into North America in…
Edible Flowers: Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa sinensis)
Chinese hibiscus is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the mallow family (Malvaeceae) along with hollyhock, cotton, okra, and cacao. It is a popular landscape plant in…
Edible Flowers: Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Pot marigold is a short lived herbaceous perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) native to southern Europe but cultivated now all over the world. It grows up to two feet…
Edible Flowers: Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
A native of southwestern China, this hollyhock is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae, and related to hibiscus, cotton, okra, and cacao. It may be an annual, biennial, or…
Edible Flowers: Roses
The rose has been cultivated for thousands of years and is still one of the most popular garden plants. Cultivation probably began in China but has spread to most of…
Plant Profile: Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage is an annual herb native to south eastern Turkey but has naturalized in the Mediterranean area, North America, and parts of Europe. The Romans fed it to gladiators and…