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Medicinal plants

Plants with a traditional or documented medicinal use.

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All 156 medicinal plants in the catalogue, alphabetical by common name. Each links to a full page with its ratings across the USDA, RHS, Canadian and Australian systems.

  • Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria – Slender meadow perennial with tall spikes of small yellow flowers. Mild and safe digestive and urinary tonic in European herbal tradition. USDA zones 3–8
  • Alder — Common Alnus glutinosa – Riparian European tree, one of the few non-leguminous nitrogen fixers thanks to its Frankia root symbiosis. Bark is a traditional astringent for sore throats. USDA zones 3–7
  • Amla (Indian gooseberry) Phyllanthus emblica – Subtropical tree producing small green-yellow fruit with the highest natural vitamin C of any commonly cultivated plant. A central Ayurvedic rasayana (rejuvenative). USDA zones 9–12
  • Andrographis Andrographis paniculata – Bitter Asian annual sometimes called "Indian echinacea". Aerial parts are a traditional immune support herb across South and Southeast Asia. USDA zones 9–12
  • Angelica Angelica archangelica – Stately biennial or short-lived perennial with hollow stems that have long been candied as a confection. Aromatic root is a traditional digestive bitter. USDA zones 3–7
  • Anise myrtle Syzygium anisatum – Subtropical Queensland native with intensely anise-scented leaves rich in anethole. Culinary and digestive medicinal use. USDA zones 9–11
  • Apple — Monty's Surprise Malus domestica "Monty's Surprise" – New Zealand heritage cultivar with extraordinarily high phytonutrient content — among the most-studied apples for nutritional medicine. USDA zones 6–9
  • Aronia (Black chokeberry) Aronia melanocarpa – North American native shrub with white spring flowers, glossy red autumn foliage, and clusters of intensely astringent dark berries. USDA zones 3–8
  • Ashwagandha Withania somnifera – Indian Ayurvedic adaptogen — a small woody shrub with red berries. Roots are the medicinal part, harvested in autumn. USDA zones 8–11
  • Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus – Chinese leguminous perennial. Roots ("huang qi") are a major immune tonic in traditional Chinese medicine; harvest 4+ year roots. USDA zones 5–9
  • Australian bush mint Mentha satureioides – Aromatic creeping native mint from eastern Australia, a relative of pennyroyal, used for tea and flavouring. USDA zones 8–10
  • Bacopa (Brahmi) Bacopa monnieri – Creeping aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial. One of the most studied Ayurvedic herbs for cognitive support and memory. USDA zones 8–12
  • Bai zhu (White atractylodes) Atractylodes macrocephala – Thistle-relative perennial with finely divided leaves and ornamental thistle-like flower heads. Rhizomes are a major TCM digestive and spleen tonic. USDA zones 4–8
  • Bibhitaki Terminalia bellirica – Tropical tree native to South and Southeast Asia. Fruit is a respiratory tonic and the third component of the Ayurvedic triphala formula. USDA zones 10–12
  • Bitter dream herb Calea zacatechichi – Frost-tender Central American shrub taken traditionally as a bitter tea and "dream herb". USDA zones 9–11
  • Bitter melon Momordica charantia – Tropical cucurbit climber producing warty green fruit eaten as a vegetable across South and Southeast Asia. Studied for hypoglycaemic activity. USDA zones 9–12
  • Black cohosh Actaea racemosa – Tall woodland perennial with feathery white flower spikes (1.5–2 m). Roots are a widely-used herb for menopausal symptom support. USDA zones 3–8
  • Blackcurrant Ribes nigrum – Deciduous shrub bearing intensely flavoured black berries packed with vitamin C. Cool-summer plant — declines quickly in hot dry climates. USDA zones 3–7
  • Blessed thistle (Holy thistle) Cnicus benedictus – Spiny annual thistle with yellow flower heads. Traditional digestive bitter and galactagogue; different from milk thistle despite the similar common names. USDA zones 4–8
  • Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis – Spring ephemeral of eastern North American woodlands. White flowers and orange-red sap from the rhizome. Listed for reference rather than home use. USDA zones 3–8
  • Blue cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides – Eastern North American woodland perennial with finely divided foliage and deep blue berries. Listed for reference; significant toxicity precludes home use. USDA zones 3–8
  • Blue vervain Verbena hastata – North American native vervain with candelabra spikes of small blue-violet flowers. Nervine and digestive with a bitter taste. USDA zones 3–8
  • Bog myrtle (Sweet gale) Myrica gale – Aromatic wetland shrub of UK and northern European bogs. Used to flavour beer (gruit) before hops became standard, and a traditional Scottish midge repellent. USDA zones 1–6
  • Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum – Wetland-edge perennial with characteristic perfoliate leaves (the stem appears to grow through them). Traditionally used for influenza and feverish illness. USDA zones 3–8
  • Boswellia (Frankincense) Boswellia sacra – Small drought-adapted tree of the Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa. Resin is the source of frankincense and a powerful anti-inflammatory. USDA zones 10–12
  • Buckthorn — Alder Frangula alnus – Wetland-edge European shrub. Aged bark is a stimulant laxative similar to senna; only the dried-and-aged bark is safe — fresh bark causes severe vomiting. USDA zones 3–7
  • Bupleurum (Chai hu) Bupleurum chinense – Slender umbellifer with yellow-green flower umbels. Roots are a central liver-protective and anti-inflammatory herb in TCM, central to many classical formulae. USDA zones 4–8
  • Burdock Arctium lappa – Tall biennial with heart-shaped leaves and the famous bristly seed burrs that inspired Velcro. Roots are the Japanese vegetable gobo and a traditional blood-purifying medicinal. USDA zones 2–9
  • Bush tomato (Akudjura) Solanum centrale – Low desert-adapted Australian native solanum producing yellow-brown sun-dried fruit traditionally harvested by central desert Aboriginal communities. USDA zones 9–12
  • Calendula (Pot marigold) Calendula officinalis – Cheerful orange or yellow daisy-flowered annual that self-seeds reliably and flowers from late spring until hard frost. A traditional companion plant in vegetable gardens. USDA zones 2–11
  • California poppy Eschscholzia californica – Brilliant orange-flowered native of California, perennial in mild climates and an annual elsewhere. Traditional gentle sedative and analgesic. USDA zones 5–10
  • Cat's claw Uncaria tomentosa – Vigorous tropical Peruvian woody vine with hooked thorns ("cat's claws") at the leaf bases. Inner bark is a traditional Amazonian anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator. USDA zones 9–12
  • Catnip Nepeta cataria – Mint-family perennial with grey-green leaves and small white flowers. Famously stimulating to most domestic cats. USDA zones 3–9
  • Chamomile — German Matricaria chamomilla – Annual chamomile — taller and more upright than Roman. The species used for medicinal chamomile tea. USDA zones 2–8
  • Chamomile — Roman Chamaemelum nobile – Low spreading perennial with apple-scented foliage and small daisy flowers. The traditional "chamomile lawn" plant. USDA zones 3–8
  • Chicory Cichorium intybus – Versatile perennial used for forced blanched chicons (witloof), open-headed leaves (radicchio), or roasted root coffee substitute. USDA zones 3–9
  • Chinese foxglove (Sheng di huang) Rehmannia glutinosa – Tubular-flowered perennial with rosy-red blossoms. Roots are a major kidney and blood tonic in TCM, used both raw and prepared with different effects. USDA zones 6–9
  • Chinese skullcap Scutellaria baicalensis – Drought-tolerant blue-flowered perennial with a different chemistry from American skullcap. Roots ("huang qin") are a major TCM anti-inflammatory. USDA zones 4–8
  • Chrysanthemum (medicinal) Chrysanthemum morifolium – Cultivated chrysanthemum with edible flowers used in TCM as an eye and liver herb. The same species used widely as an autumn cut flower. USDA zones 5–9
  • Cleavers (Goosegrass) Galium aparine – Sticky scrambling annual that catches on clothing — and on itself — via tiny hooked hairs. Traditional spring lymphatic tonic; young shoots edible. USDA zones 2–9
  • Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara – Spring perennial whose yellow flowers emerge before any leaves appear — among the very first wildflowers of the temperate spring. Traditional respiratory herb. USDA zones 3–8
  • Comfrey Symphytum officinale – Coarse-leaved perennial with deep taproot. A workhorse of permaculture gardens for compost activator, mulch, and chop-and-drop fertility. USDA zones 3–9
  • Coptis (Chinese goldthread) Coptis chinensis – Low evergreen ground cover with finely divided foliage. Roots carry berberine — the same antimicrobial alkaloid as endangered goldenseal — and are a more sustainable cultivated source. USDA zones 5–8
  • Cowslip Primula veris – Native meadow perennial with clusters of nodding deep yellow flowers held above a rosette of leaves. Once common in chalk and limestone grassland. USDA zones 3–8
  • Cretan rock rose Cistus creticus – Aromatic Mediterranean shrub with crinkled pink flowers; the sticky leaves yield labdanum resin. USDA zones 8–10
  • Dandelion Taraxacum officinale – Familiar lawn weed and traditional liver and kidney tonic. Every part is edible — leaves in salads, roots roasted as coffee substitute, flowers in syrups and wines. USDA zones 2–10
  • Dang shen (Poor man's ginseng) Codonopsis pilosula – Twining vine with bell-shaped flowers. Roots are a gentler, less expensive substitute for true ginseng in many TCM formulae. USDA zones 5–8
  • Desert lime Citrus glauca – Thorny native Australian citrus of arid inland regions. Small green fruit has exceptionally high vitamin C and a sharp distinctive flavour. USDA zones 8–12
  • Dittany of Crete Origanum dictamnus – Woolly-leaved Cretan endemic with cascading pink flower bracts, brewed as a herbal tea. USDA zones 8–10
  • Dock — Broad-leaved Rumex obtusifolius – Common pasture weed with deep taproot and broad leaves. Traditional folk remedy for nettle stings — rub the leaves on the skin — and a useful biomass plant for compost heaps. USDA zones 3–9
  • Dong quai (Chinese angelica) Angelica sinensis – Cool-climate Chinese cousin of European angelica. Roots are one of the most prescribed female-reproductive herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. USDA zones 4–7
  • Echinacea (Coneflower) Echinacea purpurea – North American prairie native with bold pink-purple coneflowers through summer. Strong bee and butterfly plant. USDA zones 3–9
  • Egyptian blue lotus Nymphaea caerulea – Tropical day-blooming water lily grown in ponds and tubs for its fragrant blue flowers. USDA zones 9–12
  • Elderberry Sambucus nigra – Vigorous deciduous shrub or small tree. Creamy summer flower heads (cordials, wine) followed by clusters of dark berries (syrups, traditional medicine). USDA zones 3–9
  • Elecampane Inula helenium – Architectural perennial reaching 1.5–2 m with sunflower-like yellow flowers. Aromatic root is a traditional respiratory and digestive herb. USDA zones 3–8
  • Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) Eleutherococcus senticosus – Cold-hardy Siberian shrub with thorny stems. An adaptogen with similar effects to true ginseng — but in a different genus and far easier to grow. USDA zones 3–8
  • Eucalyptus — Blue gum Eucalyptus globulus – Large fast-growing Australian eucalyptus, widely planted globally. Essential oil from the leaves is a traditional respiratory and decongestant remedy. USDA zones 8–11
  • Eucalyptus — Lemon-scented Corymbia citriodora – Tall eucalyptus with smooth pale bark and lemon-fragrant leaves. Essential oil is dominated by citronellal — a recognised insect repellent. USDA zones 9–11
  • Fennel Foeniculum vulgare – Tall feathery anise-scented perennial. Valued for foliage, seeds, swollen stem bases (Florence fennel), and as host plant. USDA zones 4–9
  • Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum – Fast-growing annual legume — Indian culinary herb (methi), a galactagogue medicinal, and an excellent warm-season green manure with a distinctive maple-syrup scent. USDA zones 2–11
  • Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium – Daisy-flowered perennial historically used for migraine prevention. Leaves and flowers carry the active sesquiterpene parthenolide. USDA zones 5–9
  • Forsythia Forsythia suspensa – Familiar yellow spring-flowering shrub with a less-known second life as a TCM antiviral ("lianqiao") harvested from the fruit. USDA zones 5–8
  • Galangal Alpinia galanga – Larger ginger relative widely used in Thai, Indonesian, and Malay cooking. Rhizomes have a sharper, more peppery character than common ginger. USDA zones 8–12
  • Garlic Allium sativum – Indispensable culinary allium grown from cloves. Hardneck types produce edible flower scapes; softneck types store longer and braid easily. USDA zones 4–9
  • Ginger Zingiber officinale – Familiar rhizomatous perennial — culinary spice and traditional anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory remedy across many medical traditions. USDA zones 8–12
  • Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba – Living-fossil tree, the sole survivor of an ancient lineage. Leaves are studied for cognitive and circulatory support; trees are exceptionally tough city plants. USDA zones 3–9
  • Ginseng — American Panax quinquefolius – North American cousin of Asian ginseng — cooler-climate, gentler tonic, and historically over-harvested from eastern US deciduous forests. USDA zones 3–7
  • Ginseng — Asian (Korean) Panax ginseng – The original Korean ginseng — slow-growing forest understorey perennial. Roots are among the most prized adaptogens in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. USDA zones 4–8
  • Goat's rue Galega officinalis – European perennial herb that yielded the chemistry behind metformin — the most-prescribed type-2 diabetes drug in the world. Pale lilac pea flowers attract bees. USDA zones 4–8
  • Goji berry (Wolfberry) Lycium barbarum – Cold-hardy Chinese shrub of the nightshade family producing small bright orange-red berries used dried in traditional Chinese medicine. USDA zones 3–10
  • Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis – Eastern North American woodland perennial. Yellow rhizomes carry berberine — antimicrobial and astringent — and have been so heavily wild-harvested the species is now endangered. USDA zones 3–8
  • Gotu kola Centella asiatica – Low ground-cover perennial used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for cognitive support and wound healing. USDA zones 7–12
  • Greek mountain tea Sideritis – Woolly grey-green Mediterranean herb (ironwort) whose dried flowering stems are brewed as a tea. USDA zones 7–10
  • Guelder rose Viburnum opulus – European hedgerow shrub with white lace-cap flowers in spring and clusters of bright red translucent berries in autumn. Bark ("crampbark") is a traditional antispasmodic. USDA zones 3–8
  • Gurmar (Sugar destroyer) Gymnema sylvestre – Tropical climbing vine of South and Southeast Asia. Chewing the leaves temporarily abolishes the perception of sweetness — hence "sugar destroyer". USDA zones 10–12
  • Haritaki Terminalia chebula – Large tropical Asian tree. Astringent fruit is a major Ayurvedic digestive tonic and one of the three components of the classic triphala formula. USDA zones 9–12
  • Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna – Thorny hedgerow tree with white spring blossom and red autumn haws. Backbone of British and Irish hedgerow ecology — supports hundreds of insect species. USDA zones 4–8
  • He shou wu (Fo-ti) Reynoutria multiflora – TCM longevity herb taken from prepared (cured) tuberous root. Climbing perennial related to Japanese knotweed. USDA zones 5–9
  • Holy basil (Tulsi) Ocimum tenuiflorum – Sacred plant in Hindu tradition and a major Ayurvedic adaptogen. Distinct from culinary basil — clove-scented foliage, small purple flower spikes. USDA zones 9–12
  • Hop Humulus lupulus – Vigorous herbaceous climber grown for the resinous female cones used to flavour and preserve beer. Dies to the ground each winter. USDA zones 3–8
  • Horseradish Armoracia rusticana – Coarse-leaved perennial grown for its pungent roots. Once established, near-impossible to eradicate from a planting. USDA zones 2–9
  • Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis – Compact woody Mediterranean herb with deep blue flower spikes and pungent leaves. Underused in modern gardens. USDA zones 3–9
  • Indian long pepper Piper longum – Tropical climbing vine related to black pepper. Catkin-like fruit is a culinary spice and a known bioenhancer in Ayurveda — increasing absorption of co-administered herbs and pharmaceuticals. USDA zones 10–12
  • Joe Pye weed Eutrochium purpureum – Tall (2–3 m) clump-forming perennial with mauve-pink flower heads. Traditional urinary tonic; one of the most important late-season nectar plants of the eastern North American garden. USDA zones 4–9
  • Juniper Juniperus communis – Variable evergreen conifer ranging from prostrate ground cover to small upright tree. Berry-like cones are the signature flavour of gin and a traditional digestive and urinary herb. USDA zones 2–7
  • Kakadu plum Terminalia ferdinandiana – Small deciduous tree of the tropical Northern Territory. Pale yellow-green fruit carries the highest measured vitamin C of any food source — around 3000 mg per 100 g. USDA zones 9–12
  • Kangaroo apple Solanum laciniatum – Soft-wooded Australian native shrub with deeply lobed leaves and orange-yellow fruit. A commercial source of solasodine — a steroid alkaloid used in pharmaceutical cortisone production. USDA zones 8–11
  • Kawakawa Piper excelsum – Heart-leaved New Zealand native shrub of the pepper family. Leaves are a major Māori medicinal plant, used both topically and as a tea. USDA zones 9–11
  • Lemon balm Melissa officinalis – Soft-leaved mint relative with strong lemon scent. Used in herbal teas and as a calming traditional medicinal. USDA zones 3–9
  • Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora – Subtropical Queensland native with the highest natural citral content of any plant. Leaves are both culinary (intensely lemon-scented) and medicinal (antimicrobial). USDA zones 9–11
  • Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra – Mediterranean leguminous perennial. Sweet roots are a major anti-inflammatory and demulcent in both Western and Chinese traditions; harvest after 3+ years. USDA zones 6–9
  • Linden (Lime tree) Tilia cordata – Large long-lived European tree (the British "lime", unrelated to citrus). Flowers are a classic European nervine tea — calming and mildly sleep-promoting. USDA zones 3–8
  • Lobelia (Indian tobacco) Lobelia inflata – North American annual with small pale-blue flowers and inflated seed capsules. Historical respiratory and emetic use — known by the unflattering name "puke weed". USDA zones 2–9
  • Lovage Levisticum officinale – Tall perennial herb with strong celery flavour. One of the larger herbs — a single mature plant occupies a square metre. USDA zones 3–8
  • Maca Lepidium meyenii – Andean root vegetable from the high Peruvian altiplano (4000+ m). Adaptogenic effects on energy, hormone balance, and fertility. USDA zones 7–9
  • Magnolia bark (Houpu) Magnolia officinalis – Chinese medicinal magnolia. Bark is the source of magnolol and honokiol — studied for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. USDA zones 5–9
  • Manuka Leptospermum scoparium – New Zealand and southeastern Australian native shrub with masses of small white or pink flowers. Source of the famous manuka honey and a strong antimicrobial essential oil. USDA zones 8–10
  • Marshmallow Althaea officinalis – Tall mallow with soft grey-green leaves and pale pink flowers. Mucilaginous root and leaf are demulcent — soothing for digestive and respiratory tract irritation. USDA zones 3–9
  • Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria – Damp-meadow perennial with frothy creamy flower heads carrying salicylates — the natural precursor that gave aspirin its name (from the old genus Spiraea). USDA zones 3–8
  • Milk thistle Silybum marianum – Tall biennial or annual thistle with marbled leaves and pink-purple flower heads. Seeds yield silymarin, the most studied plant compound for liver support. USDA zones 5–9
  • Mint — Peppermint Mentha × piperita – Sterile hybrid mint with very high menthol content. Primary use is medicinal and as flavouring rather than culinary. USDA zones 3–11
  • Mint — Spearmint Mentha spicata – The standard culinary mint — sweet, mild, ubiquitous in Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian cooking. USDA zones 3–11
  • Monarda (Bee balm) Monarda didyma – Showy mint-family perennial with red, pink, or purple flower heads. Traditional Native American antimicrobial and respiratory herb; the source of "Oswego tea". USDA zones 3–9
  • Moringa (Drumstick tree) Moringa oleifera – Fast-growing subtropical tree of remarkable nutritional value — leaves are exceptionally rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Drumstick-like seed pods are a south Indian vegetable. USDA zones 9–12
  • Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca – Tall mint-family perennial with pink-purple flower whorls. Traditionally used as a cardiac tonic and for menstrual symptom support. USDA zones 3–8
  • Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris – Tall silver-grey aromatic perennial used historically as a digestive bitter and as the herb burned in traditional moxibustion. USDA zones 3–9
  • Mullein Verbascum thapsus – Striking biennial with a basal rosette of soft fuzzy leaves in year one and a tall flowering spike (1.5–2 m) in year two. Traditional respiratory and ear-infection herb. USDA zones 3–9
  • Native hemp (Gynatrix) Gynatrix pulchella – Soft-leaved Australian native shrub of cool-temperate riparian forests. Inner bark traditionally used for fibre cordage; medicinal use also recorded. USDA zones 8–10
  • Neem Azadirachta indica – Large fast-growing Indian tree. Every part is medicinal, and the seed-derived azadirachtin is one of the best-known botanical insecticides. USDA zones 10–12
  • Noni Morinda citrifolia – Tropical Pacific island tree producing pungent, ripe-cheese-scented fruit. Fermented juice is a traditional Polynesian medicinal across many island cultures. USDA zones 10–12
  • Oregano Origanum vulgare – Spreading perennial herb with intense flavour developed best in hot dry conditions. USDA zones 4–10
  • Partridgeberry Mitchella repens – Trailing evergreen ground cover of eastern North American forests. Bright red berries and small white twin flowers. Traditional indigenous childbirth-preparation herb. USDA zones 3–9
  • Passionflower — Medicinal Passiflora incarnata – Hardy native passionflower of the southeastern US, distinct from the edible passionfruit species. Aerial parts traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia. USDA zones 5–9
  • Pau D'Arco Tabebuia impetiginosa – Large South American tree producing spectacular pink-purple trumpet flowers in spring before leaves emerge. Inner bark contains lapachol — antimicrobial and antifungal. USDA zones 9–12
  • Pine — Scots Pinus sylvestris – Iconic conifer of the European and Asian temperate north, with characteristic orange-red upper bark. Needle and resin essential oils have respiratory and antimicrobial uses. USDA zones 2–7
  • Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata – Low evergreen woodland sub-shrub with whorled glossy leaves and pink waxy flowers. Traditional urinary tract herb of North American Indigenous peoples. USDA zones 3–7
  • Plantain — Broadleaf Plantago major – Broad-leaved weed of compacted ground worldwide. Traditional poultice for wounds, stings, and minor burns; young leaves edible. USDA zones 2–10
  • Plantain — Ribwort Plantago lanceolata – Narrow-leaved cousin of broadleaf plantain. Traditionally used as a respiratory expectorant and for soothing sore throats. USDA zones 2–10
  • Red clover Trifolium pratense – Pink-purple flowering legume long used as a forage crop, nitrogen-fixing cover crop, and herbal source of phytoestrogenic isoflavones. USDA zones 3–9
  • Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea – Cold-climate Arctic and alpine succulent perennial. Roots are a traditional Russian and Scandinavian adaptogen for cold-stress and altitude. USDA zones 1–7
  • Rimu Dacrydium cupressinum – Endemic New Zealand conifer with weeping branchlets and exceptional longevity (often 800+ years). Bark and leaves used by Māori in traditional medicine. USDA zones 8–10
  • Roman wormwood Artemisia pontica – Hardy aromatic perennial with finely cut silvery foliage, used to flavour vermouth and bitters. USDA zones 4–9
  • Rosehip (Dog rose) Rosa canina – Wild European hedgerow rose. Bright red autumn hips carry exceptionally high vitamin C and were the basis of wartime UK rosehip syrup. USDA zones 3–8
  • Rowan (Mountain ash) Sorbus aucuparia – Small graceful European tree with feathery foliage and brilliant orange-red berries. Berries are exceptionally high in vitamin C and traditionally used in jellies and tonics. USDA zones 3–7
  • Sage — Common Salvia officinalis – Aromatic Mediterranean evergreen sub-shrub with grey-green felted leaves. Strong bee forage when in flower. USDA zones 4–9
  • Schisandra Schisandra chinensis – Hardy deciduous climbing vine producing red berries known in Chinese as "wu wei zi" — five-flavour fruit. Adaptogenic and liver-protective. USDA zones 3–8
  • Sea buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides – Thorny silver-leaved shrub bearing dense clusters of tart bright-orange berries. Berries have exceptional vitamin C and E content; growing commercial bushfood interest. USDA zones 3–8
  • Selfheal Prunella vulgaris – Low creeping perennial with short violet flower spikes. Tough enough to flower in a mown lawn and a reliable forage plant for short-tongued bees. USDA zones 3–8
  • Senna Senna alexandrina – Drought-tolerant North African shrub. Leaves and pods are a powerful stimulant laxative — the source of most over-the-counter laxative preparations. USDA zones 9–12
  • Shatavari Asparagus racemosus – Climbing Indian relative of edible asparagus with feathery foliage and white fragrant flowers. Roots are a major Ayurvedic female reproductive tonic. USDA zones 7–11
  • Skullcap — American Scutellaria lateriflora – Slender mint-family perennial of moist North American woodlands. Aerial parts traditionally used as a calming nervine. USDA zones 4–8
  • Solomon's seal Polygonatum biflorum – Arching woodland perennial with paired white pendant flowers under each leaf node. Rhizomes used in folk medicine for connective-tissue and joint support. USDA zones 3–8
  • Spicebush Lindera benzoin – Eastern North American understorey shrub with intensely aromatic bark, leaves, and red berries. Traditional culinary spice and medicinal substitute for tropical spices in colonial kitchens. USDA zones 4–9
  • Spilanthes (Toothache plant) Acmella oleracea – Sprawling tropical perennial with curious red-and-yellow button flower heads. Chewing the flower head produces a strong tingling, numbing sensation — a topical local anaesthetic. USDA zones 9–11
  • St John's wort Hypericum perforatum – Yellow-flowered perennial used medicinally for centuries; flowers around the summer solstice. Considered invasive in Australia and parts of North America. USDA zones 3–9
  • Stinging nettle Urtica dioica – Fierce-looking perennial with stinging hairs that hide one of the most nutritious wild greens. Young shoots cook into a spinach-like vegetable; mature plant is anti-inflammatory. USDA zones 2–9
  • Sweet clover — White Melilotus albus – Tall biennial legume with intensely fragrant white flower spikes. A major honey plant and one of the deepest-rooted dynamic accumulators of any cover crop. USDA zones 3–9
  • Sweet clover — Yellow Melilotus officinalis – Yellow-flowered counterpart of white sweet clover with similar habits. Historically used as a wound herb in European folk medicine; same intense vanilla-coumarin scent when dried. USDA zones 3–9
  • Sweet pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum – Eastern Australian native shrub or small tree with glossy wavy-edged leaves. Bark traditionally used by Aboriginal people; intensely fragrant spring flowers. USDA zones 8–11
  • Sweet violet Viola odorata – Low-growing ground cover with intensely fragrant deep-purple flowers in earliest spring. Flowers and leaves edible and medicinal. USDA zones 3–8
  • Tansy Tanacetum vulgare – Aromatic European perennial with feathery foliage and flat clusters of yellow button flowers. Traditional strewing herb and natural insect repellent. USDA zones 3–8
  • Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia – Narrow-leaved Australian melaleuca of coastal NSW wallum heath. Steam-distilled essential oil is a widely studied antimicrobial, dominated by terpinen-4-ol. USDA zones 8–11
  • Thyme — Common Thymus vulgaris – Low-growing Mediterranean sub-shrub. Powerfully aromatic — culinary, medicinal, and a strong bee plant. USDA zones 4–9
  • Turmeric Curcuma longa – Rhizomatous perennial of the ginger family. The bright orange rhizomes carry curcumin — one of the most studied anti-inflammatory plant compounds. USDA zones 8–12
  • Valerian Valeriana officinalis – Tall perennial with frothy clusters of pale-pink scented flowers in early summer. Roots are the source of the traditional sleep herb. USDA zones 3–9
  • Vervain Verbena officinalis – Slender wiry perennial with small pale-lilac flowers. Traditional nervine used in European herbalism for centuries. USDA zones 4–8
  • Wharangi (Lemonwood) Pittosporum eugenioides – New Zealand native pittosporum with lemon-scented foliage and pale yellow flowers. Traditional Māori medicinal use and an excellent screening or hedge plant. USDA zones 8–10
  • Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa – Lavender-pink flowering monarda of the prairies, more drought-tolerant than its cousin M. didyma. Same medicinal use; better choice for dry gardens. USDA zones 3–9
  • Wild ginger (North American) Asarum canadense – Heart-leaved woodland ground cover with hidden purple-brown flowers at ground level. Aromatic rhizome smells like ginger but is botanically unrelated. USDA zones 3–8
  • Willow — Pussy (Goat willow) Salix caprea – Smaller willow with silver catkins — the "pussy willow" of late winter. Same medicinal salicin content as white willow, on a more garden-friendly plant. USDA zones 4–8
  • Willow — White Salix alba – Large riparian European tree. Bark is the natural source of salicin — the precursor compound that led to the synthesis of aspirin. USDA zones 2–8
  • Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens – Low evergreen North American groundcover for cool, moist, acidic shade, with red wintergreen-flavoured berries. USDA zones 3–7
  • Witch hazel Hamamelis virginiana – Multi-stemmed understorey shrub or small tree. Bark and leaves are a powerful astringent — the active in commercial witch hazel toner. USDA zones 3–8
  • Wood betony Betonica officinalis – Upright native meadow and woodland-edge perennial with short purple-red flower spikes above a rosette of crinkled leaves. Among the most useful all-round wildlife plants for the British garden. USDA zones 4–8
  • Wormwood Artemisia absinthium – Silvery-leaved Mediterranean perennial. Historically the bittering agent in absinthe; carries the artemisinin-relative thujone. USDA zones 3–8
  • Yarrow Achillea millefolium – Resilient perennial with finely divided leaves and flat clusters of small flowers in midsummer. Native across both Europe and North America. USDA zones 2–9

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