NATIVE HERBS TO PLANT
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - SERVICING MARYLAND, DC, AND VIRGINIA
PLANTING NATIVE HERBS
Cultivating herbs in your garden not only elevates your culinary creations with vibrant, fresh flavors, but also invites helpful insects to naturally manage pests, provide healing and soothing concoctions for your health, and promote sustainable gardening by decreasing reliance on store-bought herbs.
Basil herbs are characterized by their lush green leaves that can vary in shades from deep emerald to lighter hues, often displaying a slightly serrated edge. The plant emits a sweet, peppery aroma that enhances culinary creations and the leaves can be used fresh in salads or as a flavorful addition to sauces and pesto.
Uses: Commonly used to enhance the flavor of dishes such as pasta sauces, fresh salads, and aromatic pesto.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
12 - 36'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
needs moist soil
Chives are slender, green herbs characterized by their tubular leaves, which grow in clumps. With a mild onion aroma and delicate purple flowers that bloom in spring, they are often used to enhance salads, soups, and seafood dishes, adding a fresh and subtle flavor profile.
Uses: Commonly used as a fresh garnish for soups and salads, and blended into creamy dips and sauces to enhance their taste.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
10 - 12'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
drought tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture
Cilantro, with its bright green, feathery leaves and slender stems, exudes a fresh, citrusy aroma that enhances a variety of culinary dishes. Often used in salsas, salads, and as a garnish, its unique flavor profile adds a refreshing element to both cooked and raw preparations, making it a staple in many cuisines.
Uses: Elevates dishes with its fresh flavor in salsas, enhance the taste of curries and soups, and serves as a vibrant garnish for Mexican dishes and salads.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
20 - 24'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
moderately drought tolerant but prefers moist soil
Dill herbs feature delicate, feathery leaves that possess a rich green hue, complemented by slender, yellow flower clusters that add a pop of color to the plant. Known for their distinct, fresh aroma reminiscent of anise, dill is used to enhance dishes like pickles, seafood, and salads with its unique flavor profile.
Uses: Commonly used to enhance the flavor of pickles, as a fresh herb in salads and seafood dishes, and to add a fragrant note to sauces and dressings.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
20 - 24'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
generally requires consistent moisture
Fennel herbs display feathery, bright green leaves that are delicately shaped like fronds, exuding a sweet, anise-like aroma that adds depth to culinary creations. Often used in Mediterranean dishes, the plant’s seeds and leaves can enhance salads, soups, and seafood, providing a unique flavor profile that complements a variety of ingredients.
Uses: Used as a flavorful ingredient in salads, as a spice for seasoning various dishes, and for its health benefits in herbal teas to aid digestion.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
36 - 72'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
varies with some species but generally requires consistent moisture
Lavender herbs are characterized by their slender, elongated leaves and delicate purple flowers that exude a calming aroma reminiscent of tranquil fields. This aromatic plant is often used in making essential oils for aromatherapy and in herbal teas to promote relaxation and wellness.
Uses: Commonly used for its calming aromatherapy properties, as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety, and in skincare products.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
12 - 36'' tall
COLOR
shades of violet
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
varies with some species but requires consistent moisture
Lavender herbs are characterized by their slender, elongated leaves and delicate purple flowers that exude a calming aroma reminiscent of tranquil fields. This aromatic plant is often used in making essential oils for aromatherapy and in herbal teas to promote relaxation and wellness.
Uses: Commonly used as a natural remedy for digestive issues and as an ingredient in herbal teas and culinary dishes for its refreshing flavor.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
24 - 36'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
drought tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture
Mint herbs display a range of green hues, from deep emerald to lighter shades, with leaves that are typically serrated and oval-shaped. This herb is renowned for infusing a bright flavor into dishes and desserts, crafting soothing herbal teas, and extracting essential oils for aromatherapy or natural remedy.
Uses: Commonly used for enhancing the flavor of dishes and beverages, providing a refreshing aroma in essential oils and perfumes, and as a natural remedy.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
12 - 36'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
thrives when soil is consistently moist
Oregano is characterized by its small, ovate leaves that are a rich green color, often tinged with hints of purple on the undersides. The herb emits a warm, earthy aroma that enhances a variety of dishes, making it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and in comforting herbal infusions.
Uses: Commonly used as a key ingredient in Mediterranean marinades and dressings and in soothing teas and essential oils.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
12 - 24'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
drought tolerant with moderate watering
Parsley is typically bright green, feathery, and finely divided, allowing it to add a fresh, vibrant touch to dishes. Often used as a garnish or flavor enhancer in various cuisines, parsley not only elevates the visual appeal of meals but also provides a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
Uses: Used as a fresh garnish, ingredient in salads and sauces like chimichurri, and soups and stews for added depth and freshness.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
12 - 24'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
prefers moist soil
Rosemary is a perennial herb characterized by its needle-like, elongated leaves that exhibit a deep green hue with subtle hints of gray. Its distinctive aroma, reminiscent of pine and wood, enhances a variety of culinary dishes, making it an ideal addition to roasted dishes, hearty stews, and Mediterranean recipes.
Uses: Commonly used as a culinary herb to enhance flavors in dishes and as an aromatic ingredient in essential oils for relaxation and stress relief.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
24 - 72'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Rue herbs feature distinctive gray-green leaves that are rounded and slightly serrated, with bright yellow flowers that exude a strong citrusy aroma. Often used in Mediterranean cuisine, rue enhances dishes such as roasted dishes or stews, but should be added sparingly due to its potent flavor profile.
Uses: Commonly used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, it is used as a culinary herb in Mediterranean cuisine, and applied in traditional medicine.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
20 - 36'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Sage herbs display a rich palette of green and gray hues, with elongated, oval-shaped leaves that are soft to the touch and slightly fuzzy. Their earthy aroma has hints of pine and citrus, making them an excellent addition to savory dishes such as roasted dishes, stews, and stuffing, where their distinct flavor can truly enhance the overall profile of the meal.
Uses: Commonly used to enhance the flavor of savory dishes, but is also revered for its cleansing properties in herbal remedies.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
10 - 12'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
drought tolerant once established
Thyme herbs exhibit small, rounded leaves that range in color from deep green to grayish-green, often featuring a subtle, delicate texture. Their earthy aroma is both robust and fresh, making them an excellent addition to a variety of culinary applications, including roasted dishes, stews, and marinades.
Uses: Commonly used in culinary dishes for flavoring meats and vegetables, as a fragrant herb in herbal teas and in natural remedies.
TYPE
annual
HEIGHT
10 - 12'' tall
COLOR
shades of green
SOWING PERIOD
spring
SUN
full sun
SOIL
well-drained, loamy soil
WATER
highly drought tolerant once established
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