Herb Gardening in the Low Desert

Herb Gardening
in the Low Desert
Mike & Carolyn Hills
Arizona Herb Association
&
Maricopa County
Master Gardeners

AZHerb.org
@HerbArizona
Facebook/ArizonaHerb
info@azherb.org

And, there’s ROSEMARY
….That’s for remembrance.
W.Shakespeare
http://www.nothyme.com/herbs/rosemary.cfm

Our Personal Soapbox
Sun Protection Tools
Arizona has the
highest
incidence of
skin cancer in
the USA, with
300+ sun days
per year
http:azcc.arizona.edu/prevent/
Skin_Prevent.htm

AZ Gardening Tools
Regular skin checkup

And, it’s not just about skin cancer
• Excess sun exposure can cause:
• premature aging
• wrinkled, leathery and rough skin
• sunburn
• skin cancer

Sun Protective Clothing
www.sunprotectiveclothing.com
BAKER
NURSERY and
Other Local,
Family Owned
Gardener
Friendly
Nurseries &
Garden Shops
PLUS,
Sports Stores

What We’ll Talk About Today
• Intro to MGs & AHA
• What’s an Herb?
• Where to Plant/How to Grow
• Top Reasons Why Herbs Die Here
• Recommended Gardens to Tour
• Recommended Books

What We’ll Talk About Today
• Where to Buy/Botanical Names
• Pop Quiz
• Garden Tour
• Break
• Parade of Herbs
• Summary
• Questions

Maricopa County
Master Gardeners
• 600 Volunteers who “help promote
environmentally responsible gardening &
landscaping in the Low Desert”
– Desert Garden Institute
– Ambassadors
– Speakers Bureau
– Hotline, Website, List Serve, Publications
• http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/
• Garden Questions 602-470-8086

Maricopa County
Master Gardeners
• Become a Master Gardener Volunteer!
• Call 602-470-8086 for next training
• http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/
html/mgs/mg-broch.htm

est. 1988
• 100-200 herb enthusiasts
• Meet 1st Thursday of each month
(except Summer) 7:00 p.m.
• Speakers on all aspects of herbs
• Demonstration Garden
• Scholarships & Public Service
• www.azherb.org for location & topic
• Or 602-470-8086 ext 830

Herb Demonstration Garden

Culinary Group

“Herb” vs. “Erb” (and “Yerba”)
• Oxford English Dictionary -- “Herb”
• Webster’s American Dictionary –
either pronunciation accepted.
• “Yerba” is the Spanish word for herb
– Yerba Anis (Mexican Tarragon)
– Yerba Mansa (Swamp Root)
– Yerba Buena (Spearmint)

What is an Herb?
• An Herb is a PLANT:
– Trees
– Shrubs and sub-shrubs
– Vines
– Woody-stemmed perennials
– Herbaceous plants
– annual, perennial and biennual
– Ferns
– Fungi (current research for sunscreen pill extract)

What is an Herb?
• A Herb is a USEFUL Plant:
– Culinary
– Medicinal
– Crafting
– Dyes
– Religious/Cultural/Ceremonial
– Beauty/Personal Care
– Aroma

What Part of the Herb is Used?
• Roots
• Stems
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Fruits
(Seeds or Bark = Spices)

Where do Herbs Come From?
Every Land Mass – Every Culture

Climate Origin Clues
for Growing Herbs
• Central Europe –
cool & moist
• Eurasia – cool and
moderate moisture
• Mediterranean –
dry & hot
• Africa – dry & hot
OR tropical & wet
• Central America –
tropical hot & wet
• South America –
variable – Where?
• Mexico – dry & hot OR
tropical & wet
• North America –
variable – Where?
• Southeast Asia –
tropical hot & wet
• China – variable –
Where?

Herbs are Easy to Grow in
the Low Desert
• Many popular & common herbs
originated in the Mediterranean or
North Africa, places with:
– hot climates
– low rainfall
– alkaline soils
• Just like Southwest
USA
Green French Lavender
Culinary Sage

Herbs are Easy to Grow in
the Low Desert
• Many other herbs originated in tropical
Southeast Asia, Equatorial Africa, or
tropical South & Central America.
• Love our heat, but need additional:
– organic matter
– water
– fertilizer
Lemongrass
Basil

Where Should You Plant Herbs?
Traditional Herb Garden
from “Practical Herb Garden” by J. Houdret

Cloister Garden

Tudor “Knot” Garden

Mesquite Herb Garden

Another Mesquite Herb Garden

Aloe vera in a Xeriscape Landscape

Chaparral Sage in a Landscape

African Blue Basil on a Patio

Apple Mint as Garden Art

Rosemary Trailing Over a Wall

Rosemary Trailing Over a Parking Garage

Rosemary at a Gas Station

Rosemary as a hedge

Breadseed (Opium) & California
Poppies in a Wildflower Mix

Breadseed Poppies in a Wildflower Mix

Yerba Mansa in a Pond Environment

Anywhere!!
Yerba Mansa in a Birdbath

Top Reasons Why Herbs Die
#1
• You planted at the wrong time!
• Our planting calendar is “backward”
Fall is primary planting season here
– Parsley
– Dill
– Fennel
– Cilantro
– Onions/Garlics

#2
• You chose the wrong site for your variety.
Variegated Sage Can’t Survive full sun or bad drainage

#3
• You over-watered!
French Lavender Dead from Root Rot

#4
• Perennial/Bienniel elsewhere, Annual here!
Parsley Transplants Just Can’t Survive our Hot Summers
Photo Courtesy of
www.johnnyseeds.com
Plant
from
seed for
best
success!

Local Herb Gardens to Tour
• Desert Botanical Garden
• Boyce Thompson Arboretum
• Tucson Botanical Garden
• Arboretum at Flagstaff
• Tohono Chul Park – Tucson
• Maricopa County Extension

Beware of Most Herb Books
and Magazines
• Written in U.K. or Northeastern U.S.
• Poor guidelines for Low Desert
– planting/harvesting calendars
– sunlight/water requirements
• Great for photos, uses, history, design
ideas, recipes, etc.
• CHECK www.herbsociety.org

Recommended Gardening &
Herb Books
• Desert Gardening for
Beginners (Arizona
Master Gardener Press)
– How to grow vegetables,
flowers and herbs in an
arid climate
– Covers all the basics for
desert gardeners

Herb Books
• Gardening in the
Desert (Mary F. Irish,
U of A Press)
– How to grow vegetables,
flowers and herbs in an
arid climate
– Practical advice on
plants and gardening
practices for anyone who
lives in the Southwest

Herb Books
• Low-Desert Herb
Gardening Handbook
(Arizona Herb Association)
– Herb planting & harvesting
month by month
– Specifically written for low-
desert herb gardening

Herb Books
• Desert Landscaping for
Beginners (Arizona
– Tips and techniques for
success in an arid climate
– Ch. 12 - Rose Care
– Appendix B - Rose
Varieties for the Low
Desert

Herb Books
• Earth-Friendly Desert
Gardening (Arizona
– Environmentally
responsible
gardening & landscaping
in the low desert
– Growing in harmony with
nature saves time, money,
and resources

Shopping for Herbs to Plant
• “Big Box” Stores
– Good for “basic” herb plants/seeds... standard culinary
• Chain Nurseries
– Nice herb selection. Shop around!
• Local family-owned nursery
– If they don’t have it, they’ll order it! Wider selection
• Botanical Garden or Arboretum Plant Sale
– Interesting “native” or “regional” herbs
• Arizona Herb Association
– Hard-to-find herbs, cheap!

Shopping for Herbs to Plant
• Pinch, sniff and taste the culinary herbs!
• Won’t taste any different when growing
in your garden
• Make sure you like them before you buy!
• Catalog/Internet - Caution - wrong
planting season & transit damage

Botanical (Latin) Names
• Many unrelated plants have similar
common names
• One plant may have multiple
common names (different
languages/dialects)
• Learn the botanical name to be sure
you get the CORRECT PLANT

• Common Names Can Be Confusing!
• “Basil Mint”
• “Cinnamon Basil”
• “Oregano Thyme”
• “Cuban Oregano”
(also called “Spanish Thyme”)
– NOT Oregano
– NOT Thyme (Plectranthus amboinicus)
– NOT from Cuba
– NOT from Spain

• Common Names Can Be Confusing!
• Mexican Bush Oregano
– NOT Origanum (Lippia graveolens)
– But, does contain oregano essential oils
• “Real” Oreganos (Origanum spp.)
– Dittany of Crete
– Wooly Oregano
– Not recommended for cooking!!
• Mexican Tarragon
– Root beer Plant --Yerbanis --Pericon
– Winter Tarragon --Poor Man’s Tarragon

• Aztec/Nahuatl – Tzitziqui, Teyatli
• Chinese (Cantonese)
• 甜菊萬壽 [tìhm maahn sauh gūk]
• Chinese (Mandarin)
• 甜菊萬壽 [tián wàn shòu jú]
• Danish - Mexikansk Esdragon
• German - Samtblume, Winterestragon,
Mexicanischer Estragon
• French - Tagète, Estragon du Mexique
• English - Pericon, Mexican mint marigold,
Winter tarragon, Mexican tarragon, Sweet
mace, Spanish tarragon, Florida tarragon,
Texas tarragon
• Spanish/Mexican - Yauhtli, Pericón Amarillo,
Yerba Anis, Yerba Santa Maria, Anisillo
• Swedish - Mexikansk dragon

G E N U S
M e n t h a
F O R M
L . s t o e c h a s
f. le u c a n t h a
S U B S P E C I E S
L . s t o e c h a s
s u b s p .
p e d u n c u la t a
S P E C I E S
L . s t o e c h a s
C U L T I V A R
L . x in t e r m e d ia
'G r a p p e n h a ll'
C U L T I V A R
'S e a l'
H Y B R I D
S P E C I E S
L . la t ifo lia
C U L T I V A R
L . a n g u s t ifo lia
'H id c o t e '
C U L T I V A R
'M u n s t e a d '
S P E C I E S
V A R I E T Y
L . d e n t a t a
v a r . c a n d ic a n s
S P E C I E S
L . d e n t a t a
G E N U S
L a v a n d u la
G E N U S
A c h ille a
F A M I L Y
L A B I A T A E / L A M I A C E A E
Chart Courtesy of “Practical Herb Garden” by J. Houdret

Soil Preparation
• DRAINAGE is KEY!
• Do NOT discard your native soil
• Add organic amendments
• Add phosphorous containing fertilizer
when preparing beds
• Only add Nitrogen fertilizers to tropical,
fast-growing herbs
• Add gravel, coarse sand, pumice to
increase drainage where needed
» SEE ROOT ROT PREVENTION HANDOUT

Watering Considerations
• Check references to see if your herb
choices are from dry or tropical areas
• Group the plants in the garden with
others with similar water needs
• Dry origin herbs will thrive on drip
irrigation, especially with more drainage
• Mulch around ROOTS to maintain
uniform moisture - do NOT mulch stems
• Adjust watering as seasons change

Note:
• We ain’t doctors!
• We ain’t herbalists!
• We ain’t naturopaths!
• We ain’t shamen!
• We ARE providing information on
historical and traditional uses of herbs.

Mesquite
• Prosopis spp.
• YES!!
– Beans ground into a
nutritious flour,
beneficial to
diabetics
– Sap used as a dye by
Native Americans
– Bark boiled into a
medicinal tea by
Native Americans

Prickly Pear/Indian Fig Cactus
• Opuntia ficus-indica
• YES!!
– Pads used to treat
wounds and sunburn
– Pads and fruit are
eaten as a slow-
digesting
carbohydrate,
beneficial to
diabetics
– Cochineal scale host

Bermudagrass
• Cynodon dactylon
• YES!!
– Underground stems /
rhizomes used as
medicinal diuretic
– Used in Hindu
wedding ceremonies

Vinca-Madagascar
Periwinkle
• Catharanthus roseus
• YES!!
– Anti-witchcraft herb
– Contains vincamine
• dilates blood vessels
• reduces blood pressure
– Treats cardiovascular
disorders
– Research to treat
several viral diseases

Poppy-California
• Eschscholzia californica
• YES!!
– Sedative
– Topical pain reliever
– Relieves anxiety,
nervous tension &
insomnia
– Diuretic properties
– Promotes perspiration
– Edible seeds
Photo Courtesy of Sandy Wagner

Sage-Texas Ranger
• Leucophyllum
frutescens
• NO!! Got You!!
• Well, maybe......
Possible Native
American historical
medicinal uses......

Lemon
• Citrus limonum
• YES!!
– Juice is natural
antibiotic
– Oil from peel
removes sticky labels
– Many culinary uses
for juice and peel
– Leaves are a culinary
flavoring in soups &
stir fries
– Edible flower

Agave-Century Plant
• Agave americana
• YES!!
– Sap has anti-inflammatory
properties
• relieves burns, bites & stings
– Roots used for washing
clothes as a traditional
“soap” substitute
– Fibers woven into rope
– Powdered leaf makes snuffPhoto Courtesy Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

How Many Did You Get
Right??
? Are you already
suspecting that
you may be a
“secret “ herb
gardener,
unbeknownst to
yourself?

Let’s Look at Some Herbs!
• Remember -- pinch, sniff & taste the
culinary herbs!!
• All samples organically grown
• Parade of Herbs

Agave-Century Plant
• Agave americana
– N. American desert origin
– Full sun/drainage
– Sap has anti-inflammatory
properties
• relieves burns, bites &
stings
– Roots used for washing
clothes & as a traditional
“soap” substitute
– Fibers woven into rope
– Powdered leaf makes snuff
Photo Courtesy Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

Aloe
• Aloe vera or Aloe
barbadensis
– African desert origin
– Filtered shade
– Exceptional healing
properties
• apply externally to wounds,
burns, sunburn, eczema, etc.
– Anti-inflammatory & anti-
microbial agents
– Taken internally for
digestive tract problems
– Laxative properties

Arugula - “Rocket”
• Eruca vesicaria
subsp. Sativa
– Central Europe
– Garden soil & water
– edible flower
– fresh leaves as a
flavoring for salads
– seeds as mustard
substitute
Photo Courtesy of www.johnnyseeds.com

Basil
• Ocimum basillicum
– Tropical Asia & Africa
– Add water, fertilizer & O.M.
– Prune blooms HARD & use
– Antidepressant, antiseptic,
soothing properties
– Fresh leaves rubbed on insect
bites and stings relieves
itching
– Made into a cough syrup
with honey
– Leaves used in steam
inhalations for decongestion
– Many culinary uses!

Basil - many varieties & flavors
Magical Michael African Variegated
Mrs. Burns’
Lemon

Bay-Greek Laurel
• Laurus nobilis
– Mediterranean origin
– Harm from salt & wind
– Deep irrigations helpful
– Very effective in
controlling bacterial
growth
– Culinary herb in soups,
stews and beans, plus
always used in bouquet
garni

Calendula-Pot Marigold
• Calendula officinalis
– Eurasia origin
– Garden soil and care
– Anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic properties
– Antibacterial and antifungal
– Ointment sooths irritated
chapped skin, eczema,
insect bites & sunburn
– “Poor man’s saffron”
– Petals used in salads for
peppery taste
– Used in some herbal teas

Caper
• Capparis spinosa
– Mediterranean
origin
– Frost sensitive
– edible flowers, buds
and young leaves
– contains anti-oxidant
flavinoid: Rutin
– researchers are
investigating the
potential as an
extract and a pulp in
cosmetics

Caper
Photo Courtesy of www.australiacapers.com.auPhoto A.H.A.

Cardamom
• Elettaria
cardamomum
– Tropical Asia
– Enriched soil, shade
– Antidepressant
properties
– Digestive aid
– Relieves hiccups
– Seeds are chewed to
freshen the breath
– Seeds are ground for
culinary spice use

Carnation
• Dianthus caryophyllus
– Eurasian origins
– Garden soil & care
– Historical medicinal uses
• not used for that today
– Fresh flowers added to
salads, floated in drinks
– Crystallized flowers
garnish cakes & dessertsPhoto Courtesy of www.thegardenhelper.com

Castor Bean
• Ricinus communis
• Asia & Africa
• Varied conditions
• Frost sensitive small tree
• POISONOUS!!!
– Castor oil is a laxative
– Castor oil also used in
contraceptive creams and
eye medications
– Used in insecticides &
lubricants
– Seeds ground into ricin, a
blood coagulant
Photo Courtesy of www.cambridge2000.com

Catmint
• Nepeta sibirica
or Nepeta mussinii
– Eurasian origin
– Lowers fever, increases
perspiration, mildly
sedative
– Treats colds, influenza,
nervous tension, anxiety &
gastric upsets
– Applied externally to cuts
and bruises
– Stimulating, minty tea
– Edible flowers

Catnip
• Nepeta cataria
– Eurasian origin
– Short-lived perennial
– Uses similar to
Catmint
– Also used as a salad
ingredient
– Relaxing tea herb -
Primary ingredient in
“Sleepytime” type
herbal teas
– Stimulant for some
felines, all speciesPhoto courtesy of www.ontariowildflowers.com

Chamomile
• Matricaria recutita
(German)/Annual &
Chamaemelum nobile
(Roman)/Perennial
• Central European origin
• Garden soil & care
• Shade required in heat
– Antiseptic, anti-
inflammatory
– Tea helps with nausea &
indigestion
– Tea promotes calm,
stress reduction and
sound sleep
– Edible flower

Chaste Tree (Vitex)
(Monk’s Pepper Tree)
• Vitex agnus-castus
– Mediterranean
– Landscape tree
– Relaxant
– Pain-relieving
properties
– Reduces libido
– Dried seeds used as
a substitute for black
peppercorns

Chervil
• Anthriscus
cerefolium
– Eurasian origin
– Winter annual
– Mild digestive
properties
– Very delicate flavor
for salads & culinary
– Part of fines herbes
combination

Chicory
• Chichorium intybus
– Improved garden soil
– Bitter tonic herb
– Dried, crushed root
made into infusions
for digestive upset &
to improve appetite
– Mild stimulant &
laxative
– Added to salads

Chili/Chile Peppers
Nahuatl/Aztec = Chilli Spanish = Chile
• Capsicum spp.
– Central & S. America
– Good soil, fert. & water
– Analgesic properties
– Increases perspiration
– Beneficial with heart
attack victims
fresh or dried
Photos Courtesy of www.johnnyseeds.com

Chives-Edible Blossom
• Allium
schoenoprasum
– Eurasia origins
– Improved garden soil
– No medical
applications
– Culinary uses
– Edible flower
Photos Courtesy of www.johnnyseeds.com

Chives-Garlic
(Chives-Chinese)
• Allium tuberosum
– ALL GARDENS
SHOULD HAVE!!!
– many culinary uses
fresh, as a garlic or
chives substitute

Cilantro(leaf-herb)/Coriander(seed-spice)
• Coriandrum sativum
• WINTER ANNUAL
• Eurasian origins
– digestive aid
– appetite stimulant
– fungicidal and
antibacterial uses
– seed extract lowers
blood cholesterol
around the world

Cilantro/Coriander-Vietnamese
• Polygonum
odoratum
• Tropical Asia
• Summer Harvest
• Frost sensitive
– fresh leaves used as
a perennial
substitute for
cilantro in many
Asian recipes
Photo Courtesy of www.mountainvalleygrowers.com

Clematis Vine
• Clematis recta
• POISONOUS!!!
– Traditional and
historic medicinal
uses for a variety of
ailments
Photo Courtesy of www.ces.ncsu.edu

Coreopsis – Lance Leaved
• Coreopsis lanceolata
• N. American prairies
• Garden soil & care or
on drip in xeriscape
– traditional dye plant
for natural fibers -
cotton, wool and plant
fibers for linen and
baskets

Creosote
• Larrea tridentata
• N. American deserts
• Xeriscape planting
– anti-oxidant
properties
– cancer treatment
– immune system
stimulant
– general tonic

Dandelion
• Taraxacum officinale
• Garden soil and care
• Central Europe
– Medicinal tonics
– Diuretic and urinary
infections
– Appetite stimulant
– Digestive aid
– Edible leaf for salads
– Edible flower
– Flowers for wine

Datura-Sacred
(Jimson Weed - Devil’s Apple)
• Datura innoxia or Datura
wrightii or Datura
strammonium
• POISONOUS!!!
– N. American deserts
– Xeriscape plantings
– Traditional Native American
ceremonial and medicinal
uses
– EXTREMELY toxic
– Preferred food plant for larval
Hawk and Sphinx Moths

Devil’s Claw
• Proboscidea
louisianica
• Xeriscape plantings
– Dried black fibers
used in basket
weaving
– Traditional
medicinal uses
– Edible pods when
young and tender

Dianthus - (Clove Pink)
• Dianthus spp.
• Eurasian origin
– Traditional
medicinal use as
tonic, but not used
this way today
– Edible flower to
decorate salads,
cakes and ice cream
Photo Courtesy of www.flowersandfauna.com

Dill (Dill Weed)
• Anethum graveolens
• Central Europe
– Dried seeds are the spice
“Dill Seed”
– Digestive aid
– Treatment for diarrhea
and dysentery
– Seeds chewed for bad
breath
– Fresh leaves used in
salads and cooking

Elephant Tree (Torote)
• Bursera microphylla
• Xeriscape landscape
• Frost sensitive
– Traditional incense
plant among Native
American tribes and
Mexican cultures
– Medicinal uses as
anti-microbial and
anti-fungus
Photo Courtesy of
www.desert-tropicals.com

Epasote/Epazote
• Chenopodium
ambrosiodes
• N. America &
Mexican origin
– Aztecs used to treat
internal parasites
(“skunk sweat”)
– bitter, musky, “lemon
peel” flavor
– Digestive aid
– Natural Bean-O!
Photo Courtesy of
www.mountainvalleygrowers.com

Eucalyptus (Gum Tree)
• Eucalyptus spp.
• Australian –
varied climatic conditions
• Some prefer dry, some
prefer moist
• Many species, sizes and
bloom colors are well
adapted here
– Decongestant and
expectorant properties
– Antiseptic
– Topical for painful joints,
inflammation and arthritis
– Craft & floral uses

Evening Primrose
• Oenethera biennis
• N. American prairie
– Seed oil has anti-oxidant
benefits
– Immune booster
– Menopause benefits
– High blood pressure
– Cosmetic uses for fresh
flowers
Photo Courtesy of www.usda.gov

Fennel
• Foeniculum vulgare
• Central Europe & Eurasia
• PLANT IN FALL
– Dried seeds are used to treat
bad breath
– Seeds used to improve digestion
and aid indigestion
– Edible flower and leaves in
salds and cooking
– Flowers are host for beneficial
insects - ladybird beetles, lace
wings and butterflies

Feverfew
• Tanacetum parthenium
or Chrysanthemum
parthenium
• Mediterranean origin
• Frost tender Perennial
– Migraine headache
treatment
– Fever reduce
– Rheumatism treatment
– Bitter salad leaf

Flax-Scarlet
• Linum grandiflorum
• Related to Linum
usitatissimum - source
of fiber for linen and
oil as linseed oil
– Central European
– Winter annual
– seeds eaten for anti-
oxidant, essential fatty
acids & vitamins and
as a laxative
– sore throats and
gastric upset

Garlic-Culinary
• Allium sativum
• Many varieties and also
many related sub-species
grown
– Eurasian origin
– Plant deep in Fall
– Harvest June – NO Water
– Immune system enhancer
– Antibiotic
– Lowers blood pressure
and cholesterol

Garlic-Elephant
• Allium ampeloprasum
– Same origin, planting
and care
– Not garlic! It’s
actually a leek!
– Similar medicinal uses
and benefits to related
garlic
– Culinary substitute for
a more mild, less
pungent garlic taste
Photo Courtesy of www.elephantgarlic.com

Garlic-Society
• Tulbaghia violacea
– Not garlic!
– Not culinary for most
people.
– Edible flowers

Ginger Root
• Zingiber officinale
– Tropical Asia
– Enriched soil & water
– Frost tender
– Anti-nausea for motion
sickness and
pregnancy
– Antiseptic and
expectorant
– Promotes sweating for
colds & flus
– Perfume industry and
food flavoring

Globe Artichoke
• Cynara cardunculus
scolymus
– Eurasian origin
– Heat tender Perennial
– Drainage – Root Rot
– Leaves have some
beneficial constituents
for liver de-toxifier
– Lowers blood pressure
– EDIBLE flower bud
– Dried flower for craft
projects

Globe Artichoke
Attracts
Butterflies

Gotu Kola
• Hydrocotyle asiatica
major
– Southeast Asia
– Tropical conditions
– Prefers shade
– Memory enhancer
according to ancient
Chinese medicine
– Increases blood flow
to the brain
– Edible as bitter leaf
in salads

Grass-Bermuda (aka Devil’s Grass)
• Cynodon dactylon
– Asia & Africa
– Strong perennial
– Underground stems /
rhizomes used as
medicinal diuretic
– Surface stems /
stolons used in
Hindu wedding
ceremonies

Grass-Citronella
• Cymbopogon nardus
– Southeast Asia
– Enriched soil and
extra water
– Frost sensitive
– Essential oil used in
perfume trade
– Essential oil used as
insect repellant
– Craft projects and
potpourri uses

Grass-Lemon
• Cymbopogon
citratus
– Southeast Asia
extra water
– Frost sensitive
– Topical antiseptic &
antibiotic uses
– Externally for
rheumatism
– Internally for gastric
upset & indigestion
– CULINARY uses

Grass-Palmarosa
“Rose Scented Grass”
• Cymbopogon
martinii motia
– Southeast Asia
extra water
– Frost sensitive
– Topical antiseptic
and antibiotic uses
– Essential oil used in
perfume industry
– Craft uses for dried
floral and potpourri

Grass-Vetiver
• Vetivera zizanoides
– Southeast Asia
– Tolerates all soil and
water conditions
– Turns red in winter
– Traditional uses in
weaving reed mats
– Essential oil from roots
used widely in perfume
industry
– Insect repellant
– Dried stems and blooms
used in craft industry

Henna
• Lawsonia inermis
– N. African deserts
– Frost tender shrub
– Dried foliage used to
color hair, as well as
to improve hair health
– Natural dye plant for
cloth or other fiber or
temporary tattoos

Hibiscus (Spanish - Jamaica)
• Hibiscus spp.
– Tropical Americas
– VERY Prone to Root
Rot – Drainage
– Frost tender
– Natural lemon-tasting
tea of flowers
– Beneficial tonic
– Natural food colorant

Hollyhock
• Althaea rosea
– Central China origin
– Easy from seed in Spring
or Fall – rich soil
– Blooms second year
– Demulcent to sooth sore
throat
– Historical uses for chest
complaints
– Dye plant for natural
fibers and cloth

Honeysuckle
• Lonicera caprifolium
– N. America & Europe
– Frost tender vine
– Former use for
expectorant and
laxative properties
– Related Chinese
species used as toxin
cleanser
Photo Courtesy of www.davesgarden.com

Jerusalem Artichoke
• Helianthus tuberosus
– N. American prairies
– Perennial Sunflower
– 6-10 feet tall
– Tubers dried and used
as an edible starch
substitute, especially
for diabetics
– Tubers are edible fresh
in salads, steamed or
stir-fried

Lamb’s Ear
• Stachys byzantina
– Eurasian origin
– Root Rot Prone
– Filtered shade
– Traditional use for
headaches &
nervous tension
– Healing use in
lotions or ointments

Lavender-Desert
• Hyptis emoryi
• AZ NATIVE PLANT
– Well drained soil
– 5-8 feet tall
– Hummingbird attractant
– Substitute for
Mediterranean lavender
in all craft, cosmetic and
culinary uses
– Native American use in
tonic teas
Photo Courtesy of www.fireflyforest.com

Lavender
• Lavandula spp.
– VERY Prone to Root Rot –
DRAINAGE!!!
– Perennial plants 3-5 years
– Traditional use in headache
and nervous anxiety
preparations
– Cosmetic and personal care
uses, plus perfumes
– Culinary uses in baking,
salads, teas
– Dried craft uses
Lavandula multifida
Fernleaf Lavender

Lavender
….for the garden
and the xeriscape
landscape design

Lavender
Lavandula dentata-French Lavandula stoechas-Spanish
Photo Courtesy of www.mediterraneangardensociety.org
Hummingbird attractants

Lemon
• Citrus limonum
– Tropical Asia
– Frost sensitive
– Good drainage critical
– Juice is natural antibiotic
– Oil from peel removes
sticky labels
– Many culinary uses for
juice and peel
– Leaves are a culinary
flavoring in Asian soups
& stir fries
– Edible flower

Lemon Balm (aka Melissa)
• Melissa officinalis
– Eurasian origin
– Requires shade and enriched
soil with extra moisture
– Anti-viral preparations,
especially for the various
Herpes types
– Relaxing & sedative
properties
– Depression and headache
treatments
– Fresh leaves for lemon
flavor to salads, soups, etc.
– Dried leaves for teas
Photo Courtesy of www.desert-tropicals.com

Lemon Verbena
• Aloysia triphylla or
Aloysia citriodora
– Higher elevations of
Tropical America
– VERY Prone to Root Rot –
Drainage!!
– Frost sensitive
– Flavorful teas, as well as
other culinary uses
– Perfume industry
– Insect deterrant when dried
– Dried craft use in sachets &
potpourri

Lion’s Tail / Lion’s Ear
• Leonotis leonaurus
– Tropical Asia & Africa
– Perennial 2-3 years
– Readily re-seeds
– Seeds relished by birds
– Hummingbird Flowers
– Traditional medicinal and
skin tonic uses in Asia
– Smoked in its native South
Africa as a mild narcotic
– Dried flower and craft uses

Madder / Dyer’s Madder
• Rubia tinctorum
– Central European
– Improved soil & water
– VERY INVASIVE
– Traditional RED dye
plant - roots used
throughout Europe prior
to New World discovery
of Cochineal scale as
superior RED dye

Marjoram
• Origanum majorana
– Mediterranean
origin
– Drainage & Pruning
– Antiseptic properties
when used topically
– Internally for
relaxation and
nervous tension
– Many CULINARY
uses worldwide
Knot Marjoram
Sweet Marjoram
in Bloom

Mesquite
• Prosopis spp.
– North, South & Central
American deserts native
– Fast growing trees
– Do NOT stake and DO water
deeply for best growth
– Beans ground into a nutritious
flour, beneficial to diabetics
– Sap used as a dye by Native
Americans
– Bark &/or leaves boiled into a
medicinal tea by some Native
Americans

Milk Thistle
• Silybum marianum
– Eurasian origin
– Winter/Spring
Annual
– Seeds used as a liver
de-toxifier
– Appetite stimulant
Photo Courtesy of www.nwcb.wa.gov

Mint
• Mentha spp.
– European & Medit.
– Can be invasive
– Tea for colds & flu
– Useful for indigestion
– Breath freshener
– Decongestant &
antiseptic properties
– Many craft uses
– Many CULINARY
uses fresh and dried
Pineapple Mint

Mint
Moroccan Mint
Apple Mint
variegated
Orange
Mint

Mormon Tea
• Ephedra sp.
– N. American deserts
– Drainage critical
– Slow growing at first
– Contains pseudo-ephedrine
substances, useful in treating
respiratory problems
– Tonic, somewhat minty tasting
tea
– NOTE: The related Chinese
species contains ephedrine and
is illegal in USA

Nasturtium
• Tropaeolum majus
– Tropical C.&S. America
– Plant soaked seeds Fall
– Protect from frost
– Seeds for antiseptic and
antibacterial properties
– Seeds used for upper
respiratory infections
– Fresh leaves and flowers
edible in salads and
appetizers
Photo Courtesy www.hear.org

Onion & Shallot
• Allium cepa
– European &
Mediterranean origins
– Plant in Sept/Oct/Nov
– Harvest June/July
– Antibiotic uses in
traditional medicine
– Respiratory benefits
– Many CULINARY uses
worldwide
– TOXIC to dogs

Onion & Shallot
Egyptian Walking Onion

Papago I’itoi Onion (shallot)
Every gardener should
have these!!!
Spanish priests gave
them to the Tohono
O’odham farming
tribes around 1700 AD
Plant Fall/early Spring
Dig as green onions all
Winter/Spring
May/June allow plants
to dry down – NO water
Harvest June/July a 25-
50 times increase

Oregano-Cuban
• Plectranthus
amboinicus
– Caribbean Mexico &
C. America origin
– Extremely frost
sensitive – protect!!
– Traditional medicinal
uses throughout
Caribbean
– Culinary use fresh as a
substitute for European
Oregano

Oregano-Dittany of Crete
• Origanum
dictamnus
– Mediterranean
origin
– Filtered shade best
– Traditional
medicinal uses
rarely practiced now
– Decorative and dried
craft uses

Oregano-Mexican Bush
• Lippia graveolens
– Southwest USA & Mexican
deserts
– Very frost sensitive
– Large shrub to 6 feet
– Traditional Native American
uses in several medicines
– Major component in most dried,
culinary packaged Oregano
– Excellent in all CULINARY
uses fresh or dried

Oregano-Native American
(Beebalm/Bergamot)
• Monarda spp.
– N. American prairies,
meadows and forests
topical treatments as
antibiotic & antiseptic
– Relaxing tea
– Replacement for English
tea imports during
American Revolution
– Culinary uses in cooking
meats and vegetables

Oregano-Rosemarymint
• Poliomintha
maderensis
cv. ‘Lavender Spice’
– Mexican native
– Filtered shade
– Prune hard after bloom
and ceremonial uses
among Native
Americans
– Culinary uses in
preparation of meats
– Excellent edible flower
and leaf in salads
Photo Courtesy Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

Oregano-Syrian (Bible Hyssop)
• Organum maru
or Origanum syriaca
– N. African origin
– Drainage important
– Semi-dormant Winter
– Loves hot weather
– Historic uses as a topical
antiseptic tea
– Culinary uses as a strong
oregano for meats, dried
beans & vegetable dishes

Oregano-Wooly
• Origanum
rotundifolium x
dictamnus
– Prefers heat & filtered
or afternoon shade
uses, no longer
practiced
– Crafting and dried
floral uses

Papaya
• Carica papaya
– Tropical Americas origins
– Frost sensitive
– SALT sensitive
– Many traditional medicinal
uses, both internal and
topical
– Wart removal, and also used
as skin treatment for freckles
& sun damage
– Insecticide uses
– Contains “papain”, a natural
digestive and meat tenderizer
– Edible fruit

Parsley
• Petroselinum crispum
– Biennial at best, usually
Winter annual
– Best planted Fall from
pre-soaked seed
– Blooms attract ladybugs
and tonic uses
– Rich source of vitamin
A & C, plus anti-
oxidants
– Culinary uses fresh and
cooked, plus seed

Passion Vine
• Passiflora incarnata
– N., C. & S. American
native species
– Frost tender
– Butterfly attractant
– Religious significance in
Native & Christian
religious ceremonies
– Traditional medicinal uses
– Aphrodisiac
– Edible flower & fruit

Patchouli
• Pogostemon cablin or
Pogostemon
heyneanyus
– Southeast Asian origin
– Frost & Salt sensitive
– Filtered shade
– Historic medicinal and
insect repellant uses
– Cosmetic and body
care uses
Photo Courtesy of www.oller.net

Poppy-Breadseed
• Papaver somniferum
– Winter ANNUAL
– Readily re-seeds Fall
– Edible seeds for baking,
salads, etc. (no alkaloid)
– Sap collected as base for
heroin, opium and related
illegal narcotics, but the
flower can be grown for
decorative use
– Traditional medicinal uses
for pain and sedative

Poppy -
Breadseed
Food and
Medicine

“Poppies, my
pretty……”

Poppy-
California & Mexican Gold
• Eschscholzia californica &
Eschscholzia mexicana
– N. American native
– Winter ANNUAL
– Varied soil & water
– Sedative
– Topical pain reliever
– Relieves anxiety, nervous tension
& insomnia
– Diuretic properties
– Promotes perspiration
– Edible seeds

Prickly Pear/Indian Fig Cactus
• Opuntia ficus-indica
– Mexico & N. America
– Frost sensitive
– Full sun – good drainage
– Pads used to treat wounds
and sunburn
– Pads and fruit are eaten as a
slow-digesting
carbohydrate, beneficial to
diabetics
– Cochineal scale host

Rose
• Rosa spp.
– Europe, Eurasia, China
and N. America
– Prune HARD in January
– Local Rose Societies
– Many species and
hybrids and varieties
medicinal and personal
care products
– Edible flowers fresh or
in jams and teas
– Edible fruit with high
Vitamin C

Rosemary
• Rosemary officinalis
– Variable cold tolerance
– Historical association
with memory/learning
– Improves blood flow in
the brain
– Myth and legend relates
to friendship
– Hair & scalp tonic
– Many culinary uses!

Rosemary – many varieties & uses
‘Tuscan’
‘Huntington Blue’
‘Arp’
‘Madelene Hill’
‘Spice Islands’

Saffron Crocus
• Crocus sativus
• Eurasia & Meditteranean
• Drainage critical
• Improved soil, some shade
• NOTE - leaves show in
Spring, bulb is dormant in
Summer and flowers appear in
Fall – mark planting well
– Medicinal uses as a
digestive aid
– Improves circulation &
blood pressure
– Many CULINARY uses
Photo Courtesy of www-ang.kfunigraz.ac.at

Sage-Culinary
• Salvia officinalis
• NOT all salvias are
edible or same uses
– DRAINAGE Critical
– Frost sensitive
uses as topical antiseptic
– Cold & Flu treatment
– Perfume and personal
care uses
– CULINARY uses in
cooking and teas
Berggarten Sage

Sage-Culinary
Variegated Sage Purple Sage
Sage Blooms

Sage-Chaparral or Cleveland
• Salvia clevelandii
• EXCELLENT xeriscape
plant for low water use
– Texas & Mexico native
– DRAINAGE critical
– similar historic medicinal
uses to Culinary Sage
– Also used in teas and
cooking, although flavor
is different
– Craft, potpourri and dried
floral uses
– Hummingbird attractant

Sage-Jerusalem
• Phlomis fruticosa
– Mediterranean native
preparations as topical
antiseptic
– Primarily crafter and
dried floral plant
– Bright yellow blooms in
Spring / early Summer

Sage-Mexican Bush
• Salvia leucantha
– Mexican native plant
– Tolerates wide range of
soils and water
– Frost sensitive
– Historic and current
medicinal uses among
Native American tribes
throughout Central
America & Mexico
– Ceremonial uses in Day of
the Dead ceremonies in
parts of Mexico
– Dried floral and craft uses,
plus HUMMINGBIRDS

Sage-Pineapple
• Salvia elegans
– Tropical Americas
– VERY Frost tender
– Improved soil/water
– Good drainage
– History of similar
medicinal uses to
other sages
– Edible flowers and
leaves for salads
– Some culinary uses
– HUMMINGBIRDS

Sage-Russian
• Perovskia atriplicifolia
– Eurasian origin
– Winter dormant
– Drainage important
– Historic and traditional
medicinal uses, rarely
practiced currently
– Crafter and dried floral
uses now

Salad Burnet
• Poterium sanguisorba
or Pimpinella
saxifraga
– Eurasian origin
– Afternoon shade
– Historic use as a
digestive aid after meals
– Seeds used in medicinal
preparations
– Edible flower and leaves
for salads

Scented Geranium
• Pelargonium spp.
– Southern Africa origin
– Frost sensitive
– Smaller leaved varieties better
as container plants
– Medicinal uses in South Africa
in teas and topical solutions
– Dried craft uses
– Culinary uses in cakes and teas

Sesame
• Sesamum indicum
• Africa & Asia origin
• Spring/Summer ANNUAL
• Plant after last frost
• 4-8 feet tall
• Seeds ripen all summer
• Sesame oil & seeds used in
cooking
– Rich in vitamins &
minerals
• eneficial for problem skin
(eczema and psoriasis)
– helps protect against
harmful sun rays

Sorrel
• Rumex acetosa
– Central Europe
– Shade in Summer
– Rheumatism and
arthritis sufferers
should NOT consume
– Edible leaves for
salads, soups, etc. and
steamed as a “green”
Photo Courtesy of www.sandmountainherbs.com

Southernwood-Powis Castle
• Artemisia abrotanum
‘powis castle’
– Prune hard in Spring
– Appetite stimulant and
tonic as a mild tea
– Historic medicinal uses
as de-wormer
– Dried craft projects

Statice-Sea Lavender
• Statice caroliniana
or Statice limonium
– Eurasia origin
– Perennial bloomer
– dried floral and
crafting plant

Stevia
• Stevia rebaudiana
– Central America
– Filtered shade
– Enriched soil/water
– Natural plant
sweetener from the
dried and powdered
leaves, or as liquid
extract drops
– ZERO calories
– Can substitute for
sugar in all uses,
including cookingPhoto Courtesy www.mountainvalleygrowers.com

Sunflower
• Helianthus annus
• North American native plant
• Plant seeds EARLY Fall or
EARLY Spring
• Seeds ripen Summer
– seeds and oil loaded with
vitamin E
– Antioxidant
– Seed hulls a traditional
dye source for Hopi
– Traditionally used for
coughs and bronchitis

Tarragon-French
• Artemisia dracunculus
var. sativa
• CAUTION – French only
from cuttings or root
divisions - SEEDS are only
for “Russian Tarragon” with
NO flavor at all
– Eurasian native
– Frost and Heat sensitive
– Fresh or dried use as
culinary herb
Photo Courtesy of www.mobot.org

Tarragon-Mexican
• Tagetes lucida
• Many Common names due
to the popularity of this herb
– Mexico & C. America origin
– Tropical – frost tender
– Blooms Oct.-January
– Enriched soil / extra water
– Traditional medicinal tea uses
in Mexican & Central
American homes
– Culinary substitute for French
Tarragon in recipes
– Excellent in teas – ice or hot

Thyme
• Thymus spp.
• MANY species and
varieties & flavors
– Prune regularly
– Antiseptic and
antibiotic uses
– Coughs and colds
– Beneficial mouthwash
and for teeth/gums
– CULINARY uses

Thyme-Conehead
• Coriothymus capitalus
• Or Thymbra capitata
‘Conehead Thyme’
• Mediterranean origin
• Drainage critical
• Blooms all summer
• Source of much of the
packaged commercial
thyme & thyme oil in retail
markets
– Contains thymol as key
constituent for health &
antiseptic benefits
– CULINARY uses fresh
or dried - very strong

Vinca-
Madagascar Periwinkle
• Catharanthus roseus
• Madagascar Island
• Tender perennial
• Re-seeds readily
– Anti-witchcraft herb
– Contains vincamine
• dilates blood vessels
• reduces blood pressure
– Treats cardiovascular
disorders
– Research to treat several
viral diseases

Viola / Pansy / Sweet Violet
• Viola spp.
– Europe, Eurasia, North
America, Mediterranean
– Filtered to Full Shade
– Many traditional
medicinal uses as anti-
inflammatory
– Expectorant
– Skin care & Perfume
– Edible flower & leaves
in salads
Photo Courtesy of www.gardenguides.com

Yarrow
• Achillea spp.
• Gold, White, Pastels
– Europe, Eurasia,
North America
– Filtered shade
– Enriched soil, water
– Historic use in
antiseptic medicinals
and insecticides
– Current use as dried
floral and craft plant

Yerba Mansa – “Swamp Root”
• Anemopsis californica
• Native Arizona/Calif.
wetlands plant – endangered
• Moist conditions
• Filtered shade
• Long history of use in many
different medicines, both
internal and topically
• Roots used for mouth and
wound treatment
• Popular pond plant

What Did We Learn?
• Hundreds of herbs can easily be grown
in the Low Desert landscape & garden
• Our seasons are different
• Our soils are “interesting”
• Our waters are salty
• Plant herbs in the right season & the
right location for a successful garden!

Herb Gardening in the Low Desert

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (8)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (20)

Similar to Herb Gardening in the Low Desert

Similar to Herb Gardening in the Low Desert (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Herb Gardening in the Low Desert