“The design man imposes must be constantly modified and sometimes totally transformed by a hand stronger than his own—the hand of nature. Maybe the art of gardening is simply the knowledge of how to hold that hand and how to clasp it in friendship.”

–Beverly Nichols

Many of your favorite herbs are native plants!

As a gardener, my passion lies in the realm of herbs. I love growing herbs, both native and non-native! Human existence is deeply intertwined with these extraordinary plants. Herbs are universally enjoyed and utilized, whether we cultivate them or not. North America boasts a stunning diversity of native plants across its varied habitats. Our original American herb gardens were native plant communities in North America’s fields, woods, meadows, lakes, and wetlands.

What is a Native Herb?

People ask, what is a native herb?  The answer to that question tends to be as variable as individuals’ use of the term. It all depends on who you are talking with and their experiences and perceptions of native and naturalized plant communities.

Native herbs are more than plants; they are cultural treasures.

They are deeply intertwined with human traditions, holding historical, medicinal, and spiritual significance. By honoring the vast and rich tapestry of cultural perspectives on plants, we can sustain biodiversity and enrich our understanding of the natural world and our place within it. Native herbs offer a rich melting pot of uses, cultural significance, and vital ecological benefits.

Native plants are green social security; they clean the air, filter water,  moderate the climate, and feed people and wildlife.

The Herb Society of America defines native herbs as “chiefly seed-bearing plants—annuals, biennials, and perennials, aromatic or useful shrubs, vines, and trees that grew naturally in this country without the interference, accidental or intentional of man before European settlement.

Spices, traditionally defined as aromatic parts derived from a plant’s bark or seeds, are also included depending on their history and uses. Crop vegetables and hardwood trees used for lumber are excluded from this definition.

Successfully growing native plants

You need to understand your gardening region, its native species, and its seasonal timetable which is a crucial factor in successfully growing native plants. You should also know your hardiness zones, frost dates, and soil conditions. But above all, it’s understanding the specific needs of the plant you’re cultivating and ensuring those needs are met that will lead to success.

Ground Covers

Wild ginger is a pleasing ground cover for tough, shaded sites or use in rock gardens. It is also attractive planted beneath trees and shrubs or in front of taller flowering plants in naturalistic borders and herbal hedgerows. It’s a great plant for erosion control and deer-resistant, but it dies in winter. Wild ginger has a long history of use by Native Americans for flavoring, medicine, and fragrance. A slow-growing plant grows best in light to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained, but moist soil.

The dull red color and foul scent of wild ginger flowers mimic dead carrion, a strategy used to attract native flies, beetles, and fungus gnats, the plant’s pollinators.

In mid-spring, it transforms into a mass of enchanting violet-blue flowers reaching a height of 4 to 6”.  The 5 to 6” sword-like leaves, emerging from small spreading rhizomes, form colonies that maintain their shape and color throughout the summer. Crested iris thrives in average, well-drained woodland soils in shade to partial shade. Once established, the crested iris is reliably drought tolerant. It is also a friend to bees and resistant to deer.

Violets are not only pretty but also served as a beneficial ground cover. Their dense growth helps to prevent soil erosion, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. This makes them an excellent choice for shade and rock gardens, edible landscapes, and naturalized plantings.

Violets will grow around black walnut trees—whereas many other plants won’t. They are deer-resistant and somewhat drought-tolerant.

Perennials

The name “Pycnanthemum” means “densely flowered,” highlighting its ability to accommodate many pollinators at once. Due to its fragrant minty green foliage and pollinator-friendly attributes, it is an excellent choice for children’s gardens and community green spaces. The plant’s finely textured foliage provides a nice contrast with other plants in lightly shaded perennial borders, cottages, and herb gardens. Additionally, it is effective in deterring deer in gardens and home landscapes and acts as a natural insect repellent, keeping chiggers and ticks at bay.

An herb native to the North-Central US, anise hyssop’s striking lavender flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden. Its aromatic leaves are useful for crafting a potpourri or brewing a delightful herbal tea. Anise hyssop is also an important addition to pollinator and butterfly gardens, providing nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies well into the fall season. Birds love to eat seeds left on the stalks and it is deer resistant.  It’s important to note that while anise hyssop shares some characteristics with hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) or anise (Pimpinella anisum), it is a distinct species with its unique features and uses

This versatile plant is an excellent, long-blooming choice for mass plantings or naturalized settings, contributing waves of soft pastel summer color to layered landscape designs. It thrives in full sun and moist, fertile soil but tolerates sunny, dry locations or lightly shaded areas. It’s a great butterfly nectar plant for cottage gardens and perennial borders. This plant is highly attracted to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  Drought-tolerant once established. Occasionally prone to powdery mildew, its leaves have a distinct minty oregano flavor, making them unappealing to deer.

Written by NGB Member: Susan Betz
Author: Neighboring with Nature / Native Herbs for Pleasure & Purpose and
Herbal Houseplants