Magnolia soulangiana

Saucer Magnolia - The majestic magnolia, known for its large flowers that measure several inches across. The fragrant flowers bloom during spring, with elegant white and pink petals. This medium sized tree is popular as a street tree for its uniform appearance and growth pattern. Grows to 15-25ft. Hardy to 0F and below. 5 seeds per pack. #1075

Panax ginseng

Korean Ginseng - An important medicinal herb native to Asia. This species is a variety popular in Korea and is used for a wide range of medicinal purposes. Ginseng has a long history of use in Asia, especially as a general health tonic to promote vigor and longevity. The plant is hardy to well below 0F, zone 3. A tea is made from the roots and the leaves. Grows particularly well in shaded areas. 8 undried seeds per pack. #2117

Peganum harmala

Syrian Rue, Esphand - A very low-lying perennial native to the Mediterranean region. Syrian Rue has numerous uses, but is best known for its seeds, which are used as a condiment spice. Both the fruit and seeds also have a variety of supposed medicinal benefits and have been used as such for centuries. Seeds also have uses as a dye and for incense oil. Hardy to about 10-15F. #1320

Pimpinella anisum

Anise - The amazingly aromatic aniseed plant is a small annual growing to about 2ft. Its seeds have a strong, pleasing scent and are used to flavor cooking. The leaves also contain the scented oil and like the seeds are commonly used in flavoring for their licorice-like taste. The plant also has a number of purported medicinal uses. Can be grown anywhere as an annual. Hardy to the 20's (F). #1323

Pinus thunbergii

Japanese Black Pine - A tough and reasonably hardy ornamental pine tree native to Asia. Trees generally grow to 20-30ft, making a nice, more compact type of pine. Very drought tolerant. Has dark green, stiff needles. Hardy to freezes and down to about 0F. #1383

Plantago major

Plantain - A small, hardy perennial growing to a few inches high. The plantain (not to be confused by the banana-like plantain), has use for its edible leaves and seeds which are very high in vitamin B. The plant is also sometimes used as a ground cover. Can be weedy in some areas. Hardy to well below 0F. #1321

Plantago psyllium

Psyllium, Plantain - Annual herb grown for its seeds which are used as an important edible fiber source. Psyllium is the main ingredient in leading fiber supplements and is an important grain crop. The low-growing plant has large leaves and can make a pretty addition to an herb garden. #1309

Polygonatum sibiricum

Soloman's Seal, Huang Jing - Low growing medicinal plant native to China. Huang Jing is hardy to well below 0F (Zone 3). The leaves and roots are edible and also have a number of medicinal uses in traditional Chinese medicine. #1303

Polygonum hydropiper

Waterpepper - A small annual growing to about 2ft, known for its spicy leaves which are used in Japanese cooking. The leaves have a Sichuan Pepper-like flavor. The seeds are highly pungent as well and the sprouted seeds or seedlings are popularly added to salads. The plant also has a series of medicinal uses. Great for water gardens. #1350

Prunella vulgaris

Self-Heal - Fairly widespread member of the mint family, known for its years-old uses for a wide variety of medical problems, too numerous to list here. Plant is a creeping annual, with aromatic leaves, and purple flowers. Can be grown in almost any climate. more info... #391

Prunus mahaleb

Mahlab, Mahaleb, St. Lucy's Cherry - A tree of many uses, the mahlab cherry produces small cherry-fruits with a seed that is used as an important spice in middle eastern cuisine. The tree is related to the common cherry and is also commonly used as a disease resistant rootstock for its better known cousin. Hardy to below 0F. #1301

Ribes malvaceum

Chaparral Currant - A wild currant native to California bearing a small purple currant berry, much like some of the more common currant species. The Chaparral Currant can grow to 6ft and has pretty pink flowers during spring. It is a reasonably tough plant that can survive in a number of habitats and is hardy to the teens. #1352

Ribes nigrum

Black Currant - Fine flavored, black colored berry best known for its use in desserts, jams, and jellies. The red currant grows on a small bush, best adapted to cool and cold climates as plants need winter chill. Hardy to well below 0F, the currant will produce in near-arctic climates. Fruits in 2-3 years from seed. #393

Ribes sativum

White Currant - Fine flavored, translucent-white colored berry best known for its use in desserts, jams, and jellies. The white currant grows on a small bush, best adapted to cool and cold climates as plants need winter chill. Hardy to well below 0F, the currant will produce in near-arctic climates. Fruits in 2-3 years from seed. #346

Rosa arvensis

Shakespeare's Musk Rose - A trailing or vining musk rose, popular for use in some garden hybrids. Has pretty, white flowers followed by medium sized rose hips. Very hardy. #2104

Rosa canina

Dog Rose - A spreading and hardy rose with delicate pink flowers a bit like the Rugosa Roses. The fruits (rose hips) are known for their high vitamin C content and can be used in teas and flavorings. The plant was once common in victory gardens. Ornamental, edible, and quite useful. #1361

Rosa pimpinellifolia

Scotch Rose - Native to Western Europe, this creamy white colored rose is popular as a hardy ornamental. At home in coastal locations, this short deciduous plant generally reaches only 1-2ft. Cream-white flowers bloom, meausuring 1-2", followed by dark purple rose hip fruits. Very hardy. #2109

Rosa rugosa

Rugosa Rose - Large, pink-flowered rose native to China bearing 1/2-1", bright red fruits, the rose hips. Fruits are edible and extremely high in vitamin C. Shrubby bush, hardy to at least 0F. #340

Rosa rugosa 'Red'

Rugosa Rose - Large, dark red-flowered rose native to China bearing 1/2-1", bright red fruits, the rose hips. Fruits are edible and extremely high in vitamin C. Shrubby bush, hardy to at least 0F. #397

Rubus idaeus 'Golden'

Golden Raspberry - Beautiful gold colored raspberry having high-quality, sweet raspberry flavor. Plants are hardy to freezes. Small, bushy plant to 1-2ft. #322

Rubus occidentalis

Black Raspberry - A vining shrub with canes growing up to 6ft bearing black raspberry fruit. The deep colored fruits have a rich raspberry flavor and are of high quality. The plant is hardy to below 0F and will grow in a variety of habitats. #1327

Rubus ursinus

Pacific Blackberry - Delicious blackberry species native to western North America. Berries are extremely juicy, sweet, with a dark black skin and full flavor. Grows on a vining bramble, hardy to about -15F. #396

Salvia hispanica

Chia - Native Mexican Salvia known for its seeds, chia, which are soaked in water and used as a flavoring for juices. Seeds can also be used as edible sprouts, and can be ground into a meal that is used to make bread products. Seeds are high in protein. Annual, can be grown pretty much anywhere, hardy into the 20's (F). #388

Sambucus canadensis

Elderberry - Ornamental, shrubby tree bearing small, purple-black edible berries, usually eaten dried or cooked. Flowers are also edible, and when in bloom, the tree is a stunning sight. Hardy to below 0F. North American native. #343

Sambucus racemosa callicarpa

Pacific Red Elderberry - A beautiful ornamental and edible fruit tree native to the Pacific coastline of North America. The bright red fruit clusters cover the tree in season and are a remarkable sight to see. Fruits are edible, raw or cooked and are sometimes made into preserves. The tree also has some medicinal uses. Grows to 20-30ft, hardy to 0F or lower. #1333

Saponaria officinalis

Soapwort - Annual herb grown for its pretty white flowers and soap-like properties. All plant parts contain saponins and will suds in water. Soapwort also has medicinal applications, though care should be taken as the plant can be mildly toxic if ingested. #319

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Giant Sequoia - Part of the three species that make up the largest trees in the world, the Giant Sequoia is a majestic evergreen native to a section of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Record trees have reached over 300ft in height. The beautiful trees are often planted as ornamentals, having distinct red-colored bark, but are also valued for their fine wood. Hardy to well below freezing. The trees can adapt to a number of climates. #1342

Sesamum indicum

Black Sesame - The source of commercial Black Sesame, this native African plant is an easy to grow annual. Erect growth to 2-3ft and widely cultivated for its edible seeds which have numerous uses. Several hundred seeds per pack. #2107

Sinapsis alba

Mustard - Extremely easy-growing annual which bears the white mustard of commerce. Both seeds and leaves are heavily used as a spice in cooking. The plant also has a number of medicinal applications. Hardy to about 0F, mustard can be a weedy plant in some areas. #1300

Spilanthes acmella

Toothache Plant - Pretty, flowering perennial native to India, often grown as an annual. The plant is chewed for its mild anesthetic properties, and as an anti-bacterial. Grows to 1-2ft, will grow in most climates as an annual. #390

Tanacetum cinerariifolium

Pyrethrum - a.k.a Chrysanthemum cinerareiifolium. A difficult to find yet extremely valuable economic plant that produces the Pyrethrum used to ward off insects. In recent years, pyrethrum has become the major chemical used in 'natural' insecticides. The growing plant can even provide some insecticidal relief to nearby plants in the garden. The Pyrethrum plant is a small perennial growing to 1-2ft. Closely related to the Chrysanthemum. #1340

Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew - Low-lying herbaceous plant with pretty, small, daisy-looking flowers. Often grown for its medicinal properties which include migraine relief, anti-inflammatory activity, and treatments for arthritis and blood related problems. Annual. #386

Tetragonia tetragonoides

New Zealand Spinach - A short perennial with a ground-cover like habit whose edible leaves are used much like spinach. The young leaves are quite tasty, with a spinach-like flavor and contain a number of nutrients. Very easy to grow as an annual or perennial. #1395

Vitex agnus-castus

Chaste Tree - Small, shrubby tree known for its beauty--large spikes of purple/lavender flowers cover the tree. Grows only to 10-20ft, hardy to at least -10F. Fruits can be used as a pepper substitute. This tree is also known for a variety of alleged medicinal benefits for women, including increased fertility, production of LH/FSH, and some estrogens. #387

Vitis rotundifolia

Muscadine Grape - A wild grape native to the Southeastern United States. The edible fruits have a unique, yet grape-like flavor, which some have liked to the jaboticaba. A vining plant, deciduous, and may grow up to 50-100ft. Hardy to 0-10F. #2129

Yucca brevifolia

Joshua Tree - A distinct and famous desert yucca, the Joshua Tree is a stately plant that has captured many imaginations. Plants grow up to 40ft, but often remain small and are extremely slow growing and long-lived. Their scraggly and thorny appearance adorns the slopes of the high deserts of North America. Hardy to 0F, they also survive very high temperatures and need little water. #1331