The Herb Garden at Strawbery Banke Museum is located next to the Shapiro House on Jefferson Street. This charming garden was financed in 1967 by the late Mrs. Foster Steams of Exeter, New Hampshire, one of New England’s outstanding lay-herbalists. Mrs. Steams designed and drew plans for the garden. The initial planting was done by the Green Herb Garden of Rhode Island.
Originally the garden was intended as a display garden of medicinal herbs used in New England before 1800. Until the advent of our pharmaceutical industry, herbs were important as medicines. Sometimes a physician or herbalist might grow medicinal herbs, known as simples, in a "physick garden." Herbalists had a knowledge of botany as well as medicine, for the success of any treatment was dependent not only upon the knowledge of what simply was correct to treat the problem, but also of the plants’ growing conditions and identification.
Properties of plants used as medicine varies tremendously with season, stage of growth, etc. Extreme caution should always be employed and experimentation should be avoided.
Over the years the collection of plants in this garden has expanded to include the culinary dye, and fragrant herbs as well. The local unit of the Herb Society of America has aided in the care of this garden since 1968.
PLANT LIST
Some tender perennials such as rosemary and lemon verbena and some annuals such as basil and dill are contained on the plant list but are not shown on the map because placement of these plants varies from year to year. ALKANET, ANCHUSA, or BUGLOSS
Perennial of the Borage family, European origin. Handsome blue flowers come very early in the season.
ANGELICA, ARCHANGELICA OFFICINALIS
Biennial, native of Northern Europe. Historically, this is a most important herb, it was used during the plague of 1665 and its curative value was thought to be a great miracle. It was regarded with great awe and reverence as it was reputed to have mighty powers against dreaded witchcraft. Named for St. Michael the Archangel since it blooms on his day. It is sweet to taste; the stalks are cut and candied. The stalk can also be eaten like celery. The root produces a good yellow dye. It is a good bee herb. Officinalis in the name of a plant means ‘of the shop’ --in this context, the apothecary’s shop. APPLEMINT, MENTHA SUAVEOLENS
Perennial, native of the Near East. One of the many mint varieties, used for fragrance and flavoring. ARTEMISIA SILVER MOUND, ARTEMISIA SCHMIDTIANA NANA
Perennial A decorative plant named for Artemis, goddess of the moon. One of the many Artemisias used in herbal medicine. BASIL, OCIMUM BASILICUM, SWEET BASIL
Annual, Mediterranean origin. A plant well known to the Greeks, basil appeared on European lists by 1387. It was brought to Newfoundland by 1620. Basil was used as protection from the evils of witchcraft. For centuries it was the symbol of love and fidelity in Italy and even until recent times it was exchanged by courting couples. Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs with a particular affinity for tomatoes. It is used in butters and vinegars, soups, stews and salads. It is a bee herb. The plant will repel flies and is a good plant to have near doors of a house. It is often used for companion planting. BEE BALM, MONARDA DIDYMA, BERGAMOT
Perennial, native of North America. Bee Balm has many popular names, one being Oswego Tea. After the taxed tea from England was dumped into Boston Harbor, Revolutionaries turned to native teas and Bee Balm was one of the most popular. It is a decorative, medicinal, fragrant herb beloved of bees and hummingbirds. BEDSTRAW, GALIUM VERUM, LADIES BEDSTRAW, CHEESE RENNET
Perennial with spreading habit of growth. A native of Europe. Names come from usage...the soft dried plant was used to stuff mattresses for fine ladies who did not like scratchy straw and it was also used to curdle milk to make cheese. Medicinal. A red dye is obtained from the root. BORAGE, BORAGO OFFICIANLIS
Annual, native of Mediterranean area. "Borage for courage" is a quote used since the Crusades when flower was floated in the Crusaders wine to give them strength and courage. A good cooking herb if used prior to flowering. The subtle flavoring of cucumber makes the leaves good for salads and garnishes. Also has been used for centuries in cooling summer drinks. Excellent bee plant. BOX, BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS
Perennial, native to western Europe and the Mediterranean. Medicinal, the powdered leaves were given to horses to improve their coats and to cure bot-worms. A woody shrub, it is used for bordering gardens. BUGLEWEED, AJUGA REPTANS
Perennial native of shaded areas of temperate Europe. Medicinal plant for many centuries. Popular at one time as meat covering. One would cover meat as we use foil today. to keep in the juices and flavor. Today it is a good ground cover. It produces excellent black dye for woolen fibers and this was a principal use in colonial times. BURNET, SANG UISORBA OFFICINALIS, SALAD BURNET
Perennial, native of Mediterranean area. Traditionally a most important wound herb, meaning it was used to stop the flow of blood. Also a tea made from the leaves was useful in reducing fever. Today is is a culinary herb with a delicate cucumber flavor, used in salads, dips, with cheeses, butters and in vinegars. The plant has pretty leaves, and it is a popular leaf to dry and use for pressed flower pictures. BUTTERFLY WEED, ASCLEPIUS TUBEROSA
Perennial, native of North America, and used by the Indians. A decorative plant of the milkweed family. Also called pleurisy root, it was considered a remedy for children’s pneumonia. Today it is considered an endangered species in the wild but is available as a cultivated plant. It is a good bee herb. BALM, MELISSA OFFICINALIS, LEMON BALM
Perennial, native of Southern Europe. Used as a strewing herb, those herbs which spread out on earth and stone floors to keep them sweet smelling. Strewing herbs were then swept out with the debris. Historically a medicinal herb for its calming effect, Balm was also the source for lemon oil in furniture polish. Dried leaves retain their lemon scent and are used in soups, stuffings, on fish. Fresh it is used in salads and drinks. It makes a good tea and in an excellent bee herb. CHIVES, ALLIUM SCHOENPRASM
Perennial, native of China. Known to have been used in 300BC in China and very early in Europe as were most of the Alliums or onion family. Used as seasoning in dips, cottage cheese, potatoes, vinegar and butters. CLOVE PINKS, DIANTHUS CARYOPYLLUS, CLOVE GILLYFLOWERS
Perennial, Eurasian origin. A decorative, fragrant, medicinal, flavoring herb. A favorite in early New England gardens. A good bee herb. COMFREY, SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE
Perennial, origin wasAsia where it was recorded by 400BC. Found in gardens in Salem and Boston in the 17th century. An important medicinal herb used for centuries as a wound herb. It was also taken internally. Today it is used as a green vegetable. A good compost and also an animal feed. A tea can be make from the leaves. It is still used medicinally as a poultice, and a tea. COSTMARY, CHRYSANTHEMUM BALSAMITA, BIBLE-LEAF, ALE-COST, SWEET MARY
Perennial, of East Indian origin. In Europe by 1580. The different names for Costmary come from its many historical uses. In England it was an ingredient in making ale. It was used by colonists as bible markers and eaten during sermons to prevent boredom. It was a popular medicinal herb. Today it is used as a tea, sparingly, as a flavoring for ground meats, and is made into sweet-smelling sachets. CRANESBILL, GERANIUM MAC ULATUM
Hardy perennial, native to North America. Dried root used for astringent properties. On the protected list, but available commercially. A good garden plant.
CUPID’S DART, CATANANCHE, Perennial, native to the Mediterranean regions. The blue flowers are everlasting if picked before their peak. This plant was used in love philtres by the Greeks. DAFFODIL, PHEASANT EYE, NARCISSUS POETICUS RECURVUS
Perennial bulb. Used medicinally, but poisonous. A species daffodil which has not been hybridized. Blooms late. DILL, ANETHUM GRAVELOENS
Annual, native of Mediterranean regions and Southern Russia. Prized during the Middle Ages as a charm against witchcraft, Dill was traditionally an herb of power used by magicians in their spells. A popular medicinal herb, as well as an herb used in perfuming of soaps. The fruits were known to the early settlers here as "Meeting House Seeds" as they were taken to Sunday worship and munched during the long sermons. Today the seeds and stalks are used in pickling, the leaves in salads and on fish. EGYPTIAN ONION, ALLIUM VIVAPARUM
Perennial, reproduces by bearing new bulbs at top of leaves. A culinary, decorative, medicinal herb. ELECAMPANE, INULA HELENIUM
Perennial, , member of the sunflower family, its origin was the Caucasus to Siberia and then to Europe. Colonists brought this herb with them very early because of its medicinal value. Considered a weed in this country before 1672, it was very popular for the cures of many ailments and for many skin infections. Today it can still be found in some cough medicines.
EUROPEAN GINGER, ASARUM EUROPAFUM
Perennial. A medicinal and flavoring herb which is also useful as ground cover for shady areas. FEVERFEW, CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM
Biennial, self sowing. A medicinal herb once considered effective in warding off disease. It is useful as an insect repellent and also relieves insect bites.
FLAX, LINUM PERENNE, Perennial, has long flowering period. FLAX, LINUM USITATISSIMUM
Annual, origin is difficult to determine because the flax appeared in so many places. During the Middle Ages, the flowers were considered good protection against sorcery. In Europe, the children were sent to dance between the rows of growing flax plants to be made beautiful. Flax fibers are woven into linen cloth. The oil of the seeds is refined to make linseed oil, used by painters. The cake remaining after removing the oil is used to feed cattle. The seed itself is a medicine for coughs and colds. GARLIC CHIVES, ALLIUM TUBEROSUM
Perennial. A good decorative plant for it bears a sweet scented white flowers in August. It is a flavoring herb and and excellent bee herb.
GERANIUMS, SCENTED, PELARGONIUM VARETIES
Perennial, tender. Grown for fragrant leaves, not flowers. Used in potpourris and sachets, sugars, jellies, desserts, drinks. GERMANDER, TEUCRIUM CHAMAEDRYS
Perennial, Mediterranean origin. A popular medicinal herb in the 18th Century as a remedy for gout. Today it is a bee herb. Often used in knot gardens and as a border since it can be clipped to a neat little hedge. GOLDEN MARGUERITE, ANTHEMIS TINCTORIA
Perennial, Eurasian native. A decorative plant, related to the Camomiles, which yields a bright yellow dye. Tinctoria in a plant’s name means a dye plant.
HELIOTROPE, HELIOTROPIUM ARBORESCENS,CHERRY PIE, TURNSOLE , Tender perennial. Very fragrant flowers used for sachets and essential oils. Medicinal. HOUSESLEEK, SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM, HEN AND CHICKENS
Perennial from the Alpine region of Europe. Medicinal use as a wound herb for burns and cuts, strong astringent. Today its use is limited to planting for rock gardens and low borders. HYSSOP, HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS
Perennial, Mediterranean origin. Never a culinary herb and not very popular as a medicinal herb although it was used as an emetic and as a wound herb. Oil from plants and flowers was valuable in perfumery. It was very popular during the Renaissance as a small clipped hedge and was brought to Virginia for use in formal gardens. lf was especially popular because of its blue flowers. It is a bitter herb rarely used today except as a garden plant. It is a good bee herb. JOHNNY JUMP UP, VIOLA TRICOLOR
Annual, self sowing. European origin. Also known as Heart-ease and Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me. Once used in love potions. A medicinal herb. LADY’S MANTLE, ALCHEMILLA OFFICINALIS
Perennial spreading. Originated in cold climates all over the world. An important medicinal herb and was used in tonics. The name Alchemilla comes from the Arabic word alchemy Dew collected from the leaves was also supposed to have magical properties. Flowers dry well. A good garden plant. LAVENDER, LAVANDULA OFFICINALIS, HIDCOTE, MUNSTEAD CULTIVATORS
Perennial, Mediterranean origin, used by Egyptians. Brought to America by settlers from England where it had long been cultivated. Lavender has always been used for fragrance and as a medicinal plant used for sachets, bath waters, potpourri, soaps. Bee herb. LEMON VERBENA, LIPPIA CITRIODORA
Tender perennial, native of Peru. One of the sweetest smelling of all the herbs. Brought here from Peru via England in the 18th century. Sometimes used for tea.
LOVAGE, LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE
Perennial, Mediterranean origin. Looks, smells, and tastes like celery but is stronger and larger. The roots and the seeds are used medicinally. Used today in salads, soups, stews, and dips. Dried leaves are used for tea. MADDER, RUBIA TINCTORUM
Perennial, southern European origin. Historically always important as source of red dye. MARIGOLDS, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS
Annual, self sowing; southern European origin. Historically important medicinal herb. Only the deep orange flowered variety was of medicinal value, used as a wound herb and to cure warts. Tea made from flowers and leaves was useful for heart and circulation. Today the petals are used in cooking, for wine, confections and tea. It adds color to potpourri. MARJORAM, WILD, ORIGANUM VULGARE, MARJORAM, GOLDEN, VULGARE AUREUM, MARJORAM, SWEET, ORIGANUM MAJORANA
Perennial, sometimes tender. Mediterranean origin. Medicinal herb with many uses. Because of its strong aroma, it was used as a strewing herb and for sweet tea bags, sweet powders, and sweet washing waters. Purple dye for woolens and reddish dye for linens were made from it by persons unable to afford Madder, but the dye is not fast. A culinary herb today, useful as flavoring for soups, stews, salads. Good bee herb. OREGANO, ORIGANLIM HERACLEOTICUM
Perennial. This is the plant grown commercially as oregano in the United States. An important culinary herb used in all Italian cooking especially as flavoring for soups, stews, meats, and fishes. PASQUE FLOWER, ANEMONE PULSATILLA
Perennial, Asian origin. Historically a medicinal herb. Blooms very early, supposedly on Easter day. An attractive garden plant. PARSLEY, PETROSELINUM HORTENSE
Biennial, Middle Eastern origin. Brought to North America by John Mason, one of the original proprietors, with Fernando Gorges, of New Hampshire and Maine. Always a favorite culinary herb, it was also a medicinal herb. Because of its sharp aroma it has been used as a room freshener. Today, it is the most familiar herb for cooking. RHUBARB, RHEUM RHABARBARUM
Perennial, southern Siberian origin. Used for hundreds of years as a laxative. Probably not used as a vegetable until early nineteenth century, when it was introduced to London markets. Stalks used for desserts, breads, sauces. ROSEMARY, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS
Perennial, tender, Mediterranean origin. "Rosemary for Remembrance" has been its symbolic meaning. The herb was always included in wedding bouquets, carried at funerals and used in church decorations for festivals. The wood of Rosemary was used to make lutes. It was used to ward off black magic. It was an important medicinal herb and an ingredient in hair lotions and perfumes. Today it is used for shampoos, lotions, and soaps. It is also an important culinary herb. It makes an attractive pot plant, and there are many varieties of Rosemary. A good bee herb. RUE, RUTA GRAVEOLENS
Perennial, hardy, eastern Mediterranean origin. A bitter herb important in the early church. Called the "Herb of Grace." Historically regarded an an antidote for poisons and protection against witchcraft. Remedy for many, many diseases in both humans and animals. It was an important strewing herb and also a useful insect repellent. The root was used for red dye. Blue gray foliage is handsome in the garden and persists long after frost. SAGE, SALVIA OFFICINALIS
Perennial, native of eastern Mediterranean region. Sage has always been an important culinary herb. Before the use of hops, it was a staple in brewing. It was a medicinal herb used as a cure for fevers, colds and broken bones. Today it is an essential condiment used in sausage, poultry stuffings, stewed tomatoes, butters, and also as a tea. All sages are good bee herbs.
SAGE, PINEAPPLE, SALVIA RUTILANS
Tender perennial, very fragrant.
SAGE, PURPLE, SALVIA OFFICINALIS V PURPUREA
Perennial. This hardy sage will form woody shrubs, and is an attractive garden plant. SANTOLINA, GRAY, SANTONLINA CHAMAECYPARIS
SANTOLINA, GREEN, SANTOLTNA VIRENS
Perennial, Mediterranean origin. Often used in knot gardens since it can be clipped into neat small hedges. Used as an insect repellent, moth chaser and in herb wreaths. SELF-HEAL, PRUNELLA VULGARIS
Perennial ground cover, European origin. Once used medicinally as astringent, styptic, and tonic. Good wound herb. SOAP WORT, APONARIA OFFICINALIS, BOUNCING BET, WILD SWEET WILLIAM
Perennial, very hard; native of temperate Europe. Was a medicinal herb. More important usage was that of cleaner for fine fabrics. Soapwort makes a lather and not only cleans fabrics, but has the quality of restoring fabrics and the colors of vegetable dyes.. Brought to this country by weavers and fullers. Now a common wild flower. SORREL, FRENCH, RUMEX ACETOSA
Perennial, origin was temperate Europe. Sorrel has always been a culinary herb. It was a medicinal herb used as a laxative. For colonists it was a source of black dye for woolens and also an ink stain remover. Today it is used in salads, soups, and as a meat tenderizer. SOUTHERNWOOD, ARTEMISIA ABROTANUM
Perennial, native to Spain and Italy. Southemwood had many medicinal uses; as a wound herb, a tonic, and as an antiseptic. It was a strewing herb. Because of its camphor-like fragrance, it was a desirable addition to wooden chests to repel moths. Today it is useful as moth repellent, shampoo, source of yellow dye for wool. Good bee herb. SPEARMINT, MENTHA SPICATA
Perennial, native of Mediterranean region. Always a favorite kitchen herb. It was a bath scent, and leaves were rubbed on arms for scent. It was used as a cure for chapped hands. Today used for teas, sugars, cookies, garnish for desserts and drinks. Good bee herb. There are many mint varieties. SWEET CICELY, MYRRHIS ODORATA
Perennial, northern European origin. Sweet Cicely had many medicinal uses in the treatment of coughs, stomach aches, and as a cure for pleurisy. The seeds were ground to make oil to clean and protect oak floors, walls, and furniture. Today it is used in salads; the seed is a spice; it is used in potpourris; it is a decorative plant and bee herb. SPIDER LILY, TRADESCANTIA
Perennial, North American origin. Brought in from the wild for the early colonists’ gardens. No special herbal use. STRAWBERRY, FRAGARIA, Variety FRAISES DES BOIS
Perennial, many varieties are native to North America. Quantities of wild strawberries were found here by the first settlers, hence the original English name of Portsmouth— Strawbery Banke. This variety does not make runners. Fruits and flowers all summer. A good border plant. As garnish, in fruit desserts, jams, punch. Leaves used for tea. TANSY, TANACETUM VULGARE
Perennial, Greek origin. Many medicinal uses; for colds, fevers, stomach ailments, externally on bruises and inflammations. Used in Colonial cookery: tansy cakes, tansy puddings, tansy omelets. Source for yellow dye. Best used as an ant repellent. TARRAGON, ARTEMISIA DRACUNCUL US
Perennial, native to southern Russia, Greece. Always popular for culinary herb. Some medicinal value. Anis-like flavor used for chicken, lamb, seafoods, salads. Propagates by division; does not set seed. THYME, GARDEN, THYMUS VULGARIS
Perennial, native of Mediterranean area. Very important medicinal herb and has many uses. Also good strewing herb. Today it is used as a culinary herb and can be used for everything and anything in moderation. All thymes are excellent bee herbs. THYME, CREEPING, THYMUS SERPYLLUM
Perennial. Medicinal for many ailments most particularly coughs, whooping cough. Tea used for headaches. There are many varieties of creeping Thyme. It is a decorative and sweet smelling ground cover. THYME, LEMON, THYMUS CITRIODOR US
Perennial, not always hardy. VALERIAN, VALERIANA OFFICINALIS, GARDEN HELIOTROPE
Perennial; self sows everywhere if flower heads are not cut off. Mediterranean origin medicinal herb which had many uses especially for fevers, aches, and was primarily used as a sedative. VERVAIN, VERBENA OFFICINALIS, Perennial, native of Mediterranean area. In Latin, the name means "sacred herb" and it was used for hundreds of years as a purification herb for altars in homes and temples. It was considered an herb of magic. It was also the symbol for death. VIOLET, VIOLA ODORATA
Perennial, self sows, native Europe, and northern Asia. A decorative plant used medicinally and for perfume. Violets are also candied for confections and used for flavoring. WOODRUFF, ASPER LILA ODORATA
Perennial, origin was temperate Asia, Europe. A medicinal herb and a strewing herb because of strong, clean odor. Used as a mattress stuffing. Today it is used in potpourris and to stuff fragrant pillows as it has a scent of sweet hay. It is used to flavor May Wine. An attractive ground cover in shady areas. WOOLY LAMBS EAR, STACHYS OFFICINALIS
Perennial, European origin. A wound herb. A ground cover with gray leaves which makes it an interesting accent in the garden. WORMWOOD, ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM
Perennial, Mediterranean origin. A very bitter herb used especially as an antidote for poisoning. It was also used to prevent seasickness. Used today for herb wreaths, as an insect repellent, and also as flavoring for liqueurs, notably absinthe. YARROW, ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM
Perennial, origin was any temperate region. Used in medicine since 1000BC for aggulatinating blood. It was also always put into medicinal herb gardens to increase the potency of other medicinal plants. It is an excellent companion plant to discourage insects. Today it is a decorative herb. The dried flowers and leaves are good in pressed pictures. There are many varieties. Strawbery Banke Museum gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the members of the New England unit of the Herb Society of America and the Northeast Seacoast Unit of the Herb Society of America who have maintained this garden since 1968. For information on membership in the Northeast Seacoast Unit of the Herb Society of America, please call;603-964-8921603-778-1265
| |
