MEDICINAL AND CULINARY NATIVE HERBS IN THE LEARNING ORCHARD AT THE WOODLANDS
Scarlet Bee Balm, monarda didyma, in the new herb row at the Woodlands (POP Staff)
Our Learning Orchard at the Woodlands was designed and planted in 2020 using a type of agroforestry technique called alley cropping, where we grow annual crops between tree and shrub rows. As young trees have now doubled or tripled their tree canopy they have created partial or full shade in areas where annual crops once were. This gave us the perfect opportunity to design a space for shade tolerant plants.
When planting this herb row, we were excited to integrate a diversity of plants that can serve culinary or medicinal use for humans. We wanted to select plants that could support different body systems while also enriching the ecological benefit for pollinators. Being that these plants are native or naturalized on the east coast, they are more likely to adapt and settle into the orchard rows.
MEET OUR HERB ROW
Planted through May of 2024, the herb row currently features eight plants described below. We are hoping to integrate more plants like Lobelia and shrubby St. John’s Wort this fall and watch the row flourish next summer!
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) -known for a variety of therapeutic actions, often utilized in herbal medicine. Its primary actions include: Antispasmodic, Sedative, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive Aid, Laxative.
Wild Bergamont (Monarda fistulosa) & Scarlett Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) -Also known as Oswego tea, monarda is an aromatic herb with a range of culinary uses. Its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers and flavorful leaves make it a versatile ingredient. We chose bee balm because it has a delicious oregano-like taste and support a wide range of pollinators.
Angelica (Angelica atropurpure) – Traditionally angelica has been used in herbal medicine for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties, although it is less commonly used today compared to other Angelica species. Its aromatic leaves and seeds have also been used in culinary applications and as a natural remedy for various ailments. We’re excited to watch its umbels grow tall next summer!
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) -Commonly known as purple coneflower we planted echinacea in hopes of attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly goldfinches that feed on its seeds. The entire plant can be used as immune boosting medicine, especially the roots.
Golden Rod (Solidago rugosa) – Goldenrod often used in traditional herbal medicine for its potential to alleviate allergy symptoms as it is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic. Goldenrod is typically used in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules. We used the ‘Fireworks’ variety which has beautiful yellow flowers will also be used in our market bouquets we make for food distribution.
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) – Though sometimes seen as a weed, Boneset’s adaptability to different moist environments and its ecological roles make it a valuable species for supporting biodiversity. Its herbal actions are febrifuge, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Come check out our herb row during our next open orchard time during The Woodlands Nature Night, where we will be have a casual tasting of some of these herbs.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented on this website is for informational, reference, and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a health care professional. Always consult a healthcare professional or medical doctor when suffering from any health ailment, disease, illness, or injury, or before attempting any traditional or folk remedies. Keep all plants away from children. As with any natural product, they can be toxic if misused.
The Philadelphia Orchard Project stresses that you should not consume parts of any wild edible plants, herbs, weeds, trees, or bushes until you have verified with your health professional that they are safe for you. As with any new foods that you wish to try, it is best to introduce them slowly into your diet in small amounts.
This POP Blog was written by Orchard Coordinator Carolina Torres.
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