Herbs - Woad to Wormwood

Woad

(Isatis tinctoria)

A hardy biennial with blue/green leaves and yellow flowers growing to a height of 4ft (1.2m). It prefers a rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position although it will tolerate shade. Can be grown from seed sown in late summer.

Uses

Only ornamental now. Ancient Britons used to extract a blue dye from the leaves, which was used to paint their bodies and dye wool.

Woodruff

(Asperula odorata)

A low growing carpeting perennial that originally comes from woodlands. The leaves give off a scent like new mown hay. It needs a humus-rich, damp shady spot. Seeds take a long time to germinate and it is better to purchase young plants in spring.HarvestingPick fresh leaves as required. The leaves develop the strongest scent when they are first picked and are just beginning to dry.UsesLeaves can be added to wine or apple juice. They can also be used to make a tisane.

Wormwood

(Artemesia absinthium)

A hardy perennial that grows to a height of 3ft (1m). The leaves give off a scent like new mown hay. It thrives in any soil in sun or partial shade. Sow seeds in autumn or take stem or root cuttings.

Uses

Only grown as an ornamental shrub. Commercially this very bitter plant is used to flavour vermouth and absinthe.

WARNING! It is dangerous to eat in quantity as it has a narcotic effect.

© copyright 1999, P. A. Owen