Ann Marie

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a deciduous tree that grows in a cold climate. It is also known as the red elm because of its reddish-brown inner heartwood. But what earns its popular name is the slippery and gooey mucilage…

Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is a native California medicinal plant with a Spanish name that means “sacred herb.” The plant earned its name for its potency in healing many medical problems. This aromatic shrub bears a cluster of creamy white…

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm tree with fan-shaped leaves and sharp-spined stalks. It is often used as an ornamental and landscaping plant due to its attractive textural accent. In the horticultural trade, the silvery-leaf varieties are the…

Plantain (Plantago major), or broadleaf plantain, is a common plant typically dismissed as a weed that thrives abundantly in lawns. It has rosette leaves growing close to the ground and interestingly grows a leafless stem that bears spikes of flowers.…

Licorice or Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a sweet-sounding name that relates to candies that some people love and others hate. But, it is a plant you can grow. Licorice is an ingredient in some herbal supplements, teas, or candies. The…

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), or fever grass, is an aromatic and tropical island plant of the Poaceae family. It is also alternatively known as Malabar grass, Cochin grass, or barbed-wire grass. It is hard not to miss the citrusy and lemony…

Milkvetch (Astragalus spp.) is one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so much so that it is included in the 50 fundamental herbs in China. There are many species of astragalus, some of which are toxic. Identifying…

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), or purple medick, is a perennial legume and a flowering plant that grows in the prairies with temperate climates. The young plant looks similar to clover. However, it grows elongated leaves and purple flowers as it matures.…

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a culinary herb belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is known as methi in India and is valued for its medicinal properties aside from its culinary importance. This spice has been around for centuries and…