Calamintha nepeta
'Lesser Calamint'
'Lesser Calamint'
Currently Unavailable
Calluna vulgaris 'Heather'Ericaceae: dense, evergreen shrub to 50cm, also known as Ling. This is a characteristic plant of acid soils on heaths and moors, but it also occurs in mature birch and conifer woodland. The flowers are bell-shaped, and usually pink but sometimes white; forming spikes from Aug-Sep. seeds are very small, almost dust like. Widespread and locally common throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
A tea is made from the flowering stems, and it was once used to make a kind of mead, also brewed from the flowers and the young shoots have been used instead of hops to flavour beer.
Heather has had a long history of medicinal use in folk medicine. In particular it is a good urinary antiseptic and diuretic, disinfecting the urinary tract and mildly increasing urine production. The flowering shoots are antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, mildly sedative and vasoconstrictor. The plant is often macerated and made into a liniment for treating rheumatism and arthritis, whilst a hot poultice is a traditional remedy for chilblains.
Seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but a short Cold stratification for 4 weeks or so may help. Requires a light acid soil and a sunny position, but tolerates light shade. Only succeeds if the pH is below 6.5.
Seeds collected from wild plants across the north east of England, 2013.
Approx. 1000+ seeds £1.50
Calystegia sepium 'Hedge Bindweed'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Currently Unavailable
Campanula glomerata
‘CLUSTERED BELLFLOWER’
[Ex. Yorkshire]
‘CLUSTERED BELLFLOWER’
[Ex. Yorkshire]
Currently Unavailable
Capsella bursa-pastoris ‘SHEPHERD'S-PURSE’
[Ex. Somerset]
[Ex. Somerset]
Currently Unavailable
Cardamine hirsuta
‘HAIRY BITTERCRESS’
[Ex. Somerset]
Brassicaceae: annual growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The small white flowers are borne in a corymb on wiry green stems, soon followed by the seeds and often continuing to flower as the first seeds ripen. Blooming from spring to autumn. Seeds burst explosively when touched, sending the seeds flying far from the parent plant. The stems are hairless and the leaves do not clasp the stems. Found on open and cultivated ground, rocks, scree, walls and such. Native to most of the northern Hemisphere, including Britain.
The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, they have a hot cress-like flavour, and are mainly used as a garnish or flavouring in salads, but are also sometimes used as a potherb.
The plant germinates most freely in the autumn and so leaves are usually available all winter, but can be sown anytime of the year. Very easy. Plants grows best in damp, recently disturbed soil. These conditions are prevalent in nursery or garden centre plants, and is a common weed in my polytunnels, but this is a weed you can eat!
Harvest 2014.
Approx. 200+ seeds £0.99
‘HAIRY BITTERCRESS’
[Ex. Somerset]
Brassicaceae: annual growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The small white flowers are borne in a corymb on wiry green stems, soon followed by the seeds and often continuing to flower as the first seeds ripen. Blooming from spring to autumn. Seeds burst explosively when touched, sending the seeds flying far from the parent plant. The stems are hairless and the leaves do not clasp the stems. Found on open and cultivated ground, rocks, scree, walls and such. Native to most of the northern Hemisphere, including Britain.
The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, they have a hot cress-like flavour, and are mainly used as a garnish or flavouring in salads, but are also sometimes used as a potherb.
The plant germinates most freely in the autumn and so leaves are usually available all winter, but can be sown anytime of the year. Very easy. Plants grows best in damp, recently disturbed soil. These conditions are prevalent in nursery or garden centre plants, and is a common weed in my polytunnels, but this is a weed you can eat!
Harvest 2014.
Approx. 200+ seeds £0.99
Cardamine pratensis
'Cuckoo Flower'
Carduus nutans 'Musk Thistle'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Asteraceae: an upright, elegant biennial to 1m. The stems are cottony, mainly with spiny wings, although stalks below the flowers are spine free. Grows on dry grass, including verges and dunes. The scented flowers are 3-5cm across, with reddish-purple florets and purplish spiny bracts, heads are solitary and nodding, flowering from June-August. The leaves are pinnately lobed and very spiny. Locally common only in England and wales, but scarce or absent elsewhere. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, north to Norway, south and east to North Africa, Siberia and Western Asia.
The pith of stem can be boiled, this is said to have a pleasant taste, eaten like asparagus. Said to be delicious. The dried flowers are used as a curdling agent for plant milks.
The flowers are febrifuge and are used to purify the blood. The seeds contain a fixed oil that is rich in linoleic acid. This has proved of benefit in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Can be sown from late summer to autumn or spring. Easy.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 50+ seeds £1.50
Carduus nutans
Asteraceae: an upright, elegant biennial to 1m. The stems are cottony, mainly with spiny wings, although stalks below the flowers are spine free. Grows on dry grass, including verges and dunes. The scented flowers are 3-5cm across, with reddish-purple florets and purplish spiny bracts, heads are solitary and nodding, flowering from June-August. The leaves are pinnately lobed and very spiny. Locally common only in England and wales, but scarce or absent elsewhere. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, north to Norway, south and east to North Africa, Siberia and Western Asia.
The pith of stem can be boiled, this is said to have a pleasant taste, eaten like asparagus. Said to be delicious. The dried flowers are used as a curdling agent for plant milks.
The flowers are febrifuge and are used to purify the blood. The seeds contain a fixed oil that is rich in linoleic acid. This has proved of benefit in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Can be sown from late summer to autumn or spring. Easy.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 50+ seeds £1.50
Carlina vulgaris ‘CARLINE THISTLE’
[Ex. Oxfordshire]
Asteraceae: upright, branched or unbranched biennial to 60cm. growing in dry calcareous grassland. The flowers are golden-brown, rayless heads 15-40mm across, surrounded by spreading, straw-coloured bracts, in clusters from July-September, the dead flower heads persist well into the next year. The seeds are feathery pappus like hairs. The leaves are oblong with wavy margins and spiny lobes, downy lower leaves. Locally common only. Native to Europe, including Britain, north to 60° North, east to Siberia, Caucasus and Western Asia.
The flowering heads can be cooked, and used as a globe artichoke substitute.
It is only occasionally used nowadays in the treatment of spasms of the digestive tract, gall bladder and liver disorders, dropsy, urine retention, the root has also been used in treating a range of skin complaints such as acne and eczema. A decoction of the root can be used externally to cleanse wounds or as an antiseptic gargle. Some caution should be employed since in large doses the root is purgative and emetic. The root is antibiotic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, mildly diuretic, emetic in large doses, febrifuge and purgative in large doses. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Surface sow seeds in a cold frame in the spring, seeds normally germinate in 4 - 8 weeks at 15°c.
Harvested August 2014.
Approx. 100+ Seeds £1.25
Carlina vulgaris
[Ex. Oxfordshire]
Asteraceae: upright, branched or unbranched biennial to 60cm. growing in dry calcareous grassland. The flowers are golden-brown, rayless heads 15-40mm across, surrounded by spreading, straw-coloured bracts, in clusters from July-September, the dead flower heads persist well into the next year. The seeds are feathery pappus like hairs. The leaves are oblong with wavy margins and spiny lobes, downy lower leaves. Locally common only. Native to Europe, including Britain, north to 60° North, east to Siberia, Caucasus and Western Asia.
The flowering heads can be cooked, and used as a globe artichoke substitute.
It is only occasionally used nowadays in the treatment of spasms of the digestive tract, gall bladder and liver disorders, dropsy, urine retention, the root has also been used in treating a range of skin complaints such as acne and eczema. A decoction of the root can be used externally to cleanse wounds or as an antiseptic gargle. Some caution should be employed since in large doses the root is purgative and emetic. The root is antibiotic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, mildly diuretic, emetic in large doses, febrifuge and purgative in large doses. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Surface sow seeds in a cold frame in the spring, seeds normally germinate in 4 - 8 weeks at 15°c.
Harvested August 2014.
Approx. 100+ Seeds £1.25
Carpinus betulus ’HORNBEAM’
Currently Unavailable
Carthamus tinctorius 'Safflower'
Centaurea cyanus ‘CORNFLOWER’
[Ex. Hertfordshire]
Currently Unavailable
Castanea sativa 'Sweet Chestnut'
Centaurea cyanus 'Cornflower'
[Ex. Hertfordshire]
Cornflower is an attractive, tall annual with a much branched stem and hairy, grey-green leaves. Easily its most distinctive feature is its large intensely blue ‘flowers’, which in common with other members of the daisy family (Asteraceae) are in fact a compound head of many small flowers. The edge of the head consists of large clear blue flowers and the middle of small purplish ones. Flowering occurs from June to August and is followed by the seeds which are similar in size to cereal grain but crowned with a brush of short bristles.
Habitat Information.
Cornflower was formerly a widespread arable weed particularly on sandy loams but also on many other soil types including calcareous clays. Although most commonly associated with crops that were cultivated in the autumn it also grows well from seed sown in the spring.
Cornflower was probably introduced to Britain with the arrival of agriculture and was certainly present by the Iron Age. It continued to be a serious weed right up to the beginning of the last century when improved seed cleaning technologies were developed. The resulting decline was exacerbated with the introduction of modern herbicides and by the early 70s it was a very rare plant. It continues to crop up as a casual on road verges and waste ground but as an arable weed it is restricted to a very few sites in southern and eastern England.
In the wild germination is mainly in the autumn and winter, but some can germinate following spring cultivation's. Easy to grow from seed sown any time from August to late April but best sown before the end of March.
[Ex. Hertfordshire]
Currently Unavailable
Castanea sativa 'Sweet Chestnut'
[Ex. Hertfordshire]
Cornflower is an attractive, tall annual with a much branched stem and hairy, grey-green leaves. Easily its most distinctive feature is its large intensely blue ‘flowers’, which in common with other members of the daisy family (Asteraceae) are in fact a compound head of many small flowers. The edge of the head consists of large clear blue flowers and the middle of small purplish ones. Flowering occurs from June to August and is followed by the seeds which are similar in size to cereal grain but crowned with a brush of short bristles.
Habitat Information.
Cornflower was formerly a widespread arable weed particularly on sandy loams but also on many other soil types including calcareous clays. Although most commonly associated with crops that were cultivated in the autumn it also grows well from seed sown in the spring.
Cornflower was probably introduced to Britain with the arrival of agriculture and was certainly present by the Iron Age. It continued to be a serious weed right up to the beginning of the last century when improved seed cleaning technologies were developed. The resulting decline was exacerbated with the introduction of modern herbicides and by the early 70s it was a very rare plant. It continues to crop up as a casual on road verges and waste ground but as an arable weed it is restricted to a very few sites in southern and eastern England.
In the wild germination is mainly in the autumn and winter, but some can germinate following spring cultivation's. Easy to grow from seed sown any time from August to late April but best sown before the end of March.
Centaurea nigra 'Lesser knapweed'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Currently Unavailable
Centaurea nigra
Centaurea scabiosa
‘GREATER KNAPWEED'
[Ex. Dorset]
Asteraceae: elegant perennial of dry, calcareous grassland, growing to 1m. Stems are stiff, downy, grooved and swollen towards the base. The flowers are 3-5cm across, with reddish-purple disc florets, and a swollen base coated with brown bracts, solitary heads from June-September. The leaves are oblong and deeply pinnate. Locally common in Southern and Eastern England. Native to much of Europe, including Britain, north to 68° N., east to the Caucasus and Western Asia.
The roots and seeds are diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. The plant once had a very high reputation as an ingredient of the Medieval 'salve', an ointment applied to heal wounds and treat skin infections.
Grows readily from seed sown at any time of the year, but probably best sown in spring.
Harvested: August 2014.
Approx. 100+ seeds £1.50
‘GREATER KNAPWEED'
[Ex. Dorset]
Asteraceae: elegant perennial of dry, calcareous grassland, growing to 1m. Stems are stiff, downy, grooved and swollen towards the base. The flowers are 3-5cm across, with reddish-purple disc florets, and a swollen base coated with brown bracts, solitary heads from June-September. The leaves are oblong and deeply pinnate. Locally common in Southern and Eastern England. Native to much of Europe, including Britain, north to 68° N., east to the Caucasus and Western Asia.
The roots and seeds are diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. The plant once had a very high reputation as an ingredient of the Medieval 'salve', an ointment applied to heal wounds and treat skin infections.
Grows readily from seed sown at any time of the year, but probably best sown in spring.
Harvested: August 2014.
Approx. 100+ seeds £1.50
Centaurium erythraea
'Common Centaury'
Currently Unavailable
Centaurium erythraea
[Ex. Tynemouth, England]
Valerianaceae: an upright, branched, hairless, greyish-green perennial to 70cm. grows on broken, rocky ground, chalk cliffs and old walls. The flowers are reddish or pink, but sometimes white, they form dense terminal heads from May-September. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as greens, and are said to be exceedingly good, either in salads or cooked as a vegetable. This differs from our own experience, whilst the leaves can be added to salads they are rather bitter. Root can also be cooked and used in soups.
Red valerian is sometimes confused in herbals and folk tradition with the true valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Whilst true valerian has a very strong action on the nervous system, this species has no known medical properties.
Grows well in ordinary moist, well-drained garden soil and on dry walls. Prefers a sunny position, though it also succeeds in semi-shade. Sow seeds from February to May in situ or as soon as it is ripe and only just cover the seed. Germination is usually rapid.
Attracts butterflies.
Harvested: 2014
Centranthus ruber
Cerastium fontanum
'Common Mouse-ear'
Currently Unavailable
'Roman Chamomile'
Currently Unavailable
Chelidonium majus
‘GREATER CELANDINE'
[Ex. Somerset]
‘GREATER CELANDINE'
[Ex. Somerset]
Papaveraceae: perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate, hardy to zone 6, small yellow flowers from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September, found in growing damp ground, banks, hedgerows and by walls, nearly always close to human habitations, native to most of Europe, including Britain, east to North Asia, it is also naturalized in North America.
A distinctive, bright orange sap, which exudes when the plant is cut or bruised, the juice is dabbed onto the skin, directly from the plant, as a traditional treatment for warts and corns, the sap is said to resemble bile in colour, and the herb was therefore used as a remedy for liver disorders. The whole plant is used as an anti-inflammatory herb that improves bile flow, stimulates the uterus and circulatory system, and acts as an anti-spasmodic, diuretic, and laxative.
Seeds are sown in situ from February to May or August to November, germination usually takes place within 1 - 12 months, and the plant self-sows freely and should not need much encouragement. Division in March, the plant bleeds profusely so this method and will stain your hands and clothes yellow.
Seeds Available: £1.50
Seeds Available: £1.50
Chenopodium album 'Fat-hen'
Chenopodiaceae: an upright, branched annual to 1m, found growing on disturbed arable land and muck heaps. The flowers are whitish green, in leafy spikes, appearing from June to October. The leaves are green, and matt-looking due to their mealy coating. Common throughout the country.
The leaves can be used raw or cooked, and are a very acceptable spinach substitute, the taste is a little bland but this can be improved by adding a few stronger-flavoured leaves. Archaeologists analysing carbonized plant remains found in storage pits and ovens at Iron Age, Viking Age, and Roman sites in Europe have found its seeds mixed with conventional grains and even inside the stomachs of Danish bog bodies.
Fat hen is not employed in herbal medicine, though it does have some gentle medicinal properties and is a very nutritious and healthy addition to the diet. The leaves are anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, antirheumatic, mildly laxative, odontalgic, an infusion is taken in the treatment of rheumatism. The leaves can be applied as a wash or poultice to bug bites, sunstroke, rheumatic joints and swollen feet, whilst a decoction is used for carious teeth. The seeds are chewed in the treatment of urinary problems and are considered useful for relieving the discharge of semen through the urine, the juice of the stems is also said to good on freckles and sunburn.
Seed collected from wild plants from Sunderland, August 2014.
Approx. 200+ seeds £1.25
Chenopodium bonus-henricus
'GOOD KING HENRY'
Chenopodiaceae: an upright perennial, stems are often streaked red. Favours disturbed arable land and waste ground. The flowers are numerous, in narrow, leafless spikes, from May-August. The leaves are mealy when young, but dark green with age. Introduced and very local in Britain. Most of Europe, including Britain, north to Scandinavia, Western Asia, Northern America.
The young leaves are used raw or cooked, the leaves wilt quickly after picking and so they need to be used as soon after harvesting as possible. They can be used as a potherb, and are best in spring and early summer, the older leaves become tough and bitter. The leaves are a good source of iron.
The herb is emollient, laxative and vermifuge, this remedy should not be used by people suffering from kidney complaints or rheumatism. A poultice of the leaves has been used to cleanse and heal chronic sores, boils and abscesses. The seed is a gentle laxative that is suitable for children.
Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame. Germination can be slow, but usually a high percentage will germinate.
Harvested August 2014.
Approx. 200+ seeds £1.35.
Cichorium intybus 'Wild Chicory'
'GOOD KING HENRY'
Chenopodiaceae: an upright perennial, stems are often streaked red. Favours disturbed arable land and waste ground. The flowers are numerous, in narrow, leafless spikes, from May-August. The leaves are mealy when young, but dark green with age. Introduced and very local in Britain. Most of Europe, including Britain, north to Scandinavia, Western Asia, Northern America.
The young leaves are used raw or cooked, the leaves wilt quickly after picking and so they need to be used as soon after harvesting as possible. They can be used as a potherb, and are best in spring and early summer, the older leaves become tough and bitter. The leaves are a good source of iron.
The herb is emollient, laxative and vermifuge, this remedy should not be used by people suffering from kidney complaints or rheumatism. A poultice of the leaves has been used to cleanse and heal chronic sores, boils and abscesses. The seed is a gentle laxative that is suitable for children.
Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame. Germination can be slow, but usually a high percentage will germinate.
Harvested August 2014.
Approx. 200+ seeds £1.35.
Cichorium intybus 'Wild Chicory'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Asteraceae: branched perennial with stiff, grooved stems to 1.5m. Grows in bare, grassy places and typically on calcareous soils, often seen on roadside verges. The flowers are 3-4cm across, and an eye catching sky blue, opening only in the morning and sunny weather, flowers from June-September. Locally common only in Sothern England. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to North Africa and Western Asia.
The leaves are eaten raw or cooked, the leaves are rather bitter, especially when the plants are flowering. The leaves are often blanched by excluding light, either by removing all the leaves and then earthing up the new growth, or by covering the plant with a bucket or something similar. Whilst this greatly reduces any bitterness, there is also a corresponding loss of vitamins and minerals. The blanched leaves are often used in winter salads (they are known as chicons) and are also cooked. The unblanched leaves are much less bitter in winter and make an excellent addition to salads at this time of year. The roasted root is used as a caffeine-free coffee adulterant or substitute, the young roots have a slightly bitter caramel flavour when roasted.
Chicory has a long history of herbal use and is especially of great value for its tonic affect upon the liver and digestive tract. It is little used in modern herbalism, though it is often used as part of the diet. The root and the leaves are appetizer, cholagogue, depurative, digestive, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, laxative and tonic. The roots are more active medicinally. A decoction of the root has proved to be of benefit in the treatment of jaundice, liver enlargement, gout and rheumatism. The root can be used fresh or dried, it is best harvested in the autumn. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can also be dried for later use. The root extracts have experimentally produced a slower and weaker heart rate (pulse). The plant merits research for use in heart irregularities.
Sow the seeds of the wild form being grown for their roots in May or June in situ. Cultivars being grown for their edible leaves can be sown in April for a summer crop or in June/July for a winter crop. Sow them in situ or in pots and then plant them out as soon as they are large enough.
Harvested: August 2014.
Approx. 200+ £1.25
Cichorium intybus
Cirsium 'Thistle'
Cirsium arvense 'Creeping Thistle'
Currently Unavailable
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium heterophyllum
'Melancholy Thistle'
'Melancholy Thistle'
[Ex. Yorkshire]
Currently Unavailable
Cirsium palustre 'Marsh Thistle'
Currently Unavailable
Cirsium palustre
Cirsium vulgare 'Spear Thistle'
Currently Unavailable
Cirsium vulgare
Clematis vitalba ’OLD MAN’S BEARD]
[Ex. Co. Durham]
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Ranunculaceae: scrambling hedgerow perennial to 20m. Found mainly on chalky soils, but not limited to them. The flowers are creamy-white, with prominent stamens, borne in clusters, flowering from July-August. The clusters of seeds form woolly whitish plumes, these give the plants common name of Old Man’s Beard. The leaves are divided into 3-5 leaflets. Locally common in central and Southern England, and Wales. Native to Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands south and east to North Africa and the Caucasus.
The young shoots are said be able to be cooked, and used like hop shoots (Humulus lupulus). All parts of the plant are poisonous, yet it is said that the toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying. Caution is advised due to reports of toxicity.
The leaves are analgesic, diuretic and rubefacient, the boiled roots and stems are used as a cure for the itch. When applied in the nostrils, the plant juice has been used to relieve migraine attacks, but it can also destroy the mucous membranes. The plant should not be taken internally because it is poisonous. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant, can be used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin eruptions.
Sow seed as soon as it is obtained in a cold frame. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible, a period of cold stratification is beneficial. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 45+ seeds £1.50
Clinopodium vulgare 'Wild Basil'
Currently Unavailable
Cochlearia officinalis
'Scurvy Grass'
Currently Unavailable
Conopodium majus 'Pignut'
Currently Unavailable
Cornus sanguinea 'Common Dogwood'
Conium maculatum NDD001 'HEMLOCK'
[Ex. Carville, Co. Durham]
[Ex. Carville, Co. Durham]
Apiaceae: Highly poisonous biennial growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in), hardy to zone 5, flowering from June to July, stems or spotted or streaked with red or purple, leaves are finely divided and lacy, overall triangular in shape, up to 50cm (20in) long and 40cm (16in) broad. The flowers are small, white, clustered in umbels up to 10–15cm (4–6in) across, when crushed, the leaves and root emit an unpleasant odour, native to Europe, including Britain, from Norway and Finland south and east to N. Africa and Iran.
Poison hemlock has been used as a sedative and for its antispasmodic properties, it was also used by Greek and Persian physicians for a variety of problems, such as arthritis, it was not always effective, however, as the difference between therapeutic and toxic amounts is very slight, overdoses can produce paralysis and loss of speech, followed by depression of the respiratory function, and then death. This is the plant that Socrates is said to have used to kill himself, though this is probably an error, it requires a large dose if it is to be lethal (this contradicts with the notes above on toxicity, and death from this plant can be very painful whilst Socrates is said to have died without pain).
A fairly common weed in Southern Britain, but rare further north, it succeeds in most soils in sun or light shade and avoids acid soils in the wild, it prefers a damp rich soil, Seed is best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in the late summer, it usually germinates in the autumn and flowers the next summer.
WARNING: ALL PARTS ARE EXTREMELY POISONOUS
Seeds Available: £1.50
Seeds Available: £1.50
Convolvulus arvensis 'Field Bindweed'
Currently Unavailable
Corydalis solida 'FUMEWORT'
Currently Unavailable
Corylus avellana ’HAZEL’
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Betulaceae: large shrub or small multiple stemmed tree to 4m, that produces delicate, yellow, long female catkins called lambs tails in late winter. The fruit are the edible hazelnut, which ripen in mid to late autumn, and are of immense importance to woodland wildlife. A widespread native tree across most of Europe, including Britain and Ireland, occurring in hedgerows and woodlands.
The seeds are used raw or roasted and used in breads, cakes, biscuits, sweets etc., they are an excellent nut for raw eating. The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels. When kept in a cool place, and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months. A clear yellow edible oil can be obtained from the seed, this is used in salad dressings, baking etc.
The bark, leaves, catkins and fruits are sometimes used medicinally, and they are astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, nutritive and odontalgic. The seed is stomachic and tonic, and the oil has a very gentle but constant and effective action in cases of infection with threadworm or pinworm in babies and young children.
Seeds should be pre-soaked in warm water for 48 hours and then given 2 weeks warm followed by 3 - 4 months cold stratification. Germinates in 1 - 6 months at 20°c.
Collected from wild plants growing in the North East of England, autumn 2013.
Approx. 6 seeds for £1.50.
Betulaceae: large shrub or small multiple stemmed tree to 4m, that produces delicate, yellow, long female catkins called lambs tails in late winter. The fruit are the edible hazelnut, which ripen in mid to late autumn, and are of immense importance to woodland wildlife. A widespread native tree across most of Europe, including Britain and Ireland, occurring in hedgerows and woodlands.
The seeds are used raw or roasted and used in breads, cakes, biscuits, sweets etc., they are an excellent nut for raw eating. The seed ripens in mid to late autumn and will probably need to be protected from squirrels. When kept in a cool place, and not shelled, the seed should store for at least 12 months. A clear yellow edible oil can be obtained from the seed, this is used in salad dressings, baking etc.
The bark, leaves, catkins and fruits are sometimes used medicinally, and they are astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, nutritive and odontalgic. The seed is stomachic and tonic, and the oil has a very gentle but constant and effective action in cases of infection with threadworm or pinworm in babies and young children.
Seeds should be pre-soaked in warm water for 48 hours and then given 2 weeks warm followed by 3 - 4 months cold stratification. Germinates in 1 - 6 months at 20°c.
Collected from wild plants growing in the North East of England, autumn 2013.
Approx. 6 seeds for £1.50.
Corylus avellana
Crambe maritima ’SEA KALE’
Brassicaceae: a robust cabbage like perennial to 50cm. forms domed, expansive clumps on shingle and sandy beaches. The flowers are small with 4 whitish petals; in flat-topped clusters from June-August. The leaves are fleshy with wavy margins to 25cm long. Very locally common around coasts of England, Wales and Ireland. Native to Atlantic coast of Europe, including Britain, along the Baltic coast and around the Black Sea.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. They have a pleasant almost nutty flavour and go well in a mixed salad. They also make a very pleasant cooked vegetable. Older leaves develop a bitterness and are not so pleasant. Available in the spring, they have a delicate nutty flavour with a crisp texture. The shoots are usually blanched and can be cooked like asparagus. When properly cooked they retain their crispness and have a very agreeable flavour, somewhat like hazelnuts but with a slight bitterness. The roots can be cooked, they are rich in starch and sugars. The young flower buds can be used raw or cooked. The flowering shoots are harvested when about 10 - 15cm long and before the flowers have opened. Used like sprouting broccoli, they are quite nice raw and delicious when lightly steamed.
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a good loam and an open sunny position, but also tolerating some shade. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil in a position sheltered from strong winds. Sow seeds from March-April in a seedbed outdoors and either thin the plants out or move them to their permanent positions when about 10cm tall. Plants can be cropped once they are more than 12 months old. Watch out for Slug and snails as they really like the taste of this plant.
Harvested: 2014
Brassicaceae: a robust cabbage like perennial to 50cm. forms domed, expansive clumps on shingle and sandy beaches. The flowers are small with 4 whitish petals; in flat-topped clusters from June-August. The leaves are fleshy with wavy margins to 25cm long. Very locally common around coasts of England, Wales and Ireland. Native to Atlantic coast of Europe, including Britain, along the Baltic coast and around the Black Sea.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. They have a pleasant almost nutty flavour and go well in a mixed salad. They also make a very pleasant cooked vegetable. Older leaves develop a bitterness and are not so pleasant. Available in the spring, they have a delicate nutty flavour with a crisp texture. The shoots are usually blanched and can be cooked like asparagus. When properly cooked they retain their crispness and have a very agreeable flavour, somewhat like hazelnuts but with a slight bitterness. The roots can be cooked, they are rich in starch and sugars. The young flower buds can be used raw or cooked. The flowering shoots are harvested when about 10 - 15cm long and before the flowers have opened. Used like sprouting broccoli, they are quite nice raw and delicious when lightly steamed.
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a good loam and an open sunny position, but also tolerating some shade. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil in a position sheltered from strong winds. Sow seeds from March-April in a seedbed outdoors and either thin the plants out or move them to their permanent positions when about 10cm tall. Plants can be cropped once they are more than 12 months old. Watch out for Slug and snails as they really like the taste of this plant.
Harvested: 2014
Crataegus monogyna
’COMMON HAWTHORN’
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: thorny shrub or small tree to 12m, a common hedgerow species. The flowers are white, and are in clusters, blooming for May-June. The berries are also in clusters and are bright red. A common sight across the country.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, they are not very appetizing raw, but taste better once cooked, used for making jams and preserves. The flowers are used in syrups and sweet puddings.
Hawthorn is an extremely valuable medicinal herb. It is used mainly for treating disorders of the heart and circulation system, especially angina. Western herbalists consider it a 'food for the heart', it increases the blood flow to the heart muscles and restores normal heart beat, this effect is brought about by the presence of bioflavonoids in the fruit, these bioflavonoids are also strongly antioxidant, helping to prevent or reduce degeneration of the blood vessels. The fruit is antispasmodic, cardiac, diuretic, sedative, tonic and vasodilator. Both the fruits and flowers of hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic and modern research has borne out this use.
Seed can be very slow and erratic to germinate, it should be warm stratified for 3 months at 15°c and then cold stratified for another 3 months at 4°c, but could still take another 18 months to germinate. Scarifying the seed before stratifying it might reduce this time, also fermenting the seed for a few days in its own pulp may also speed up the germination process.
Seeds collected from wild trees near my home, Co. Durham 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £1.50
’COMMON HAWTHORN’
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Rosaceae: thorny shrub or small tree to 12m, a common hedgerow species. The flowers are white, and are in clusters, blooming for May-June. The berries are also in clusters and are bright red. A common sight across the country.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, they are not very appetizing raw, but taste better once cooked, used for making jams and preserves. The flowers are used in syrups and sweet puddings.
Hawthorn is an extremely valuable medicinal herb. It is used mainly for treating disorders of the heart and circulation system, especially angina. Western herbalists consider it a 'food for the heart', it increases the blood flow to the heart muscles and restores normal heart beat, this effect is brought about by the presence of bioflavonoids in the fruit, these bioflavonoids are also strongly antioxidant, helping to prevent or reduce degeneration of the blood vessels. The fruit is antispasmodic, cardiac, diuretic, sedative, tonic and vasodilator. Both the fruits and flowers of hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic and modern research has borne out this use.
Seed can be very slow and erratic to germinate, it should be warm stratified for 3 months at 15°c and then cold stratified for another 3 months at 4°c, but could still take another 18 months to germinate. Scarifying the seed before stratifying it might reduce this time, also fermenting the seed for a few days in its own pulp may also speed up the germination process.
Seeds collected from wild trees near my home, Co. Durham 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £1.50
Crataegus monogyna
Cruciata laevipea 'CROSSWORT'
[Ex. Dorset]
[Ex. Dorset]
Cytisus scoparius 'Scotch Broom'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Fabaceae: deciduous, branched and spineless shrub to 2m, with ridged, 5-angled green twigs. The bright yellow flowers are about 2cm long and have a pleasant scent. The seed pods are oblong, black and explode on hot, dry, sunny days. Found on heaths and in hedgerows, favouring acid soils. Widespread and common across the country.
Broom is a bitter narcotic herb that depresses the respiration and regulates heart action. It acts upon the electrical conductivity of the heart, slowing and regulating the transmission of the impulses. The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are cardiotonic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic and vasoconstrictor. Tender plant tops have been used to flavour beer and increase its intoxicating effect. Leaves and aged flowers have been smoked to produce euphoria, also there are reports of the aged flowered being used as an aphrodisiac and smoked in sex magic practises.
Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 1 month and sow in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 4 weeks at 20°c. Seedlings should be potted up as soon as possible since plants quickly become intolerant of root disturbance.
Seeds collected from wild plants, Co. Durham, August 2014.
Approx. 50+ seeds £1.50
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