Lactuca serriola 'Prickly Lettuce'
[Ex. Sunderland]
Asteraceae: upright, stiff biennial, the upper part branched. Brocken stems exude a milky sap. Grows on disturbed and waste ground, verges and railways. The flowers are 11-13mm across, with yellow florets, in open, branched inflorescences from July-September. The leaves are grey-green with pointed clasping bases, often held stiffly erect, margins and lower midrib have weak spines, and lower leaves may have narrow lobes. Common only in southern half of Britain. Native to Southern and Central Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands south and east to North Africa and the Himalayas.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, but they have a very bitter flavour. The youngest tender leaves are mild and make an excellent salad, but the whole plant becomes bitter as it gets older, especially when coming into flower. As a potherb it needs very little cooking. Large quantities can cause digestive upsets. The young shoots can be cooked, and used as an asparagus substitute.
The whole plant is rich in a milky sap that flows freely from any wounds. This hardens and dries when in contact with the air. The sap contains 'lactucarium', which is used in medicine for its anodyne, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic, narcotic and sedative properties. Lactucarium has the effects of a feeble opium, but without its tendency to cause digestive upsets, nor is it addictive. It is taken internally in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, neuroses, hyperactivity in children, dry coughs, whooping cough, and rheumatic pain. Concentrations of lactucarium are low in young plants and most concentrated when the plant comes into flower. It is collected commercially by cutting the heads of the plants and scraping the juice into china vessels several times a day until the plant is exhausted. This species does not contain as much lactucarium as L. virosa. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowering plant can also be used. The plant should be used with caution, and never without the supervision of a skilled practitioner. Even normal doses can cause drowsiness whilst excess cause’s restlessness and overdoses can cause death through cardiac paralysis. The fixed oil from the seeds is said to possess antipyretic and hypnotic properties. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of chronic catarrh, coughs, swollen liver, flatulence and ailments of the urinary tract.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £1. 25.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, but they have a very bitter flavour. The youngest tender leaves are mild and make an excellent salad, but the whole plant becomes bitter as it gets older, especially when coming into flower. As a potherb it needs very little cooking. Large quantities can cause digestive upsets. The young shoots can be cooked, and used as an asparagus substitute.
The whole plant is rich in a milky sap that flows freely from any wounds. This hardens and dries when in contact with the air. The sap contains 'lactucarium', which is used in medicine for its anodyne, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic, narcotic and sedative properties. Lactucarium has the effects of a feeble opium, but without its tendency to cause digestive upsets, nor is it addictive. It is taken internally in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, neuroses, hyperactivity in children, dry coughs, whooping cough, and rheumatic pain. Concentrations of lactucarium are low in young plants and most concentrated when the plant comes into flower. It is collected commercially by cutting the heads of the plants and scraping the juice into china vessels several times a day until the plant is exhausted. This species does not contain as much lactucarium as L. virosa. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowering plant can also be used. The plant should be used with caution, and never without the supervision of a skilled practitioner. Even normal doses can cause drowsiness whilst excess cause’s restlessness and overdoses can cause death through cardiac paralysis. The fixed oil from the seeds is said to possess antipyretic and hypnotic properties. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of chronic catarrh, coughs, swollen liver, flatulence and ailments of the urinary tract.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £1. 25.
Lactuca serriola
Lactuca virosa 'Wild opium lettuce'
[Ex. Crimdon Dene, Co. Durham]
Currently Unavailable
Lactuca virosa
Lamium album 'White Dead-nettle'
Currently Unavailable
Lamium album
Lamium galeobdolon
'Yellow Archangel'
'Yellow Archangel'
Currently Unavailable
Lamium purpureum 'Red Dead-nettle'
Currently Unavailable
Lapsana communis 'Nipplewort'
Currently Unavailable
Larix decidua 'European Larch'
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
Lathyrus tuberosus 'Earthnut Pea'
[Naturalized in Britain, Rare]
Lavatera arborea 'Tree Mallow'
Currently Unavailable
Leontodon hispidus 'Rough Hawkbit'
Currently Unavailable
Leonurus cardiaca 'Motherwort'
Lamiaceae: an upright, unbranched, variably downy perennial to 1m. It has a pungent smell and a historical association with midwifery. Found growing on verges and shady hedgerows and waste ground, usually close to habitation. The flowers are small, pink or white, in whorls, from July-September. The leaves are long-stalked and palmately lobed. Found naturalised in a few scatted locations across the Britain. Native to Central Asia and south-eastern Europe.
The fresh or dried flowers can be used as a flavouring in soups, particularly lentil or split pea. They are also used as a flavouring in beer. Fresh or dried flowers can be used to make an herbal tea.
Motherwort is especially valuable in the treatment of female weaknesses and disorders, allaying nervous irritability, inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. It is also seen as a remedy for heart palpitations, it has a strengthening effect, especially on a weak heart. The antispasmodic and sedative effects promote relaxation rather than drowsiness. The leaves are antispasmodic, astringent, cardiac, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, stomachic, tonic and uterine stimulant. They are taken internally in the treatment of heart complaints (notably palpitations) and problems associated with menstruation, childbirth and menopause, especially of nervous origin. Although an infusion can be used, the taste is so bitter that the plant is usually made into a conserve or syrup. An alcoholic extract is said to possess superior action to valerian (Valeriana officinalis). The plant has been found effective in the treatment of functional heart complaints due to autonomic imbalance, and also as an anti-thyroid treatment, though it needs to be taken for several months for these effects to be noticed. The whole herb is harvested in August when in flower and can be dried for later use. It should not be prescribed in the earlier stages of pregnancy or where periods are heavy.
Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Easy.
Harvested September 2014.
Approx. 300+ seeds £1.50
The fresh or dried flowers can be used as a flavouring in soups, particularly lentil or split pea. They are also used as a flavouring in beer. Fresh or dried flowers can be used to make an herbal tea.
Motherwort is especially valuable in the treatment of female weaknesses and disorders, allaying nervous irritability, inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. It is also seen as a remedy for heart palpitations, it has a strengthening effect, especially on a weak heart. The antispasmodic and sedative effects promote relaxation rather than drowsiness. The leaves are antispasmodic, astringent, cardiac, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, stomachic, tonic and uterine stimulant. They are taken internally in the treatment of heart complaints (notably palpitations) and problems associated with menstruation, childbirth and menopause, especially of nervous origin. Although an infusion can be used, the taste is so bitter that the plant is usually made into a conserve or syrup. An alcoholic extract is said to possess superior action to valerian (Valeriana officinalis). The plant has been found effective in the treatment of functional heart complaints due to autonomic imbalance, and also as an anti-thyroid treatment, though it needs to be taken for several months for these effects to be noticed. The whole herb is harvested in August when in flower and can be dried for later use. It should not be prescribed in the earlier stages of pregnancy or where periods are heavy.
Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Easy.
Harvested September 2014.
Approx. 300+ seeds £1.50
Leonurus cardiaca
Leucanthemum vulgare
'Ox-Eye Daisy'
Currently Unavailable
'Ox-Eye Daisy'
Currently Unavailable
Ligusticum scoticum 'Scots Lovage'
Apiaceae: a rare British native perennial to 80cm. ribbed, purplish and hollow stems, and bright green, shiny and 2 times trifoliate with oval leaflets and inflated, sheathing stalks. White flowers, in flat-topped umbels 4-6cm across, on long stalks. Found growing on coastal habitats. Locally common on Scottish coasts. Native to North-western Europe, including Britain, from Denmark to Norway.
The leaves, flowers and young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, superb in salads. The leaves are usually blanched in order to make the flavour milder, though this also reduces the nutritional value. Stem can be used as a flavouring in soups, stews, they have a celery-like flavour. The green stems are peeled and eaten, and the root can also be used, which has a nice sweet flavour. Seed can ground into a powder and used as a flavouring in soups and stews, they have a sharp, hot taste it is used in the same ways as pepper. The young shoots and roots are occasionally candied like angelica.
The root is aromatic and carminative, and has been used in the treatment of hysterical and uterine disorders. The seeds are sweetly aromatic and have been used as a carminative, deodorant and stimulant. They are also sometimes used for flavouring other herbal remedies.
Seeds have a short period of viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse or cold frame, they need be frosted a good few times to break their dormancy, they can be slow to germinate. Difficult but well worth a go, but they will be no replacements for germination errors.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 35+ seeds £1.50.
The leaves, flowers and young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, superb in salads. The leaves are usually blanched in order to make the flavour milder, though this also reduces the nutritional value. Stem can be used as a flavouring in soups, stews, they have a celery-like flavour. The green stems are peeled and eaten, and the root can also be used, which has a nice sweet flavour. Seed can ground into a powder and used as a flavouring in soups and stews, they have a sharp, hot taste it is used in the same ways as pepper. The young shoots and roots are occasionally candied like angelica.
The root is aromatic and carminative, and has been used in the treatment of hysterical and uterine disorders. The seeds are sweetly aromatic and have been used as a carminative, deodorant and stimulant. They are also sometimes used for flavouring other herbal remedies.
Seeds have a short period of viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse or cold frame, they need be frosted a good few times to break their dormancy, they can be slow to germinate. Difficult but well worth a go, but they will be no replacements for germination errors.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 35+ seeds £1.50.
Ligustrum vulgare 'Wild Privet'
Currently Unavailable
Ligustrum vulgare
Linaria vulgaris 'Common Toadflax'
[Ex. Lincolnshire]
Scrophulariaceae: perennial with greyish foliage. From June to October its spear of attractive yellow snapdragon-like flowers with orange bulges, backed with long straight spurs. Found growing on hedge banks, road verges, embankments, waste ground and less frequently on cultivated land. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to the Pyrenees, Greece and Western Asia.
Yellow toadflax has a long history of herbal use, it acts mainly on the liver and was once widely employed as a diuretic in the treatment of oedema. It is little used now, but undoubtedly merits investigation. The whole plant is antiphlogistic, astringent, cathartic, detergent, depurative, diuretic, hepatic, ophthalmic and purgative. It is gathered when just coming into flower and can be used fresh or dried. The plant is especially valued for its strongly laxative and diuretic activities. It is employed internally in the treatment of oedema, jaundice, liver diseases, gall bladder complaints and skin problems. Externally it is applied to haemorrhoids, skin eruptions, sores and malignant ulcers. The juice of the plant, or the distilled water, is a good remedy for inflamed eyes and cleaning ulcerous sores.
Sow at any time of the year. Easy.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 500+ Seeds £1.50
Yellow toadflax has a long history of herbal use, it acts mainly on the liver and was once widely employed as a diuretic in the treatment of oedema. It is little used now, but undoubtedly merits investigation. The whole plant is antiphlogistic, astringent, cathartic, detergent, depurative, diuretic, hepatic, ophthalmic and purgative. It is gathered when just coming into flower and can be used fresh or dried. The plant is especially valued for its strongly laxative and diuretic activities. It is employed internally in the treatment of oedema, jaundice, liver diseases, gall bladder complaints and skin problems. Externally it is applied to haemorrhoids, skin eruptions, sores and malignant ulcers. The juice of the plant, or the distilled water, is a good remedy for inflamed eyes and cleaning ulcerous sores.
Sow at any time of the year. Easy.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 500+ Seeds £1.50
Linaria vulgaris
Lolium temulentum 'Darnel Ryegrass'
Poaceae: Annual grass growing to 1 m (3ft 3in), hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. Native of cultivated fields and waste ground, from the Mediterranean and introduced to Britain.
The darnel can be infected by an endophytic fungus of the genus Neotyphodium, and the endophyte-produced, insecticidal loline alkaloids were first isolated from this plant, it parasitizes wheat fields. The French word for darnel is ivraie (from Latin ebriacus, intoxicated), which expresses that weed's characteristic of making one feel poisoned with drunkenness, and can cause death, this characteristic is also alluded to in the scientific name (Latin temulentus = drunk).
Darnel has been recently employed in headache, in rheumatic meningitis, and in sciatica. Fantoni used it with success in the case of a widow who, at the climacteric period, was affected with giddiness, headache, and epistaxis, which had resisted various other remedies. In a case of violent rheumatic meningitis, very great benefit was obtained by its use.
Sow seeds in spring. Easy!
Harvested: August 2014.
Approx. 30+ seeds £1.50
The darnel can be infected by an endophytic fungus of the genus Neotyphodium, and the endophyte-produced, insecticidal loline alkaloids were first isolated from this plant, it parasitizes wheat fields. The French word for darnel is ivraie (from Latin ebriacus, intoxicated), which expresses that weed's characteristic of making one feel poisoned with drunkenness, and can cause death, this characteristic is also alluded to in the scientific name (Latin temulentus = drunk).
Darnel has been recently employed in headache, in rheumatic meningitis, and in sciatica. Fantoni used it with success in the case of a widow who, at the climacteric period, was affected with giddiness, headache, and epistaxis, which had resisted various other remedies. In a case of violent rheumatic meningitis, very great benefit was obtained by its use.
Sow seeds in spring. Easy!
Harvested: August 2014.
Approx. 30+ seeds £1.50
Lolium temulentum
Lonicera periclymenum European honeysuckle'
Caprifoliaceae: vigorous deciduous Climber growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in), tubular, two-lipped flowers, creamy white or yellowish and very sweet smelling (especially during the night). The plant is usually pollinated by moths or long-tongued bees and develops bright red berries. It is often found in woodland or in hedgerows or scrubland, native to much of Europe, as far north as southern Norway, Sweden, and the UK.
You can suck the base of the flowers to extract the sweet nectar, the flowers can also be made into wine.
Medicinally used for its expectorant and laxative properties.A syrup made from the flowers has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases whilst a decoction of the leaves is considered beneficial in treating diseases of the liver and spleen. It is used as a mouthwash for ulcers and is considered to be a good ingredient in gargles. The flowers are antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and sudorific, the fruit is emetic and cathartic, the herbage is used as a cutaneous and mucous tonic and as a vulnerary.
Seed requires around 2 months of cold stratification, so best sown in the autumn or very early in the spring.
Haversted from plants at the Kykeon Plants nursery, Aurgust 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £1.25
Lupinus polyphyllus 'Large-leaved Lupine'
Currently Unavailable
Lupinus polyphyllus
Lycium barbarum 'Duke of Argyll's Teaplant'
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Solanaceae: deciduous perennial to 1.5m, with spiny, greyish-white, woody stems. Grows on disturbed ground and in hedgerows, often by the sea. The flowers are purplish, with projecting yellow anthers, appearing from June-September, these are followed by small egg shaped red berries. Introduced from China and naturalized in Britain.
The fruit ca be used raw or cooked, the fruit or berry has a mild sweet liquorice flavour. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten. The leaves can also be used as an herbal tea.
A sweet tonic decoction made from the fruits is used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, it acts mainly on the liver and kidneys. The fruit is taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints, the fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use. The root bark is a bitter, cooling, antibacterial herb that controls coughs and lowers fevers, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, taken internally in the treatment of chronic fevers, internal haemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs, asthma. It is applied externally to treat genital itching. The bark is harvested in the winter and dried for later use. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, both as a general, energy restoring tonic and also to cure a wide range of ailments from skin rashes and eyesight problems to diabetes. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Sow seeds in early spring in a greenhouse, germination is usually good and fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 100+ seeds £1.50
The fruit ca be used raw or cooked, the fruit or berry has a mild sweet liquorice flavour. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten. The leaves can also be used as an herbal tea.
A sweet tonic decoction made from the fruits is used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, it acts mainly on the liver and kidneys. The fruit is taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints, the fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use. The root bark is a bitter, cooling, antibacterial herb that controls coughs and lowers fevers, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, taken internally in the treatment of chronic fevers, internal haemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs, asthma. It is applied externally to treat genital itching. The bark is harvested in the winter and dried for later use. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, both as a general, energy restoring tonic and also to cure a wide range of ailments from skin rashes and eyesight problems to diabetes. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Sow seeds in early spring in a greenhouse, germination is usually good and fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 100+ seeds £1.50
Lycium barbarum
Lycopus europaeus 'Gypsywort'
[Ex. Norfolk]
Lamiaceae: a hairy, somewhat branched, mint-like perennial to 75cm. the flowers are whitish with small purplish spots; in compact whorls arising from the axils of the upper leaves, blooming from July-September. The leaves are a yellowish green, deeply cut or pinnately divided into lobes. Found growing in damp ground, often beside fresh water, favouring ditches and pond margins. Locally common in the south of England, but scarce or absent elsewhere in the country.
The fresh or dried flowering herb has astringent and sedative properties. It inhibits iodine conversion in the thyroid gland and is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and related disorders. The whole plant is used as an astringent, hypoglycaemic, mild narcotic and mild sedative. It also slows and strengthens heart contractions. The plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, also used in the treatment of coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption, excessive menstruation etc. The leaves are applied as a poultice to cleanse foul wounds. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients with hypothyroidism. The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be use fresh or dried, in an infusion or as a tincture. Current uses are predominantly for increased activity of the thyroid gland and for premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast pain.
Sow seeds in the spring or autumn.
Approx. 200+ seeds £1.25
The fresh or dried flowering herb has astringent and sedative properties. It inhibits iodine conversion in the thyroid gland and is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and related disorders. The whole plant is used as an astringent, hypoglycaemic, mild narcotic and mild sedative. It also slows and strengthens heart contractions. The plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, also used in the treatment of coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption, excessive menstruation etc. The leaves are applied as a poultice to cleanse foul wounds. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients with hypothyroidism. The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be use fresh or dried, in an infusion or as a tincture. Current uses are predominantly for increased activity of the thyroid gland and for premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast pain.
Sow seeds in the spring or autumn.
Approx. 200+ seeds £1.25
[Ex. Cambridgeshire]
Lythraceae: upright downy perennial to 1.5m. Found growing in damp habitats such as river banks and fens. The flowers are reddish purple, and form tall spikes from June-August. The leaves are narrow and unstalked. Widespread and locally common, except in the north of the country. Native to Europe, including Britain, south to North Africa east to western and northern Asia. North America.
The leaves can be cooked and eaten, they are said to be rich in calcium. The root can also be cooked. An edible dye is obtained from the flowers.
Purple loosestrife is an astringent herb that is mainly employed as a treatment for diarrhoea and dysentery. It can be safely taken by people of all ages and has been used to help arrest diarrhoea in breast-feeding babies. It can also be used to treat heavy periods and inter-menstrual bleeding. Modern research has shown the whole plant to be antibiotic and to be particularly effective against the micro-organism that causes typhus.
Lythrum salicaria is also a very good bee plant.
Sow seeds in the autumn or the spring in a cold frame, and when they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it could be worthwhile trying a sowing in situ in the autumn or the spring.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 1500+ seeds £1.25
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