'Prickly Poppy'
Papaver argemone
Papaveraceae: a rare annual of arable land, to 30cm in height. Found mainly on sandy soils. 2-6cm pale red flowers with bark basal blotch, flowering from May-August. The seed pods are long and bristly. Local and scarce, mainly in Southern England. Native to Central and southern Europe, including Britain.
An infusion or syrup made from the petals is used as a sudorific.
Prefers a well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Sow seeds in early spring in situ.
Harvested: 2015.
Currently Unavailable
'Long-Head Poppy'
Papaver dubium
Papaver argemone
Papaveraceae: a rare annual of arable land, to 30cm in height. Found mainly on sandy soils. 2-6cm pale red flowers with bark basal blotch, flowering from May-August. The seed pods are long and bristly. Local and scarce, mainly in Southern England. Native to Central and southern Europe, including Britain.
An infusion or syrup made from the petals is used as a sudorific.
Prefers a well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Sow seeds in early spring in situ.
Harvested: 2015.
Currently Unavailable
'Long-Head Poppy'
Papaver dubium
[Ex. ex. Wiltshire]
Papaveraceae: Annual of arable land and disturbed ground to 60cm. the flowers have 4 papery, orange-red petals with no dark basal blotch. The pods are narrow and elongated, hairless capsules. Widespread and fairly common in the south and east of the country.
The plant has sudorific properties similar to that of Papaver rhoeas, the Common Corn Poppy.
Surface sow seeds in spring or autumn in situ.
Seeds were collected from wild plants found growing in Wiltshire, collected August 2014.
Seeds limited so seeds count will be closer to Approx. 300 seeds than 300+
Papaveraceae: Annual of arable land and disturbed ground to 60cm. the flowers have 4 papery, orange-red petals with no dark basal blotch. The pods are narrow and elongated, hairless capsules. Widespread and fairly common in the south and east of the country.
The plant has sudorific properties similar to that of Papaver rhoeas, the Common Corn Poppy.
Surface sow seeds in spring or autumn in situ.
Seeds were collected from wild plants found growing in Wiltshire, collected August 2014.
Seeds limited so seeds count will be closer to Approx. 300 seeds than 300+
'Field Poppy'
Papaver rhoeas
Papaver rhoeas
[Ex. Cambridgeshire]
Papaveraceae: annual growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in), hardy to zone 5, red flowers are produced, sometimes in very large number from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. A common weed of cultivated land and waste places, avoiding acid soils, becoming far less frequent on cultivated land due to modern agricultural practices, native range includes Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to North Africa and temperate Asia.
The flowers of corn poppy have a long history of medicinal usage, especially for ailments in the elderly and children, chiefly employed as a mild pain reliever and as a treatment for irritable coughs, it also helps to reduce nervous over-activity, unlike the related opium poppy (P. somniferum) it is non-addictive. The seeds are used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, fruit salad, a syrup can be prepared from the scarlet flower petals, it is used in soups, gruels etc., also a red dye from the petals is used as a food flavouring, especially in wine.
Surface sow seeds in spring or autumn in situ.
Papaveraceae: annual growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in), hardy to zone 5, red flowers are produced, sometimes in very large number from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. A common weed of cultivated land and waste places, avoiding acid soils, becoming far less frequent on cultivated land due to modern agricultural practices, native range includes Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to North Africa and temperate Asia.
The flowers of corn poppy have a long history of medicinal usage, especially for ailments in the elderly and children, chiefly employed as a mild pain reliever and as a treatment for irritable coughs, it also helps to reduce nervous over-activity, unlike the related opium poppy (P. somniferum) it is non-addictive. The seeds are used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, fruit salad, a syrup can be prepared from the scarlet flower petals, it is used in soups, gruels etc., also a red dye from the petals is used as a food flavouring, especially in wine.
Surface sow seeds in spring or autumn in situ.
Seeds Available 100+ seeds - £1.25
'Opium Poppy'
Papaver somniferum
Papaver somniferum
[Kykeon: Open Pollinated Mix]
Seeds Available 300+ £1.50
Seeds Available 300+ £1.50
'Pellitory-of-the-wall'
Parietaria judaica
Currently Unavailable
Parietaria judaica
Currently Unavailable
'Wild Parsnip'
Pastinaca sativa ssp. sativa
Pastinaca sativa ssp. sativa
[Ex. Co. Durham]
Apiaceae: upright, downy perennial with hollow, ridged stems to 1m, the plants smells when bruised. Grows in dry lime-rich grassland. The yellowish flowers are make-up, bractless umbels 3-9cm across, appearing from June-September, these are followed by oval, flattened, winged seeds. The leaves are pinnate with oval, lobed and toothed leaflets. Skin contact with the sap can cause photosensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people. It said to contain the alleged 'psychotropic' myristicine. Widespread and locally common only in Southern England, that said it is very common along the A1 motorway passing though the north east of England. Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, the Caucasus and Altai.
The root can be used raw or cooked, when well grown, the cooked root has a very tender texture, though it is rather chewy raw. It is best harvested after there have been some autumn frosts because it will have developed a sweeter flavour. The root is delicious baked, it can also be used in soups and can be added to cakes, pies and puddings. Leaves and young shoots - cooked with other greens as a vegetable or added to soups etc. The seeds can also be used as a condiment, similar in taste to dill.
A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of women's complaints. A poultice of the roots has been applied to inflammations and sores, and the roots contains xanthotoxin, which is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo.
Sow seeds from late winter to late spring in situ, seed can be slow to germinate, especially from the earlier sowings, it is best to mark the rows by sowing a few radishes with the parsnips. The seed has a short viability, very few will still be viable 15 months after harvesting.
Harvested from wild plants, August 2014.
Approx. 100+ seeds
Currently Unavailable
The root can be used raw or cooked, when well grown, the cooked root has a very tender texture, though it is rather chewy raw. It is best harvested after there have been some autumn frosts because it will have developed a sweeter flavour. The root is delicious baked, it can also be used in soups and can be added to cakes, pies and puddings. Leaves and young shoots - cooked with other greens as a vegetable or added to soups etc. The seeds can also be used as a condiment, similar in taste to dill.
A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of women's complaints. A poultice of the roots has been applied to inflammations and sores, and the roots contains xanthotoxin, which is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo.
Sow seeds from late winter to late spring in situ, seed can be slow to germinate, especially from the earlier sowings, it is best to mark the rows by sowing a few radishes with the parsnips. The seed has a short viability, very few will still be viable 15 months after harvesting.
Harvested from wild plants, August 2014.
Approx. 100+ seeds
'Green Alkanet'
Pentaglottis sempervirensCurrently Unavailable
'Bistort'
Persicaria bistorta
[Co. Durham]
Currently Unavailable
Persicaria bistorta
[Co. Durham]
Currently Unavailable
'Redshank'
Persicaria maculosa
Persicaria maculosa
Currently Unavailable
'Butterbur'
Petasites hybridus
Petasites hybridus
Currently Unavailable
Peucedanum ostruthium
[Rare-native]
Currently Unavailable
'Common Reed'
Phragmites australis
Phragmites australis
Currently Unavailable
'Roundheaded Rampion'
Phyteuma orbiculare
[Rare-native]
Currently Unavailable
'Spiked Rampion'
Phyteuma spicatum
Currently Unavailable
'Mouse-ear Hawkweed'
Pilosella officinarum
Pilosella officinarum
[syn. Hieracium pilosella]
Asteraceae: a perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. They are good Bee plants and are noted for attracting wildlife. Found in temperate and subarctic Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.
Mouse-ear hawkweed relaxes the muscles of the bronchial tubes, stimulates the cough reflex and reduces the production of catarrh. This combination of actions makes the herb effective against all manner of respiratory problems including asthma, wheeziness, whooping cough, bronchitis and other congested and chronic coughs. The herb is mildly astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, strongly diuretic, expectorant and tonic. The fresh plant is antibiotic. The plant has been regarded as a specific for whooping cough and is also used in treating other problems of the respiratory system such as asthma, bronchitis and influenza. The herb is also taken in the treatment of enteritis, influenza, pyelitis and cystitis. It is occasionally used externally in the treatment of small wounds and cuts. The plant is harvested in May and June whilst in flower and can be used fresh or dried. The herbage has been used as a marijuana substitute.
Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil, prefers a well-drained to dry poor soil in sun or partial shade. A common lawn plant, it is also a good bee and butterfly plant. It grows well on the top of dry walls. A strongly stoloniferous plant, it can be very invasive.
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. 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 can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring or autumn.
Approx. 100+ tiny seeds
Hieracium pilosella
Asteraceae: a perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. They are good Bee plants and are noted for attracting wildlife. Found in temperate and subarctic Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.
Mouse-ear hawkweed relaxes the muscles of the bronchial tubes, stimulates the cough reflex and reduces the production of catarrh. This combination of actions makes the herb effective against all manner of respiratory problems including asthma, wheeziness, whooping cough, bronchitis and other congested and chronic coughs. The herb is mildly astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, strongly diuretic, expectorant and tonic. The fresh plant is antibiotic. The plant has been regarded as a specific for whooping cough and is also used in treating other problems of the respiratory system such as asthma, bronchitis and influenza. The herb is also taken in the treatment of enteritis, influenza, pyelitis and cystitis. It is occasionally used externally in the treatment of small wounds and cuts. The plant is harvested in May and June whilst in flower and can be used fresh or dried. The herbage has been used as a marijuana substitute.
Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil, prefers a well-drained to dry poor soil in sun or partial shade. A common lawn plant, it is also a good bee and butterfly plant. It grows well on the top of dry walls. A strongly stoloniferous plant, it can be very invasive.
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. 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 can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring or autumn.
Approx. 100+ tiny seeds
'Greater burnet-saxifrage'
Pimpinella major
Currently Unavailable
Pimpinella major 'Rosea'
Currently Unavailable
'Burnet-saxifrage'
Pimpinella saxifraga
Currently Unavailable
Pimpinella major
Currently Unavailable
Pimpinella major 'Rosea'
Currently Unavailable
'Burnet-saxifrage'
Pimpinella saxifraga
Currently Unavailable
'Scot's Pine'
Pinus sylvestris
[Prov: Scotland]
Pinus sylvestris
[Prov: Scotland]
Large evergreen tree to 25m, with the upper trunk and branches orange-brown, developing a picturesque, irregular outline with maturity, and can live for more than 300 years. Twisted grey-green needles are borne in pairs. Cones 5cm in length. It is easily recognised by its attractive reddish bark. It has a conical growth habit when young and is popular for Bonsai subject. The Scots Pine is the only pine native to Britain, as the climate warmed it became extinct from most of the British Isles around 5,500 years ago except in Scotland and at Kielder, Northumberland. Native to Europe, from Scandinavia, south and east to Spain, Albania and temperate Asia.
The inner bark can be dried and ground into a powder and used in making bread, it is also often mixed with oatmeal, it has been used as a famine food, used when all else failed. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood.
Pine nuts are a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and carotenes. In traditional Chinese medicine they are regarded as a warm and sweet, tonifying yin, and boosting the circulation.
Shoot and needle preparations (ointments, teas, baths and inhalations) are disinfectant, diuretic and relaxing. They can soothe coughs, clear the head of congestion, stimulate the lungs and improve circulation. The Bach Flower Remedy of Scots pine enhances self-acceptance and strength.
Sow seeds in late winter, a short stratification of 6 weeks at 4°c can improve the germination of stored seed.
'Buck's-Horn Plantain'
Plantago coronopus
[Ex. Marsden, South Shields, England]
Plantaginaceae: downy, greyish-green perennial to 15cm, of grassland, disturbed ground and rocky sites, mainly near the sea. The flowers are 2mm across, with a brownish corolla and yellow stamens, all set in slender spikes, appearing from May-July. The leaves are about 20cm long, pinnately divided. Widespread and common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland, can also be found inland in South East England. Native range is from Sweden to North Africa, and across to Western Asia.
The young leaves can be raw or cooked, and is one of the nicer tasting members of this genus, the leaves are fairly tender and have a slight bitterness. Some people blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few seconds before using them in salads in order to make them tenderer. This leaf is one of the ingredients of 'misticanze', a salad mixture of wild and cultivated leaves that originated in the Marche region of Italy.
The leaves have antiperiodic and ophthalmic properties. They are used as a remedy for ague and sore eyes. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds.
Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame or greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Harvested: 2015.
Currently Unavailable
Plantago coronopus
[Ex. Marsden, South Shields, England]
Plantaginaceae: downy, greyish-green perennial to 15cm, of grassland, disturbed ground and rocky sites, mainly near the sea. The flowers are 2mm across, with a brownish corolla and yellow stamens, all set in slender spikes, appearing from May-July. The leaves are about 20cm long, pinnately divided. Widespread and common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland, can also be found inland in South East England. Native range is from Sweden to North Africa, and across to Western Asia.
The young leaves can be raw or cooked, and is one of the nicer tasting members of this genus, the leaves are fairly tender and have a slight bitterness. Some people blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few seconds before using them in salads in order to make them tenderer. This leaf is one of the ingredients of 'misticanze', a salad mixture of wild and cultivated leaves that originated in the Marche region of Italy.
The leaves have antiperiodic and ophthalmic properties. They are used as a remedy for ague and sore eyes. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds.
Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame or greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Harvested: 2015.
'Ribwort Plantain'
Plantago lanceolata
[Ex. Somerset]
Plantaginaceae: rosette-forming herb with leathery ribbed leaves sprouting from the base of the plant, growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). Stubby brown flower heads with whitish anthers are borne on plain unbranched and leafless stalks. Flower stalks are produced throughout the summer. Found in all but the most acid grassland from tall meadow communities to grazed pasture, lawns, sea cliffs and sand dunes. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, northern and central Asia.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rather bitter and very tedious to prepare, the fibrous strands are best removed prior to eating. The very young leaves are somewhat better and are less fibrous. The seed can also be cooked. Used like sago. The seed can be ground into a powder and added to flours when making bread, cakes or whatever.
Ribwort plantain is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. The leaves contain mucilage, tannin and silic acid. An extract of them has antibacterial properties. They have a bitter flavour and are astringent, demulcent, mildly expectorant, haemostatic and ophthalmic. Internally, they are used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, asthma and hay fever. They are used externally in treating skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings. The heated leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds, swellings. The root is a remedy for the bite of rattlesnakes, it is used in equal portions with Marrubium vulgare. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds. A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.
Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame or greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.
Harvested 2014
Approx. 300+ Seeds £1.50
Plantago lanceolata
[Ex. Somerset]
Plantaginaceae: rosette-forming herb with leathery ribbed leaves sprouting from the base of the plant, growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). Stubby brown flower heads with whitish anthers are borne on plain unbranched and leafless stalks. Flower stalks are produced throughout the summer. Found in all but the most acid grassland from tall meadow communities to grazed pasture, lawns, sea cliffs and sand dunes. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, northern and central Asia.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rather bitter and very tedious to prepare, the fibrous strands are best removed prior to eating. The very young leaves are somewhat better and are less fibrous. The seed can also be cooked. Used like sago. The seed can be ground into a powder and added to flours when making bread, cakes or whatever.
Ribwort plantain is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. The leaves contain mucilage, tannin and silic acid. An extract of them has antibacterial properties. They have a bitter flavour and are astringent, demulcent, mildly expectorant, haemostatic and ophthalmic. Internally, they are used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, asthma and hay fever. They are used externally in treating skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings. The heated leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds, swellings. The root is a remedy for the bite of rattlesnakes, it is used in equal portions with Marrubium vulgare. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds. A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.
Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame or greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.
Harvested 2014
Approx. 300+ Seeds £1.50
'Sea Plantain'
Plantago maritima
[Ex. Marsden, South Shields, England]
Plantaginaceae: a characteristic coastal perennial to 25cm, tolerant of salt spray and occasional immersion in sea water. It grows mainly in saltmarshes but also be found growing on coastal cliffs. The flowers are set in slender spikes that appear from June-August. The leaves are narrow, strap-like and untoothed. Widespread and common around the coasts of Britain and Ireland. Native to Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, Hungary and Russia.
The young leaves can be raw or cooked, they have a delicious flavour. This is one of the nicer-tasting members of the genus, the leaves are fairly low in fibres and make an acceptable addition to a mixed salad. The leaves are canned for winter use in Alaska. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked. The seed can be ground into a powder and used as a flour extender. The seed is very small and tedious to harvest.
The leaves have antiperiodic and ophthalmic properties. They are used as a remedy for ague and sore eyes. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds.
Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame or greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Harvested: 2015.
'Common Plantain'
Plantago major
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
'Hoary Plantain'
Plantago media
Plantago media
[Ex. Yorkshire]
Plantaginaceae: persistent, downy perennial of lawns and trampled grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. The attractive flowers are whitish and the anthers lilac, on slender spikes up to 20cm long, from May-August. The greyish, narrowly ovate. Widespread and fairly common in England, but scarce or even absent from the rest of the country. Native to most Europe, including Britain, to temperate Asia.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, the very young leaves have a fairly mild flavour but with a slight bitterness, and can be used in salads before they become tough. The inflorescence is sweet with nectar and is sucked if desired.
The leaves, flowering stems and roots are somewhat astringent, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, refrigerant and vulnerary. They are applied externally to skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, and cuts. A mouthwash made from the leaves helps to relieve toothache and a distilled water is a good eyewash. The seeds act as a demulcent and laxative.
Best sown from seed in late summer or autumn.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 800+ seeds £1.25
Plantaginaceae: persistent, downy perennial of lawns and trampled grassland, mainly on calcareous soils. The attractive flowers are whitish and the anthers lilac, on slender spikes up to 20cm long, from May-August. The greyish, narrowly ovate. Widespread and fairly common in England, but scarce or even absent from the rest of the country. Native to most Europe, including Britain, to temperate Asia.
The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, the very young leaves have a fairly mild flavour but with a slight bitterness, and can be used in salads before they become tough. The inflorescence is sweet with nectar and is sucked if desired.
The leaves, flowering stems and roots are somewhat astringent, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, refrigerant and vulnerary. They are applied externally to skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, and cuts. A mouthwash made from the leaves helps to relieve toothache and a distilled water is a good eyewash. The seeds act as a demulcent and laxative.
Best sown from seed in late summer or autumn.
Harvested August 2014
Approx. 800+ seeds £1.25
'Jacob's Ladder'
Polemonium caeruleum
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
'Silverweed'
Potentilla anserina
Potentilla anserina
Currently Unavailable
'Tormentil'
Potentilla erecta
Potentilla erecta
Rosaceae: A creeping, downy perennial to 30cm, found in grassy places, heaths and moors. The flowers have four yellow petals, and sit on slender stalks, appearing from May-September. The leaves are dark-green, unstalked and trifoliate. Widespread right across the country. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to North Africa, Western Asia and Siberia.
The roots are extremely rich in tannin, and after a long boiling, converts this into a gum and it can then be eaten, this is said to be an emergency food, and only eaten when all else fails. Also a tea is said to be made from the rhizomes.
Containing more tannin than oak bark, all parts of Tormentil are strongly astringent, finding use wherever that action is required. This plant is considered to be one of the safest native astringents and it is widely used in herbal medicine in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, and sore throats. The whole plant, and especially the root, is antibiotic, strongly astringent, haemostatic and hypoglycaemic. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, ulcerative colitis. Externally, the plant makes a good styptic for cuts, and a strongly made decoction has been recommended as a wash for mouth ulcers, infected gums, piles and inflamed eyes. Extracts are used to treat chapping of the anus and cracked nipples. The plant's effectiveness as a toothache remedy is undeniable and it has also been of benefit in treating bed-wetting by children.
Sow seeds early spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter.
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 200+ £1.50
'Sulphur Cinquefoil'
Potentilla recta
Currently Unavailable
'Common Polypody'
Polypodium vulgare
Currently Unavailable
'Oxlip'
Primula elatior
[Ex. Cambridgeshire]
Primula elatior
[Ex. Cambridgeshire]
Currently Unavailable
'Cowslip'
Primula veris
[Ex. Lincolnshire]
Primula veris
[Ex. Lincolnshire]
Primulaceae: Small downy perennial, to 25cm, fragrant bell-shaped, shaped, orange flowers, 1-sided umbels of 10-30 flowers, each 8-15mm across, blooming from April-May, tapering, wrinkled, hairy, forming a basal rosette. Found growing on dry, unimproved grassland, often on calcareous soils, widespread and locally common, except in Scotland.
The young leaves can be used either raw or cooked in soups etc., they are not very tasty, but are available in late winter which adds somewhat to their value, This species has become much less common in the past 100 years due to habitat destruction, over-collecting from the wild and farming practices. When it was more abundant, the flowers were harvested in quantity in the spring and used to make a tasty wine with sedative and nervine properties. Cowslips are an underused but valuable medicinal herb, they have a very long history of medicinal use and have been particularly employed in treating conditions involving spasms, cramps, and paralysis and rheumatic pains.
Prefers a medium to heavy moisture retentive humus rich loam in a cool position with light to medium shade, grows well in heavy clay soils and on chalk, will thrive if given full sun and a well-drained alkaline soil. Cowslip seed needs a period of chilling to break dormancy - it therefore needs to be sown in late summer or autumn.
Germination will take place the following spring.
Approx. 300+ seeds
The young leaves can be used either raw or cooked in soups etc., they are not very tasty, but are available in late winter which adds somewhat to their value, This species has become much less common in the past 100 years due to habitat destruction, over-collecting from the wild and farming practices. When it was more abundant, the flowers were harvested in quantity in the spring and used to make a tasty wine with sedative and nervine properties. Cowslips are an underused but valuable medicinal herb, they have a very long history of medicinal use and have been particularly employed in treating conditions involving spasms, cramps, and paralysis and rheumatic pains.
Prefers a medium to heavy moisture retentive humus rich loam in a cool position with light to medium shade, grows well in heavy clay soils and on chalk, will thrive if given full sun and a well-drained alkaline soil. Cowslip seed needs a period of chilling to break dormancy - it therefore needs to be sown in late summer or autumn.
Germination will take place the following spring.
Approx. 300+ seeds
'Common Primrose'
Primula vulgaris
Primula vulgaris
[Ex. Somerset]
Primulaceae: herbaceous perennial to 20cm, found growing in hedgerows, woodlands and shady meadows. Pale yellow flowers with deep yellow centres, appear from Feb-May. Oval, tapering, crinkly, up to 12cm long; they form a basal rosette. Widespread and fairly common throughout the country.
The young leaves can be used raw or cooked, as a potherb, added to soups etc. It has a mild flavour, though the texture can be a bit tough. The leaves are often available all year round. The flowers can also be used either raw or cooked, they can make an attractive garnish to salads, and can also be used as a cooked vegetable or in conserves etc. Picked when first opened, the flowers are fermented with water and sugar to make a very pleasant and intoxicating wine, also both the flowers and the leaves can be made into a syrup or a tea.
Primroses have a very long history of medicinal use and has been particularly employed in treating conditions involving spasms, cramps, paralysis and rheumatic pains. They are, however, considered to be less effective than the related P. veris. The plant contains saponins, which have an expectorant effect, and salicylates which are the main ingredient of aspirin and have anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge effects. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women, patients who are sensitive to aspirin, or those taking anti-coagulant drugs such like warfarin. The roots and the flowering herb are anodyne, antispasmodic, astringent, emetic, sedative and vermifuge. An infusion of the roots is a good remedy against nervous headaches. The roots are harvested in the autumn when two or three years old and dried for later use. An ointment has been made from the plant and used for treating skin wounds.
Primrose seed requires a period of chilling to break dormancy. It therefore needs to be sown in late summer or autumn. Germination will take place the following spring. On average the first flowers appear about twenty months after germination.
The young leaves can be used raw or cooked, as a potherb, added to soups etc. It has a mild flavour, though the texture can be a bit tough. The leaves are often available all year round. The flowers can also be used either raw or cooked, they can make an attractive garnish to salads, and can also be used as a cooked vegetable or in conserves etc. Picked when first opened, the flowers are fermented with water and sugar to make a very pleasant and intoxicating wine, also both the flowers and the leaves can be made into a syrup or a tea.
Primroses have a very long history of medicinal use and has been particularly employed in treating conditions involving spasms, cramps, paralysis and rheumatic pains. They are, however, considered to be less effective than the related P. veris. The plant contains saponins, which have an expectorant effect, and salicylates which are the main ingredient of aspirin and have anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge effects. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women, patients who are sensitive to aspirin, or those taking anti-coagulant drugs such like warfarin. The roots and the flowering herb are anodyne, antispasmodic, astringent, emetic, sedative and vermifuge. An infusion of the roots is a good remedy against nervous headaches. The roots are harvested in the autumn when two or three years old and dried for later use. An ointment has been made from the plant and used for treating skin wounds.
Primrose seed requires a period of chilling to break dormancy. It therefore needs to be sown in late summer or autumn. Germination will take place the following spring. On average the first flowers appear about twenty months after germination.
'Selfheal'
Prunella vulgaris
[Ex. Northumberland]
Lamiaceae: short, creeping grassland perennial with a square stem and bright green oval leaves, borne in opposite pairs. The flowers are violet, hooded and two lipped and are arranged into a dense slightly oblong head. Flowering is from June to September. Found on a wide range of grasslands such as meadows, pasture, lawns, roadsides and woodland clearings but has a particular affinity for moist, moderately fertile neutral or calcareous soils. Common throughout the British Isles, native to Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to North Africa and temperate Asia.
The leaves can be raw or cooked, they can be used in salads, soups, stews. Somewhat bitter due to the presence of tannin in the leaves, though this can be removed by washing the leaves. A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves is used as a refreshing beverage, very tasty.
Selfheal has a long history of folk use, especially in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, sores. It was also taken internally as a tea in the treatment of fevers, diarrhoea, sore mouth, internal bleeding. In Korea it is used to treat oedema, nephritis, scrofula and goitre. The whole plant is alterative, antibacterial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, and febrifuge, hypotensive, stomachic, styptic, and tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas, Bacillus typhi, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculi. It can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is best harvested in mid-summer. The plant is experimentally antibiotic and hypotensive.
Sow at any time of the year. Easy!
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 200+ seeds £1.25.
Prunella vulgaris
[Ex. Northumberland]
Lamiaceae: short, creeping grassland perennial with a square stem and bright green oval leaves, borne in opposite pairs. The flowers are violet, hooded and two lipped and are arranged into a dense slightly oblong head. Flowering is from June to September. Found on a wide range of grasslands such as meadows, pasture, lawns, roadsides and woodland clearings but has a particular affinity for moist, moderately fertile neutral or calcareous soils. Common throughout the British Isles, native to Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to North Africa and temperate Asia.
The leaves can be raw or cooked, they can be used in salads, soups, stews. Somewhat bitter due to the presence of tannin in the leaves, though this can be removed by washing the leaves. A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves is used as a refreshing beverage, very tasty.
Selfheal has a long history of folk use, especially in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, sores. It was also taken internally as a tea in the treatment of fevers, diarrhoea, sore mouth, internal bleeding. In Korea it is used to treat oedema, nephritis, scrofula and goitre. The whole plant is alterative, antibacterial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, and febrifuge, hypotensive, stomachic, styptic, and tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas, Bacillus typhi, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculi. It can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is best harvested in mid-summer. The plant is experimentally antibiotic and hypotensive.
Sow at any time of the year. Easy!
Harvested: September 2014.
Approx. 200+ seeds £1.25.
'Wild Cherry'
Prunus avium
[Prov. UK]
Rosaceae, large fast growing deciduous tree to 30m, with bark that turns mahogany red and peels with age. The white cup shaped flowers give a magnificent display in mid to late spring. The fruits are small and red to purple, appearing in summer. The leaves turn crimson in autumn. A widespread throughout the British Isles, except in Northern Scotland and Western Ireland. It grows in woods, hedgerows, and copses, open in hilly areas. Birds are particularly fond of the ripe fruits and can completely strip a tree within a day. The wild cherry is often used as a stock for grafting cultivated varieties.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, its fruit can be either sweet or bitter depending tree, the fruit can be cooked in pies, preserves, also an edible gum is obtained by wounding the bark. The very bitter seeds contain hydrogen cyanide in small quantities, so best not eaten.
The fruit stalks are astringent, diuretic and tonic, a decoction is used in the treatment of cystitis, oedema, bronchial complaints, looseness of the bowels and anaemia. An aromatic resin can be obtained by making small incisions in the trunk, this has been used as an inhalant in the treatment of persistent coughs.
Seeds requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate.
Seeds collected from trees across the north east of England, August 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £1.25
[Prov. UK]
Rosaceae, large fast growing deciduous tree to 30m, with bark that turns mahogany red and peels with age. The white cup shaped flowers give a magnificent display in mid to late spring. The fruits are small and red to purple, appearing in summer. The leaves turn crimson in autumn. A widespread throughout the British Isles, except in Northern Scotland and Western Ireland. It grows in woods, hedgerows, and copses, open in hilly areas. Birds are particularly fond of the ripe fruits and can completely strip a tree within a day. The wild cherry is often used as a stock for grafting cultivated varieties.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, its fruit can be either sweet or bitter depending tree, the fruit can be cooked in pies, preserves, also an edible gum is obtained by wounding the bark. The very bitter seeds contain hydrogen cyanide in small quantities, so best not eaten.
The fruit stalks are astringent, diuretic and tonic, a decoction is used in the treatment of cystitis, oedema, bronchial complaints, looseness of the bowels and anaemia. An aromatic resin can be obtained by making small incisions in the trunk, this has been used as an inhalant in the treatment of persistent coughs.
Seeds requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate.
Seeds collected from trees across the north east of England, August 2014.
Approx. 25+ seeds £1.25
'Damson'
Prunus domestica insititia
Currently Unavailable
'Cherry Laurel'
Prunus laurocerasus
[Introduced species]
Currently Unavailable
'Cherry Laurel'
Prunus laurocerasus
[Introduced species]
'Bird Cherry'
Prunus padus
Prunus padus
Rosaceae: A small deciduous tree to 17m. Found in limestone areas, by streams and in damp woods and hedgerows. The white flowers open the after the leaves and grow into spikes some 15cm long, appearing in May. The flowers are followed by shiny black fruits up to 8mm, these are sour-tasting and look a bit like sloes. Widespread in the UK. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, Siberia and the Himalayas.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, because of the bitter taste they are used mainly for making jam and preserves. The fruit is about the size of a pea and contains one large seed. The young leaves can be cooked, they are used as a boiled vegetable in Korea. An herbal tea can also be made from the bark.
The bark has mildly anodyne, diuretic, febrifuge and sedative properties. An infusion is used in the treatment of colds, feverish conditions. The bark is harvested when the tree is in flower and can be dried for later use.
Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. A very ornamental species those fruits are relished by birds and the flowers and leaves attract many insects.
Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Seeds require a 2 - 3 months cold stratification.
Harvested: 2014.
Currently Unavailable
Prunus serotina
'Blackthorn'
Prunus spinosa
Prunus spinosa
[Prov. UK]
Rosaceae: thorny shrub to 5m, often forms dense thickets, and a common sight in hedgerows and sea cliffs, the white flowers appear before the leaves, from March-April, the fruit are small round purplish, powdery, tiny plum like. Common and widespread across the country.
The fruit can be used raw or cooked, exceedingly astringent, it is normally cooked but once the fruit has been frosted it loses some of its astringency and some people find they can enjoy it raw. The fruit is more usually used in jellies, syrups, conserves and as a flavouring for sloe gin and other liqueurs. The leaves are used as a tea, and the dried fruits can be added to herbal teas.
The flowers, bark, leaves and fruits are aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative and stomachic. An infusion of the flowers is used in the treatment of diarrhoea (especially for children), bladder and kidney disorders, and stomach weakness.
Seeds requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification, sow seeds as early in the year as possible, and protect the seed from mice. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate.
Seeds collected from wild plants around the North East, August 2014.
Approx. 15+ seeds £1.25
'Fleabane'
Pulicaria dysenterica
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
'Lungwort'
Pulmonaria officinalis
Currently Unavailable
'Pasque Flower'
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Currently Unavailable
'Pasque Flower'
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Currently Unavailable
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