Herb Basics
These two colors describe the different types of basil covered in our gardening lesson.
What are green and purple-red?
This yellow-flowered plant commonly found in lawns has entirely edible parts including flowers, leaves, and roots.
What is dandelion?
All true tea comes from this plant, while "herbal teas" come from other plants.
What is Camellia sinensis?
This purple-flowered plant can be found in lawns and partly shaded areas around St. Louis, with edible flowers and leaves.
What are violets?
Leaves of this common lawn plant are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, plus minerals like potassium, zinc, and iron.
What is dandelion??
This herb's name comes from Greek words meaning "joy of the mountain."
What is oregano?
When foraging, you should never take more than this fraction of any plant stand to ensure regrowth.
What is one-third (1/3)?
This country was the first to drink tea over 5,000 years ago.
What is China?
This St. Louis organization offers regular foraging classes and plant walks for those interested in edible wild plants.
In Final Fantasy and other video games, herbal drinks like this are often used to restore health or magic.
What is tea/potions?
Known for tiny green leaves on thin, woody stems, this herb has a warm, slightly minty smell.
What is thyme?
This wild fruit has a tropical-like flavor described as a blend of banana, mango, and custard.
What is pawpaw?
This popular cold beverage was accidentally invented at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.
What is iced tea?
This plant with bright pink flowers found throughout Missouri parks has edible flowers, young seed pods, and young leaves.
What is Eastern Redbud?
The compound in thyme that has antibacterial properties and soothes coughs.
What is thymol?
The scientific name for both Italian and Red Basil.
What is Ocimum basilicum?
The flowers and ripe berries of this plant can be eaten, but only when the berries are cooked, as raw ones can cause nausea.
What is elderberry?
Ths country is known for serving mint tea with lots of sugar, poured from high above the glass.
What is Morocco?
These two types of clover found in St. Louis have edible flowers, leaves, and seeds.
What are red clover and white clover?
This berry is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and is traditionally used to support immune function.
What is elderberry?
Of the herbs we studied, these two are considered the easiest to grow with only a one-star difficulty rating.
What are oregano and thyme?
These two safety concerns should be avoided when urban foraging near roads and industrial areas.
What are pollutants and contaminated soil?
In this fantasy book and movie series, Professor McGonagall might enjoy her afternoon tea with milk and sugar.
What is Harry Potter?
This edible plant found in clear, cold springs around St. Louis has a spicy, peppery taste and is rich in vitamins.
What is watercress?
The red/purple color in both Red Basil and berries comes from these compounds that act as antioxidants.
What are anthocyanins?