Parsley, Carrots, Cilantro, Dill, Celery
Black Snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica)
Scotch Lovage (Ligusticum scothicum)
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata)
Perennial
Native range: Eastern North American coast
USDA Zones 4-8
Root and/or leaves are used for medicinal purposes
Sun requirements: Part shade (open forest, deciduous woods)
Soil requirements: moist, organically enriched soil
Space requirements: 2 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
Possible companion plants: American ginseng, goldenseal, bloodroot and wild ginger underneath existing trees such as oaks, maples or hemlocks
Water requirements: Water to keep soil evenly moist (as needed)
Starting: Sow directly in early spring.
Harvesting: Fall Harvest. Harvest roots in fall 4-6 years after planting. In fall (Mid September to November), collect seeds in fall and directly sow into woodland soil before they dry out. Keep outside until spring for freeze-thaw cycles over winter.
Disease: Rust and leaf spots. To prevent, keep an eye on plants during humid times of year. To treat, wipe leaves with a baking powder - water solution.
Perennial
Native range: northern Europe and North Eastern America
Seeds are used like cumin and leaves are used like parsely
USDA zones 4-8
Sun requirements: Full sun
Soil requirements: Slightly acidic soil (6.5 pH). Use sandy, loamy soil that is organically rich.
Space requirements: 15-60 cm tall, should be 18 inches apart
Possible companion plants: beans, eggplant, chilies, green peppers, potatoes, and peas
Water requirements: Keep soil constantly moist, but not wet (well drained)
Planting season: Once temperatures are above 60°F, generally from late April-early May in DC, direct sow. Sprinkle seeds and cover with sandy soil
Starting method: from seed
Harvest date: Harvest ripe seedheads in summer. Harvest leaves continually through October.
Common pests: Aphids, leaf miners, parsley worms, tarnished plant bugs
Common diseases: Early blight, leaf spot
Biennial
Native to mountains of Southern and central Europe
Leaves are used like parsley, while the seeds and roots can also be eaten
Grows in USDA zones 3-7
Sun requirements: partly shaded
Soil requirements: Moist, well drained soil that is organically rich. Loamy soil that is roughly neutral.
Temperature: 55-65 F (13-18 C)
Space requirements: Plant 6-8 inches apart
Water frequency: As needed to keep soil moist
Possible companion plants: mint, pansies, and radishes.
Planting season: Mid-late autumn. Plants will germinate in the spring. Can also sow in early spring
Starting method: from seed
Harvest date: Continual Harvest, generally throughout springtime.
Very few! This plant is extremely hardy.
Info compiled by Luciana Bowden, 2021.