This is only a partial list of the plants and seeds we have available. Send $2 ($4 international) for our complete illustrated catalog.
Look to all the other sections of the website for additional edible and medicinal species!
Acacia colei “Edible Wattle”
Fabaceae. Fast growing Nitrogen-fixing tree to 15–30′. Simple leaves and yellow flowers. Northern Australia. A traditional Aborigine bush-food, the seeds being high in protein. Being grown in parts of Africa as a drought resitant foodcrop, for firewood, and reforesting. Scarify and soak seeds. Has great edible landscape potential, especially in arid regions. Z9b.
Seed packet $2.50
Acer campbelli CC6134 “Phirphire”
Aceraceae. An elegant maple to 15–40′. Green bark, 5-7 lobed deep-green leaves, new foliage is a bronzy red, in the Fall yellow to bright red. White-pink flowers and winged fruit. Chadwell seed collection from 10,000′, Annapurna, Nepal. Traditionally coppiced for fodder. A lovely and easy landscape tree, sun to part shade. Z7a.
1+ year old treelet $5.75 or 2 for $10
Acorus calamus “Sweet Flag”
Araceae. Rhizomatic semi-aquatic perennial with iris-like leaves to 4′. Yellow-green spadix to 4″. Native to North America and temperate Eurasia, our seed stock is from the northern US prairies, medicinally distinct from the Asian plants. A panacea, revered for its medicinal properties wherever it grows. The aromatic rhizome is a premier digestive aid, stimulant, and all around tonic. Cold stratify seed. Z3b
Seed packet $2.75
Agapetes hosseana “Saphaolom” “Thai Huckleberry”
Ericaceae. A lovely species that forms large woody caudiciform lignotubers. Arching branches to 3′+ with shiny, rounded-elliptic, evergreen leaves. Clusters of pendant, narrow tubular red flowers with green tips. Sweet edible berries, white to pale pink with lavender speckles. An epiphytic species native to the mountain forests of northern Thailand. The lignotubers are used in Thai medicine for nourishment after a fever. The tubers have exhibited anticancer poperties. The plant contains triterpenes and steroidal compounds with antibacterial and antimalarial activity. Part shade and a fast draining acidic soil. Does well in hanging baskets. Surface sow seeds warm. Z8b
Seed packet $4
Agapetes manii “Himalayan Huckleberry”
Shrub to 2′+ with small densely arranged leaves. Forms caudiciform lignotubers wherever the stems touch the ground. White tubular flowers and pale purple berries with a sweet gelatinous flesh. A semi-epiphytic species from the mid elevation cloud forests of western China and northeastern India. Reported to have liver protective properties. Prefers part shade, well draining acidic soil. Exceedingly rare in cultivation. Z8b?
3–4″+ plant 2 years old $12 (limited)
Agapetes ‘Ludgvan’s Cross’ “Himalayan Huckleberry Hybrid”
A hybrid of A. serpens and A. rugosa. 2–3″ pointed leaves and eventually forms a woody caudex. Pale-pink lantern flowers with deep rose chevron markings are borne in mass along the stems, a sight to see! Weird, marble size, translucent white-pink Edible berries. Hummingbirds love Agapetes. Part shade well draining acid soil. Z8b
8–12″ plant $7.50
Inquire for other Agapetes species
Allium altaicum ‘Baikal’ “Wild Onion” “Luk Altaiskii”
Alliaceae or Liliaceae. Thick tubular leaves and rounded umbels of white flowers. Edible leaves/bulb with a delicious spicy flavor. Seed from the Baikal Lake region, southern Siberia, Russia. Wild populations are said to be endangered by overharvesting. This is the direct wild ancestor of the common culinary bunching onion. We should honor this great-grandmother by planting her in our gardens. Extremely cold hardy. Cold stratify seed. Z1
Seed packet $3.25
Allium caeruleum Holubec
Onion bulb with stalks to 2′, spherical umbels of sky blue flowers. Forms abundant bulbils amongst the flowers. Holubec collection, foothills of Zailiski Ala Tau, Kazakhstan, 4600′. One of the few truly blue flowered onions. The bulbils can be eaten or used for continual propagation. Does best with sun and a dry summer rest. Z4?
Packet of bulbils $3
Allium dregeanum “African Leek”
Upright leaves and stem to 2′+. Dense spherical umbels of pink flowers, similar to the common leek. A disjunct native of South Africa, its nearest relatives occur thousands of miles away in northern Africa. Good edible species. Blossoms attract many beneficial insects. Cold stratify seed. Drought hardy. Z7b
Seed packet $3.25
Allium komarovii
Awesome onion with 1–2 large, broad flattened leaves, frosted blue. The clusters of deep purple flowers are held 12″ above the leaves. A rare endemic of the mountains of Tajikistan. Likes a bright sunny spot. Dies back to the bulb in Summer. Cold stratify seed. Z6b
Seed packet $3.50
Allium tricoccum “Ramps” “Wild Leek”
From a slender bulb 2 broad leaves arise in Spring, after these die back a 12″ flowering stalk grows bearing a small spherical head of white flowers. Understory plant of the deciduous eastern forests of North America. The celebrated Ramps is one of the tastiest members of the onion clan, inspiring ephemeral culinary festivals throughout its range. Said to be one of the most promising and underutilized vegetables for shade and cold climates. Grows fine in northern California. Prefers shade and moist soil. Cold stratify seed. Z4a
Seed packet $2.75
Inquire for other Allium species
For additional Allium species see our Californian offerings
Amelanchier alnifolia “Serviceberry” “Juneberry”
Rosaceae. Deciduous shrub to 4-16′+. In Spring the plant is a mass of white blossoms. Elliptic leaves and delicious blue fruits ripen June-July. Native to north-western North America. The fruits are a favorite of many indigenous tribes and were a prime ingredient of pemmican. A great addition to the forest garden, sun to partial shade. Cold stratify. Z4a
Seed packet $2.75
Inquire for plants
Androstephium caeruleum “Blue Funnel Lily” “Spring Stars”
Liliaceae. Perennial growing from round corms. Grass like leaves to 7″, beautiful pale blue to purple or white flowers with a faint fruity scent. A rarity native to the black soil short grass praries of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The corms are edible and were once eaten by tribes within their range. Our collector had to risk chiggers and rattlesnakes just to collect the seed. The plant is increasingly rare in habitat as the prarie is convertd by man’s insatiable need for strip malls and track housing. Slow from seed, this is a native food that demands and deserves our dedicated patience. Drought hardy. Seed may need cold stratification. Z8a and below.
Seed packet $3
Angelica ursina “Bear’s Angelica”
Apiaceae. Giant herbaceous perennial to 12′ tall, umbels of white flowers. Endemic to Sakhalin and Kamchatka, eastern Russia. Wild collected seed. Young shoots are edible. Bears are known to eat the roots. Surface sow seed and give 60+ days cold, can take 1-2 years to sprout. Dies back to the roots in Winter. Z2b-3a
Seed packet $3.50
Arum concinnatum Arch195.073
Areceae. Corm forming perennial with large arrow shaped leaves, green with silver mottling. Yellow-green and purple spathe to 12″. Rarity from south Greece and south west Turkey. Easy to grow and naturalizes well. Part shade. Cold stratify seed. Z6b
Seed packet $2.50
Atropa caucasica “Caucasus Belladonna”
Solanaceae. Herbaceous perennial to 2′. Purplish flowers, black berries. Rare endemic of the Caucasus. Same properties as A. belladonna. Stratify seed. Z5a
Seed packet $3
Betula utilis CC5763 “Bhojapatra” “Himalayan Birch”
Betulaceae. A gorgeous medium sized birch tree 20-35′ tall. Exceptional gold and copper peeling bark. The leaves turn a rich yellow and defoliate in Autumn. From seed collected at 12,500′ Langtang, Nepal, just south of the Tibetan border. An important tree, the bark is used for wound healing and as a carminative. In India the resin is reportededly contraceptive. Widely used for construction, the tree is now considered endangered in some regions due to deforestation. Easy to grow, does well in most soils. Z7a
12″+ plant, 2 years old $7.50 or 2 for $13
Seed packet (CC6641) $3
Buddleja salvifolia “Sagewood”
Buddlejaceae. Semi-evergreen shrub 6–20′+. Long lime-green leaves with a fuzzy wrinkled surface and white undersides. Abundant large panicles of cream to lilac colored flowers, exceptionally honey-fragrant and ambrosia to butterflies, birds and bees. South Africa. The leaves are steeped as tea and the roots used for cough and colic. Responds well to pruning and can be hedged. Adaptable and drought tolerant. Z7b
8–12″+ plant 2 years old $8.50
Callicarpa americana SMC091024.1 ”American Beautyberry”
Labiatae. Shrub 5-10′. Simple leaves to 8″. Clusters of violet flowers followed by dense bunches of bright magenta berries that remain on the plant for months. Native to the southeastern USA. Seed collected in NC. The striking small berries are edible, though somewhat tasteless, they are traditionally made into preserves or jams. An easy and rewarding ornamental. Sun to part shade. Z6a
Seed packet $2
Campanula punctata ssp. hondoensis
Campanulaceae. Attractive spreading perennial 1–2′ tall. Purple to cream colored, speckled, 2–3″ long inflated bell flowers. Wild seed, grassy slopes, Japan. Very floriferous. The large blossoms are highly edible and tasty, a significant addition to salads. Sun or part shade. Surface sow seed. Z4a
Seed packet $2.50
Campanula rapunculus “Rampion”
Small herbaceous biennial to 3′. Sky-blue bell flowers. Northern Europe. Once a widely grown and esteemed food plant, it has fallen into obscurity. The thick white roots have a delicious crisp flavor eaten raw and the leaves and flowers are excellent in salads. Easy to grow, sun or part shade. Z4b
Seed packet $2.75
Capparis spinosa “Caper Bush”
Capparaceae. 3–5′ sprawling shrub with spines and round leaves. Showy white flowers with long purple stamens. 1″ oval fruit. Cultivated throughout the Mediterranean where the immature flower buds are pickled to make “capers”, a popular food the world over. The young shoots are also eaten and the fruit is pickled in the Middle East. Prefers a warm sunny spot. Seed slow to sprout, 1-2+ months or longer, cold treatment, washing seed with detergent and GA3 may help. Z5–6.
Seed packet $3
Codonopsis sp. BBG China “Tang Shen”
Campanulaceae. Carrot like perennial root from which graceful twining deciduous vines arise, growing to about 6′. Soft leaves and 1″ yellow green bell shaped flowers. We got our mother plant from the UC Berkeley Gardens years ago but lost the original tag. Overall the plant is larger than the more common C. pilosula. The root is sweet and edible, several Codonopsis species are used as general tonics similar to ginseng in Chinese medicine, and a few species are considered magical plants in the Himalayas. Needs a well draining moist soil and something to climb on. Z7a
Seed packet $3
Codonopsis bulleyana
Upright herbaceous perennial to 12″. Pleasantly pubescent stems and leaves. Pale-blue tubular flowers that are constricted in the center and flare at the ends. Carrot like edible sweet root. Native to the mountains of Asia. The plant has a skunky cannabis-like smell. Used in traditional medicine like other species with ginseng like properties. Part shade, moist rich soil. Z4a
Plant $7.50 or 2 for $12.50
Codonopsis cardiophylla
Gentle vine with soft heart-like leaves. Bell shaped flowers ghostly blue in color. Fleshy edible/medicinal roots. Native to the mountains of China. Z4b
Plant $6.50
Codonopsis clematidea Holubec
A delicate twining perennial to 3–4′. Fuzzy blue-green leaves. Large bell-shaped flowers of pale-blue with veins of purple and banded maroon inside. Seed collected by Holubec in Mortravn, Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, 6300′. The aerial parts of the plant are used in the folk medicine of the region to treat jaundice, hepatitis and other liver conditions. Analysis has revealed a new codonopsine alkaloid along with 13 beneficial compounds found in other species. The thick roots are edible like other species. Prefers a well aerated rich soil, regular moisture, part shade and something to climb on. Dies back to the root in late Summer. Z4b
Plant $8.50 or 2 for $13.50
Codonopsis meleagris
Upright species to about 12″+. The round bell shaped flowers are a porcelian-blue color with dark-purple to chocolate markings. Fleshy roots edible and medicinal like other species. Another choice rarity form China. Z4b
Plant $6.50 or 2 for $11
Crataegus pinnatifida “Shan Zha” “Chinese Haw”
Rosaceae. Small deciduous tree to 15′+. Abundant white flowers followed by 1-1.5″ red hawthorn fruit. The leaves turn a brilliant crimson in Autumn. Native to Asia. The fruits are eaten fresh, dried, as a tea and made into candies. Widely used in Oriental medicine. Begins fruiting when only 2-3′ tall. Cold stratify seed 1-2 Winters. Z5b
10 seed $2.50
Crataegus pinnatifida ‘Major’ – Selected for its large fruit with higher pulp content. 16-24″+ treelet $14* (limited stock)
Crescentia alata “Morro” “Calabash Tree”
Bignoniaceae. Tropical tree to 20′. Nocturnal flowers along the trunk and branches, 4″ gourd-like hard seed pods. Central America. The pods are used to make all manner of containers and utensils. The seeds are high in protein and have a licorice like sweet aftertaste, they are used in El Salvador to make a refreshing horchata drink. The tree is considered an anachronism, it evolved with now extinct gomphotheres (elephants) as the primary seed dispersers. It is now our responsibility to crack the hard seed pod and disperse the seed. Easy to grow. Z10a
Seed packet $2.50 / 1 ounce $8
Cryptotaenia japonica v. atroprupurea “Mitsuba” “Japanese Parsley”
Apiaceae. Upright perennial, 12–18″+ high. The entire plant is handsome shades of bronze, rose and dark purple. Small white flowers. Japanese seed stock. The entire plant is edible and used much like parsley. We find it does best in part shade. Z4b
Seed packet $2.50
Cyperus esculentus v. sativus ‘Barcelona’ “Chufa Nut” “Earth Almond”
Cyperaceae. Nonweedy small perennial sedge grass to 12″. Produces 0.5″ edible tubers. Worldwide distribution. Cultivated for centuries, the tubers are rich in sugars, starch and oil, with a sweet taste similar to coconut. Little known in the U.S., they are popular in Europe, Africa and Asia. This variety is from northern Spain where they are blended with water and sweetener to make the delectable, refreshing and nutritious drink known as “horchata.” Grows just about anywhere, but prefers a well drained moist soil. Noninvasive cultivar, cannot tolerate frost. Z10a
Seedpack of 6 tubers $3
Dierama igneum “Hairbell” “Faerie’s Wand”
Iridaceae. Clumps of upright iris-like leaves to 3′. Long slender arching stalks bearing pendulous lilac to rose pink bell flowers. Native to the grasslands of eastern South Africa. Grown from wild seed. Dierama are the embodiment of grace. Likes a bright spot and rich moist soil. Inquire for other species. Z7a
Plant 3+ years old $6.75
Diospyros ramulosa “Koenoekam” “Karoo Persimmon”
Ebenaceae. Smallish tree to 20′+. Green flower, yellow to purplish edible fruit. This Karoo native persimmon is said to be the best of the wild fruit from the region. Branches used as firesticks. Has potential as a rare fruit crop. Sun and drought hardy. Cold stratify seed. Z7b
5 seed $3
Disporum cantoniense ex DJHC 729
Liliaceae. From underground rhizomes arise asparagus like stalks rich-purple in color and 3-6′ tall. Lanceolate leaves, cream colored tubular flowers, black-purple berries. Our mother plants are from Hinkley collections in China. A forest understory plant that is a giant relative to our native fairy bells. The rhizome is used for fever and the young shoots cooked as a vegetable. Rich moist soil and part to full shade. Z6a
Plant 2+ years old $7.50
Elaeagnus multiflora “Goumi”
Elaeagnaceae. Ornamental deciduous shrub to 6-10′. Green/silver leaves, small cream colored flowers, sweet juicy edible red berries, rich in antioxidants. China. Ideal permaculture plant-fast growing, fixes nitrogen in the soil, produces and abundance of edible fruit, easily grown, cold and drought tolerant. Not weedy like some species. Sprouts warm but cold stratify for best germination. Z5a.
Seed packet $3
Ficus gasparriniana v. laceratifolia “Grape Fig” “Guan Mao Rong”
Moraceae. Branched shrub to 6′. Long lacerated leaves, evergreen in tropical climates. Grape size round figs that turn deep-red when ripe. Occurs in forested mountain areas of India and western China, south to Vietnam, from 1,500′ to 6,000′. The small figs are produced in abundance July through December and have a good flavor, best during warm weather. A great companion for anyone who likes unusual fruit. Keep seed warm to sprout. Z7b
5 seed $3
Inquire for plants
Ficus sp. CC6807
Rare fig species, large upright shrub. Ovate leaves with serrate margins. Collected by Chadwell, 6,900′, Uttaranachal, Kumaon, Central Himalaya. We don’t know much more about this plant, such as fig edibility, etc, so we’ll have to grow these on to find out! Z9? Only a few plants available!
8-12″+ plant 2 years old $6.75
Gaultheria depressa “Alpine Snowberry”
Ericaceae. Creeping prostate shrub 3–6″ high. Tiny rounded leaves and white bell flowers. 1/2″+ white to pink-red edible fruit. Alpine regions of north west South Island, New Zealand. Seed is distributed by lizards and a species of odd oversized cricket known as “weta” and it is thought that the plant has coevolved with them. A prime edible plant for the rock garden. Acidic mineral soil. Surface sow seed. Z7a
Seed packet $3.50
Gaultheria forrestii
Evergreen shrub 4-5′ tall. 3″ oval leaves on arching stems and sprigs of white flowers. Abundant edible black berries. Yunnan Province, China. The leaves and fruit have a delectable wintergreen aroma, great for fresh eating and tea. Part to full shade. Does well as a forest understory plant. Moist acidic soil. Z7b
Seed packet $3
4-6″ + plant 2+ years old $8.50
Gaultheria miqueliana ”Japanese wintergreen”
Spreading groundcover 6–10″ tall. Deep veined oval leaves, dark green with reddish hues. White bell flowers and pea size porcelian white berries make a striking contrast to the leaves. Native to Japan. The delicious berries have the strongest wintergreen flavor of any Gaultheria we’ve tried, truly amazing! An ideal edible groundcover for part to full shade. Well drained acid soil. Z6a
Seed packet $3.25
Gaultheria odorata “Aja-te’es”
2–4′ tall evergreen shrub with slightly hairy alternate oval leaves to 3″. White bell flower and pea-size dark purple fruit. From the higher elevation cloud forests of Chiapas, Mexico. The fruit is eaten and the plant considered medicinal by the Zincatan Maya. A fine exotic for the forest garden. Surface sow. Z8 or 9a
Seed packet $3
4–6″ plant 2+ years old $8.50
For additional Gaultheria species see our Chilean , Andean & Californian offerings
Gentiana sp. CC5932
Gentianaceae. Rosettes of smooth blue-green leaves. Flowers not yet seen, likely blue. A Chadwell collection from the mountains of Tibet at over 13,000′. Unlike some Alpine gentians this one has been easy to grow in well drained gravelly soil. Z5a?
Plant 2–3 years old $7.50
Gentiana macrophylla “Qin Jiao”
Gentianaceae. Deciduous herbaceous perennial to 1′. Large lanceolate leaves. Clusters of pale green-blue tubular flowers. Mongolia, Russia, and China. This important bitter herb is widely used in Chinese Medicine. Prefers sun to part shade. Z3b
Plant 4 years old $8.50
Heliopsis longipes “Chilcuague” “Gold Root”
Asteraceae. Spreading groundcover to 10–18″+ tall. 1″ conical yellow flowers. Endemic to the mountains of central Mexico up to 8,000′. The fleshy lateral roots produce a very intense tingling sensation in the lips and mouth when chewed, much stronger thanEchinacea or Spilanthes which have similar properties. Traditionally used for toothache (very effective!) and oral health. Rich in alkamides with impressive analgesic, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal and immune boosting effects. Demand for its insecticidal activity nearly lead to its extinction during World War 2. The pleasant tingling effect from the chewed root can be transferred to other areas of the body and has been used as topical anesthetic and for interesting erotic purposes. We had been seeking seed of this plant for many years and were very excited and honored when a few came to us. We have been propagating since and finally have enough plants to offer, a first introduction. Easy to grow. Z9b?
Plant 2 years old $22
Hippophae rhamnoides “Sea Buckthorn”
Elaeagnaceae. A striking willow-leafed shrub 10-20′. In Autumn the branches are covered in thousands of small edible orange berries. Native to Central Asia. This fruit is very nutritious, rich in vitamin C, A and E as well as EFA’s and the leaves are a source of antioxidant flavonoids. This plant is now an important medicinal fruit crop in western Europe, Asia and Russia, but is gaining popularity in the United States as a nutriceutical and cosmetics ingredient. A highly versatile plant, fixes nitrogen in the soil. Seed germinates best with 30+ days cold, but some germiantion warm. Z3a
Seed packet $3
Ilex paraguariensis ‘Paraguay’ “Yerba Mate” “Ka’a”
Aquifoliaceae. Evergreen tree to 60′. Shiny lanceolate leaves, white flowers and red berries. Cultivated throughout South America. Our plants are grown from seed collected at a very old plantation in Paraguay. The caffeine rich leaves are the national drink of Argentina & Paraguay and have become very popular in the US in recent years. Easy, sun to part shade. Responds well to pruning and can dwarfed. Tolerant of some frost. Z9a–b
1 year old plant $12.50
Ilex vomitoria SHL091023.1 “Yaupon”
Evergreen shrub or small tree to 20′+. Divaricate stems, whitish flowers and ornamental red-orange berries. Native to the south eastern US and north eastern Mexico. Another underappreciated stimulating holly. Related to yerba mate and guayusa, the leaves are a rich source of caffeine alkaloids. Once a primary sacred plant of the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole and other tribes. Seed collected by S. Lipe & S. Cody from wild populations at Buxton Woods, Outer Banks, North Carolina. Easy to grow, tolerant of alkaline and salty soils, sun to partial shade. Seed is slow to germinate, cold stratify. May take 1-2+ years to sprout, so be patient. Z6a
Seed packet $3
Inula magnifica Jurasek “Magnificent Elecampane”
Asteraceae. Large herbaceous perennial 4–7′ tall with leaves to 2′. Numerous 3″ dandelion like frizzy yellow flowers. Jurasek collection, western Caucasus, 6000′. Easily grown, a great garden specimen. Good mulch plant. Surface sow seed.
Seed packet $2.50
Lepidium peruvianum ‘Yellow’ “Maca”
Brassicaceae or Cruciferae. A radish or turnip like plant that is the highest altitude cultivar in the world, grown in the Andes at elevations over 14,000 feet. An ancient food/medicine that has been farmed for nearly 6,000 years. Incredibly nutritious, considered an energizing aphrodisiac and immunostimulant. Thrives in very harsh conditions, poor, cold soils with minimal water. Little work has been done growing this plant outside the Andes. Let us know how it grows for you. Seed from a yellow root form that shows tolerance for low elevation cultivation. Z5b
Seed packet $4
Red root form Seed packet $4.50
Lilium species – see our Californian offerings
Lycianthes quichensis “Chichol-te”
Solanaceae. Shrub to 8′ with downy heart shaped leaves, large flamboyant lilac flowers and 1″ red tomato-like fruit. Native to the tropical deciduous forests of Central America. The fruit are eaten raw by the Zinacantec Maya. Sun to dappled shade. Z9b
Seed packet $3.25
Lycium barbarum “Wolfberry” “Gou Qi Zi” “Goji Berry”
Solanaceae. Deciduous shrub with arching branches, 3-5′ tall. Slender linear leaves, pale purple flowers, scarlet berries. Native to the Himalayan foothills of central Asia. The berries are one of the most nutritious foods known to man (the highest carotenoid content of any known edible!). A traditional Chinese longevity enhancer and sexual tonic. Easy and drought tolerant. Seed from the traditional growing region of Ning Xia, China. Z6a
Seed packet $3
Lycium oxyrocarpum “Honeythorn”
Upright thorned shrub. Lanceolate leaves, violet flowers and orange red edible berries. South Africa. This is another interesting species of “gojiberry” worthy of more research. The roots are used for backache and reproductive health. Drought hardy. Z8a
10–12″+ plant 2 years old $8.50
Malva sylvestris BK07606.1
Malvaceae. 1-3′ plant with round leaves and 2″ mauve-purple flowers with dark purple veins and lavender pollen loved by bees. From seed we collected from rural farmsteads in the hills near Figaro and Montseny Bioreserve, north eastern Spain. Traditionally the flowers and young tender leaves are added to salads while the tops of the plants are steamed and seasoned like kale. Highly nutritious and delicious! Also used as a tea for its soothing demulcent properties. Easy, perennial, but best cut back each season. Will naturalize. Z4a
Seed packet $2.75
Mandragora officinarum “Mandrake”
Solanaceae. Hardy perennial with rosettes of stemless leaves to 12″ long. Greenish bell shaped flowers arise from the center of the plant followed by oval shaped orange berries. Large, thick taproots, often resembling the human form and giving rise to a multitude of myths and legends. Native to southern Europe/Mediterranean. The famed and feared mandrake root, used throughout the ages as aphrodisiac and poison, magical amulet and medicine. Sow in a deep pot or directly in the ground. Prefers rich, alkaline, moist soil with good drainage. The leaves die back and the plant goes dormant by early Summer and begins vegetative growth again in Autumn/Winter. Prefers partial shade. Does well in the rock garden. Seed treated with GA-3, good germination in 30 days. Z5a
Plant 2 years old $12
Mandragora turcomanica “Mandrake”
Large perennial taproot with rosettes of 1-2′ leaves and purplish bell flowers. Endemic to a small area of northeastern Iran and Turkmenistan, where it may now be extinct. Traditionally used like other mandrakes. This impressive plant is exceedingly rare, propagation is vital to its survival. Summer dormant. Z5a
Plant 2 years old $14
Microseris lanceolata “Murnong” “Yam Daisy”
Asteraceae. Perennial dandelion like rosette of toothed linear leaves and yellow flowers. The tuberous roots of this Australian native were an important food of the Aborigines, but the plant is reported to be increasingly scarce. Traditionally pit roasted and said to have a sweet “coconut” flavor. Curiously Murnong’s closest relatives occur in western North America. Another endangered traditional food plant well worth experimenting with. Has done best for us in a sandy soil and full sun. Z8b/9a?
Seed packet $3.25
Nicotiana glauca “Tree Tobacco”
Solanaceae. Perennial shrub or small tree to 20′. Large, leathery, glaucus blue leaves. Clusters of tubular yellow flowers attract hummingbirds. Said to be native to the southern Andes, but is now naturalized all the way into central California. Considered erroneously to be invasive, but it only grows on disturbed ground, hence its abundance along roadsides and construction areas. Does not contain nicotine, but the bioactive analog anabasine. Widely used as a sacred tobacco, makes an interesting smoke. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Nicotiana rustica ‘Ancient’ ”Tobacco”
This seed came to us from a friend who received it as a very special wedding gift. The seed was discovered in a 1000 year old urn at an archaeological dig on Vancouver Island. An amazing relic, it has proven highly viable, we grew out robust plants to 3′. This is the first generation seed from this ancient sacred tobacco. Z9a-b?
Seed packet $6
Nicotiana rustica ‘Kessu’ “Tobacco”
Small tobacco to 2-3′ with round leaves and yellow green tubular flowers. N. rustica is the most potent tobacco, having the highest nicotine content, making an excellent insecticide and shamanic smoke. This specific strain, Kessu, is the most northernly strain ever recorded, growing in central Finland just 400 miles from the Arctic Circle! Z8b?
Seed packet $4
For additional Nicotiana species see our Chilean & Andean offerings
Nymania capensis “Klapperbos”
Meliaceae. Upright shrub to 14′ tall. Leathery linear leaves. Pink/red flowers and white to pink-red inflated fruits with a silky sheen, like a Chinese lantern. Unusual neem relative native to the Little Karoo, South Africa. The Nama roasted and powdered the root to make an effective ointment for wound healing. Root tea was used for stomach disorders and the crushed aromatic leaves inhaled for headache. Shown to have insecticidal and antifeedant properties like neem and could be a good alternative for colder or dryer areas. Cold stratify seed. Z8a
Seed packet $3
Ocimum canum ‘Malawi’ “African Wild Basil”
Labiatae. Small basil with hairs on the stems and the undersides of the pale green leaves. Spikes of white flowers. Seed collected in Malawi by B. Fahrer. Strong and sharp citrus/mint scent and flavor. Used as a tea for fever and parasites. Stored with grains to repel insects. Z10b
Seed packet $2.75
Pernettya coriacea
Ericaceae. Fabulous evergreen to 4′. Densely arranged small green leaves. Clusters of white bell flowers adorn the branch tips , inflated 1/2″ purple-black berries. High elevation cloud forest and paramo, Cartago Province, Costa Rica. The current questionable trend in taxonomy is to clump this along with nearly every other Pernettya from the Americas into the bloated P. prostrata or even Gaultheria myrsinoides. The berries are sweet and seem highly edible, but we caution that other Pernettya are said to cause inebriation or delirium if eaten in excess. Taxonomic lumping has further confused which species are edible and which potentially toxic. Sun to part shade. Z8b
Seed packet $3
For additional Pernettya species see our Chilean & Andean offerings
Plantago coronopus “Minutina”
Plantaginaceae. Herbaceaous perennial to 12″. Rosettes of slender frilled leaves. Coastal Europe to north Africa. The crunchy leaves are an heirloom green once favored by the Italian and French. Great in salads or blanched. Regular garden culture. Z6a
Seed packet $2.75
Polygonatum zanlanscianense “Hu Bei Huang Jing” “Giant Solomon’s Seal”
Liliaceae. Creeping rhizome with annual stems to 6′+ tall bearing whorled leaves with tendrilled tips. White to purplish tubular flowers tipped green dangle from the stem nodes. Black berries. Mountain forests of China up to 9,000′. The rhizome contains saponins with anticancer activity. The Spring shoots may be edible. Part shade and moist soil. Z6a
Plant 2 years old $7.50
Polylepis australis “Kewina”
Rosaceae. Gorgeous small tree with peeling reddish bark and often gnarled twisted trunks. Pinnate leaves with 5-7 leaflets. The southernmost species of this Andean genus, occuring all the way into the Cordoba mountains of central Argentina. A keystone species of the high Andean forests which are one of the most endangered forest ecosystems in the world. Polylepis are used medicinally for lung issues. So far they seem quite adaptable to low elevation cultivation. Z4b-5a
Seedling 1-2 years old $15
Primula aff. vialii JJH071003
Primulaceae. Deciduous rosettes of lanceolate leaves. 12–18″ flower spike of densely packed lavender blue flowers with red calyxes. From Halda collection, wet meadows, Mali Kha, north east Myanmar (Burma), 12,000′. This is an incredibly beautiful plant when in blossom and evokes praise from all who behold it. Surface sow seed. Z5b
Seed packet $3.25
Psoralea esculenta (=Pediomelum esculentum) “Tipsin” “Indian Breadroot”
Fabaceae. Perennial to about 12″ with downy stems and compound elaves, blue clover like flowers. Forms rounded edible tubers to 4″. Native to the prairies and woodlands of North Dakota and Wisconsin to Missouri. The roots were a staple food for the tribes throughout its range. In the early 1800s there was a failed attempt at introducing it as a food crop in Europe. A great multifunctional garden addition, drought hardy and nitrogen fixing. Knick and soak seeds to sprout. Z4a
Seed packet $3
Psoralea hypogaea (=Pediomelum hypogaeum) “Little indian breadroot”
Short perennial to 3″ with palmately compound leaves and clusters of small clover-like purple flowers, said to have a lemony scent. Endemic to the black soil praries of Texas. The 3″ tuberous roots are highly edible being a good protein source. Drought hardy and nitrogen fixing, this little-known native food deserves a place in our gardens. Scarify and soak seeds for best germination. Z5?
Seed packet $3
Rhaponticum carthamoides “Lujza” “Maralroot”
Asteraceae. Spineless thistle like plant 2-5′ tall with violet colored flowers. Native to regions of southern Siberia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Xingjiang China. The plant is long lived, up to 150 years. The root is traditionally used to stimulate physical and sexual energy and as a kidney and liver tonic. Modern studies show it to be a very powerful adaptogen and it is now widely cultivated in Russia and eastern Europe. Easily grown as a garden plant. Extremely cold hardy, Winter dormant. Stratify seed 30 + days. Z3b
Seed packet $3.50
Rhodochiton atrosanguineum “Mexican Bell Flower”
Scrophulariaceae. Tendrilled vine to 12″+. Large heart shaped leaves. Amazing black purple tubular flowers with large bell shaped rose colored calyxes. Blossoms in great profusion. Interesting round papery fruits. Cloudforests of southwestern Mexico. A staggeringly gorgeous climber that can be grown as an annual in cold climates. Sun to part shade. Keep warm to sprout in 1–2 months. Z9b
Seed packet $2.50
Rubus calycinoides “Taiwanese Creeping Raspberry”
Rosaceae. Evergreen thornless groundcover with round crinkled foliage that turns a copper hue. Sweet yellow-orange raspberries. Native to Taiwan. Agreeable plant for the edible landscape. In the right conditions it bears a profusion of fruit in August. Cold stratify seed. Z5b
Seed packet $3
Rubus ludwigii “Itshalo ” “African Purple Raspberry”
Raspbery-like shrub with glaucus stems and hooked prickles. Dark green leaves with white undersides. Pink flowers and dark purple fruits with bluish blush. South Africa. In addition to the edible berries, the Zulu used the root for stomach ache. Could be useful for raspberry breeding. Potentially weedy. Cold stratify seed. Z8a
Seed packet $3
For additional Rubus species see our California page
Sagittaria latifolia “Arrowhead” “Wapato”
Alismataceae. Aquatic plant with arrow shaped leaves and small white flowers. Forms corms to 2″. Native to North America. The crisp and tasty corms were a food for indigenous folks wherever they occured. Easily grown and harvested in wide shallow containers with a layer of soil on the bottom and a 6″ covering of water. Harvest in the Fall after the foliage dies back. Seeds can be started in partially submerged pots. Z5a
Seed packet $2.50
Salvia hispanica “Chia”
Labiatae. Herbaceous annual to 2-4′. Dark green leaves and spikes of vivid blue flowers. Central America. The classic chia, one of the most important staple foods of Mesoamerican civilizations. The whole plant has long been used for a variety of medicinal applications and the nutrient packed tiny seeds have the highest omega-3 fatty acid content of any food. Easy to grow. Z10a
Seed packet $2 / 1 ounce $5
See California page for other Chia
Salvia miltiorrizha “Dan Shen”
Herbaceous perennial sage 1-2′ tall. Hairy divided leaves and purple flowers. Native to China where the thick red roots are used in traditional medicine to enhance circulation, tonify the liver and as an effective calming sedative. Easy to grow, sun to part shade. Great in garden borders. Z7b
Seed packet $3
Salvia nubicola CC6306
Rosettes of strongly aromatic hairy sagittate leaves. 2-3′ spikes of yellow flowers with flared bottom lip and purple speckled nose. Collected by C. Chadwell 9500′ Himachel Pradesh, India. Used in for toothache, fevers, and liver health. Easy, sun to part shade. Z6b
Plant $5.50 or 3 for $14
Salvia przewalskii Pavelka “Dan Shen”
Herbaceous sage to 12″+. Large pubescent leaves, deep purple flowers. From seed collected by Pavelka at 11,200′ in the Zhongdian Mountains, Yunnan, China. Used traditionally the same as S. miltiorrhiza, to stimulant circulation, as a liver protective and sedative. Easy, prefers sun and regular garden soil. Dies back to the roots in Winter. Z7a
Plant $5.75 or 2 for $10
Salvia sp. CC5795
From the perennial root arise large deep green annual leaves to 12″+. The flower stalk reaches 2′ and bears remarkable black/purple flowers. A Chadwell collection, Solu Khumbu, Nepal, 12,700′. This plant is similar to S. przewalskii and the red roots likely have the same hepatoprotective and sedative properties. This has the darkest colored flowers of any sage we’ve seen, mysteriously alluring. Sun to part shade. Z7a?
Seed packet $3.50
For additional Salvia species see our Andean & Californian offerings
Silene inflata “Stridolo” “Sculpit”
Caryophyllaceae. Herbaceaous perennial to 2′. Blue-green linear leaves, unique white flowers with inflated green calyxes. Heirloom edible green from Italy, the young leaves and shoots are added to salads or steamed. An easy garden plant. Z6b.
Seed packet $2.75
Silene undulata (=Silene capensis) “Xhosa Dream Herb”
A low growing perennial with soft pubescent leaves, succulent roots and unusual white tubular flowers. Native to South Africa. The downy leaves are smoked as a tobacco and the Xhosa have made use of the roots to induce “dreaming.” A nice addition to the rock garden or borders. Surface sow the seed. Easy, drought tolerant. Z8b
Seed Packet $3.50
Plant $12
Silybum eburneum “Silver milkthistle”
Asteraceae. Annual thistle to 4′+. Spiny green leaves and large deep-violet flowers attract all manner of beneficial insects. A little known milkthistle with a limited distribution around the Mediterranean. There is reason to believe that it may be a better source of the powerful liver protective silymarin than the common milkthistle; S. marianum. All parts of the plant are edible, the roots can be eaten raw, boiled or roasted. The seeds can be ground or germinated for sprouts. Young Spring shoots can be cooked, the leaves can be trimmed of spines and steamed like spinach or added raw to salads. The stems can be peeled, soaked overnight to remove bitterness and then cooked. The flower heads can even be prepared like artichokes. Easy to grow, potentially weedy. Z6–7?
Seed packet $2.75
Sophora flavescens “Ku Shen”
Fabaceae. Sub-shrub to 3–5′. Cylindrical panicles of creamy yellow flowers. Dies back to the roots in cold climates. Native to eastern Asia. The roots are used in Chinese Medicine to clear heat, and studies have shown it to relieve chronic itching and stimulate hair growth. An attractive nitrogen-fixer for the medicinal landscape. Plant near the base of fruit trees. Knick and soak seed. Z4a
Seed packet $3
Stachys affinis “Choro-Gi” “Crosne” “Chinese Artichoke”
Labiatae. Fuzzy herbaceous plant to 12″, spreading by underground runners and resembling common mint. Pearlescent grub-like edible tubers, about the size of a small finger. Native to Asia, but grown as a gourmet vegetable in France for some time. The crisp sweet tubers, similar to water chestnuts in flavor, are excellent fresh or cooked. In Japan they are popular pickled. Easy, prefers sun to shade, a rich moist soil and room to run. The tubers are formed and harvested in Autumn after the plant has gone dormant. Z6a
Plant $5.75
Sutherlandia frutescens “Cancer Bush”
Fabaceae. A small attractive shrub up to 3′ tall. Hairy silver leaves divided into numerous small leaflets. Large crimson colored flowers followed by inflated, bladder like seed pods. Native to South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. One of the most important South African medicinals, the leaves and young stems are a panacea, utilized for treating stomach ailments, cancers, colds, diabetes, inflammations, liver and kidney cleansing, etc. Seeds and leaves of this adaptogen are even smoked as a dagga substitute in Namaqualand. Easy to grow, prefers good drainage and regular feedings. Z8a-b
Seed packet $3.50
Tarchonanthus camphoratus “Mofalana”
Asteraceae. Tree to 30′. Camphor scented green leaves with pale velvety undersides. Dense panicles of creamy flowers at the branch ends ripen to wooly seedheads. South Africa. Leaf tea is used for cough, fresh leaves chewed for toothache. The leaves were reported to be smoked by the Khoi and San, said to be mildly “narcotic”. Zulu women once perfumed their hair with the leaves. Good soil stabilizer, insect repellent and survives fire. Possibly weedy in disturbed areas. Germinates in 8 weeks, faster with smoke treatment. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Taxus Baccata “Sacred Yew”
Taxaceae. A slow growing evergreen tree to 50′ + tall. Dark green needles and fleshy red berries. A European species, sacred to pagans and christians alike. In Wales there is a specimen that has a circumference of nearly 50 feet and estimated to be 4,000 years old! A tree to plant for future generations. Easily trimmed as a hedge or bonsaid. Source of the anticancer drug, Taxol. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, except for the fruit which are quite tasty! The aromatic wood is burned as an incense and a tea made from the leaves is insecticidal. Sun to shade tolerant, prefers a moist well drained soil. Our plants are from Hungarian seed. Z4b
8-10″ + seedling 4-5 years old $12.50
Ugni myricoides
Myrtaceae. Evergreen shrub 5–8′. Pendant white-pink bell flowers transform into 1/3–1/2″ dark rose berries. A huckleberry-like cloud forest plant from Chiapas, Mexico south into scattered regions of South America. Confusingly sometimes called Chilean black guava, though it’s neither a true guava nor Chilean like its close kin U. molinae. The berries are sweet and edible, but have a stronger flavor than U. molinae. Hybridizing the two might lead to interesting progeny. More tolerant of tropical conditions than the temperate U. molinae. Part shade, moist rich soil. Z9a–b
Seed packet $3.50
For additional Ugni species see our Chilean offerings
Vaccinium angustifolium Maine “Wild Blueberry”
Ericaceae. Deciduous low spreading plant to 1′ high. White flowers and delicious pea- sized blueberries. Seed from large monotypic populations in Maine. This is the famous lowbush blueberry. The large blueberry industry in eastern North America assures protection of the wild habitats where this plant is dominant, where as cultivation of the highbush blueberry is predicated on traditional, and potentially destructive, farming techniques of land conversion. Sun and acidic moist soil. Makes a great groundcover. Give seed 30–60 days cold. Z5a
Seed packet $3
Vaccinium consanguineum “Paramo Huckleberry”
4-12′ evergreen shrub with densely packed glossy blue green-leaves 1-2″ long. Masses of white tinged-pink bell flowers swell to become 1/3″ red then blue-black berries when ripe. Native to the high elevation cloud forest and paramo in Cartago Province, Costa Rica. If picked early the berries have a disagreeable flavor, but once fully ripe they are quite delicious. Sun to part shade. Cold stratify for best germination. Z8b
Seed packet $3.50
6″+ plant 2+ years old $8.50
Vaccinium gaultheriifolium
Evergreen shrub with arching branches, 6–12 tall. Large elliptical leaves, clusters of white to pink bell flowers adorn the branch tips followed by pea-sized edible berries. Native to the mountain forests of the eastern Himalayas, up to 9000′. An elegant and rarely cultivated blueberry. Dappled sun and well drained rich soil. Cold stratify seed. Z7a.
Seed packet $3.25
Vaccinium reticulatum BK10930.4 “Ohelo Berry”
Evergreen shrub 1–4′ tall. Rounded leaves that vary from dark green to blue green. New growth is an inciting bright red color. Yellowish to rich pink bell flowers followed by large juicy berrries. The berries may reach 3/4″ in diameter and vary in color from bush to bush, from yellow to orange to pink to red to purple to blue black, both shiny and glaucus. The flavor of the berries is variable, from slightly insipid to tangy to pure sweet. Must have the greatest diversity of any single blueberry species. This Hawaiin native is a primary pioneer species on the lava flows and able to withstand significant ash falls. Occurs from 2,000′ to 12,000′. This is a gorgeous plant that is well worth cultivating in new regions for its marvelous berries. Needs a mineral rich acid soil. Z7?
Seed packet $3.50
For additional Vaccinium species see our Andean & Californian offerings
Valeriana jatamansi (= V. wallichii) “Indain valerian” “Mushkbala”
Valerianaceae. A delightful low growing plant with basal rosettes of soft heart shaped leaves and a 12″ flower stalk with small white flowers. Native to the temperate forests of the western Himalayas into the mountains of Afghanistan up to 10,000′. The plant has a sweet aroma and is a source of the legendary spikenard oil. The rhizomes are rich in valepotriates, reported to be effective for leprosy. It also has sedative actions like other valerian species. Does best in part shade and moist soil. Z7b
Plant $8.50
For additional Valeriana species see our Chilean & Andean offerings
Xylotheca kraussiana “Isichobane”
Flacourtaceae. Multi-stemmed shrub or tree to 25′. Soft dark-green leaves. Large white flowers exude a lusciously sweet scent. Woody fruits split to reveal reddish black seeds covered by a sweet edible red aril. Larval food for several butterflies. South Africa. The Zulu made “love charm emetics” from the roots, though it is hard to imagine what exactly that is. Easy, showy and drought hardy. Keep seed warm to sprout in 2–4 weeks. Z8a/b
5 seed $2.75
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