CULINARY:
The culinary
designation means the plant is edible and has merit as a flavoring or food. Edible plants
have edible flowers. However, they are not always of culinary value. Culinary varieties
usually need direct sun for at least 6 hours per day. When harvesting, cut off leaves and
branches. This will encourage bushy growth. Never cut more than one third of a healthy
plant at a time. Periodic cutting is necessary to maintain cooking herbs in prime
condition.
BUTTERFLY:
These plants are known to attract butterflies by providing them with
shelter, food or nectar.
DECIDUOUS: Deciduous
plants are those whose leaves are lost in the fall or winter and whose growth resumes on
woody branches the following spring. Tender deciduous plants may loose branches or be
completely killed in cold weather.
DRIED FLOWER:
Plants
designated Dried Flower have flowers or seed heads useful in dried arrangements, wreaths
and garlands. Most can be easily air dried. Plants designated dried flower and fragrant
can be used in decorative potpourris.
EVERGREEN:
Evergreen
plants retain their leaves year round. Although an herb may be an evergreen, it can also
be tender. Be sure not to use this designation as a measure of hardiness.
GROUND COVER:
The Ground
Cover designation indicates a plant which will trail or sprawl and cover a sizable amount
of area.
FULL SUN:
All plants can
stand at least a little shade but not all can withstand strong sun. This group will thrive
in full, hot sun.
HERBACEOUS:
Herbaceous
plants die back to the ground in winter. A Tender Herbaceous Plant will die to the crown
in winter and be killed completely if the ground freezes. Hardy Herbaceous Plants will
survive ground freezes. In warm climates herbaceous plants may be evergreen.
HUMMINGBIRD PLANTS:
These plants are known to attract hummingbirds by providing them shelter,
food or nectar. 
MEDICINAL: These plants
are listed in A Modern Herbal; by M. Grieve, and others, as having medicinal
value. Don't try to be your own doctor, consult a professional before using any Herb
medicinally.
ORNAMENTAL:
Those plants
whose habits are graceful, decorative or otherwise contribute to the landscape.
PARTIAL SHADE: This
group needs filtered sun for optimum health.
PERENNIAL:
Perennial
plants live three years or longer. All plants are perennials unless otherwise stated in
the hardiness column.
WATER CONSERVING:
Modern
landscaping demands plants that are water thrifty. Although mature plants require little
water, irrigate new plants regularly.
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