Herbs in Your Backyard

The very first thing I always do when I move or visit a new place is I immediately start identifying the various plants in the area. Many herbs can be growing in your backyard. However identification can be tricky and you need to make sure you know what you are looking for and at before using it for herbal medicine.

Here are some herbs found commonly in the United States that may be found in your backyard:

Plantain - Can be found during the summer in many parts of the U.S

Image from The Tortoise Table

Yarrow - Can be found in most temperate zones.

Image from wildeherb.com

Blackberry - Also called Bramble. Grows wildly in the South Eastern United States.

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Blueberry - Also called Bilberry.

Image by Cabinorganic

Raspberry - While it resembles the blackberry there are a few differences that set the two apart.

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Echinacea - Native to North America it can be found all over and has been used for years by Native Americans.

Image by Eleanor Saulys

Goldenseal - If you do happen to find Goldenseal in your backyard it is strongly advised not to pick it as it is critically endangered in the wild.

Image by onlyfoods.net

American Ginseng - Can be found in North America, with the same effects as Asian Ginseng.

Image by herbs.org

Wild Carrot, or Queen Anne's Lace - Originally introduced from Europe, can now be found all over North America in ditches, dry fields, and open areas. WARNING: This looks very close to hemlock, a very poisonous plant, not advisable to pick with out absolute identification.

Image by flowersociety.org

Black Cohosh - Native to Eastern North America.

Image by Healing Natural Oils LLC

Dandelion - Found all over, an invasive weed and herb often used to aid digestion and promote a healthy liver.

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St. John's Wort - Can be found from Minnesota to Central Texas

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Slippery Elm - Primarily found in the northern more eastern part of North America.

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Milk Thistle- Can be found in fields across North America.

Image by herbalextractsplus.com

Make sure that you identify all herbs exactly before harvesting and check around to make sure these herbs aren't protected in your area as the case with Goldenseal some herbs can land you a hefty fine if picked from the wild.

Be safe and double check to make sure you are not picking up something poisonous!

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)