Mountain Gardens / Specialties

Angelica sinensis

Orychophragmus violaceus / Violet mustard: This is a winter annual in the mustard family with showy lavender-pink flowers to 2" wide. Germinates readily; hardy to at least 20F but won't make much growth. Better in coldframe or under row cover (or in a slightly warmer area). Both leaves and flowers are very tasty, the leaves slightly spicy like roquette (mild enough for salad, even when in bloom), the flowers pleasantly sweet & sour - a good addition to winter and spring salad mixes, and an exciting new edible flower. The Chinese prefer to eat the entire flowering stalks. Recently reported to have the highest protein content of the Brassicaceae. MORE INFORMATION
seeds, plants

Chamaelirium luteum / False unicorn root: A native perennial herb, forming a more or less evergreen rosette of narrow, spatulate leaves; dioecious - the female plants have a narrow, unbranched wand of small white flowers to about 30", the males are usually shorter, often with an abrupt horizontal bend near the tip. The root is short and stubby, sometimes branching. Propagated by seed, which germinates (rather late) following cold stratification; can also be propagated by root cuttings. A woodland herb found . throughout NC; mountain habitats are typically moist, fertile and acid, but can also be found in open woods. This herb benefits the female reproductive system, and is reputed to help prevent miscarriage. Although there is little scientific data, pro or con, demand - and price - is high, and rising - and the supply comes almost entirely from wild harvest. A potential candidate for endangered species status, and potential opportunity for growers to 'do well by doing good.'
seeds, plants, fresh herb tincture

Aralia cordata / Udo: A robust hardy perennial herb to 8', with a thick stem, large bipinnately compound leaves, and small greenish flowers in a tall, branching spike of round umbels, followed by small purple fruit. A very imposing herb. Spreads by roots to form colonies in rich, moist part-shade. Can also by propagated by cold-stratified seed. The blanched, early spring shoots are a prized, 'luxury' vegetable in Japan (sort of like Asparagus for us); I don't think anyone is marketing it in America. This is the only plant in the ginseng family commonly used for food, and probably has tonic properties which may account for its desirability.
seeds, plants

Epilobium parviflorum / Small-flowered willow-herb: Biennial or short-lived perennial herb forming a rosette of elongated, finely toothed leaves, often red-tinged. Small pink flowers in upper axils of 2' branching stems, followed by slender pods which split to release feathery seeds. Easily propagated by seed, sometimes self-sows; average garden soil and sun.
According to Maria Treben, famous Bavarian folk-healer and author of "Health from God's Pharmacy", this is the sovereign herb for prostate problems. Most other herbals don't even mention this obscure herb, but any addition to the skimpy list of beneficial plants for male reproductive system is welcome. I'm not aware of any scientific data, pro or con; but it to works for me.
seeds, plants, fresh herb tincture

Polygonatum commutatum / Giant Solomon's-seal: A perennial herb with strong, arching stems to 5' from a thick, branching root. Broadly lanceolate leaves, beneath which dangle small clusters of greenish, bell-shaped flowers, followed by dark blue berries. Seed germinates readily after a period of cold stratification; roots can be divided. Native in rich deciduous woods; grows larger in sun, provided soil is rich and retains moisture.
a) it's a beautiful native plant for the landscape, and b) it's delicious - particularly the spring shoots (harvested before the leaves unfurl), which resemble and taste like Asparagus but are, if anything, more tender. The flowers and young fruits are also edible, with a sweet flavor reminiscent of green peas. [also, c) medicinal - the Asian species are used as tonics in Chinese medicine].
seeds, plants

Ligusticum canadense / Canada lovage, boar-hog root Native perennial herb with a celery scented, often double, taproot and 2-3x divided, toothed leaves. Small white flowers in umbels, summer. Seed germinates well after a period of cold. Rich soil: woods, wood margins, streambanks, etc. This attractive herb, from a genus noted for tonic properties in traditional Chinese medicine, will not be found in herbals, but enjoys a folk reputation, in these parts, as 'kind of a sex herb' (i.e. aphrodisiac).
seeds, plants, fresh herb tincture




	Angelica sinensis Orychophragmus violaceus / Violet mustard: This is a winter annual in the mustard family with showy lavender-pink flowers to 2" wide. Germinates readily; hardy to at least 20F but won't make much growth. Better in coldframe or under row cover (or in a slightly warmer area). Both leaves and flowers are very tasty, the leaves slightly spicy like roquette (mild enough for salad, even when in bloom), the flowers pleasantly sweet & sour - a good addition to winter and spring salad mixes, and an exciting new edible flower. The Chinese prefer to eat the entire flowering stalks. Recently reported to have the highest protein content of the Brassicaceae. MORE INFORMATION seeds, plants Chamaelirium luteum / False unicorn root: A native perennial herb, forming a more or less evergreen rosette of narrow, spatulate leaves; dioecious - the female plants have a narrow, unbranched wand of small white flowers to about 30", the males are usually shorter, often with an abrupt horizontal bend near the tip. The root is short and stubby, sometimes branching. Propagated by seed, which germinates (rather late) following cold stratification; can also be propagated by root cuttings. A woodland herb found . throughout NC; mountain habitats are typically moist, fertile and acid, but can also be found in open woods. This herb benefits the female reproductive system, and is reputed to help prevent miscarriage. Although there is little scientific data, pro or con, demand - and price - is high, and rising - and the supply comes almost entirely from wild harvest. A potential candidate for endangered species status, and potential opportunity for growers to 'do well by doing good.' seeds, plants, fresh herb tincture Aralia cordata / Udo: A robust hardy perennial herb to 8', with a thick stem, large bipinnately compound leaves, and small greenish flowers in a tall, branching spike of round umbels, followed by small purple fruit. A very imposing herb. Spreads by roots to form colonies in rich, moist part-shade. Can also by propagated by cold-stratified seed. The blanched, early spring shoots are a prized, 'luxury' vegetable in Japan (sort of like Asparagus for us); I don't think anyone is marketing it in America. This is the only plant in the ginseng family commonly used for food, and probably has tonic properties which may account for its desirability. seeds, plants Epilobium parviflorum / Small-flowered willow-herb: Biennial or short-lived perennial herb forming a rosette of elongated, finely toothed leaves, often red-tinged. Small pink flowers in upper axils of 2' branching stems, followed by slender pods which split to release feathery seeds. Easily propagated by seed, sometimes self-sows; average garden soil and sun. According to Maria Treben, famous Bavarian folk-healer and author of "Health from God's Pharmacy", this is the sovereign herb for prostate problems. Most other herbals don't even mention this obscure herb, but any addition to the skimpy list of beneficial plants for male reproductive system is welcome. I'm not aware of any scientific data, pro or con; but it to works for me. seeds, plants, fresh herb tincture Polygonatum commutatum / Giant Solomon's-seal: A perennial herb with strong, arching stems to 5' from a thick, branching root. Broadly lanceolate leaves, beneath which dangle small clusters of greenish, bell-shaped flowers, followed by dark blue berries. Seed germinates readily after a period of cold stratification; roots can be divided. Native in rich deciduous woods; grows larger in sun, provided soil is rich and retains moisture. a) it's a beautiful native plant for the landscape, and b) it's delicious - particularly the spring shoots (harvested before the leaves unfurl), which resemble and taste like Asparagus but are, if anything, more tender. The flowers and young fruits are also edible, with a sweet flavor reminiscent of green peas. [also, c) medicinal - the Asian species are used as tonics in Chinese medicine]. seeds, plants Ligusticum canadense / Canada lovage, boar-hog root Native perennial herb with a celery scented, often double, taproot and 2-3x divided, toothed leaves. Small white flowers in umbels, summer. Seed germinates well after a period of cold. Rich soil: woods, wood margins, streambanks, etc. This attractive herb, from a genus noted for tonic properties in traditional Chinese medicine, will not be found in herbals, but enjoys a folk reputation, in these parts, as 'kind of a sex herb' (i.e. aphrodisiac). seeds, plants, fresh herb tincture	MOUNTAIN GARDENS SPECIALTIES Here is a small collection of plants which we consider particularly worth growing, but which are not widely available from other sources. Propagation and cultural suggestions are based on my experience growing these plants in western NC, at 3500', Zone 6. What we have available for sale is indicated in italics. *Gynostemma pentaphyllum* / jiao gu lan, 'southern ginseng': An herbaceous, perennial vine, hardy to at least 0°. The slender stems bear 1-2", 5-parted leaves, tendrils (Cucurbit: squash family), and tiny greenish flowers (male and female on separate plants). They can run or climb to 30 feet in a season (probably more in warmer areas). Easily propagated by division of the spreading roots, or stems will root at the nodes in moist soil. Prefers moist soil and light shade. Emerges when soil is warm in late spring. Of all the 'tonic' herbs, this is the easiest to grow and use: since it is the above-ground plant that is used, there is nothing to dig. Just make a cup of tea from the easily dried herb to enjoy its extraordinary health benefits: more ginsenosides (active components of ginseng) than any other plant, including ginseng itself. plants, fresh and recent dried tincture, dried herb root divisions are available in quantity. Wasabia japonica / Wasabi: An evergreen, perennial herb forming a mound of bold foliage to about 12", with 30" stalks of small white flowers in early spring. Like its mustard-family cousin watercress, it prefers to grow in or beside cool running water. Seeds germinate well after a period of cool, moist stratification; clumps can be divided.This is the true source plant for the fiery condiment served with sushi; highly esteemed by many even though they have probably never tasted it, since almost all the "wasabi" in America is made from horseradish powder and green food coloring. seeds, plants - sorry no fresh roots available yet. Angelica sinensis /dang gui (tang kway, t'ang guei, etc.) Biennal herb to 5' with dissected leaves and small white flowers in umbels, late summer. Prefers a cool, moist (mountain) climate, rich soil and light shade. Fresh seed germinates readily in spring, often self-sows here. The Chinese grow larger roots by pinching out the flower buds in the second year. The foremost blood tonic in Chinese medicine and thus a very important women's herb, sometimes referred to as 'women's ginseng', although men are certainly not immune to blood deficiency. seeds, plants; also dried herb and tincture (Chinese) Panax ginseng / Asian ginseng: Closely resembles American ginseng: a perennial herb with a single stalk bearing a whorl of divided (usually 5-parted) leaves and a spherical inflorescence of tiny greenish flowers followed by fleshy red fruits. Asian ginseng is a little more robust than American: likely to have an additional leaf, compared to an American ginseng of the same age, and leaves may have six or more leaflets; the fruits ripen earlier than American. Both are woodland herbs, Asian ginseng prefers a somewhat more acid, less rich soil than American. A scarce plant in N. America, where seeds have only recently become available. Should lend itself to the same 'wood's-grown' techniques being used for American ginseng, which would be a very valuable product indeed. seeds; dried herb and tincture (Chinese) Mitchella repens / Partridge berry, squaw vine: A creeping evergreen vine / ground cover to 6", with small, rounded, opposite leaves and paired white flowers which combine to form persistent red berries. Native plant occuring on fertile, moist, acid soil, often under partial shade of hemlocks. A very choice, fine-textured ground cover or terrarium plant, attractive in leaf, flower and fruit. Medicinally, a 'uterine tonic', which promotes and eases the birth process. seeds, plants, fresh herb tincture Dioscorea batatas / Cinnamon vine, air-potato, shan yao: A strong herbaceous perennial, twining climber, with strongly-veined, heart-shaped leaves, and panicles of tiny, white, fragrant flowers. Propagates readily from aerial bulblets produced in the leaf axils, resulting in tangled masses in waste areas where it has become established locally. A very highly regarded tonic food/medicine in the orient. The fresh tuberous roots (to 3 feet, straight down) command a high price in Japan, where they are even grown in buried plastic tubes to facilitate harvest. bulblets, plants; also dried root slices (Chinese) Allium tricoccum / Ramps, wild leek: This native woodland perennial herb is a spring ephemeral, each slender bulb producing one or two 8-10" elliptic leaves which last only from early to late spring. A ball of small greenish flowers on a naked, 6-12" stalk in summer is followed by shiny black seeds in husks. Seed germinates readily after cold stratification. Very rich and moist areas of deciduous woods, often in extensive carpets. But not for long: the arrival of ATVs, and an influx of hard-working Hispanics, means that the ramp, long since exterminated from all easily accessible areas, is no longer safe in it's remote sanctuaries. This locally popular spring treat (ramp 'festivals' are a Southern Appalachian tradition) has been discovered by gourmet restaurants, and the combined demands signal the approaching end of those extensive carpets and/or an exciting opportunity for growers with suitable habitat. fresh or stratified seed, plants; we can also ship fresh ramps in season (early spring) to homesick mountaineers and anyone else wanting to sample this gourmet wildfood.

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