It’s not every day that you walk into a garden, and see a Smoking Tobacco plant lifting velvety, tongue-like leaves to the warm sun. But you could; one of the diverse species of Nicotiana is among the recently-arrived specialty perennial herbs at Magnolia right now. Grown here in Chico by GRUB member Sherri Scott, under sound organic farming practices, these vibrant young plants are ready to make their home in a bright corner of your yard. And don’t necessarily relegate them to the kitchen garden; though especially striking above the muted glazes of our Rustic Pottery Collection, they would also be lovely in the weathered stone urns of an English border planting, or incorporated into many other landscape themes. Whether you are epicurean at heart, a collector of unusual specimen, or—like myself—simply a gardener who engages all of the senses to relish the botanical world, I think you will find this an herb selection not-to-be-missed.
Spilanthes acmella—the Toothache Plant—has recently garnered considerable attention in the culinary world for the curious qualities of the young buds. Used as an exotic garnish in salads or mixed drinks, “Szechuan Buttons” supposedly produce an electric, tingling sensation in the mouth before cooling and numbing the palate and throat. The leaves may be consumed fresh in salads, or cooked with other leafy greens, and feature prominently in several ethnic dishes of Brazil, where the plant is believed to have originated from. The tight-headed blooms in shades of reddish-brown and lemony yellow rise above bright green foliage.
Astragulus membranceus, more commonly known as Huang Qi, is a staple of Chinese herbal medicine valued for its immune-support properties, and historically used for a host of other cardiovascular and respiratory complaints. The etymology of the Mandarin name, which loosely translates as “yellow superior” is unclear; some sources associate it with the golden blooms, others claim it is an allusion to the plant’s traditional application as a spleen tonic. The mature roots are harvested for therapeutic use, reputedly sweet-flavored, and described as having a warming effect on the body. As an ornamental, the ferny leaves and pale yellow flowers are attractive in naturalized areas, or as backdrops in a border.
Salvia hispanica, or Chia, was prized by the Aztec culture to the extent that some historians record its value as surpassed only by maize and beans. Libations to rulers were often made in Chia seed, which modern science has assessed as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber and antioxidants. The distinctive purple and white flower spikes are, like the other species of Salvia, a beacon to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and equally appreciated by human observers. This one can be tender in our region, so a location protected from the North and East is ideal.
Althaea officinalis is, quite literally, the “root” of the modern marshmallow. Though today the leaves and tender stems are valued as a tasty addition to salads, the plant was historically used to make candy marshmallows. Medieval medicine attributed a plethora of health benefits to this lovely garden specimen. The pubescent, palmate leaves closely resemble the related Hollyhock, and the delicate pink blooms are an ever-popular destination for pollinators. Marshmallow prefers damp, rich soil, but will tolerate most garden conditions, and repay any amount of sun with a prolific succession of flowers.
These and many more varieties of unique herbs await your next visit to the nursery, but please be mindful that quantities of these home-grown specimens are limited. And don’t forget our new Autumn hours: 8am to 5pm. Welcome, September!
