Officinalis herbs benefit pollinator-friendly gardens
An herb is defined simply as “any plant with leaves, seeds or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine or perfume. There are many advantages to using herbs in the home landscape and incorporating herbs with different bloom times can help support pollinators throughout the growing season. Often, the pungent properties of herbs are a deterrent to deer and other animals. Herbs are aesthetically pleasing, useful, and generally easy to grow.
Many herbs have the species designation of “officinalis.” Herbs with the officinalis species nomenclature are listed in ancient writings as having special medical and pharmacological properties benefiting the health of man.
Selected as essential substances, these herbs were dispensed from ancient day apothecaries and expected to be always on-hand and available for medical treatments.
Species of herbs designated with officinalis were of interest and importance to the well-being of ancient cultures. Although most herbs are not native to the United States, these herbs also make excellent additions to the modern home landscape and will benefit a contemporary pollinator garden.
Borage or Starflower (Borago officinalis) is a hardy annual that requires full sun and can tolerate poor soil. Blooming in late spring through late summer, borage will grow to a height of 1 to 2 feet and requires staking. Borage is a host plant for painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui), and is a nectar plant for various butterflies and short tongued bees.
Calendula, also commonly called Pot Marigold, (Calendula officinalis) is another hardy annual that does well in sunny locations. It grows well in average, loam soil. Calendula is a profuse bloomer, with continuous blooms spring through fall. Calendula attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that control aphids.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis), a hardy, herbaceous perennial in the borage family, does best in shade with well-draining soil. Pulmonaria blooms in the late spring and has a low growth habit. It attracts hummingbirds and is an important nectar source to early spring insects such as the greater bee fly (Bombylius major).
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a shrubby perennial that can grow to a height of 2 feet. This herb may be clipped and used in a flower border. Its deep blue blooms grow on whorls of long, dense stems. Hyssop flowers June through September and attracts native bees and butterflies.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), a tender perennial growing to a height of 18 inches to 3 feet, blooms midsummer. Blooms can be shades of white, pink, or purple and attract bumble bees (Bombus impatiens).
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial with a strong growth habit that reaches a height of 3 feet. Small, yellow clusters of flowers bloom summer through autumn. Lemon balm is often used to attract honeybees (Apis mellifera). Historically, in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, the goddess Artemis was worshipped as the goddess of earth and nature and was considered to be the “queen bee” over all of nature. The Greek name for honeybee is Melissa. Artemis’ priestesses were named “Melissai” from which the Latin word for lemon balm was derived.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a tender perennial and will not usually survive the winter in our USDA Zone 6A and 6B. In Western Pennsylvania, rosemary should be considered an annual, or grown in pots to be taken indoors during the winter months. Mauve-blue flowers bloom in early spring. Native bees and honey bees are attracted to rosemary when it is blooming.
Common sage (Salvia officinalis) grows 1 to 2 feet in height, has mauve-blue flowers, and blooms midsummer. This perennial attracts native bees, hummingbirds, and various types of skipper butterflies.
Prior to purchasing herbs, invest your time to research herbs that you would use for culinary purposes and for attracting pollinators. Penn State Extension has useful information on herbs for the home gardener. Other reliable sources include The Herb Society of America at www.herbsociety.org, or reference books from the local library. Select herbs that are suited for our USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a and 6b.
The versatility of herbs makes them an attractive feature in the home landscape and vegetable garden. If you have questions about the growing herbs and pollinator-friendly plants, call the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County at their Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Jacquie Bartley is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.
