Tuesday Terminology: Herbaceous

This term is usually in reference to the entire plant as a whole, but may also be used to describe individual plant parts. Use the root word 'herb' as a reminder of what this word means. Herbs are generally thought of as being soft and flexible (though some are woody, to be sure).

Herbaceous: Opposite of woody. A plant with soft tissue stems that often die back to the ground annually. Often a yellowish or green color of fleshy stem or plant part, rather than the hard brown stems of woody plants.

(Latin) Herbaceus

*Practice note: If you can easily pull it apart or bend it at the stem, it is (most likely) herbaceous. If it dies down in the summer or fall and emerges again in the spring; it is herbaceous. This term is most commonly used in reference to perennials, but may also describe annuals or biennials. Some Herbaceous perennials remain green year round, but they still shed leaves and stems on a regular basis, but it is not as dramatically noticeable as one that dies back all at once.

Herbaceous Perennial I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:

2. Date: March
3. Location: Washington, D.C.
4. Plant type: Flowering perennial
5. Environment: Garden
6. Exposure: Shade with filtered sun
7. Scent: None
8. Other: Speckled flowers point down like a bell. Glossy dark green leaves are deeply divided with a palmate pattern.

Identification:

1. Name: Helleborus x hybridus (lenten rose, Christmas rose, hellebore). More specifically, this particular plant is likely to be Helleborus x hybridus 'Gold Finch' (Gold finch lenten rose), which is a newly developed variety which is clonally propagated via tissue culture.
2. Family: Ranunculaceae
3. Origin: China
4. Random facts: Though toxic, hellebores have mythical and medicinal associations dating back to the ancient Greeks. They are considered to be a powerful plant, partly owing to the fact that they bloom as early as December. If they are planted outside one's door, they are supposed to provide protection from demons. When brought indoors they supposedly bring security and a cheery environment. Ground up leaves have been used to treat children for worms, cure individuals who are presumed to be possessed of a demon, and even used as a poison on arrow tips.

Herbaceous Perennial I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant type: herbaceous perennial
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Scent: leaves are mildly fragrant
8. Other: soft woolly leaves

Identification:

1. Name: Stachys byzantina (lamb's ears)
2. Family: Lamiaceae
3. Origin: Turkey, Armenia, and Iran
4. Random Facts: As a part of the mint family, this plant has stems that have a square shaped cross section. This can also be felt by attempting to roll the stem between your fingers; you will feel the 4 flat sides of the stem.

Herbaceous Boadleaf Evergreen I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant Type: perennial
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: part sun, part shade
7. Scent: None
8. Other: giant glossy leaves

Identification:

1. Name: Acanthus mollis (Bear's breeches)
2. Family: Acanthaceae
3. Origin: Mediterranean
4. Random Facts: It is believed that Corinthian columns were designed after this plant. The base of each column is adorned with similar basal leaves and the top is artistically similar to the tall flower spikes of the bear's breech.