Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

Herb Leaf Identification

Herb Leaf Identification thumbnail
Proper herb leaf identification is essential for safety and correct herb use.

The best method of herb identification is examining the leaves. Identifying herbs by their leaves is beneficial for choosing wild herbs, as well as those in the home garden, or those for purchase in a grocery store. Does this Spark an idea?

  1. Method

    • Most herbs have a unique scent and leaf shape, making it easy to identify them. For herbs that have similar leaves, rub a leaf between the thumb and forefinger to identify the herb by smell. Tasting the herb is another method of identification.

    Cautions

    • Tasting herbs in the wild may be dangerous, particularly in the case of misidentification. Never eat a wild plant unless you can positively identify it as an herb. Additionally, wild herbs, especially those near roads and trails, may contain chemicals used to control their growth.

    Considerations

    • Purchase a book on herb identification or growing herbs, or a fresh produce guide to familiarize yourself with different herb varieties. Growing herbs at home is another way to become familiar with the different qualities of herbs. Local university extensions and garden nurseries are also available for plant identification.

Related Searches:

References

Resources

  • Photo Credit John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Comments

You May Also Like

  • Culinary Herb Identification

    This culinary herb is easy to spot with its fat leaves and soft stems. Basil leaves have a spade shape and can...

  • Sage Leaf Identification

    The distinctive leaves of the aromatic sage plant are arranged directly opposite one another on the stem of the plant, a hardy...

  • Herb Plant Identification

    Learning how to identify herbs, and not just by looking at the signs in the grocery store, can be a fun hobby,...

  • About Bay Leaf

    The bay leaf is one of the oldest spices in the world and refers to the leaves of the laurel bay plant....

  • How to Identify Herbs, Flowers, and Plants in the Wild

    One of the best activities when hiking is discovering the world of native plants. Many herbs, flowers and plants are found only...

  • Penta Leaf Identification and Soil Growing

    Pentas lanceolata is a heat-loving small shrub. It is known as Egyptian star due to the little clusters of florets it produces....

  • Plant Leaf Identification

    Plants can often be identified based on their leaves. Although it is not always possible to determine the exact species, it may...

  • Basil Leaf Identification

    Basil has been used for millennia. In fact, the word basil comes from the ancient Greek word for king. Over the centuries,...

  • Perennial Leaf Identification

    Perennial plants outlive their growing season, even after their flowers are gone. During the off season, the plants will often appear to...

  • How to Identify Fresh Herbs

    When you buy fresh herbs at the grocery or farmer’s market, the herb bunches are usually clearly labeled so you know exactly...

  • Herbal Plant Identification

    Often plants that are considered weeds are actually delicious edible herbs, rich in minerals, nutrients and medicinal properties. It is good to...

  • Large Leaf Basil Varieties

    Basil is a tropical culinary herb native to the Mediterranean, related to mint. It is used in salads, sauces and pestos, in...

  • Milk Weed Leaf Damage Identification

    Abundant in the Americas, found in Europe, Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands including Hawaii, the Asclepidaceae, or milkweed plant family boasts...

  • How to Identify the Herb Sage

    Salvia Officinalis, commonly known as garden sage, is a culinary herb favorite. It contains thujone in the volatile oil, which serves as...

  • Oval Leaf Identification

    The study of leaves applies to annual herbs as well as woody trees, shrubs and vines. Much information about the type of...

  • Wild Thyme Leaf Identification

    Wild thyme can be found growing all over North America and Europe. A member of the Thymus family of plants, wild thyme...

  • How to Prune a Bay Leaf Tree

    Growing bay leaf trees involves a bit of work, including keeping them pruned. Pruning not only allows you to transform your tree...

  • Cordate Leaf Identification

    Leaf shape is an important characteristic when attempting to identify plants and trees in the wild or your own landscape. Cordate, or...

  • Ohio Tree Leaf Identification

    Ohio residents are blessed with an abundance of deciduous shade trees. Whether you are walking under the spreading branches or examining fallen...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured