Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is originally native to Eurasia and North Africa. In the Alps, it grows at altitudes of up to 1,700 metres and can often be found along hiking trails, in lush meadows, and in parks, often close to human settlements. As early as antiquity, ribwort plantain was recognised and included in the study of medicinal plants in Europe. The Germanic and Nordic peoples referred to it as Läkeblad, meaning “healing leaf”, while the Greeks called it Arnoglosson, or “lamb’s tongue”, and the Romans knew it as Plantago minor.
Dandelion
The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a resilient perennial herb native to the entire northern hemisphere. It exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats at altitudes of up to 2800m above sea level such as meadows, forests and even urban environments, where it can be found in such unlikely areas as cracks in the pavement. The dandelion can grow up to 10cm tall and is characterised by its distinctively white sap present in all parts of the plant. Although references to the dandelion date back to the 11th century in Persia, it wasn't until the 16th century that it was mentioned in European herbal lore.
Cornflower petals
The cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L., Cyanus arvensis) was once so aggressively controlled that it nearly became extinct. As a result, it is now a protected species. Originating from the eastern Mediterranean region, it has spread across Europe as a so-called “companion of cultivation” and can be found at altitudes of up to 1,800 metres in the Alps. Our true native cornflower grows in semi-natural cultivated areas with lime-poor, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soils. Due to its high content of bitter substances and anthocyanin pigments, it holds a well-established place in herbal medicine.
Hyssop
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial plant belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). From June to September, it produces brightly coloured blue-violet flower spikes that are highly attractive to bees. The species Hyssopus officinalis, with its five subspecies, is native to Southern and Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In Central Europe, hyssop has been used as a culinary and medicinal herb since the early Middle Ages. The 12th century abbess Hildegard of Bingen described hyssop as powerful and purifying.
Lady's mantle
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla) belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). Its species are widespread across Europe, Asia and Africa, thriving particularly at higher altitudes, with around 300 species in Europe alone. Its botanical name, Alchemilla, alludes to alchemy and the plant's perceived magical properties, a belief inspired by the droplets of water that form on its leaves and have been used in healing remedies since ancient times.
Verbena
Verbena (Verbena triphylla), also known as vervain, is indigenous to Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. During the 18th century, it was introduced to Europe, where it was first scientifically classified as a distinct species. The perennial plant thrives in nutrient-rich, water-permeable sandy soil with ample sunlight, preferring sheltered locations. In spring, new stems emerge from the roots, followed by the elongated leaves appearing from May onwards, arranged in threes in a whorled fashion. When fully grown, these leaves exude a delightful lemon fragrance. Come August, small white flowers adorned with four tiny petals grace the plant.
Pine needles
The needles of the pine tree (Pinus abiete acus) remain on the tree for up to 30 years and fall off in bundles. They can reach lengths of 2.5 to 50 centimetres, and are usually 0.5 to 2.5 cm thick (with one species reaching up to 7 cm). The pine, known to the ancient Germanic peoples as Föhre, is found primarily in the northern hemisphere, although some species have spread as far as the subtropics.
Ground elder
Ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria), also known as "goutweed", is a flowering plant in the carrot family native to Europe and Asia. In the Middle Ages, it was widely cultivated in monastery gardens as both a food source and a medicinal herb. Remarkably hardy, it thrives in a variety of environments (e.g. gardens, forests, roadsides), although it has earned a reputation as an invasive species in some regions. The young leaves, with their mild, parsley-like flavour, are used in a wide range of culinary dishes.
