Farming a Few Acres of Herbs NB

Farming a Few Acres of Herbs:

An Herb Growers Handbook

by Rhonda Janke, Jeanie DeArmond, and David Coltrain

Dept. of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources, and Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

SECTION I . OVERVIEW

Why Grow Herbs?

There are many possible reasons that someone may want to grow herbs. One reason might be to have a few plantsaround the yard for personal use, for culinary or medicinal purposes. At the other end of the spectrum, some have heard thathigh prices are being offered for some herb products, and see this as a potential high value cash crop for the whole farm.

Medicinal Herbs in Kansas?

The production and marketing of medicinal herbs is being explored by some Kansas agricultural producers. Producersmay be looking at alternative crops because of the current low prices of many traditional commodity crops. This interest isshared by many across the country as well as across the world including Canada, Australia and South Africa. Developingcountries such as China, India, Thailand, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya and the Philippines grow avariety of medicinal herbs. European and Mediterranean countries also grow herbs, but are net importers.[1]

Medicinal plants have been used throughout history. Presently, 35,000 different plant species are used for medicinalpurposes.[2] In the U.S., consumer interest in medicinal herbs continues to increase. Herbs are sold as capsules, tablets,extracts and teas and included as healthy ingredients in conventional foods. Extensive consumer polling shows consumers areincreasing their acceptance and understanding of dietary supplements, including herbs. The natural foods market has the largestselection with hundreds of products including whole herbs, tinctures, extracts and standardized products.

The global retail market for medicinal herbs is $14 billion. The demand for medicinal herbs in the U.S. currently has aretail value over $4 billion per year. Retail sales in the U.S. increased regularly from 1994 until 1998 and have since leveled offand little change has occurred over the past three years. Sales in 2000 when compared with 1999, have increased slightly innatural food and health food stores, but decreased in food stores, drugs stores and mass market retailers.[3]

While the demand has stabilized, the supply of medicinal herbs has increased. Markets are overstocked with rawmaterials with an overall theme of oversupply and low demand.[4] A significant market risk is associated with growing anymedicinal herb because of limited markets. Current demand can be quickly met by over production. For example, the price forEchinacea roots has been as low as $2.50 per pound of dried root in the last three years, which compares with over $20 perpound in 1998. The current market price range is $6-8 per pound.[5]

The potential for herb production is unclear because of:

an uncertain market size

low cost producers who dominate world production

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market information is difficult to access

a lack of quality control procedures

oftentimes agronomic information for different herbs is not available

the position of the medical community’s acceptance[6]

Kansas does have an ideal climate to grow many herbs since many medicinal herbs are native species. Kansas StateUniversity’s Department of Horticulture is conducting research trials to see how various herbs perform in Kansas. Thisresearch has the potential to provide insight about the relative advantages in raising superior herbs for Kansas producers whencompared with production in other states and other parts of the world. Details from our research trials may be found inAppendix A of this publication. Recent price ranges for several herbs are found in Appendix B.

Do medicinal herbs have potential as an alternative crop in Kansas? For individuals willing to invest significant time,effort and capital, the answer is a cautious maybe. It is certainly not a get rich quick crop. The long-term answer for some mayinvolve becoming a low cost, efficient producer. For others, it will entail selling smaller amounts of high quality product at thebest price possible. For a few others, it may mean developing a value-added product, like an herb tea blend, or line of herbtinctures.

A word of caution is in order here for someone wanting to “get rich quick.” Yes, at some times, there are good prices,for some herbs. However, the prices fluctuate from year to year and season to season, and the high prices don’ t usually stayhigh for long. Secondly, contracts are generally needed to obtain those high prices, and these are secured after your trackrecord as a grower is established, and you have a working relationship with one or more buyers. And finally, herbs are a highvalue crop, but are also a high input crop. These inputs include not only seed, land, fertility, and pest control, but some herbsalso require a lot of hand labor as compared to other crops, and harvesting and post-harvest handling labor and quality controlprocedures can be expensive. Also, the trend for herb production is for organic certification, and there are costs to this service,including membership dues, inspectors fees, and the learning curve and 3-year transition period required before certification isgranted.

In spite of these cautions, we feel that herbs have the potential to be an additional cash crop for Kansas farmers.Because these are high value crops, a farm can range from ½ acre to1000+ acres in size. Since these are relatively new crops,beginning farmers are encouraged to try these, as well as farmers with experience in other crops. The term “herb” actuallysimply means “a plant,” and so more detail is needed to describe the production and marketing requirements of this diversefamily. In fact, the production and harvesting requirements for herbs is probably even more diverse than that of fruits andvegetables, which also involves diverse equipment. For example, you wouldn’ t grow and harvest a watermelon the same wayyou grow and harvest a carrot.

The following sections will go into more detail, and will emphasize both the economic and agronomic, or specificgrowing requirements for herbs. Marketing strategies will be separated into local direct marketing, and growing for amarketing chain or network. Agronomic practices will include information on how the plant is harvested, since harvestingequipment will limit what is grown on an individual farm more than planting or weeding equipment. Root crops are probablythe most labor intensive to grow, since they may require several seasons to reach a marketable size, and digging equipment,washing equipment, as well as drying equipment or space are needed. Plants harvested for their above-ground biomass (tops)may be harvested by hand, or mechanized, but drying equipment or space will be needed. Some of these plants may beharvested once, and others are perennials, from which multiple harvests can be obtained, similar to an alfalfa or grass hay crop.Some herb crops can be grown for their flowers or seeds. Flowers are probably too labor intensive to be grown as a U.S. crop,since these crops are already grown in other countries where labor is less expensive, and it is unlikely a U.S. could compete atprices now on the market. However, some seed crop harvests can be mechanized, and growers may want to consider some ofthese. Also, some seed crops are from annuals, which must be replanted, but others are from perennials, with the possibility formultiple harvests.

As much as possible, Kansas data and experience will be used to illustrate the potential for some species to becomecrops in Kansas. Currently, more than 30 different herbs are being tested in experimental plots at 4 locations in Kansas. Datafrom the 2000 through 2002 growing seasons are available now, and found in this bulletin. Also, grower experiences fromKansas and the Great Plains will be shared, since this will supplement, and complement the field trial experimental data.



A. Herbs for Local Markets (Direct Marketing)

A wide variety of herbs can be grown and direct marketed locally, at farmers’ markets, or to local shops and stores.These include culinary herbs (herbs used in for cooking), herbs for teas, salves, and other medicinal uses, and herbs or plantsused for decoration or floral design. Most of this bulletin will focus on medicinal herbs, since this is an active area of inquiry,and one for which we get many requests for information. However, herbs for other uses will be covered briefly in this section.

Herbs used for cooking can be harvested and sold fresh in bunches or packets, or dried and sold. Dried herbs howeverare going to compete with the international market, where labor is cheap, while the fresh herbs are not usually over-suppliedand under-priced. The following table lists some culinary herbs that grow well under Kansas conditions.

Table 1. Culinary Herbs

CommonName

Latin Name Part

Used

Comments

AnnualsBasil (manysub-types)

Ocimum basilicum Leaf can sell fresh in large quantities forpesto, best if can avoidrefrigeration

Corriander Coriandrum sativum Leaf and seed also called ‘Cilantro’ when usedgreen.

Dill Anethum graveolens Leaf and seed many uses besides picklesGarlic Allium sativum bulb plant cloves in fall for June/July

harvest (winter annual)PerennialsChives Allium schoenoprasum leaf and

flowerprimarily used for garnish, but alsoadds flavor, purple flower

Garlic Chives Allium tuberosum leaf flat leaved cousin of chives fromJapan, white flower, great in saladand stir-fry

Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus Inner core ofleaf whorl.

tender perennial, must be broughtinside for the winter in pots.

Marjorum Origanum vulgare(sometimes listed asMarjorana hortensis)

leaf/flower similar to oregano in flavor, thoughnot as strong.

Mint Mentha spp. leaf many varieties, adds flavor tomany dishes, not just for tea

Oregano Origanum vulgarehirtum

leaf the “Greek oregano” is the oneused for pizza. Another species,Lippia graveolens is sold in theUS as oregano, also calledMexican oregano.

Parsley Petroselinum crispum leaf (root alsomedicinal)

this plant has medicinal as well asculinary uses, flat-leaved (Italian)type best for cooking, curly leafused more for garnish

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis leaf tender perennial, must be broughtinside for the winter in a pot or ascuttings.

Sage Salvia officinalis leaf medicinal as well as culinary usesTarragon Artemisia dracunculus

sativaleaf French Tarragon is recommended

for its flavor. Russian tarragonmay be easier to grow, but lacksthe flavor.

Thyme Thymus vulgaris leaf medicinal as well as culinary uses,small leaves will strip off the stem



A second category of herbs that are relatively easy to grow, harvest and sell to a local market would be those used forteas. These herb teas may simply be a pleasant beverage, have medicinal properties, or both. Precautions should be taken whengrowing any medicinal plant to have the correct species, and avoid plants with potentially toxic side effects. The species listedbelow are generally considered safe, and are widely used. However, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies, andshould be careful when trying new products. For more information on herb tea, see MF-2579, "Home Grown Herbs for HomeUse."

Table 2. Herbs Commonly Used in Herb Tea.

easily when dried.

CommonName

Latin Name Part Used Comments

AnnualsChamomile-German

Matricaria chamomilla flower Best one for tea.

Chamomile-Roman

Chamaemelum nobile flower More often used as an oil.

Stevia Stevia rebaudiana leaf Is 300 times sweeter than sugar.Only need a little bit of this. Can beused as fresh or dried leaf, thoughan extract is sold commercially.

PerennialsAlfalfa Leaf Medicago sativa leaf mild flavor, often overlooked

healthful plantBergamot Monarda fistulosa leaf/flower strong but pleasant flavor, great

butterfly plant too.Catnip Rhamnus purshiana leaf not just for cats anymore! great for

tea.Comfrey Symphytum officinale leaf Recently issued warnings of liver

damage with prolonged use. Mightnot want to sell this onecommercially.

Dandelion Taraxacum officinale leaf/root Can be slightly bitter in tea, but hasmany health promoting properties;best in a blend with other herbs.

HibiscusFlowers

Hibiscus sabdariffa flower Adds color and tartness to tea.

Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis leaf Medicinal, as well as nice flavor.LemonVerbenba

Aloysia triphylla leaf Bring inside during the winter.Tender perennial.

Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus leaf Also a tender perennial. Bringinside.

Licorice Root Glycyrrhiza glabra,Glycyrrhiza uralensis(Chinese), Glycyrrhizalipedita (N. Am.)

root These will spread. Adds sweetflavor to tea. Not recommended forpeople with high blood pressure.

Mint (severaltypes)

Mentha piperita(peppermint)

Mentha spicata(spearmint)

leaf These will also spread. The classictea plant. Available in flavors,including chocolate.

Raspberry Leaf Rubus idaeus leaf Included in many "women's teas,"worth looking in to.

Red Cloverflowers

Trifolium pratense flower Also popular in women's teas, hassome estrogenic properties

Rosehips Rosa canina fruit contain vit. C, may need to boil



A third group of herbs could be grown for use in salves, creams, or other topical uses. Infused oils, salves, and creamsare not difficult to make. One can learn how to make them from a class or from several available books. Some of the herbscan also be used internally, and some cannot, so become familiar with each plant and its uses. Some recommended herbs forKansas include:

Table 3. Herbs for home-made salves and creams.

1 Essential oil has been extracted through the use of heat and pressure, usually involving a steam distillation process. These oilsare highly concentrated, and used in very small quantities, like a few drops. These are usually not made at home, but could ifone had a distillation unit. When sold commercially, these bring a very high price, or are sometimes diluted, and sold at a lowerprice.

2 Infused oil can easily be made at home, using a process of soaking the fresh or dried herb in olive or other vegetable oil. Seereference section for books that describe the process in more detail.

A fourth group of herbs that could be grown and sold locally include those for fragrance, dried flower arrangements,potpourri, or other similar decorative uses. Some of these are harvested on a commercial scale for their essential oils.However, this is only economically feasible in regions where a processing plant already exists, or where enough growers areconcentrated in one area to jointly support processing. This market is already somewhat “mature,” or saturated, and so we donot see this being a competitive area for new growers to get into on a large scale. However, on a small scale with local markets,these have potential to return a profit to small growers. These may not be safe for internal use, but a few of these are on theother lists and have internal uses; for example, mint.

slightly to extract flavorStinging Nettle Urtica dioica leaf mineral rich and flavorful tea,

sometimes recommended as aspring tonic.

Yarrow Achillea millefolium leaf surprisingly nice tea.

CommonName


AnnualsCallendula Calendula officinalis flower high resin varieties available, pick

when flower is at its primeChickweed Stellaria media leaf Harvest when young and tender.PerennialsAloe Aloe barbadensis leaf Mucilagenous gel in the fresh leaf

used in hand creams and otherproducts. Grow indoors as a houseplant, or set out during summermonths for rapid growth.

Arnica Arnica montana leaf Difficult in Kansas. Prefers analpine environment, but is in highdemand from herbalists.

Burdock Arctium lappa root/leaf easy to grow, wild type also found inKansas

Comfrey Symphytum officinale leaf/root Easy to grow, propagate by rootdivisions

Mint Mentha spp. leaf Easy to grow, will spread. Essentialoil1 or infused oil2 of mint morelikely in skin products than wholeleaf.

Plantain Plantago lanceolata, P.major

leaf This common sidewalk weed oftenused for skin ailments.

St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum flowers Often found in skin creams and oils,as well as for internal use.



Table 4. Herbs for fragrance, oils, and decorative uses.

Any of the herbs sold by direct marketing can be promoted in a variety of ways. Herbs are placed in the category bythe FDA as dietary supplements, which are a class separate from food and also from drugs. There are some special rules thatapply. First of all, health claims cannot be made about the herbs. As with food items, all herbs sold should be clean, welllabeled, and sold un-processed, unless you have a certified commercial kitchen, and/or have sought out the advice of your localor state health department.

Attractive labels can be made for the herbs, whether sold fresh or dried, with the name, culinary uses, and someinformation about the folk uses of the herb. Reference books can also be kept handy, so that the customer can look up the herbsand read about possible uses for themselves. That also takes you out of the risky role of unlicensed health care provider.

Recipes are also nice for people trying out new culinary herbs for the first time, and tea blends or suggestions of blendsof herbs for tea can also be made when direct marketing. Other marketing ideas include bringing in a speaker for your localgarden club or farmers' market association to talk about herbs, and to write articles about herbs for local newspapers ornewsletters. When selling herbs, the more educated the consumer, the better off you are. It will help them to know how tosafely use herbs, and also how important it is to find the highest quality, fresh (and if possible local) source of herbs.

CommonName


Perennials

Bergamot Monarda fistuolosa flower/leaf Flowers and leaves may be dried.Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara vine/berries Can be harvested from the wild in

KS, primarily used for decorationnow, but also has medicinalproperties.

Lavendar Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf Dried flowers and stems are used.Mints Mentha spp. leaf Many types available.Orris Root Iris germanica var.

florentinaroot The dried root of this variety is

fragrant.Patchouli Pogostemon patchouli leaf Tender perennial.Pine cones Pinus spp. cone Many types may be collected and

added to potpourri mixtures.RattlesnakeMaster

Eryngium yuccafolium whole plant Unusual native plant in found onlyin virgin prairie.

Roses Rosa spp.

Rosa canina (rosehips)

rosa centifolia

Rosa gallica

flower petalsand buds

Many types, old fashioned musktype have the most aromaticpetals. Rosehips, petals, or wholeflowers may be dried andpreserved.

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis leaf/flower Decorative as well as usefulculinary and medicinal herb.

ScentedGeraniums

Pelargonium spp. leaf Many types available

Sumac Rhus glabra berries Sumac berries may be used in teaor decoration. Woody plant, wildin great plains.

White sage Salvia apiana leaf and stem Used for incense or potpourri, notcooking.

Yarrow Achillea millefolium leaf and flower Flowers dry nicely forarrangements



B. Herbs for Commercial Markets

Deciding which herbs to grow for the commercial market may be much tougher than for the local, direct market. For alocal market, one can try out a few things, see what the customer likes, educate the consumer about other possible products, andget pretty far through trial and error. For the commercial market, the grower is several steps away from the end consumer, andmust be aware not only of what consumers want, but what the manufacturers, and hence the buyers for the manufacturers want.Also, there is a lot of competition in the commercial market, both from with the U.S., and even more, from other countries. Anherb that must be hand harvested, or is time consuming to grow will probably have an advantage in another country. Herbs thatgrow in tropical climates will not be considered here, except for those that may be grown successfully in unheated greenhouses,or tender tropical perennials that could be grown as annuals. For example, Stevia, originally from the tropical area of Paraguay,does very well in Kansas as an annual (see MF-2630 later in this handbook).

Over 30 herbs have been screened for their production potential in field test plots in Kansas. Results for herbs screenedfor two years or more are found in Appendix A., which is a compilation of fact sheets for each species. As more species areevaluated, new fact sheets will be written. Table 5. summarizes our results in the form of overall recommendation. The 30species in the fact sheets are there, plus additional information on species where we have only observations from gardens.Interpret these recommendations for your own site, because it will make a difference if your field is in an exposed site vs.protected, no irrigation vs. drip or other system, etc. Additional information on equipment and business planning are in the nextsection of this handbook, and site specific data from each year are found on the KSU Horticultural website:www.ksre.ksu.edu/ksherbs.

Table 5. is organized by plant part/harvest method, because time to harvest may limit more growers than any otherfactor. Though some herbs have markets for more than one plant part (for example, leaves and roots), they are listed in thetable under their most common use.



Table 5. Herbs for the Commercial Market - Organized by Harvest Method for Primary Crop (some have multipleuses)

Footnotes:

1Fact sheet number if available.

2Recommendation code: G = good for gardens

N = not adapted to Kansas

F = could be a good field crop

L = limitations, could be insect, disease, labor to harvest,……

3Comments are generally about growing conditions or marketing potential. Occasionally mention medicinal uses to give one asense of whether this plant has market potential in the future.

Common Name Latin Name Annual/

Perennial

Sun/

Shade

Part/Howharvested

KSU trials1 Recommend-ations2 Comments3

PollenSaffron Crocus sativus perennial partial

shadepollen - byhand

no G v. expensive, tediousimported from Spain.

Flowers/petalsBorage Borago

officinalisannual sun flowers (also

stems andleaves).

Harvest duringfloweringperiod.

yes

MF-2608

G/L For borage oil, the fatty oilof the seeds, though otherparts also usedmedicinally. Flowersadded to salads. Good forgardens. Limitations areflowers hard to harvest,and limited market forother parts of the plant.

Calendula Calendulaofficinalis

annual sun flowers yes

MF-2610

G/F Grows well here, limitationwill be time to harvestflowers.

Chamomile -German

Matricariachamomilla

annual sun flower rake yes

(no factsheet yet)

G/L easy to grow, tedious toharvest? Don’ t confusewith Roman chamomile,Chamaemelum nobile,which is primarily grownfor its oil, and not for tea.

Elderberry Sambucus nigra woodyperennial

sun orpartialshade

by hand(flowers and/orfruit)

yes (no factsheet yet)

F/G Market for elderberry nowat a winery in Mulvane,KS. Native plant, welladapted.

Red Clover Trifoliumpratense

perennial sun blossoms yes

MF-2625

F/G/L Easy to grow, timeconsuming to harvest?Better to grow a large fieldof it, or rotate with othercrops as a cover crop. Ifonly growing a few plants,the rabbits may be aproblem.

St. John’s Wort Hypericumperforatum

perennial sun flowers and/ortop 6 inches infull flower

yes

MF-2629

G/F Well adapted, best yieldsmight be during secondyear, need to replantperiodically. Getsshrubby. Pretty in garden.Could partially mechanizethe harvest? Big marketfor this crop, especially ifhigh quality.



FruitElderberry Sambucus nigra woody

perennialsun orpartialshade

by hand(flowers and/orfruit)

yes (no factsheet yet)

F/G Market for elderberry nowat a winery in Mulvane,KS. Native plant, welladapted.

Hawthorn Crataeguslaevigata, alsoC. monogyna

woodyperennial

sun fruit (alsoflower andleaf)

observation G/F(?) cardiac stimulant,antioxidant, now importedfrom Poland, Chile,Bulgaria and France.Seems well adapted toKansas landscape setting.

SeedsEvening primrose Oenothera

biennisbiennial sun small seeds yes

MF-2611

N medicinal part is the fattyoil extracted from the ripeseeds and fresh plantgathered at the beginningof the flowering season.Did not do well in ourtrials here, and seedshatters easily.

Milk Thistle Silybummarianum

normally awinterannual

sun can usecombine?

yes

MF-2618

N (if fromtransplants)

can plant w/ wheat drill,plant v. early - Feb/Marchto get a crop in KS. Notsure whether torecommend until we dosome direct seeding trials.

LeafAlfalfa Medicago sativa perennial sun leaf & seed,

couldmechanizeboth

no F This is a common foragecrop in Kanasas, welladapted to our climate.The only limitations wouldbe to market the cropsuccessfully, and work outquality control details.

Bee Balm Monardafistulosa

perennial sun leaf/flower yes

MF-2605

G/F M. fistulosa did well infield trials, but M. didymadid not.

Blue Vervain Verbena hastate perennial sun leaf/whole herb yes

MF-2606

G/F Nice plant, though hadheavy insect damage insome years.

Boneset Eupatoriumperfoliatum

perennial sun leaf/aboveground portion

yes

MF-2607

G/F Nice white flowers, doeswell under field conditions,even when dry.

Feverfew Tanacetumparthenium

perennial sun floweringtops/leaves

yes

MF-2614

G/F Grow this plant like anannual rather than aperennial. Poor wintersurvival.

Gingko Gingko biloba woodyperennial

sun leaves no G

F?

Limitations are market andharvest method. Adaptedlandscape tree common inKansas.

Heal All Prunellavulgaris

perennial sun leaves yes

MF-2636

G/F Attractive plant, did ok infield trials, but may bedifficult to harvest, lowgrowing.

Heartsease/WildViolet/WildPansy/Johnny-Jump-Up

Viola tricolor annual toperennial

sun orshade

fresh aerialparts, 2-3harvests peryear possible

no G Approved by CommissionE for inflammation of theskin, used both internallyand externally. Oftenfound as a “weed” inflower beds.

Lemon Balm Melissaofficinalis

perennial sun orpartialshade

collect leavesbeforefloweringand/orbranching.

no G/F? Great in tea, seems to beexpanding market.Observations so farindicate it is winter hardyin a moderately protectedarea.

Lemon Verbena Aloysia triphylla tenderperennial,somewhatwoodyshrub

sun orpartialshade

lateralbranchesharvested inthe fall.

no G Propagated by runners orcuttings. Used to flavorteas. Probably not hardy inKansas. Bring inside eachwinter.

Mullein Verbascumthapsus

biennial sun (needsgooddrainage)

leaves for tea,flowers forinfused oil.

yes

MF-2619

G/F Attractive, adapted plantfor garden or field.Harvest leaves first year,flower in second.

Oregano Origanum perennial sun leaves yes G/F Adapted to Kansas.



vulgare MF-2621

Round HeadLespedeza

Lespedezacapitata

perennial sun whole herbtops

yes

MF-2626

G/F Native to Kansas, lookedgood in the field. Smallmarket now.

Sheep Sorrel Rumexacetosella

perennial sun whole herb topand/or leaves

yes

MF-2627

G/F Great in garden as a saladand/or tea herb. Limitationin field might be how topick such a low growingherb. Spreads a LOT.

Skullcap Scutellarialateriflora

perennial, sun aerial part of 3-4 yr old plantsharvested inJune

yes

MF-2628

G/F Did great in field trials.Attractive plant. Marketfor tops now, roots infuture?

Stevia Steviarebaudiana

tenderperennial

sun aerial portions. yes

MF 2630

G/F Did great in field trials. Isfrom Paraguay, and atropical plant, so grow likean annual.

Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica perennial partialshade

leaves (now amarket forroots also)

yes

MF-2631

F A bit “stingy” for thegarden, but grows wellhere, even in full sun.

White Sage Salvia apiana tenderperennial,but grow asan annual.

sun whole tops yes

MF-2633

G/F Attractive in the garden.This is a plant used forceremony, not cooking orother herbal preparations.Not winter hardy here.

Yarrow Achilleamillefolium

perennial sun flowering tops yes

MF-2634

G/F Attractive in the garden,did well in the field.

RootBlack Cohosh Actaea

racemosaperennial shade by hand? no G? difficult to germinate

seeds, difficult to grow inKansas, but is endangeredspecies in the wild.Expanding market.

Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum

thalictroides

perennial shade by hand? no G? difficult to germinateseeds, difficult to grow inKansas, but is endangeredspecies in the wild.Expanding market.

Burdock Artium lappa biennial sun root is mostmarketable,fresh or dried,but leaves andseeds alsoused.

yes

MF-2609

G/F Does well in Kansas. Mainlimitation will be harvest.

ChineseMilkvetch

Astragalusmembranaceus

perennial sun by hand, or useroot digger toloosen soilfirst.

yes

MF-2612

G/F Many uses, including anti-viral and immune-stimulating. Potential forhigh demand, used in manyformulations. Grows wellin Kansas, but difficult todig this root. Poor survivalon soils that are not welldrained. Attractive plant.

Dandelion Taraxacumoficinale

perennial sun roots and topsmarketed

yes

MF-2613

G/F best yields under cultivatedconditions, though couldharvest small plants athome as "wild greens."

Echinacea

(Narrow-leavedconeflower)

Echinaceaangustifolia

perennial sun hand ormachine digroot

yes

MF-2620

F Direct seeding seems to bemore successful thantransplanting. Poorsurvival.

Echinacea

(Pale purpleconeflower)

Echinaceaangustifolia var.pallida


yes

MF-2620

G/F Easier to grow than E.angustifolia. Larger taproot, but unclear market.

Echinacea

(Purpleconeflower)

Echinaceapupurea


yes

MF-2624

G/F Easiest Echinacea togrow. Limited ascommercial crop by ‘AsterYellows” disease. Flowerscan also be sold to floralshops.

Garlic Allium sativum winterannual

sun hand ormachine

no G/F Common vegetable crop inKansas. Many varietieswell adapted.

Ginseng Panaxquinquefolius

perennial 50%shade

by hand yes(observation)

N Poor survival. Have triedfor several years under“simulated woodland”



conditions. Too hot anddry here.

Goldenseal Hydrastiscanadensis

perennial 50%shade

by hand yes(observation)

G Better survival thanginseng. May be worthgrowing on a small scale,but probably not a goodfield crop for Kansas.

Joe Pye Weed Eupatorimpurpureum

perennial sun by hand or rootdigger

yes

MF-2615

G/F Attractive, though tallgarden plant. Did well infield trials, even when dry,though it prefers wetlocations.

Licorice Glycyrrhizauralensis andG> glabra.

perennial sun by hand or rootdigger toloosen first

yes

MF-2616

G/F Both did well in field trials,but be prepared for someplants to spread viarhizomes. Difficult toharvest root, as its “all overthe place.”

Marsh Mallow Altheaofficinalis

perennial sun,partialshade

Roots, alsoleavesharvested.

yes

MF-2617

G/F Attractive relative ofhollyhock, did well in thefield, few pests.

Pleurisy Root

(Butterflymilkweed)

Asclepiastuberosa

perennial sun root (leaves aretoxic)

yes

MF-2623

G/F Great for gardens, adaptedto field, but timeconsuming to dig.

Valerian Valerianaofficinalis

perennial sun orpartialshade

hand ormachine digroots

yes

MF-2632

G Seems to survive in agarden setting, but verypoor survival in fieldtrials. Root diseases orother problems limit this asa crop.



Equipment Needs and Capitalization:

Growing the crop. The equipment needed to plant and cultivate an herb crop will be similar to that needed for grain andvegetable crops. Harvesting may be quite different, and will be discussed in a later section. If herbs are the first enterprise on afarm, this equipment will need to be purchased, rented, or borrowed, but if one is adding herbs to an existing farm, many ofthese items will already be available or in use. When calculating cost budgets however, make sure to include depreciation,repairs, and other equipment costs in your budgets to give a fair accounting.

If the crop can be direct seeded, standard planting equipment may work. For example, medium-sized seeds like milkthistle and Echinacea may be planted with a wheat drill or planter. Smaller seeded species like goat’s rue and red clover couldbe seeded using the forage seeder box on a standard planter. Some very small seeded species, such as chamomile or St. John’swort, will need to be seeded in the greenhouse and put into the field as transplants, or direct seeded by hand, and then thinned.For field crop farmers, new equipment and facilities may need to be purchased to grow transplants and get them in the ground.Transplants for some species can be purchased or contracted to another local grower who already has the facilities. On a smallscale, purchasing a transplanter does not make sense, but if one is going large scale, a transplanter can save on labor costs.

With each purchase, one will need to look at the trade-off between capital investment, and the accompanyingopportunity cost of that money, the interest if the money is borrowed, the expected life-time of the equipment, versus the cost ofthe labor that the equipment will displace. This calculation should be performed for everything from a tractor to a root digger.The following three tables should help you look at your own operation, and decide what scale might be appropriate, and tocalculate costs associated with equipment and land.

In general, equipment needed for growing herb crops is not that different from other crops, so time won’ t be spent inthis section discussing the details of this equipment. For more information, see current grain or vegetable bulletins, includingMF-1115, “Farming a Few Acres of Vegetables,” by C. W. Marr, KSU Extension fact sheet.

Harvesting Herbs. This is where growing herbs and growing other crops becomes somewhat different. For some items,harvesting herbs is similar to harvesting vegetables, especially if the herb is simply a leaf crop and harvested by hand, similar tolettuce harvest. Root crops, also, may be similar, as many herb root crops can be hand dug, or machine harvested with a potatoor other root digger. Cleaning herb crops may also be similar to vegetable crops, as the customer wants clean, dust and soil-freeproduce.

Though some herb crops may be sold fresh, most are sold dry, and priced on a dry-weight basis. This changes howthings are done at harvest and in the packing shed or processing area. Another difference is that many herbs, especially rootcrops, are perennial, and not annual crops like carrots and potatoes. This means that roots harvested may be longer, moretwisted, and harder to extract from the soil than carrots or simple tubers like potatoes. Thus, mechanical diggers may need to bemodified to handle these situations.

In researching the literature on herb harvesting equipment, very little is found with any degree of detail. Herb growersapparently work out the harvesting, digging, and washing for their own situation on their own farms, and you probably willtoo. Instructions for harvesting found in books and growers’ manuals simply say, “dig with fork or root harvester.” Whattype? How deep? The most useful information so far has been featured on web sites sponsored by the herb farms themselves,where the use of a chisel plow to loosen Echinacea roots was illustrated, or where rotating barrel carrot washers were featuredas a way to wash herb roots. Metal screens mounted on wooden frames with a pressure washer/hose can be used to speed upthe root washing process, if one doesn't want to invest in a barrel.

Our experience in digging roots in the field plots is that some degree of mechanization may be useful. For example,loosening roots with a tractor-pulled chisel plow would save some of our back muscles, knees, and would have gone deeperthan we were able to do by hand. However, a lot of hand work probably remains for sorting, washing, and loading roots intothe dryer. Other equipment recommended for handling roots include a “U” shaped bar to undercut roots, or an “L” shaped bar.



These are sometimes used in the production of things like strawberry transplants, but probably won’ t go as deep as a chiselplow shank. We tried the U-shaped bar on our field plots near Wichita, on a sandy soil in the fall, with moderate moisturecontent. It did a nice job of cutting and lifting the roots, but the braces on the bar prevented it from going deep enough to getthings like burdock. It did a nice job on the mallow roots, and even helped extract some of the licroice, which is a shallow,runner-type root. The bar was originally designed for sweet potato digging, and was fabricated locally. Also keep in mind thatsome roots are more fibrous, and these may be easier to dig, but harder to wash. Echinacea pallida, for example has a nice,carrot shaped tap-root, while Echinacea pupurea has a fibrous root system. Stinging nettle also, has a shallow fibrous rootsystem that is easy to dig, but hard to clean.

Leaf crops would be easier to mechanize, as many types, styles, and sizes of mowing equipment exist. However,keeping the leaf matter clean, and then loaded into a dryer without contaminants would limit the kind of mechanization used.Since most leaf crops can NOT be dried in the sun, one can’ t simply treat their feverfew crop the way they would handle analfalfa hay crop; mow, sun-dry, and turn in the field prior to baling. Small scale mowers, with adjustable height (to miss thelower, less-than-perfect leaves, might be best, with a way to catch the foliage, or collect it for placement in dying rooms orframes. Leaf crops will have the highest moisture content as compared to roots, and will need to be moved as quickly aspossible from the sun into a shady area, and preferably straight into the drying area. Some herb leaves and stems bruise easily,and need to be handled with special care to maintain the highest quality. In some crops, leaves and stems can be harvestedtogether at ground level; in others stems will need to be separated either in the field or later on.

Flower crops probably provide the biggest challenge, and small-scale growers making herb products for themselves orfor local sale often simply hand harvest individual blossoms, and pick each patch of calendula, red clover, or chamomile severaltimes a week during the peak flowering seasons. Some even harvest St. John’s wort as individual blossoms, though thecommercially harvested product includes the top 6 inches or so of the plant as a clipped, rather than plucked product. Handpicking blossoms probably does not pay a living wage, if one sits down to do the math, so start with some small plots and dothese calculations before signing a large contract for a flower crop. Tim Blakely (see book listed in references section)estimates that a fast picker can pick about one pound of dried red clover flowers per hour if the field is healthy, but an averagepicker will only pick one-half to three-quarters of a pound. If the price per pound is only $5 to $10 this is hardly a living wage,if one also calculates planting time, land, shipping cost, etc.

There are mechanical flower harvesters available for purchase, but only the largest growers could probably afford them.It may be possible in the future for a group or co-op to jointly purchase equipment like this, and make it more cost effective tomechanize. An in-between option is the use of “ flower rakes.” Some catalogs sell a chamomile harvester, which is a smallscoop held in one hand, with long pointed metal rods welded at about the right spacing (about one stem-width) to catch smallblossoms, and “pluck” them as one lifts up the scoop. Stem material is also gathered with this tool, which is not desirable, but itdoes speed up the picking process some. It is unclear at this time whether flower crops will be commercially viable in the U.S.,when consumers may purchase less expensive products grown abroad.

Drying Herbs. This is where herb growing is very different from vegetable farming. Some vegetable growers that havediversified into cut flowers, especially everlastings, or dried flowers, may be more familiar with drying methods, and may havethe place on the farm ready for storing dried herb products.

A few companies may give contracts for fresh herb delivery, and if so, you can skip this step. However, you will have tobe careful to follow shipping guidelines and timing, and may need to cool the crop prior to, or during shipping, so that it arrivesin good shape. Some essential oils are extracted from fresh plant material, so if you find a market for oils, or a local extractionfacility, fresh shipping/hauling may work for you.

Most herbalists buy dried product, mainly for practical reasons related to storage and shelf life. In a few herbs,compounds become more or less active when dried. A rule of thumb is that the shelf life of a properly dried and stored whole(not ground) herb is about one year. Grinding an herb increases the surface area, which is subject to oxidation, and also leads tomore volatilization of various compounds. Thus, herbs should ground as close to the time of use as possible.

Drying herbs on farm is not rocket science, but there are a few general rules or guidelines. The herb industry, incollaboration with government committees, is coming up draft versions of “Good Manufacturing Process” guidelines which canbe followed, but for the most part, they are just common sense. For example, wash your hands before handling herb for humanconsumption, don’ t sneeze on it, don’ t allow rodents to nest in it, etc. Here are a few do’s and don’ ts.



Do:

move herb as quickly from the field to the drying room as possible

either air dry, or use forced air to dry herbs as quickly as possible

prepare a special insect/rodent free area to dry and/or store herbs

clean herbs as much as possible before moving into the drying area

slice roots (when appropriate) to speed drying

dry all herb products thoroughly. This may take 3 days for some leafy crops, or 3 weeks for roots. Check by calculating the% moisture content by oven drying (or micro-waving). The % moisture shoud be xx or less. It can be calculated as freshweight-dry weight = water. Water / fresh weight = moisture content. Also, leaves should crumble easily, and roots shouldbe hard and/or snap.

Don’t:

allow herb to heat up in the field in piles after harvesting and before drying

allow UV light or other light to fade the herb.

dry or store herb where insects or rodents will be a problem

sell dirty or inferior product

dry at temperatures above 120o F. Most recommend temperatures between 80 and 105oF, with some air circulation.

store in plastic bags

store before the herb is completely dry

The drying room will vary for different farms. Extremely small quantities can be dried in a table-top food dryer, but itwill take you virtually forever if you want to do several pounds rather than ounces of material. Some have modifiedgreenhouses as drying areas, but these should be shaded, as light will fade the plant material and reduce its value. A large shedor barn with beams on which to hang tied herbs could work as a drying area, as long as it is relatively rodent proof, and onedoesn’ t mind tying lots of little bundles together.

Our drying ovens at KSU consist of large cabinets, which can be constructed of plywood, with a fan and heatgenerating unit at the bottom, and a vent at the top. A thermostat controls the heat, and the fan runs continuously. Home-madeshelves made of 2”x2” lumber and rigid screen are spaced at about every foot, for a total of 8 to 10 shelves per cabinet. Herbsare either laid on the screen in loose layers, or small quantities are placed in brown paper bags, and dried in the bag in the oven.Other models for drying areas, especially if they are primarily used in the summer, might be to section off a corner of a garageor shed from dust and animals, install a large fan to draw air, and possibly a de-humidifier. The Kansas weather will providethe heat. Home-made shelves can be attached to walls or suspended from the ceiling. Some herb reference guides give specificdrying time recommendations, but only use these as general guidelines. Drying time will depend a lot on the condition of theplant when brought in from the field, and your drying conditions, relative humidity at the time, and other factors.

Processing and packing is another step that will take place on farm, and our recommendations at this point are to getspecific information from your buyer on these details. General guidelines include keeping the product away from light, dust,rodents, and insects. Most herbs are stored at room temperature, but “cool and dry” is a good general practice. Generallypacking in paper or other “breathable” material is better than plastic. Anything that isn’ t completely dry will encourage bacteria



and fungi growth, which would not only decrease the quality, but may produce harmful substances. The amount of herb thatyou have will determine how , or to whom you sell your product. Some buyers want ounces, some pounds, some tons. Burlaphas been used in the past for herbs, but is not recommended at this time, as the fibers may contaminate the herb.

Farm or production size is also an important consideration in determining the amount of mechanization necessary tosuccessful raise and harvest an herb crop. Table 6 is intended to help you visualize the types of equipment relative to your scaleof production. One key to profitability is to have your fixed cost investment be scale-appropriate. Table 7 & 8 will then helpyou to calcuulate your fixed costs for the herb portion of your business. These figures will then be used in Table 10, tocalculate profitability for various herbs that can be grown in Kansas.

Table 6. Mechanization Appropriate for Farm Size and Operation Intensity. (Note: these are not absolute categories -needs will vary, and one farm may use items from more than one column. Also, in the intermediate levels, it may make senseto rent or borrow equipment listed in the "high" category rather than to purchase it.)

In Table 7, you will see an example of fixed cost budget calculations. These are investments that are made up front withexpenses that will be there whether you plant a crop or not. The standard way to account for land costs is to either use theinterest on the value of the land, if purchased, or the rental cost, if rented. In this example, the land was purchased, and a peracre per year cost was determined ($80). When this number is used in an actual herb enterprise budget, take this figure time thenumber of (or fraction of) an acre that is used for that herb.

Range of MechanizationNone Low Medium High

Tillage Hand/shovel small rototiller large rototiller tractor mountedplow, spader,rotovator

Weeding by hand, combinedwith mulch, flame,etc.

some plastic orfabric row cover,walk behind wheelhoe

walk behindrototiller/cultivator

tractor mountedcultivationequipment, flame

Planting hand seed, handtransplant

push seeder, usewheel hoe to makefurrow

rototiller to makefurrow, attachseeder?

tractor mountedseeder andtransplanter

Leaf harvest by hand hand with largeloppers

electric hedgetrimmer

sickle bar mower

Root harvest shovel, fork shovel or fork withmore labor, orborrow equipment?

furrow with tractoror tiller, handseparate

root digger (carrotor potato)

Root washing by hand, hose,bucket

mounted screens,pressure washer

rent or borrowbarrel washer

barrel root washer

Flower Harvesting by hand hand rake(chamomileexample)

modified hedgetrimmer?

commercial flowerharvester

Drying air dry, smallbatches

air dry, largebatches

small forced airheater/dryer

large forced airheater/dryer

Approximate sizeof operation:

0.1 - 1.0 acres 1.0-2.0 2.0-5.0 5.0+

Equipment Pricerange (per item):

$0-20 $20-$100 $100-$2000 $2000-$25,000



Building and equipment costs are also assigned values based on the interest if the money was borrowed (theoreticallythe opportunity cost of the money, if it wasn't borrowed), and the depreciation. Depreciation is simply the total cost of thebuilding or piece of equipment divided the number of anticipated useful years of the item. There are some standard values usedfor tax purposes, but for these budgets, use your best realistic estimate. The percentage of time or space that the herb businesson your farm as compared to other enterprises is also taken into account (column 2). The number of hours per year used forherbs (column 7) is used to come up with a per hour estimate cost for the item. This value is used in Table 10. Aftercompleting Table 10, or after a field season where hours of usage has been tracked you find that the total hours estimate incolumn 7 is wrong, re-adjust, and recalculate column 8.

Now complete Table 8, using expenses and fixed inputs from your own farm. Include land, facilities, and equipmentthat are part of the farm now, and also items that you intend to purchase if you go into the herb business.

Table 7. Example calculation for fixed costs budget for adding an herb business to an existing farm.

1Not Applicable.

2Note: gas, oil, and repairs are not included in equipment costs. A formula or percentage may be used to estimate future costs,or farm records can be used to record actual costs.

3Use the numbers in this column to complete Table 10.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Item Cost of

I temShare oramountused

TotalCost

Useful life(years)

Depreciation$/year

Interest$/yr(8% oftotal cost)

Numberof hoursper yearused

Cost ($)

Land Cropland $1000/A 2 acres $2000 na1 na $160 na $80/

A/year

Improvements andFacilities Storage Buildings $5000 10% $500 10 $50 $40 na $90/yr

Equipment2

Tractor $12,000 50% $6,000 20 $300 $480 120 $6.50/hr Rotovator $3000 100% $3000 15 $200 $240 50 $8.80/hr Cultivator $500 100% $500 15 $33 $30 70 $0.90/hr Farm truck $25,000 2% $500 5 $100 $40 25 $5.60/hr Storage Containers $100 100% $100 5 $20 $8 na $28/yr Drying Frames $200 100% $200 5 $40 $16 na $56/yr Hand tools $200 90% $180 10 $18 $14 50 $0.65/hr

Total Fixed Costs $12,980 $761 $1028 3



Table 8. Worksheet for calculating fixed costs. This table should include existing equipment, new equipment purchases,and used/rebuilt equipment.

Marketing

A marketing plan is essential when examining growing herbs. Marketing herbs is unlike conventional crops withestablished markets and where market information is readily obtained. Markets exist for herbs, but the market is likely to be asmall or niche market. Like most niche markets, finding an accurate assessment of wholesale prices is difficult. However,prices can be obtained for retail items, especially those that have been processed.[7] These retail prices are often substantiallyhigher than the wholesale price offered to the grower. Thus, it is important that growers have a market plan in place beforestarting production and entering this industry.

The driving force in the industry is the relatively few large corporations that control manufacturing, distribution andmarketing of herbal products. Herb marketing involves many channels. Some growers do their own processing and markettheir own brands in health food stores. Some growers have a satisfactory outlet through an individual herb distributor.Oftentimes herb marketing is achieved by using brokers. Many growers sell to small dealers or brokers who sell to largerdealers or pharmaceutical manufacturers who form capsules, extract or tincture that is marketed in grocery and drugstorechains.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Item Cost of

I temShare oramountused

TotalCost

Useful life(years)

Depreciation$/year

Interest$/yr(8% oftotal cost)

Numberof hoursper yearused

Cost

Land Cropland Woodland Other land

Improvements andFacilities Storage Buildings Dryers Other

Equipment1

Primary Tillage

Cultivation

Harvest

Total Fixed Costs $ $ $



Growers must show an ability to produce before they can reach established markets. Buyers also want assurances thegrower can provide a product for several years. Neither local dealers nor large dealers will enter into a contract with aninexperienced grower until they know what the grower can produce. A grower might raise a trial plot to supply the dealer witha product sample and build a reputation for quality and reliability. Thus a long-term commitment is required to grow herbs.Large dealers and manufacturers often have minimum amounts that they will buy and will offer contracts to selected establishedgrowers.

Knowing what herbs to grow can be a problem. Trends change constantly and growers need to keep informed of what

the current market is demanding.[8] Yet, there are few sources of information on the herb market to which growers can turn.To address some of these marketing concerns, the Great Plains Herb Growers Association was organized in 2001. This not-forprofit association was formed “ to foster communication among herb growers, herb buyers, retailers, herbalists, healthpractitioners and other interested parties; to cultivate, foster and promote interest and participation in the growing and use ofherbs; to further the knowledge and safe use of herbs and herbal products; to educate farmers and others about organiccultivation practices for medicinal plants best suited for the Great Plains by region; and to provide collective resources to aid inthe production, processing and marketing of organically grown, high quality herbs.” [9] Contact information for the GreatPlains Herb Growers Association and other marketing resources are listed in the references section of this handbook.

Economic Factors

The profitability of any enterprise depends on successful marketing and knowing costs of production. However,production costs for growing herbs are hard to obtain and in fact are virtually non existent in the published literature. Producersgrowing herbs should carefully assess their enterprise budgets for specific herbs to monitor whether the enterprise is profitable.

Factors to consider include location, size, machinery, labor use, marketing activities and growth habits of specificherbs. The general growing habits of herbs fit into three categories: annuals, quick perennials, and long-term perennials. Herbsclassified as annuals are planted and harvested in a one year time period. Crops such as wheat, corn, tomatoes and melons havea similar growing habit. Quick perennials are planted one year and completely harvested at one time in subsequent years afterthey have reached maturity. Not many other agronomic crops besides herbs fit into this growing habit category. Biennials forseed production are a close example. The last growing habit classification, long-term perennials are harvested over a number ofyears and are not destroyed by harvesting. Woody and non-woody plants are in this category. Agronomic crops that fit intothis category include alfalfa, asparagus, berries, and apples.

A fast growing herb may return a quicker profit, but perhaps the herb is sold at a lower price, because it is easy forothers to grow too. A longer growing, perennial herb, may be slower to return a profit, and two or more years of costs may beincurred before the herb is harvested. However, some of these crops sell at a higher value per pound, so one could make asmuch or more per acre on a slow growing, but higher value crop.

The following tables are a starting point for developing enterprise budgets for specific crops. Table 9 can be used toestimate the gross income per acre. Also from Table 9, one can see how gross income will change if the price for an herb dropsfrom $10 per lb, to only $6 per lb, for example, or how income would change if one had a drought year, and the marketableyield was only 600 lb per acre, rather than the estimated 1000 lb. Taking these "what if" scenarios into consideration isimportant when estimating risk. Some of these scenarios could also be explored using Table 10 as a template.

Table 9. Gross Income ($/Acre) Calculated from Estimated Yield and Price Information.

Price per pound ($)1 2 4 6 8 10 15 20 30 40 50

Yield

lb/A

50 50 100 200 300 400 500 750 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500



Table 10. Worksheet for calculating profit/loss for several herb crops.

How to use this table:

1) Use a separate column for each herb crop, if growing a one-year annual crop. Use multiple columns for multi-year crops,especially if yield is obtained more than one year. Complete each column for the amount of herb on your farm. Convert to$ per acre or $ per square foot later, to compare among crops.

2) Supplies, such as seed, fertilizer, compost, can be recorded as $ actually spent in each year for each crop.

3) Equipment costs can be estimated by taking the number of hours of equipment use times your farm cost in $ per hourcalculated in table 8. Land and building costs will be added in at the end under fixed costs.

4) When calculating labor costs, separate into “self-labor,” and “hired labor.” The hired labor is part of the variable cost ofproducing the crop, while the self-labor column will be calculated at the end of the worksheet, as the “residual” once all thevariable and fixed costs are paid. The number of hours you put in will be divided by the total net income, to figure out yourreturn to management/labor.

5) At the end of the table, compare your hourly wage raising herbs to the opportunity cost of your labor at another job forwhich you are qualified. Also, compare to a living wage in Central KS, which is about $10/hr.

100 100 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,500 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000200 200 400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000 3,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000400 400 800 1,600 2,400 3,200 4,000 6,000 8,000 12,000 16,000600 600 1,200 2,400 3,600 4,800 6,000 9,000 12,000 18,000800 800 1,600 3,200 4,800 6,400 8,000 12,000 16,000 24,0001,000 1,000 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 30,0001,500 1,500 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 22,500 30,0002,000 2,000 4,000 8,000 12,000 16,000 20,0003,000 3,000 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,0004,000 4,000 8,000 16,000 24,000

Individual Herbs (list)Herb 1 (or year 1) Herb 2 (or year 2) Herb 3 (or year 3) Herb 4

Common NameLatin NameSeed Source (for recordkeeping purposes)

Plot dimensionsSquare footage% acre (ft2/43,560)Date plantedDate harvestedNumber of years?



YieldFlower or Seed

Total quantity harvested (lbfw or dw)Marketable yield (lb fw ordw)

Leaf or Herb TopsTotal quantity harvested (lbfw or dw)Marketable yield (lb fw ordw)

Root or BarkTotal quantity harvested (lbfw or dw)Marketable yield (lb fw ordw)

Return (list each part ofcrop on separate line)Price per lb (fw or dw)

Total sold

Total gross income

Variable Costs

1. Soil Preparationsoil testplowchiseldiskrototilllimesoil amendments (fertilizer,compost, manure)hired labor (hrs x rate = $)self labor (enter hours)

Total Soil Preparation:

2. Seeding andtransplantingseedstransplants (or cost toproduce)planting equipment costhired labor (hrs x rate = $)self labor (enter hours)

Total Seeding andTransplanting

3. Production Costsmulches/row covercultivation equipmentother equipment usedother?herbicide (if used)insecticide (if used)fungicide (if used)irrigationfuel and oilmisc. equip. repairshired labor (hrs x rate = $)self labor (enter hours)



Total Production Costs

4. Harvesting Costsmowing/clippingdiggingroot washingseed harvestsortingdryingequipment?bags/containersgrinding?hired labor (hrs x rate = $)self labor (enter hours)

Total Harvesting Costs

5. Management &Marketing Costsshipping/haulingbrokerage fee?hired labor (hrs x rate = $)self labor (enter hours)Accounting?other?

Total Management Costs

Total Variable Costshired labor (hrs x rate = $)self labor (enter hours)

Fixed Costs1

Interest on land andbuildingsTaxes on land and buildingsCash rentDepreciation on machineryInterest on machineryDepreciation on irrigationequipmentInterest on irrigationequipmentInsuranceOrganic CertificationOperating loan/interestOther fixed costs -memberships?

Total Fixed Costs:

Total Fixed plus VariableCosts:

ReturnsReturns over variable costsReturns over total (fixedplus variable) costs

Average returns per yearover variable costsAverage return per yearover total costs (fixed plusvariable)

Total hours of self labor$/hr for self over variablecosts$/hr for self over total costsOpportunity costs (whatyou would have been paidfor those hours at anotherjob)



1 Divide fixed costs into amount appropriate for each crop. For example, land cost can be apportioned to the crop actuallygrowing on the land. Insurance, organic certification, and other costs might be divided by the total number of crops grown, oralso apportioned according to space or size of each crop enterprise.

Make additional copies of Table 10 if needed, to work out production and marketing costs for several herbs and yieldand price scenarios. Making a business plan for the whole farm would also be a good idea. More ideas on whole farm planningcan be found in MF-2403 "Whole-Farm Planning for Economic and Environmental Sustainability."

The next section of this handbook contains more specific information on how to grow the herbs. Table 11 lists all of theherbs described in the fact sheets, and some additional herbs that we grew in observation plots. Details on seed germinationrequirements, and out experience with the seed is listed. More growing information, as well as background information, andeconomic projections, are found in Appendix. A. Retail prices are listed in Appendix B. These can be used as rough estimatesof the relative value of the herbs at the time the price research was conducted. However, it should be noticed that many timesthere was a bigger difference in the prices of a particular herb between companies, than for different herbs within a singlecompany.



Table 11. Germination Requirements of Herbs Grown in KSU Trials. (Includes plants listed on fact sheets andalso new plants which will appear on future fact sheets.)

Herb Literature Recommendations Our Experience at KSU

Latin Name Common Name Seed Treatment Germination Germ.%

KSU Germ. Transplant

Time

Recommendations

Achillea millefolium Yarrow Light 10-12 Days 70% 6 Days 8-12 Weeks Small seed

Althea officinalis Marshmallow Stratify 7 Days 3-5 Weeks 70% 11 Days 8 Weeks Spreads quickly

Arctium lappa Burdock No Treatment 1-2 Weeks 80-90% 7 Days 4-8 weeks Direct seed biennial

Artemesia vulgaris Mugwort Stratify 2 weeks. 2--4 Weeks 70% 10-12 Weeks Small seed

Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed Stratify

Several Weeks

2-3 Weeks 40% 8 Days 12-16 Weeks Grows slowly

Astragalus

membranaceus

Milk Vetch Stratify 3 Weeks,

Scarify and soak

4 Weeks 50% 2 Days

(overnightsoak)

12 Weeks Soak overnight

Borago officinalis Borage No Treatment 7-14 Days 75% 10 Days 6 Weeks Direct seed

Calendula officinalis Calendula No Treatment 7-10 Days 80% 4 Days 8 Weeks Direct seed

Cnicus benidictus Blessed Thistle No Treatment 7-15 Days 60% 5 Days 4-8 weeks Direct seed


Narrow Leaf

Cone Flower

Stratify 90 Days,

Light

10-20 Days 50% 15 Days 12 Weeks Direct seed in fall

Echinacea pallida Pale Purple

Cone Flower

Stratify 60 Days,

Light

10-20 Days 50% 4 Days 8-12 Weeks Direct seed in fall

Echinaceapurpurea

Purple

Cone Flower

No Treatment 10-20 Days 70% 9 Days 8-12 Weeks Direct seed

Eupatoriumperfoliatum

Boneset Stratify 7 Days,

Light

2-3 Weeks 80-90% 13 Days 8-12 Weeks Small seed

Eupatoriumpurpureum

Joe Pye Weed Stratify 7 Days,

Light

3-4 Weeks 12 Days 8-12 Weeks Likes moisture

Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice Soak and Scarify 7-14 Days 70-80% 7 Days 12-16 Weeks Soak overnight

Glycyrrhizauralensis

Licorice Soak and Scarify 7-14 Days 70-80% 7 Days 12-16 Weeks Soak overnight

Hypericumperforatum

St. John's Wort Light 3-4 Weeks 70% 3 Weeks 12 Weeks Small seed

Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop No Treatment 10-20 Days 70% 6 Days 10-12 Weeks Small seed

Inula helenium Elcampane No Treatment 3-4 Weeks 50% 6 Days 8-12 Weeks Direct seed

Leonurus cardiaca Mother Wort Stratify 2 Weeks 75% 15 Days 10-12 Weeks Small seed



Several Weeks Lespedeza capitata Round Head

Lespedeza Levisticum officinale Lovage Stratify 1-2

Weeks2 Weeks 5% 12 Days 8-12 Weeks Poor germination

Marrubuim vulgare Horehound No Treatment 2-3 Weeks 70% 9 Days 8-12 Weeks Small seed

Matricaria recutita Chamomile No Treatment 7-14 Days 70% 8-10 Weeks Quick crop

Monarda fistulosa Monarda Stratify 3 Months 2-3 Weeks 60-70% 8 Days 8-weeks Spreads quickly

Nepeta cataria Catnip Stratify 2-3Weeks

2-3 Weeks 50% 2-3 Months Spreads quickly

Oenothera biennis EveningPrimrose

Stratify

Several Weeks

2-weeks 80% 8 Days 8-10 weeks Biennial

Origanum Vulgare Oregano Stratify 1 Week 7-14 Days 70% 8 Weeks Spreads quickly

Passiflora incarnata Passion Flower Stratify 1 Week 3 Weeks 40% 8-10 Weeks Difficult to germinate

Prunella vulgaris Self Heal Stratify 1 Month 3 Weeks 70% 12 Days 8 Weeks Spreads quickly

Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel No Treatment 7-10 Days 70% 7 Days 8 Weeks Spreads quickly

Ruta graveolens Garden Rue Stratify 1 Week 7-10 Days 50% 14 Days 8-10 Weeks Handle with gloves

Salvia apiana White Sage Stratify 1 Week 2-3 Weeks,

80°

40% 9 Days 10-12 Weeks annual in Kansas

Scutellarialateriflora

Skullcap Stratify 1 Week 2-4 Weeks 75% 13 Days 10-12 Weeks Spreads quickly

Sillibum marianum Milk Thistle No Treatment 10-14 Days 90% 10 Days 4 Weeks Direct seed

Spilanthes Toothache HighTemperature

10 Days 100% 4 Days 4-8 weeks Spreads quickly

Stevia rebaudiana Stevia No Treatment,

bottom Heat

2-3 Weeks 30% 4 Days 8-10 Weeks Difficult to germinate

Tanacetumparthenium

Fever Few Stratify 1 Week,

Light

10-14 Days 70% 7 Days 8 Weeks Will reseed readily

Taraxacumofficinale

Dandelion Stratify 1 Week,

Light

10-14 Days 90% 7 Days 8 Weeks Deer love this herb

Trifolium pratense Red Clover Stratify 7 Days 7-14 Days 75% 9 Days 4-8 weeks Deer love this herb

Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle Stratify 1 Week,

Light

10-15 Days 50% 4 Days 8-12 Weeks Handle with gloves

Valeriana officinalis Valerian No Treatment 2-3 Weeks 70% 14 Days 8-12 Weeks Root rot problems

Verbascum thapsus Mullein Plant on Surface 10-20 Days 80% 14 Days 8-12 Weeks Needs a lot of space

Verbena hastata Blue Vervain Stratify 2 Weeks 2-3 weeks 75% 10 Days 4-8 weeks High seed production

Withania somnifera Ashwagandha No Treatment 7-14 Days 70% 13 Days 12 Weeks Needs a lot of space



Kansas State University herbs propagated in greenhouse at a daytime temperature of 70 degrees, nighttime temperature of 68degrees.Seed started in 3" cavity cell with a media mix of Jiffy mix and compost at a 1-1 ratio. Seedlings transplanted into 4" squarecontainersusing a media of high porosity mix and compost at a 1-1 ratio. Fish emulsion used for fertilizer. Beneficial insects and soap andwaterfor insect control.



Glossary (taken from the PDR for Herbal Medicines)

abortifacient – A drug or chemical that induces abortion.

adaptogen – A preparation that acts to strengthen the body and increase resistance to disease.

alterative – Any drug used to favorably alter the course of an ailment and to restore health. To improve the excretion of wastes from thecirculatory system.

annual – A plant that completes its growth cycle in one year.

anthelmintic – An agent or drug that is destructive to worms.

balm - topical, usually includes oil, somewhat viscous

bitter – An alcoholic liquid prepared by maceration or distillation of a bitter herb or herb part that is often used to improve appetite ordigestion.

deciduous– A tree that sheds its leaves at the end of the growing season.

decoction – A liquid substance prepared by boiling plant parts in water or some other liquid for a period of time.

extraction – The portion of a plant that is removed by solvents and used in drug preparations in solid or liquid form.

homeopathic – Substances that are administered in minute amounts with the theory that subtabnces that may cause or mimic a disease inlarger amounts can be used to treat or prevent disease if given in small amounts.

inflorescence – The spatial arrangement of flowers along the asix. The mode of disposition of slowers or the act of flowering.

infusion – The process of steeping or soaking plant matter in liquid to extract its medicinal properties without boiling.

mucilage – A viscid substance in a plant consisting of a gum dissolved in the juice of the plant. A soothing application made from plantgums.

perennial – A plant that grows for three or more years.

rhizome – An underground stem.



salve - topical, made with infused oil, and sometimes thickened with beeswax.

tincture – An alhoholic or hydroalcohoic mixture prepared from plant parts.

tonic – A medication used to fortify and provide increased vigor.



Disclaimer:

Please consult reference texts, and even better, your health care practitioner(s) before taking herb products to treat a medicalcondition. The intent of this fact sheet is to provide herbal information to gardeners, not medical advice.

For more information:

American Botanical Council, non-profit educational organization, publishes the quarterly trade magazine “Herbalgram,” seewebsite at www.herbalgram.org, or contact at their headquarters P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX, 78714-4345. Phone: (512)926-4900. Fax: (512) 926-2345.

ATTRA, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas. P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702. 1-800-346-9140.http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/herblist.html Many fact sheets on herbs in general, and also specific popular herbs. Many otherfact sheets of interest to farmers looking for alternative crops.

Kansas State University, see website www. oznet.ksu.edu, especially publication MF 2532 “Economic Issues with Echinacea.”Also, www.ksre.ksu.edu/kcsaac/ for hot links to other herb websites.

North Carolina, see website www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/. Check out the specialty crop fact sheets for information on bothculinary and medicinal herbs.

Seed Sources:

Horizon Herbs, LLC, PO Box 69, Williams, OR 97544. ph. 541-846-6704, fax 541-846-6233, [email protected],website at www. chatlink.com/~herbseed/. Seeds grown by well-known herbalist/writer Richo Cech and his family.

Johnny’s Seeds, See website at www.Johnnyseeds.com, or contact at 184 Foss Hill Rd, Albion, Maine, 04901. Ph. 207-437-4301. Sells vegetable seed to gardeners and professional growers, good selection of culinary and medicinal herb seed,including some organically grown seed.

Prairie Moon Nursery, Route 3, Box 1633, Winona, MN 55987-9515, Phone (507) 452-1362, Fax (507) 454-5238,http://www.prairiemoonnursery.com, [email protected]. Large selection of seeds for prairie plantings and restoration,including medicinal plants from the prairie.

Richters Herbs, see www. Richters.com, or contact at: ph. .905-640-6677,

Fax .905-640-6641, Goodwood, Ontario, Canada. L0C 1A0 Company founded in 1970 to sell bedding plants and herbs. Goodselection and informative catalog and website.

Seedman.Com, Jim Johnson, Seedman, 3421 Bream St., Gautier, MS 39553, ph. 800-336-2064, fax 228-497-5488,[email protected], www.seedman.com/medicine.html. Carries large and varied selection of seeds from around the world.



Associations:

Great Plains Herb Growers Association - for those considering herb production on a commercial scale. 1-year membership,newsletter $25.00. Send to Rhonda Janke, 2021 Throckmorton, KSU, Manhattan, KS 66506. Can be added to mailing list forfuture herb workshop update mailings for free. Contact Christy Dipman, 785-532-6173, e-mail [email protected].

The Herb Growing & Marketing Network, PO Box 245, Silver Spring, PA 17575, ph. 717-393-3295, fax 717-393-9261,www.herbnet.com and herbworld.com, [email protected]. Non-members can learn a lot from visiting this website,reading their newsletters, and member benefits include website design and hosting, listing your herb business in the HerbalGreen Pages Online, and discounted rates for product liability insurance. Membership prices start at $40/yr, and higher.

Books-General:

The Bootstrap Guide to Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field, & Marketplace. by Lee Sturdivant and Tim Blakley. 1999. SanJuan Naturals, PO Box 642, Friday harbor, WA. Great guide to herb growing and marketing by two individuals who areactually doing it.

The Complete Book of Herbs - A practical guide to growing and using herbs, by Lesley Bremness. 1988. Penguin books. N.Y.Lots of information about growing herbs here.

Complete Illustrated guide to the Holistic Herbal. by David Hoffmann. 1996. HarperCollins Publishers, London. Nicephotographs, good listing of herbs.

The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody. 1993. Dorling Kindersley, N.Y. Great photos, some history, nice referencetables in second section.

Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants. by Bradford Angier. 1978. Stackpole Books. Cameron and Kelker Streets, Harrisburg,PA.

Flora of the Great Plains. by R.L. McGregor, T.M. Barkley, R.E. Brooks, and E.K. Schofield. 1986. University Press ofKansas, Lawrence, KS.

The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke. 1997. St. Martin's Paperbacks. St. Martin's Press, New York, NY. This very affordablebook offers scientific insight and practical herbal remedies for everything from baldness to bad breath. Dr. James Duke was acareer research scientist for the USDA in Beltsville, Maryland.

The German Commission E Monographs, translated by Mark Blumenthal, available through American Botanical Council.Recommendations of a scientific council, based on published research, for herbal supplements that may be prescribed byphysicians in Germany.

Growing 101 Herbs That Heal, by Tammi Hartung. 2000. Storey Books, Schoolhouse Road, Pownal, VT. Good section ongermination and growing requirements for 100+ herbs.



Handmade Medicines - Simple Recipes for Herbal Health, by Christopher Hobbs. 1998. Interweave Press, Inc. Loveland,Colorado.

Herbs for First Aid - Simiple Home Remedies for Minor Ailments and Injuries, by Penelope Ody. 1997. Keats Publishing, LosAngeles.

The Honest Herbal, by Varro E. Tyler. 1993 (third edition). Haworth Press, Inc. New York. Provides some information aboutusing herbs, some well researched, and some anecdotal. This book is written by a skeptic, but is fairly balanced.

Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie, an Ethnobotanical Guide. by Kelly Kindscher. 1992. University of Kansas Press,Lawrence. KS.

Peterson Field Guides: Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs. by Steven Foster and James A. Duke. Second Edition,2000. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.

Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, 2000. Second Edition, Medical Economics Company, Montvale, NewJersey. The most thorough reference we’ve found yet for describing herbs, supplements derived from herbs, summarizing theknown efficacy, and warning about side-effects and drug/herb interactions.

The Village Herbalist, by Nancy and Michael Phillips, 2000, Chelsea Green Publisher, see www.HerbsAndApples.com formore information. A great book. Discusses the “how” of herbalism at the home and village scale, as well as providing someinformation about the plants.

Books- for large-scale growers:

Herb and Spice Production Manual, 1999. by Connie Kehler. Produced by the Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association,printed by Print It Centre, Regina, Sask. (available through Richters Catalog).

Grower’s Crop Monographs. Frontier Organic Research Farm, Norway, IA. (available through Frontier’s website).



Appendix A. Specific growing requirements and field data from herb in the KSU test plots.

Common Name Latin Name Fact SheetNumber

1 Bee Balm Monarda fistulosa 26052 Blue Vervain Verbena hastata 26063 Boneset Eupatorim perfoliatum 26074 Borage Borago officinalis 26085 Burdock Arctium lappa 26096 Calendula Calendula officinalis 26107 Chinese Milkvetch Astragalus membranaceus 26128 Dandelion Taraxacum officinale 26139 Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium 261410 Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis 261111 Heal All/Self Heal Prunella vulgaris 263612 Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpureum 261513 Licorice Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Glycyrrhiza glabra

2616

14 Marsh Mallow Althea officinalis 261715 Milk Thislte Silybum marianum 261816 Mullein Verbascum thapsus 261917 Narrow-Leaved Coneflower Echinacea pallida

Echinacea angustifolia

2620

18 Oregano Origanum vulgare 262119 Pleurisy Root Asclepias tuberosa 262320 Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 262421 Red Clover Trifolium pratense 262522 Round Head Lespedeza Lespedeza capitata 262623 Sheep Sorrel Rumex acetosella 262724 Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora 262825 St. John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum 262926 Stevia Stevia rebaudiana 263027 Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica 263128 Valerian Valeriana officinalis 263229 White Sage Salvia apiana 263330 Yarrow Achillea millefolium 2634



The plants described in the following fact sheets were grown in KSU test plots in either Hays, Colby, Wichita, orOlathe, KS. Four replications of each species were generally included at a site, though not all species were screened at eachsite, or screened each year. The number of replications of location-years is included in the summary table with each fact sheet,and the detailed data can be found at www.ksre.ksu.edu/ksherbs. All plants were grown from seed in the greenhouse, andtransplanted in the field in May or June. Depending on the location/year, either 5 or 10 plants per plot were established. Allplants at each location were used to determine the percent survival, vigor rating, and insect and disease ratings. Three plantsper plot were measured for height, and only one plant per plot was harvested for yield each year. Since there were 4 plots, thisallowed us to estimate yield from 4 plants at each location/year.

The plants were dried and weighed, and top and root weights are recorded in grams. The grams per plant are convertedto kg/ha, and also lb/a for purposes of estimated field scale yield. The population density used to calculate field yields was theoptimal population density (determined by the average size of the plants) times the actual percent survival as measured in thefield. There was generally some loss due to transplant shock, and for some species, significant winter loss as well. The plantspacing recommendations on each sheet are for within a row. The distance between rows will depend on your farmingoperation and equipment used. The minimum row spacing will be the same as the plant spacing recommendation. Forexample, if plants need to be 12" apart, the rows should be a minimum of 12" apart as well. However, if your cultivator, oryour root harvesting equipment is on 5' centers, plant the rows 5' apart to facilitate cultivating and harvesting. Adjust yourestimated plant density per acre on the worksheets, if you are trying to estimate gross yield and net income.

In addition to yield, some semi-quantitative ratings were done on plants in the field, including: Vigor Rating (1 = verypoor, 3 = slightly above average, 5 = very good, well adapted), Maturity Rating (1=vegetative, 2= early bud, 3=early flower,4= full flower, 5=seed production, 6=senscence), .Insect Damage Ratings (scale of 0-5, with 0 = no damage, 5= severe) andDisease Ratings (scale of 0-5, with 0 = no damage, 5= severe). Height was recorded in centimeters.

The prices listed on each fact sheet are from Appendix B. To calculate a rough gross income potential for each herb, theestimated yield is taken times the lowest and the highest retail price, divided by two. This is a rough estimation of wholesaleprice. Actual prices should be determined if one enters into a contract, and small on-farm plots can be used to determine yield,before investing money in large scale herb production.

In our field trials, only organic production methods were used. None of the land was certified organic, but compost wasused as the fertility source, and weeds were controlled mechanically, by hand, or with the use of fabric and straw mulches.Insects and diseases were not controlled, to enable us to see if there was significant pest pressure on these species in Kansas.Higher prices are often offered for herbs that are grown organically, and in the future, non-organic herbs may be difficult to sellto a health-conscious consumer. For these, and other reasons, our test plots used only organic methods. In the greenhouse,standard seed starting peat mix, pots, and greenhouse conditions were used. However, compost was added to the transplant soilmix, fish emulsion used for fertility, and biological predators and soap were used for pest control.

The medicinal benefits section of each fact sheet is not intended to be a guide for use, but to help growers understandmore about what consumers might want the herb for, and to give a general idea of the usefulness, and potential market for theherb. It may be confusing in some places to find that a single species could have many, and varied uses. At first this seemssomewhat contradictory...how can an herb be used for the liver, and also for a head cold, for example? However, as clinicaltrials catch up to folklore, researchers find a lot of cross-reactivity, that is, plants that were used by Native Americans for snakebite also have activity in anti-cancer screening trials.



MF-2605: Beebalm/Monarda

(also called bergamot, horsemint, Oswego tea)

Monarda spp.

Several Monarda species are native to North America. They are in the mint family, and have a square stem, and pleasant fragrance. Allhave been used medicinally historically, but only M. fistulosa is currently found in the retail herb trade. This Monarda is native to much ofN. America, from the Great Plains and eastward. It is 2-3 feet tall, with pink/lavender flowers. M. didyma can have reddish flowers, andmany cultivated varieties of M. didyma are found in garden catalogs. It is native to wetter areas of the eastern N. America. M. punctata isa biennial or short lived perennial, found on drier soils in the eastern half of N. America. It has yellowish, purple-dotted flowers in tieredwhorls. M. bradburiana, common name“White Horsemint,” has white/rose flowers with prominent purple dots, and is found on rockywooded hills in the Great Plains and midwestern states. Only two of the species, M. fistulosa, and M. didyma, were compared in our fieldtrials.

Family: Mint family

Life cycle: herbaceous perennial (Zones 4-9)

Native: North America.

Height: 2-4 feet.

Sun: Prefers full sun, will tolerate partial shade.

Soil: M. fistulosa likes dry, well-drained soil, and M. punctata prefers loose, sandy, drier soil, while M. didyma prefers rich soil and fairmoisture. Note: our field trials included M. fistulosa and M. didyma, but not M. punctata, though it is also grown as a medicinal herb.

Water: M. fistulosa appears to handle drought well, but M. didyma does not.

Flowers: Red, lavender, pinkish lavender, yellow, or pink- and purple spotted flowers bloom early to late summer in most regions.Depends on the species and bio-type.

Propagation: Can grow from seeds, cuttings, or root divisions. Monarda seed does not require any cold treatment. Cover seeds 2 timestheir thickness. Will take about 9 days to germinate.

Pests: Significant pest pressure was not identified in the field, but M. didyma declined rapidly under field conditions. It is possible thatsome of this was due to disease, but also simply that this species is not well adapted to the hot, dry conditions of this part of the GreatPlains.

Harvesting: Harvest aerial parts at any time during the growing season.



Parts used: Above ground aerial parts, fresh or dried.

Used as: Can be used as a culinary substitute for Greek Oregano. An oil derived from Bergamot adds the distinctive flavor to “Earl Grey”tea. Most commonly prepared as an infusion (tea).

Medicinal Benefits: The Herbal PDR lists M. punctata and M. didyma, but not M. fistulosa, which is the Monarda species most used bythe Native Americans, and probably the best one to grow in the Great Plains. M. punctata contains volatile oils, and has a carminative,stimulant, and emmenagogic effects. Folk uses for digestive disorders, flatulence, and to regulate menstruation. M. didyma also containsvolatile oils, and also flavonoids and anthocyans, and is used for the same things as M. punctata, and is also used for PMS. The essentialoil may also be used as part of the treatment for chronic bronchitis. The Lakotas drank a tea from the flower clusters of M. fistulosa as aremedy for fevers and colds. A tea from the leaves was also used for whooping cough, and also considered good for people who hadfainted. Boiled leaves, wrapped in a soft cloth and placed on sore eyes overnight were used to relieve pain.

Market Potential: Low to moderate, but increasing. Current retail price ranges from $9.79 to $23.61 per lb dw for tops.

KSU Field Trial Data - 2000-2002.


MONARDAFISTULOSA

1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 3 2 2 Tested in Wichita and Olathe for 3years.

Survival (%) 77.7 66.5 89.0 77.7 Clumps were spreading by year 3,and so individual plants wereprobably over-counted in thesurvival estimates.

Vigor (rating) 3.1 4.2 4.5 3.9 Above average ratings in years 2and 3.

Height (cm) 41.7 1025 110.5 84.9DW Herb (g/plant) 36.4 56.2 70.3 Yield per plant continues to go up,

even as plant numbers also go up,as clumps increase in size.

DW Root (g/plant) 10.9 22.8 37.9Maturity (rating) 2.3 5.0 5.3 4.2 Plants were past full flower when

harvested in the fall. Optimalbiomass and quality wouldprobably be in June or July.

Insect (rating) 0.3 1.2 0.4 0.6Disease (rating) 0.1 2.2 0.4 0.9

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 21,780 1’ x 2’ plant spacing assumedPlant density x survival. 16,923 14,484 19,384kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

616 814 1363

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

1357 1793 3002

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $6649 $8786 $14,710Yld x ½ of “high” price $16,026 $21,175 $35,454

MONARDA DIDYMA



Summary of field trial data: Only two species were tested in field trials, primarily due to the availability of seed. The “wild” type ofBergamot - M. fistulosa, did well at both test sites, and over the three years increased in plant number as the clumps spread, and alsoincreased in weight per plant. Insect and disease ratings were low, and the vigor ratings, especially after the first year, were above average;4.2 and 4.5 for the 2nd and 3rd years respectively. This appears to be a crop well adapted to the Great Plains. The yield estimate of 3000 lbdw per acre may be a little bit high, as this assumes cutting off the plant at ground level, and a marketable crop may be limited to moreleaves, and fewer stems. However, this is a crop that appears to have potential, as long as a market is obtained.

On the other hand, M. didyma, which is native to eastern North America, and often cultivated in flower gardens, did not appear to be welladapted to field conditions. Vigor ratings were 2.5 and 1.3 in years one and two, and the plants had basically died by the end of year three.This species was only tested at one site, Wichita, which is a sandy soil, but had some irrigation. Another problem with M. didyma is thatthough local herbalists recommend it over M. fistulosa for certain uses, there appears to be no market price listed in any of the retail sourceschecked so far. In fact, M. Fistulosa was only listed by two companies, so Bergamot does not to be a widely used herb at this point. M.bradburiana and M. punctata were not tested in our field trials, and would probably be considered wild flowers, so seed would need to beobtained from the wild, or from wildflower catalogs. These two species also did not show up on any retail herb price lists.

(var. “Panorama RedShades”


Location/Years 1 1 1 Only planted in Wichita, in sametest plots with M. fistulosa in 2000.

Survival (%) 53.0 13.0 6.0 24.0 Stand declined each year.Vigor (rating) 2.5 1.3 -- 1.9 Rated below average.Height (cm) 20.0 48.0 -- 34.0DW Herb (g/plant) 1.9 3.4 -- Very small plants.DW Root (g/plant) 1.9 34.6 --Maturity (rating) 1.2 5.0 6.0 4.1 The few plants that were left in

year 3 had already senesced, and sowe didn’ t rate insects or diseasethat year.

Insect (rating) 0.5 1.4 -- 1.0Disease (rating) 0.4 1.3 -- 0.9



MF 2606: Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

The blue vervain, or Verbena hastata, is the most popular Verbena in the market place today, but its European cousin, V officinalis, knownsimply as ‘vervain,’ also has medicinal properties and is used widely. If you are collecting seed locally for your blue vervain planting, geta positive identification on the plant, since it also has several wild relatives in the Great Plains, including hoary vervain (V. stricta), narrow-leaved (V. simplex), pink (V. pumila), nettle-leaved (V. urticifolia), fanleaf (V. plicata), etc...The Dakota name for blue vervain translatesas the word “medicine,” and the Omaha and Ponca nmae translates as “herb medicine.”

Family: Verbenaceae

Life cycle: Perennial; herbaceous (Zones 3-7)

Native: North America, including Great Plains region. Found in prairies and meadows, low open woodlands, stream banks, springs,seepage areas and roadsides.

Height: 3 to 5 feet

Sun: Sun, partial shade

Soil: Prefers well drained soil high in organic matter

Water: Moderate

Flowers: Flowers are blue to purple spikes that stretch from spike base to the tip bloom from mid to late summer.

Seeds: Stratify seeds for 2 weeks then sow indoors. Germination in 14-21 days. Transplant the flowers by mid to late spring, spacing 12inches apart.

Pests: In some locations/years, this plant appears to be riddled with insect damage, and the leaves were quite discolored from this, andfrom possible foliar diseases. During this past growing season, insect and disease damage were both quite low. More research needs to bedone on the effect of seed source, weather, and timing on these factors.

Harvesting: Harvest the aerial parts while the plant is in bloom.

Parts used: Flowering aerial parts, fresh or dried.

Used as: Infusion, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, lozenge, ointment, salve, cream, balm, foot soak, bath herb,



honey.

Medicinal Benefits: The European vervain (V. officinalis) is listed in the PDR, and mentions a variety of folk uses ranging from relief forsore throat, coughs, asthma, whooping cough, treatment for nervous disorders, digestive disorders, and to promote lactation. It is not to betaken during pregnancy, as it is a uterine stimulant. The Peterson Field Guide (Foster and Duke) also list these effects, and then suggestthat the European vervain is said to be milder than the blue vervain, or North American type. They also mention that animal studies havedemonstrated the anti-inflammatory, cough-suppressing and milk-stimulating activity of V. officinalis. Blue vervain, or V. hastata wasused by Native Americans for colds, coughs, fevers, bowel complaints, dysentery, and stomach cramps. The root was considered moreactive than the leaves.

Market Potential: Moderate. Prices range from $4.50 - $22.25. Certified organic blue vervain should bring a higher price in the marketthan wild-harvested.


Summary of field trial data: This species was planted at two locations in 2001; Wichita and Olathe, and did relatively well at both ofthem, with an average survival rate of 92%, and vigor rating of 4.6 on a 5 point scale. The above ground biomass, which would be themarketable yield, was estimated at over 3000 lb/acre dw. Insect and disease pressure, as noted above, was relatively high that year though,with a 2.4 insect rating, largely due to heavy insect feeding by an undetermined pest, or by generalist leaf eaters (like grasshoppers). In thesecond year of the trial, plants only were evaluated at Wichita, with a 2nd year survival rating of only 49%. Above ground biomass yieldswere also down, possibly because of the extremely hot weather in 2002. Evaluations are continuing in 2003 in old, and in new plots, as wethink that this species has some potential as a crop in Kansas. New biotypes need to be examined, and some of the related species ofvervain should be tested for biological activity and medicinal components. At this point, we can cautiously recommend this as a cash crop,especially based on the first year data, but more screening is needed.

MF-2607: Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

The name“Boneset” come from the fact that the leaves of this herb were once used to treat “break-bone (or dengue) fever.” Boneset was acommon home remedy of both Native Americans and early settlers in the 1800’s, and was widely used for flue epidemics in N. Americaand Europe. Though little research has been conducted on this plant recently, compounds in the plant have been shown to stimulate theimmune system. A European cousin of this plant, E. cannabinum, also appears to stimulate the immune system. However, both alsocontain potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and so are only to be used with caution.

VERVAIN1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 2 1 0Survival (%) 92.0 43.0 -- 67.5Vigor (rating) 4.6 4.3 -- 4.4Height (cm) 60.5 98.0 -- 79.3DW Herb (g/plant) 81.3 48.8 --DW Root (g/plant) 25.6 58.5Maturity (rating) 4.8 5.1 -- 5.0Insect (rating) 2.4 1.8 -- 2.1Disease (rating) 1.0 1.9 -- 1.5

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 -- Assume 1’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 20,038 9365kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1629 457

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

3588 1007

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $8073 $2266Yld x ½ of “high” price $39,934 $11,208



Family: Composite/Asteraceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial (Zones 3-9)

Native: Can be found wild on wet sites from Nova Scotia to Florida, and throughout the eastern ½ of North America.

Height: 2-5 feet.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Prefers a rich, moist soil.

Water: Natural habitat is on wet sites, and plant prefers regular, deep watering. However, Boneset also appears to withstand Kansas heatand drought fairly well.

Flowers: White to pale purple flowers, in flat clusters, July-Oct.

Propagation: Easily propagated from seeds or cuttings. Take cuttings before the plant has flowered. Seeds will germinate withoutstratification, but will germinate better with stratification. Germination time is typically 2-3 weeks, with up to 80-90% germination. Olderplants can be divided and replanted in the spring. Recommend planting on 18 to 24 inch centers, with row spacing of 24 to 30 inches, aseach plant will form a clump.

Pests: No major pests mentioned in the literature or observed in the field.

Harvesting: Harvest above ground portion when flowers are starting in early or mid-summer. Dry quickly, or it will start to decompose.A second, fall harvest may be possible.

Parts used: Aerial parts.

Used as: tea, tincture, homeopathic remedy

Medicinal Benefits: The herb acts as an antiphlogistic, a diaphoretic, and a bitter, in addition to stimulating the immune system.

Market Potential: Low to medium. This was a once popular herb for colds and flu. Most is wild-crafted now, but buyers may prefer tobuy from a known, organic source. Warnings of liver toxicity may limit its popularity or wide-spread use. Current retail prices range from$10.36 - $23.15 per lb dw.


BONESET



Summary of field trial data: This is an attractive plant, that held up well under drought/dryland conditions, though its preferred habitat isrich, moist soil. On a small scale, this plant could be added to a flower bed border, and on a larger scale, since the above ground portion isharvested, this has potential for mechanized harvest. However, demand is projected to be small, so this isn’ t a cash crop that everyoneshould jump into all at once.

The vigor rating was fairly high on this species, averaging 3.7 on a 5 point scale, and insect and disease ratings were fairly low, with theexception of the year 3 insect rating of 4.5. Note also that the maturity rating that year was a 5.9, on a 6 point scale, where 6.0 is a dead, orsenesced plant, so the insect feeding on nearly dead plants is not surprising. The yield of the tops in year 3 is also very low, due toharvesting after the plant had peaked. If we had harvested in mid-summer, we may have obtained yields similar to year 2 plants.Interestingly, the harvest in year 3 was actually slightly earlier than in year 2 (Aug. 26 and Sept. 5 for Wichita and Olathe, respectively inyear 3, vs. Sept, 14 and Sept. 21 in year 2). This indicates that the plants flowered and/or declined faster in year 3, possibly due to thematurity of the plants, or the exceptionally hot, dry conditions present in year 3 (summer of 2002).


Location/Years 3 2 2Survival (%) 88.7 77.5 69.5 78.6Vigor (rating) 3.1 4.8 3.3 3.7Height (cm) 37.3 95.5 94.0 75.6DW Herb (g/plant) 21.0 310.7 30.8 The low 3rd year yield as compared

to the 2nd year is because the plantshad begun to senesce prior toharvest (see maturity index of 5.9vs. 4.9), even though fall harvestwas at about the time, in early/midSept.

DW Root (g/plant) 12.0 230.9 62.5Maturity (rating) 2.3 4.9 5.9 4.4Insect (rating) 1.1 1.2 4.5 2.3 The high insect rating in year 3

was also due to the late stage ofgrowth, and feeding byopportunistic insects.

Disease (rating) 0.4 2.2 * 1.3

Est. planting density 10,890 10,890 10,890 Assume 2’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 9659 8440 7569kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

203 2622 233

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

447 5776 513

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $2315 $29,920 $2657Yld x ½ of “high” price $5176 $66,886 $5941



MF-2608: Borage

Borago officinalis

Bees enjoy the prolific flowers of this green but prickly plant. Young leaves taste like cucumbers. Celtic warriers drank borage-flavoredwine to give them courage. Modern research has shown that the plant stimulates the adrenal glands, encouraging the production ofadrenaline. The pretty blue flowers have been added to salads since Elizabethan times to “make the mind glad.”

Family: Boraginaceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous annual

Native: Mediterranean region/Europe

Height: 3 feet.


Soil: Any soil. Well drained, moist is best.

Water: Moderate. Does not tolerate drought.

Flowers: Blue to pink star shaped flowers that bloom all summer long.

Propagation: Sow indoors or plant seed directly outdoors in late spring. Seed is easy to start and needs no special treatment. Cover seedand space seed 15 inches apart. Will reseed itself very readily. Seed does not mature all at once.

Harvesting: Leaves, stem, flowers and seed are harvested when plant is in flower with seed beginning to form. Bee hives are needed forpollination if this crop is grown for seed.

Parts used: Leaves and flowers used fresh or dried. Due to high water content, some recommend drying at a higher temperature than mostherbs (40 C). Seeds are harvested for their oil content.

Used as: Infusion, tincture, juice, syrup, lotion, crystallized, elixir, lozenge, capsules.

Food uses: Use young leaves as a boiled pot herb, finely shredded in spring salads, fresh or candied flowers.

Medicinal Benefits: Borage oil used as an astringent and as a sequestering agent. The oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (17-25%) and



linoleic acid. The tannins in Borage leaves have an astringent effect and the mucins a sequestering effect. In folk medicine, used forcoughs and throat illnesses an as a bronchial treatment, and anti-inflammatory for kidney and bladder disorders, and as anstringent to treatrheumatism. Warning: like comfrey, borage leaves contain potentially liver-toxic and carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Risk mayoutweigh benefits for internal use.

Market Potential: Moderate. Prices range from $4.70 to $30.42 per lb dw for leaves. No wholesale or retail price found for seeds.


Summary of Field Trial Data: This plant appears to have good vigor at most locations in Kansas, but leaves are easily damaged bywind, insects, and disease. Early summer harvest would be recommended for optimizing quality. Irrigation would be required in dry areasof the state. Seed yield was not estimated in this trial. Market potential is not high, with new warnings related to liver toxicity of this herb.

BORAGE


Location/Years 5 1 0 Borage is an annual crop. 2nd yrwere measurements of a volunteercrop.

Survival (%) 53.5 * * 53.5 Better survival could probably beobtained if one was more attentiveto irrigation needs early in theseason.

Vigor (rating) 3.7 4.5 * 4.1Height (cm) 53.4 * * 53.4DW Herb (g/plant) 180.0 98.3 * 139.5DW Root (g/plant) 7.2 5.8 * 6.5Maturity (rating) 4.8 4.0 * 4.4Insect (rating) 2.3 0.5 * 1.4 Significant leaf damage is

observed late in the season due toinsects and disease.

Disease (rating) 2.1 2.0 * 2.1 Early summer harvest could avoidmost of this damage.

Est. planting density 27,787Plant density x survival. 14,915kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

2685

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

5913

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $13,896Yld x ½ of “high” price $89,937



MF-2609: Burdock

Arctium lappa

The name comes from the Greek arktos, or bear, suggesting rough-coated fruits, and lappa, to seize. Burdock, also known as gobo, is amain (root) vegetable in Asian cooking and also used as a medicinal herb. Burdock is common along streams in the shade. It is alsocommon in waste grounds with alkaline soil. The wild relative is Arctium minus.

Family: Compositae

Life cycle: Herbaceous biennial (Zone 3)

Native: Eurasia; introduced to N. America and elsewhere.

Height: 2-9 feet

Sun: Full sun, partial shade, shade.

Soil: Loamy soil is preferred, neutral to alkaline pH.

Water: Moderate water is preferred. Likes damp places.

Flowers: Late in the summer of the second year. Flowers are green immature burs with a pink center. As the seed matures the pods turn atan/ brown color.

Propagation: Stratified seed will have a 80-90% germination rate; unstratified seed will be less. Germinates in 1-2 weeks. Seed can besown directly in the field in the spring, or they can be started indoors planted 1/8” deep, and transplanted out in the late spring. Seedlingsgrow very rapidly. Space plants 18 inches apart and water moderately. Burdock will reseed itself readily so spreading will occur.

Pests: No significant pests (insects or diseases) noted. Some general leaf feeding noted in field plots.

Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall of the first year growth or in the spring of the second year. Burdock has a very deep longtaproot that require a needle nose spade or a garden fork to dig. The seed pods should be harvested in the fall of the second year.

Parts used: Roots, leaves, and seed, either fresh or dried.

Used as: Medicinal food, decoction, tincture, syrup, compress, poultice, elixir, ointment, salve, cream, balm, foot soak, bath herb, infusedoil, tea (cancer treatment - seed).



Medicinal Benefits: In vitro, burdock shows mild anti-microbial activity. Folk uses include ailments of the gastrointestinal tract and forblood purifying. Externally used for many skin and scalp problems, sores and infections. In China, seeds are used for common colds andcough..

Market Potential: Moderate to high for root and seed. Moderate to low for leaves. (?) In addition to medicinal market, fresh root maybe sold as a vegetable (check local market for prices). Prices found include leaf (only 1 site) for $10.05, root for $3.60-33.60, and seed(only 3 sites) for $26.13-95.34 (all prices per DW lb).


Summary of Field Trial Data: This is a vigorous, hardy plant in Kansas, whose only limitation may be harvesting technique and securinga market for the products. Plots were transplanted in our research trials, but the seed is large enough that direct seeding should be possible.

MF-2610: Calendula

Calendula officinalis

BURDOCK1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 6 2 0Survival (%) 77.3 59.3 * 68.3Vigor (rating) 4.1 4.8 * 4.4Height (cm) 54.5 104.0 * 79.3DW Herb (g/plant) 123.8 175.7 * Leaves loose condition in 2nd yr.DW Root (g/plant) 60.8 102.0 * Usually sold in fall of 1st yr.Estimated Seed Yield(g/plant)

8.8 (Est. as 5% of top biomass)

Maturity (rating) 1.0 5.4 * Note: this is a biennial (2 yr) crop.Insect (rating) 1.7 0.5 * 1.1Disease (rating) 0.2 0.5 * 0.4

Est. planting density 19,360 19,360 If planted 1.5’ x 1.5 ‘ spacingPlant density x survival. 14,965 11,480kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1852

kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

910

kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - seeds)

101

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

4081

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

2004

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre seeds)

223

Yld x ½ of price - tops $20,526

Yld x ½ of “ low” price -roots

$3607

Yld x ½ of “high” price -roots

$33,667

Yld x ½ of “ low” price -seeds

$2913

Yld x ½ of “high” price -seeds

$10,630



Calendula is also known as pot marigold, but is not related to the common garden marigold, Tagetes spp.. Historically, calendula blossomshave been used to color broth, rice, and other foods as a substitute for saffron, but now is primarily used topically as skin cream, oil, orlotion.

Family: Asteraceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous annual. (Zone 3-9?)

Native: Europe to Africa

Height: 12-15 inches

Sun: Full sun. Tolerates hot conditions.

Soil: Well drained to poor, not overly moist. Prefers loam.

Water: Moderate

Flowers: Flowers are bright yellow and orange, single or double , and bloom from early summer until a killing frost. Flowers close up atnight and reopen in the morning. Calendula will bloom from summer to early fall if deadheaded in a timely manner. Flowers attractbeneficial insects.

Propagation: Sow seed directly in the field, they need no treatment. Seed can also be started indoors and transplanted out. Seed willgerminate in about 1-2 weeks and will have around 80% germination. Space 10-12 inches apart. Reseeds itself readily.

Pests: Calendula will attract whitefly, aphids, and thrips. Another source also reported cucumber beetles and blister beetles. Damping offcan be a problem in the greenhouse.

Harvesting: Harvest flowers by hand when they are fully open. Avoid flowers that have gone to seed because medicinal properties are notas active. If plants are allowed to go to seed they will quit growing. If harvesting for essential oil, (process?) 3 weeks after harvesting forflowers. One source reported that flowers need to be picked at least 3 times per week for optimal quality. It is estimated that one acre ofcalendula could keep a crew of 3 to 4 people busy every day for 3 or 4 months, with dry flower yields of 400 to 600 lb per acre. Flowerpetals dry quickly, but the rest of the head requires at least a week in the drying oven.

Parts used: Flowers primarily, fresh or dried.

Used as: Medicinal food, food coloring, infusion, tincture, compress, poultice, ointment, salve, cream, balm, foot soak, bath herb, infusedoil, liniment, cosmetics, insect repellent. Petals have a nutty flavor.

Medicinal Benefits: Several clinical studies have been conducted on calendula, and show antimicrobial activity against several organisms,antiviral activity, and wound healing promotion in skin tissue. Calendula was also shown to induce the formation of new blood vessels,also important in wound healing. Approved in Europe for inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, and wounds and burns. Typical formsare as gel, ointment, tincture, tea, shampoo, and hand cream.



Market Potential: Moderate to high, preferred in dry form. Prices range from $4.80 to $39.00 per lb dw for flowers.


Summary of Field Trial Data: Though the plants were in full flower most of the years when we harvested in the fall, to get the full yielddata, one must conduct repeated harvests, at least weekly, if not more often. This was beyond the capabilities of this project. A roughestimate might be 25% of the top dry weight as flowers over the growing season. For optimal quality, and repeated harvests, this crop mustbe harvested by hand, but mechanization might be possible for a one-time harvest. This would imply some specialization in this crop,and/or other flowering crops, in order to pay for the infrastructure/equipment needed. A definite contract and/or market should be securedbefore taking on this debt. In our field plots, the calendula was surprisingly robust, even in our hot, dry, windy summers. However, someirrigation is needed for optimal yields. This makes a nice plant for the flower garden.

MF-2612: Chinese Milkvetch/Huang qi

Astragalus membranaceus

This plant is widely (and apparently safely) used in Chinese medicine, but is related to many species from N. America, including Missourimilkvetch (A. missouriensis) and woolly loco (A. mollissimus), which are known to have poisonous effects on livestock.

Family: Fabceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial, zone 5-11

CALENDULA


Location/Years 7 0 0 Calendula is an annual crop.Survival (%) 84.7 84.7Vigor (rating) 3.7 3.7 Did not do as well on non-irrigated

sites.Height (cm) 45.0 45.0DW Herb (g/plant) 73.0 73.0DW Root (g/plant) 7.5 7.5Maturity (rating) 4.6 4.6Insect (rating) 1.8 1.8 Damage from thrips and whiteflys

noticed, especially with high resinvarieties.

Disease (rating) 1.1 1.1 Some leaf spotting, probablyrelated to the thrips damage.

Est. planting density 43,560Plant density x survival. 36,895kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

673 Rough assumption of 25% of topdry weight becomes flowers.

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

1483

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $3559Yld x ½ of “high” price $28,919



Native: Northeastern China.

Height: 3 to 4 feet, will sprawl as it matures.

Sun: Partial shade to full sun

Soil: Well worked, sandy, dry to moist soil.

Water: Moderate, will not do well in poorly drained soil.

Flowers: Pale yellow, blooms from midsummer until frost.

Propagation: Stratify seed for at least 3 weeks before sowing, then scarify and soak in warm water for 1 hour before planting seed. Sowdirectly in field or start indoors and transplant out after last frost date. Susceptible to transplant shock. Plant 15 inches apart and watermoderately.

Harvesting: The roots are harvested in the fall after at least 2 years growth. Harvest between the third and fifth year depending on yourlocation and how fast the plants grow. Dig roots using a needle-nose spade or a garden fork to extract all of the root. Appears to be a taproot with branches. Could be partially mechanized.

Parts used: Roots, fresh or dried.

Used as: Medicinal food, tonic, decoction, traditional tincture, syrup, elixir, lozenge, honey and powder.

Medicinal Benefits: Immune system stimulant; also an antioxidant, with demonstrated antiviral activity, cardiovascular effects, andimmuno-modulating effects.

Market potential: High, used in many Western and Chinese herbal formulations. Profits and volume up. Prices range from $7.50/lb to$56.00/lb. Often sold as ground dried root, or root slices.




Summary of Field Trial Data: This is a pleasant looking, if sprawling leguminous plant, that could work in the back row of a perennialflower bed, as well as a field crop. Though we had high hopes for this crop, the root yields in year 3 are not large. Potential demand is stillhigh however, as this is a very widely used herb with many properties. Digging and drying the root can be a lot of work, but mechanizationmay be possible. The plant does not appear to have many insect or disease pests, but appears to like a well-drained soil, and needs a bit ofcoddling during the first couple of months after transplanting, as it grows slowly the first year. It may not work as a direct seeded crop, dueto the stratification and scarification required to get good seed germination. This is a fairly competitive crop, once it gets established, butthe percent survival in the second and third years was below 50%, so once might want to start out with a higher planting density initially.Some of the nativeAstragalus species in the Great Plains may also have potential as medicinal plants, but medical research has notaddressed this question yet.

CHINESEMILKVETCH


Location/Years 4 3 2Survival (%) 64.3 41.7 42.5 49.5Vigor (rating) 2.9 4.3 4.5 3.9Height (cm) 34.0 73.0 115.0 74.2DW Herb (g/plant) 4.8 95.4 195.0DW Root (g/plant) 1.7 26.1 32.3Maturity (rating) 0.7 2.2 4.4 4.2Insect (rating) 0.5 0.5 1.2 0.7Disease (rating) 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.4

Est. planting density 27,878 27,878 27,878Plant density xsurvival.

17,926 11,625 11,848

kg/acre DW (g/plant x# of plants - roots)

31 303 383

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

67 668 843

Yld x ½ of “ low” price- roots

$251 $2505 $3161

Yld x ½ of “high”price - roots

$1876 $18,704 $23,604



MF-2613: Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion is a relatively recent addition to the medicinal repertoire, and wasn’ t mentioned in Chinese herbals until the 7th century, or inEurope until 1486. The name dandelion was apparently invented by a 15th-century surgeon, who compared the shape of the leaves to alion’s tooth, or dens leonis. Dandelion is considered weed in most yards and gardens but we should rethink the dandelion dilemma. Theyare high in nutrition and minerals, as well as having medicinal qualities. The Colorado cities of Aspen and Carbondale have declared itillegal to spray herbicides to eradicate dandelions. They are suggesting that people eat the health-giving plants instead.

Family: Asteraceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial. Zone 3-9.

Native: Europe and Asia, but it is now one of the few plants that can truly claim pan-global dissemination.

Height: 8-24 inches


Soil: Any soil. Responds to fertility.

Water: Low to moderate. Will respond to increased water, and lack of competition from other plants.

Flowers: Bright yellow flowers bloom continuously throughout the season but primarily in the early spring, and again in the fall. Flowersattract bees. Likes cool temperatures.

Propagation: Easy to grow from seed. No treatment needed, but stratification of 1 week will raise the germination rate to 90%. Sowdirectly in the field or start seed indoors and then transplant out in mid-late spring. Plant ¼” deep, four days to germination. Space 10-12inches apart. Reseeding will be vigorous. Seed only maintains viability for one year or less.

Pests: No major insect or disease pests observed in the field, but human intervention is always a possibility. Numerous herbicides havebeen developed to take dandelions out of lawns, and even helpful neighbors may think you have a “weed” growing in your garden, and takeit out.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves any time, and roots in the fall or early spring. One source recommends leaf harvest in the spring of thesecond year, and roots in the fall of the second year. Can dig with a needle nose spade or other mechanical digging device. In the homegarden, harvest leaves by hand at any time for fresh salads or tea. Some people develop skin sensitivity to the white, milky sap, but one ofthe folk uses of dandelion was to apply the sap to warts.

Parts used: Whole plant fresh or dried. Leaves and roots also used separately. Dandelion wine is made from the fresh blossoms, with the



green calyx removed. The medicinal herb market focus is on the leaf and root of the plant, and there doesn’ t appear to be any medicalliterature about the flowers or wine.

Used as: Infusion, decoction, elixir, extract, infused oil, honey, tincture, and medicinal food.

Medicinal benefits: Whole body tonic. Benefits the liver, urinary tract, and the skin. Approved for use in Europe for dyspepticcomplaints, infections of the urinary tract, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. Folk use included for disturbance in bileflow, inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract, gout, rheumatic disorders, eczema and other skin disorders. The high potassium, vit. A,and vit. C content of the leaves makes this a valuable food.

Market Potential: High. Prices range from $4.10-$21.60 for leaf, and $4.10-$30.85 for root, per lb dw. However, local markets can alsobe tapped, and I’ve seen the greens sold for $5.00 per lb fresh weight in a grocery store in eastern Kansas, and they came from California!!


Summary of field trial data: Though literature values of up to 3,000 lb/acre dw (tops or leaves?) have been reported, our values werefar below that, at 400-600 lb/acre leaves, and around 700 lb/acre roots (dw). A yield of 3000 lb/A should be achievable however, since at aplanting density of 29,000 per acre, plants would only need to weigh 47 g. This species was tested at 5 sites for one year, and is in itssecond year of testing at 2 sites. We found a lot of site-to-site variability in the plant, mainly due to access to moisture; for example dripirrigated plants at Colby yielded 35 g/plant in year 1 as compared to 5 g/plant at Olathe, a dryland site. We also observed rabbit feeding atsome locations, and were not able to quantify losses due to rabbits. Our fairly low survival rate is probably not accurate, as many times ourenthusiastic volunteer help did not realize that the dandelion was a crop in this experiment, and not a weed.

You may be wondering, as you read this, why plant dandelions at all, when they are in the lawn already? The main reason is that when

DANDELION1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 5 2 0Survival (%) 65.0 38.5 -- 51.8Vigor (rating) 3.7 3.6 -- 3.7Height (cm) 22.2 20.5 -- 21.4DW Herb (g/plant) 15.1 18.7 -- Range of 5-35 g/plant in yr 1, and

9-28 g/plant in yr 2.DW Root (g/plant) 17.9 31.5 -- Range of 11-23g/plant in yr 1, and

16-46 g/plant in yr 2.Maturity (rating) 1.8 1.0 -- 1.4Insect (rating) 0.3 1.5 -- 0.9Disease (rating) 0.6 0.3 -- 0.4

Est. planting density 29,040 29,040 Assume 1’ x 1.5’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 18,876 11,180kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

285 209

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

628 461

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $1287 $945Yld x ½ of “high” price $6782 $4979kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

338 352

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

744 776




dandelions are planted at 12” or more spacing, weeded, watered, and fertilized, they can get as big as basketballs. This cuts down onharvesting costs, which are a big input in the medicinal herb business. It would take about 100 or more dandelions from my lawn to weighas much as one of the dandelions from our best field plots. Yes, seed will be produced on these plants, but it is only viable for one year,and aren’ t there plenty of other sources of dandelion seed in your neighborhood already? You could also harvest the blossoms prior toseeding for a batch of dandelion wine, and then give some to the neighbors to help appease their dand-de-phobia.



MF-2614: Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

With a name like feverfew, you would expect this herb to have something to do with colds, the flu, or some other contagious ailment.Instead, the name is a corruption of the word “ feather few,” referring to the plant’s fine petals. Historically, this plant was used for variousuterine disorders, or applied externally to ease headaches. It has been only recently that laboratory research and clinical trials have shownthe usefulness of this plant as a prophylactic, or preventative treatment for migraine headaches.

Family: Composite

Life cycle: Tender herbaceous perennial. Zone 4-7.

Native: Europe, Balkan Peninsula, escaped from cultivation in N. and S. America. Widely grown as a garden ornamental and in herbgardens. Highly varied in looks and chemistry.

Height: 1-3 ft.


Soil: Any soil, but prefers a rich loam, dry location. Adaptable to a wide variety of soil, grows in wild meadows, roadsides, mountains androcky soils.

Water: Moderate.

Flowers: Daisy like white flowers with a yellow center. Blooms in midsummer and continues until fall.

Propagation: Stratify seed at least 1 week before sowing. Plant either indoors and transplant out later, or plant directly in the field inmidspring. Seed needs light to germinate. Germination will occur within 2 weeks, and about 70 percent germination rate. Can alsopropagate through cuttings and root divisions. Space 12 inches apart in the row. Feverfew reseeds readily.

Pests: Trials in Iowa identified several pests, including aphids, aster yellow disease, fusarium crown and root rot, and septoria leaf spot. Inour trials in Kansas, we observed very few insect or disease problems, with the exception of an occasional plant that could be infected withaster yellows, and poor overwintering ability of the plants in general.

Harvesting: Harvest aerial parts or flowers only, usually the to 6-8 inches of the plant. More research has been done on the leaf tissue sosome prefer to use the leaf.

Parts used: Leaves and flowering aerial parts, fresh or dried.



Used as: Tincture, infusion (tea), powder in capsules, syrup, medicinal food (fresh leaf).

Medicinal benefits: This plant has been widely studied for its use in treating migraine headaches. Research has shown that sesquiterpenelactones, especially parthenolide, are the active compounds in feverview. Parthenolide, although a key determinant of biological activity,and often used to standardize, or test batches of feverfew, is not the only pharmacologically active constituent. Feverfew extracts havebeen shown to inhibit human blood aggregation and serotonin secretion by platelets. An undetermined substance in a chloroform extractwas capable of producing selective, open-channel block of voltage-dependent potassium channels in cells, which resulted in an anti-spasmodic effect. Several double-blind, placebo controlled studies have determined that both dried, chopped, and dried feverfew capsuleswere effective in preventing migraine headaches, and/or lessoning their severity if the feverfew was taken prrophylactically. Feverfew wasnot effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, though it has been used that way in folk medicine. It is also used as a shash for inflammationand wounds, tranquilizer and antiseptic following tooth extraction as a mouthwash. Some individuals report skin sensitivity, or allergicdermatitis, to feverfew, especially with frequent exposure.

Market Potential: Moderate to high. Prices range from $6.75 - $40.00/lb dw for herb with flowers. Other growers are getting into thismarket, and the University of N. Carolina is doing research on this herb as a cash/transition crop for former tobacco growers in their state.


Summary of field trial data: Feverfew appears to be well adapted to Kansas conditions during its first year of growth, with a survivalrate of 90% for transplants, a vigor rating of 3.7, and gross yield of tops of over 3000 lb per acre dw. However, winter survival wasextremely poor, averaging only about 1%. The plant readily self seeds however, and in some cases we measured the volunteer plants in thesecond and even third yea (data not shown), but these plants were invariably smaller than the original parent plants, scattered in the plot(would be difficult to mechanically weed), and though acceptable, and even desirable in a home garden setting, these volunteers wouldprobably not make a viable cash crop for a field herb grower. We aren’ t sure why this plant does not overwinter here, but we got this resultat several locations over several years, so we are fairly confidant that it wasn’ t just a fluke, or particularly bad winter. One problem inKansas, that states north of us don’ t experience, is relatively warm spells in January and February, that can trick plants into breakingdormancy, and then suffering from frost and/or wind desiccation damage later. This is possibly what is going on with feverfew. Our finalrecommendation for this plant as a crop is that it may be a viable cash crop, if a niche market can be obtained, and if it is treated like anannual crop, rather than a perennial. In the home garden, this is a beautiful and tangy/aromatic addition to a flower bed, as well as to theherb garden.

FEVERFEW1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 8 4 0Survival (%) 90.0 1.0 --Vigor (rating) 3.7 3.6 -- 3.7Height (cm) 41.0 50.3 -- 45.7DW Herb (g/plant) 55.7 49.3 --DW Root (g/plant) 16.0 13.7 --Maturity (rating) 4.6 4.6 -- 4.6Insect (rating) 0.4 0.3 -- 0.4Disease (rating) 0.6 0.3 -- 0.5

Est. planting density 29,040 29,040 Assume 12” x 18” spacing.Plant density x survival. 26,136 290kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1456 14

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

3207 32

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $10,840 $108Yld x ½ of “high” price $64,140 $640



MF-2611: Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

The common name refers to the habit of the plant to open its flowers only in the evening, and the light yellow color of the flowers is similarto, but should not be confused with the European primrose, Primlua spp. The Lakota called the plant “ “ rattle weed,” and the Potawatominame was “yellow top.” The plant forms a rosette and tall flowering stalk, and also should not be confused with other plants with thecommon name“primrose.” The medicinal product from this plant this is most common currently is the oil derived from the seed, which isa good source of gamma-linolenic acid, but historically the leaves and roots were also used by Native Americans.

Family: Evening Primrose/Oenagracea

Life cycle: herbaceous biennial (Zones 3-8)

Native: Great Plains and eastern North America. Naturalized throughout most of Europe and parts of Asia.

Height: 2-6 feet.

Sun: Full sun optimal, will tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Does best on well drained soil, but will tolerate some wet soils. Can be grown with low fertility, but will do better with somecompost and/or mulch.

Water: Has low to moderate water requirement.

Flowers: Bright yellow flowers, 4 petaled, that bloom at dusk each day and fade by midmorning the following day. Begins blooming inmidsummer of the second year of growth usually, but we have observed a few that will bloom in late summer of the first year.

Propagation: Seeds should be stratified for 3 to 4 weeks to improve germination, then sow directly outdoors, or in seedling flats fortransplants. Seed is extremely small, so controlling the seeding rate would be difficult outdoors. Seed can also be saved from your ownplants, and this plant will reseed. Space plants at least 12 inches in the row, with 2 to 3 feet between rows.

Pests: No major pests insect or disease pests were observed in our field trials, though the plants appeared to lack winter hardiness, and/orsuccumb to root diseases in the second year.

Harvesting: The flowering tops are clipped when in the early flowering stage. Seed is harvested at full maturity.

Parts used: Seed and/or above ground herb.

Used as: Oil extracted from seed, herb used as infusion (tea), tincture, syrup.



Medicinal Benefits: The gamma-linolenic acid in the oil has anti-inflammatory and cell membrane stabilizer activity in the body. It hasbeen postulated that the oil may be beneficial to neural development in breast-fed infants. Capsules of Evening Primrose oil have beenapproved for use in Germany in the treatment of atopic eczema. Approved in Britain for treatment of atopic eczema, premenstrualsyndrome, and prostatitis. One precaution listed in the PDR is that the oil has the potential to lower the seizure threshold in patients withseizure disorders or those being treated with drugs that lower the seizure threshold. Native Americans used root tea for obesity, bowelpains, poulticed root for piles, bruises, and was rubbed on muscles to give athletes strength.

Market Potential: Unknown. The seed is extracted for oil, but we don’ t know if there is a market for U.S. grown seed. Seed products, butnot raw seed was found in the herb catalog sources. There appears to be a small market for the above ground portion of primrose, withprices ranging from $7.50 to $34.96 per lb dw.


Summary of field trial data: This plant appeared to have few insect or disease pests in its first year of growth, and scored 4.2 vigorrating on a scale of 1-5, and so appeared to be well adapted to Kansas conditions. A few plants bloomed the first year, which would haveproduced a seed crop. However, no plants survived in the field at our 3 field test sites to the second year, and a few plants in ademonstration garden survived, but some of those appeared to suffer from a root disease. We don’ t know if our seed source lacked winterhardiness, or if root disease will be problematic for Kansas growers in general. We did not harvest the crop for seed the first year, and so atthis time, we can’ t really recommend it as a crop for Kansas. In future trials, we should see if enough seed is produced in the first year tomake this a commercially viable crop. There appears to be a small market for the above ground portion of primrose, though littleinformation on medicinal use of the herb was found in the literature.

EVENING PRIMROSE1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 3 0 0Survival (%) 74.7 0.0 --Vigor (rating) 4.2 -- -- 4.2Height (cm) 47.3 -- -- 47.3DW Herb (g/plant) 147.5 -- --DW Root (g/plant) 11.5 -- --Maturity (rating) 2.6 -- -- 2.6Insect (rating) 0.7 -- -- 0.7Disease (rating) 0.7 -- -- 0.7

Est. planting density 14.520 Assumed 1’x 3’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 10,846kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1560

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

3524




MF-2636: Heal All/Self-Heal

Prunella vulgaris

Also called Woundwort, Heal-All, and Carpenter’ s Herb. Widely regarded as European wound herb, widely used to stop bleeding. As theflower spikes resemble the throat, the herb was also used to treat inflammations of the mouth and throat. In Chinese medicine, the flowerspikes are regarded as being very specific for the liver and gallbladder, cooling an over-heated liver condition, call “gan hao, or “ liver fire,”from which the phrase “gung-ho” is thought to be derived. In western herbalism, leaves and young shoots applied to fresh wounds to stopbleeding and as first aid for clean cuts.

Family: Mint Family

Life cycle: perennial; herbaceous (Zones 4-9)

Native: Indigenous to Europe and Asia, and practically all temperate regions of the world. Naturalized in parts of N. America as anEurasian alien.

Height: 6 - 18”

Sun: This is a common woodland and forest plant, also found in mountain meadows. Will do well in partial shade, will tolerate full sun.

Soil: Prefers a humus soil.

Water: Moderate water requirement. Will survive, but not thrive, under dryland conditions in Kansas.

Flowers: Vary in color from pinks and purples to while, bloom in the early and midsummer. Attractive perennial flower that acts as awell-behaved ground cover in the garden; will bloom for nearly 2 months.

Propagation: Stratify seed for at least 1 month before sowing, start indoors and watch for germination within 3 weeks. Transplantoutdoors in mid to late spring, plant 10 to 12’ apart in rows or beds.

Pests: Few observed or reported.

Harvesting: Harvest the aerial parts of self-heal while it is in flower. This may have to be hand harvested with snips or scissors, as theplant is very low growing. May also have to rinse dust from the leaves after harvesting, as the plants can get quite dirty from rain splash

Parts used: The medicinal part is the whole flowering plant.

Used as: Primarily used as a crude drug, extract, and as a gargle solution, and as a tea. Can also be made into tincture, syrup, compress,poultice, elixir, ointment, slave, balm, etc.



Medicinal Benefits: Un-proven uses include for inflammatory diseases and ulcers in the mouth and throat, gastrointestinal catarrh, and asa remedy for diarrhea, hemorrhage and gynecological disorders. Recent research suggests the plant possesses antibiotic, hypotensive, andanti-mutagenic qualities. Contains the anti-tumor and diuretic compound ursolic acid. Also rich in natural antioxidant compounds,containing more rosmarinic acid than Rosemary.

Market Potential: Moderate. Seek companies that make topical preparations and flower essences. Only two sources listed prices of thenine websites checked; prices range from $20.35 - $56.80 per lb dw for herb.


Summary of field trial data: This plant had very good survival from transplants in replicated plots at three locations in Kansas (Olathe,Wichita, and Hays). First year yield of the above ground portion was not bad (estimated at close to 1 ton), considering the hot, dryconditions of 2002, the first summer it was planted at these sites. The 2003 data is still being evaluated, but it looks as though the plant hadmoderate/fair survival as a perennial species. It also had a vigor rating of 3.6, or above average, which is a little bit surprising since this istraditionally more of a woodland herb, but was grown under field conditions with full sun. When harvested in its prime, this plant appearsto have few insect or disease pests, but when harvested in the fall, past its prime blooming time, the plants’ leaves appear to be prone toattack by various pests. The potential for this crop in Kansas will depend on whether there is a market for the herb that justifies handharvesting (and washing) this low growing, but leafy crop.

SELF-HEAL1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 3 0 0Survival (%) 85.0 -- -- 85.0Vigor (rating) 3.6 -- -- 3.6Height (cm) 18.3 -- -- 18.3DW Herb (g/plant) 36.4 -- --DW Root (g/plant) 12.2 -- --Maturity (rating) 4.7 -- -- 4.7Insect (rating) 0.6 -- -- 0.6Disease (rating) 1.2 -- -- 1.2

Est. planting density 29,040 Assume 1’ x 1.5’ spacingPlant density x survival. 24,684kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

898

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

1979




MF-2615: Joe Pye Weed

Eupatorium purpureum

Named after a New England medicine man who used it induce sweating in typhus fever. Another common name is “Gravelroot,” becausea common folk use is as a diuretic, and for clearing urinary stones.

Family: Composite/Asteraceae


Native: Found in thickets throughout the eastern ½ of North America.

Height: 3-12 feet.


Soil: Prefers moist soil.

Water: Natural habitat is on wet sites, and plant prefers regular, deep watering. However, Joe Pye also appears to withstand Kansas heatand drought fairly well.

Flowers: Pale pink-purple flowers, in a some-what rounded cluster, July-Sept.

Propagation: Propagated from seeds or cuttings. Germination time is typically 2-3 weeks (???), with up to 80-90% germination (???)[Jeanie...any more info here? Couldn’ t find it in the books]. Older plants can be divided and replanted in the spring. Recommend plantingon at least 24 inch centers, as the plant will form large clumps.

Pests: No major pests mentioned in the literature or observed in the field.

Harvesting: The root is the primary part of the plant sold today, though historically the whole plant was used. Harvest root in the fallwith spade or mechanically. The somewhat fibrous root system will be most dense right under the plant, and so it isn’ t too hard to get mostof it with one shovel-full. Harvest above ground portion when flowers are starting in early or mid-summer. Dry quickly, as it is asucculent plant, and it may start to decompose.

Parts used: Roots, primarily.

Used as: tea, tincture, decoction.



Medicinal Benefits: Not currently listed in the PDR, but folk uses include as diuretic, for urinary tract and kidney stones, prostateproblems, menstrual pain, and to ease childbirth.

Market Potential: Low to medium. Probably most of the herb on the market is wild crafted. This crop appears to have a large biomassproduction potential, so it wouldn’ t take much to saturate the market, unless the market grows significantly. Current retail prices rangefrom $9.50 - $28.00 per lb dw for the root.


Summary of field trial data: Though Joe Pye Weed was only tested on one site (Wichita) as a second and third year crop, it showspromise as a crop for Kansas. We have data from two sites as a first year crop, and it seems to do well on both sandy and silt loam soils. Itappears to do best when water is plentiful (i.e. rain or irrigation), but can take some drought. The plant can get very tall, and form largeclumps, so don’ t plant adjacent to smaller plants or crops that would be crowded out. The flowers are very nice, and this would do well asa background plant, or up against a fence in a backyard flower garden.

JOE PYE WEED1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 2 1 1Survival (%) 89.0 75.0 91.0 85.0 The higher % survival in year 3 as

compared to year 2 probablyrepresents clumps that aremultiplying, and getting double-counted.

Vigor (rating) 3.8 5.0 5.0 4.6 This was one of the highest vigorratings of the herbs tested.

Height (cm) 45.0 133.0 147.0 108.3 This plant can get quite tall, evenunder only semi-irrigatedconditions.

DW Herb (g/plant) 41.0 347.4 216.0 Lower above ground dry weight inyear 3 is probably due to acombination of the plant beingmore mature, and the hot, dryweather in 2002.

DW Root (g/plant) 14.9 252.9 264.5 Root biomass only increasedslightly from year 2 to year 3.

Maturity (rating) 3.5 5.0 5.4 4.6Insect (rating) 0.7 1.5 1.4 1.2 Only moderate insect feeding was

noted.Disease (rating) 1.5 1.8 0.0 1.1

Est. planting density 10,890 10,890 10,890 Assume 2’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 9692 8168 9910kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

144 2066 2621

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

318 4550 5773

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $1511 $21,613 $27,422Yld x ½ of “high” price $4452 $63,700 $80,822



MF-2616: Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis

The earliest use of Licorice was recorded in 2100 B.C.,and Glycyrrhiza is a Greek word meaning “sweet root.” In Chinese traditionalmedicine, licorice is the most used herb after Ginseng. The compound, glycyrrhizin, is responsible for the sweet flavor of licorice roots.The herb has uses ranging from as a cough suppressant to an anti-inflammatory for ulcers. It also stimulates the adrenal glands, and inChinese medicine is often used to “balance” other herbs in a prescription. People at risk for high blood pressure should not use licorice,however. Most “ licorice” candy is now flavored with anise, not G. glabra, though the herb is still used to flavor tobacco products.

Family: Pea/Legume

Life cycle: Perennial (Zone 6-11 for G. glabra, 4-11 for G. uralensis?)

Native: G. glabra is native to SW Asia and the Mediterranean region, cultivated in Europe since at least the 16th century, while G.uralensis is native to central Asia, China and Japan. A third species, G. lepidota, is native to North America, found mostly in the GreatPlains and west.

Height: 2-5 feet


Soil: Well drained soil, seems to prefer a pH of 6.5 to 8.

Water: Moderate

Flowers: Flowers bloom in mid-late summer, lavender and white flowers. However, we rarely observed G. glabra or G. uralensisblooming in our field plots here in Kansas.

Propagation: Seed must be stratified for several weeks, and must be scarified and soaked for 2 hours in warm water before sowing.Treated seed will germinate at a rate of about 80 percent compared to untreated seed at 20 percent germination rate. Germination takesabout 2 weeks. Direct planting in the field can be done but the germination rate is about 20 percent. Space 2 feet apart, plant will spread.Possible to plant from rhizome cuttings also. This plant will re-sprout from harvested roots/rhizomes, so don’ t plant it in a spot unless youare prepared to have it there more or less forever.

Harvesting: Harvest roots in the 2nd or 3rd year using a needle nose spade or other digging tool. Harvest in the spring or fall. The plantwill form a sturdy taproot, several branch roots, and also send out runners up to 8 meters (26 feet) long.

Parts used: Rhizome/root, fresh or dried.

Used as: Decoction, tincture, syrup elixir, lozenge, medicinal food, fluid extract, tonic wine.



Medicinal benefits: In Europe, G. glabra is approved for use by physicians for cough/bronchitis, and gastritus. In laboratory studies,licorice has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, and is protective against gastric ulcers. It also has anti-viral and anti-fungal effects,but can increase the retention of water, and induce high blood pressure. Common folk uses include winter tonic for immune, digestivetract, respiratory tract, and adrenal gland support. Native Americans have used G. lepidota root tea to reduce fevers in children, and apoultice of the leaves to treat earaches. Some would also chew the root to keep the mouth moist, and to strengthen the throat for singing.

Market potential: High. Buyers need good organic sources for this herb. Much of the G. glabra is now imported from Europe and the G.uralensis is imported from Asia. Domestic, organic sources should be popular. G. glabra root sells for $3.35 - $25.60/lb dw, and G.uralensis sells for $18.20 - $46.40/lb dw.


GLYCYRRHIZAGLABRA


Location/Years 5 3 2Survival (%) 85.2 171.7 126.0 127.6 Survival numbers higher than

100% indicate that the plant wasspreading via rhizomes.

Vigor (rating) 3.6 3.9 3.7 3.7Height (cm) 38.4 54.7 75.5 56.2DW Herb (g/plant) 12.1 46.0 49.9DW Root (g/plant) 8.7 53.2 50.8 These roots appear to be less

affected by the drought in 2002than the G. uralensis (see nexttable)

Maturity (rating) 1.0 1.3 1.0 1.1 Observed blooms in late summerof 2001 only.

Insect (rating) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5Disease (rating) 0.1 1.5 0.6 0.7

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacingPlant density x survival. -- 21,780 27,443 Assumed 100% survival in 2nd yr,

then 126% in 2nd year.kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

-- 1159 1394

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

-- 2552 3071 Root biomass of 5000 lb/A hasbeen estimated by Tim Blakely.This might be possible if a largerareas was harvested. For datapurposes, we only harvested theroot and rhizome attached to oneplant, without extracting all therhizomes that had spread.

Yld x ½ of “ low” price -- $4287 $5159Yld x ½ of “high” price -- $32,666 $39,309

GLYCYRRHIZAURALENSIS


Location/Years 2 2 2Survival (%) 72.5 69.0 158.0 98.8Vigor (rating) 3.5 4.0 3.8 3.8Height (cm) 30.5 53.0 60.0 47.8DW Herb (g/plant) 6.8 64.0 28.2DW Root (g/plant) 4.6 41.8 20.5 Yields probably lower in 3rd year



Summary of field trial data: Neither species seemed to be affected by insects or disease pressure, and at the time of harvest, early fall,both were primarily in the vegetative stage (see maturity rating of 1.0 to 1.1, or vegetative). If the plants had flowered at all, there didn’ tappear to be any seed set or flowers left by late Aug./early Sept. Both plants spread prolifically, G. glabra by the 2nd year (“survival”rating of 171%!) and by the 3rd year, the survival rating of G. uralensis was 158%. These numbers were obtained by taking the number ofplants observed at the time of data collection divided by the number of plants transplanted in year one, minus those harvested for data theyear before. We also observed many licorice plants of both species in neighboring rows of plots, not simply a few inches or a foot away,but commonly 3 to 6 or more feet away from the original planting. Both species appear to be winter hardy in Kansas, though one referenceclaimed that G. glabra was only hardy to zone 9. Most of Kansas is in zones 5 and 6.

The main difficulty in growing and harvesting licorice might be in successfully and easily digging and washing roots and rhizomes. Bothcan be dug and sold, though the tap root can be pretty firmly rooted, and difficult to get out of the ground. Some of the rhizomes are easyto pull up by hand, as they will run for several feet, just a few inches above the ground. This makes harvest largely a hand-labor task, andwe aren’ t sure whether the economics justify the hand harvesting. As another side note, the G. glabra that we have grown so far does nothave a particularly sweet root, especially as compared to G. uralensis, and is even a bit bitter tasting, so one might want to check thebiotype, or find a superior biotype before planting a whole field to this crop. Also, once you plant, it will probably be there forever. Thisadvice would go for flower gardens too. However, it isn’ t like mint, that takes over absolutely everything. It will spread out its somewhatairy looking fronds throughout the bed every one to three feet, and be a pretty, if un-predictable crop in the flower garden.

We’ve begun trials with G. lepidota in the field, but don’ t have multiple years of data yet to report. So far, it also appears to be doing well,but we haven’ t found any retail prices for this herb, so specialized contracts may be required to sell it.

due to drought effect on crop, andalso difficulty in digging the rootfrom a very dry soil.

Maturity (rating) 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0Insect (rating) 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.7Disease (rating) 0.2 1.3 0.5 0.7

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacingPlant density x survival. -- 15,028 34,412kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

-- 628 705

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

-- 1384 1554 The dry weight harvest of thisspecies appears to be lower thanthat of G. glabra, even when takingthe higher plant density in year 3into account. Higher “high-end”prices could make up for the loweryields, if they are obtained in themarket.

Yld x ½ of “ low” price -- $12,594 $14,140Yld x ½ of “high” price -- $32,109 $36,053



MF-2617: Marsh Mallow

Althea officinalis

Its botanical name is from a Greek word, altho, meaning “ to heal.” Has been used since ancient Egyptian times. Many members of themallow family have similar properties, including domesticated garden hollyhocks and common mallows. Some believe (??) marsh-mellows were originally made from the root of this plant; cooked with sugar and whipped until they were fluffy.

Family: Malvaceae


Native: Originally indigenous to Asia, then spread to southeast Europe and east to China.

Height: 2-5 feet

Sun: Sun, partial sun, shade.

Soil: Prefers a moist, loamy soil. Naturalized in salt marshes along Mid-Atlantic States.

Water: Moderate to high

Flowers: Pale pink flowers bloom from the bottom of the stalk in mid-to-late summer.

Seed: Stratify seed for several weeks. Plant directly outside as soon as the soil is workable. Or sow inside then transplant outside in midto late spring. Germination of 70 to 80 percent of seeds planted. Takes 2 to 3 weeks for sprouting to occur. Will grow in clumps. Spaceabout 12-24 inches apart.

Pests: No significant pests to note.

Harvesting: The roots should be harvested in spring or fall. Roots are large and deep so use a garden fork or needle nose spade. Flowersand leaves can be hand picked at any time.

Parts used: Leaves, roots, and fresh or dried flowers

Used as: Decoction, infusion, tincture, syrup, elixir, lozenge, compress, poultice, medicinal food, ointment, salve, cream, balm, infused oil,powder.



Medicinal Benefits: Root (up to 30%) and leaves (up to 16%) high in mucilagin, responsible for demulcent or soothing effect to irritatedmucous membranes and skin. Marsh Mallow is a soothing herb for the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and throat. Often used for winterillnesses and to alleviate skin conditions. Approved in Europe for cough and bronchitis.

Market Potential: Moderate. Prices range from $5.00-$28.00/DW lb for root, and $3.90-$36.00 for tops, as retail bulk dried herb.


Summary of field trial data: This appears to be a well adapted plant to Kansas. It survived on both wet and dry site/years, but did bestunder well-watered conditions. Both top and root biomass was heavy in the second year. Obviously, if the plant is harvested for the rootmarket, tops could not be harvested the following year. Drying this much plant material could be a problem for large scale growers, andthe demand for this crop does not appear to be high at this time. Some insect feeding on leaves was noted, but there did not appear to besignificant yield loss to insects or disease.

MF-2618: Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum

Milk thistle is a spiny white veined plant with sharp spiny flowers and a purple center. This thistle looks quite different from the commonthistles we consider weeds in Kansas, is actually quite attractive in the flower garden, and the blooms attract butterflies. It is not found inthe wild in Kansas. The most feared thistle in Kansas, the musk thistle, is Carduus nutans, and another common thistle, the bull thistle, is

MARSHMALLOW1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 5 3 0 No 3rd year plants available yet.Survival (%) 94.8 94.7 * 94.8Vigor (rating) 4.3 4.9 * 4.6Height (cm) 80.6 121.3 * 101.0

DW Herb (g/plant) 193.8 470.9 * Plants were sig. larger in 2nd year.DW Root (g/plant) 99.9 497.5 *

Maturity (rating) 3.9 4.8 * 4.3 Flowering occurred earlier in 2nd yr.Insect (rating) 0.8 1.4 * 1.1 Some leaf feeding noted in late

season.Disease (rating) 0.6 0.4 * 0.5

Est. planting density 19,360 19,360 Plants/acre at 1.5 x 1.5 ft. spacing.Plant density xsurvival.

18,353 18,334

kg/acre DW (g/plant x# of plants - tops)

3557 8633


1833 9121

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

7835 19,016

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

4038 20,091

Yld x ½ of “ low” price- tops

$19,585 $47,540

Yld x ½ of “high”price - tops

$109,690 $266,224


$10,095 $50,228


$56,535 $281,274



Cirsium vulgare, arenot closely related to the milk thistle. Milk thistle is one of the top selling herbs world-wide. Used clinically inEurope for many years, it has only recently become known in the U.S. The seed is used as supportive treatment for many forms of chronicinflammatory liver disorders, varying from hepatitis to severe Amanita mushroom poisoning (in Germany).

Family: Asteraceae/Composite

Life cycle: Annual or biennial

Native: Mediterranean/Europe

Height: 2-6 feet

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Any soil, does well in rocky and dry soil.

Water: Low water requirement

Flowering: Flowers are very spiny with purple center and will bloom in mid summer if planted the fall before, and late summer if springplanted. (June-Sept.).

Seed: No treatment is needed and germination rates are very good. Seed can be planted directly into field in fall or very early spring, orstart seed inside and transplant out in late spring. Transplants are difficult to handle because of the spines. Transplants probably not worththe trouble as a cash crop, but would work for a garden setting. Reseeds itself readily, but hasn’ t become weedy in our plots, even afterseveral generations of “volunteer” plants.

Spacing: Plant 12 to 15 inches apart.

Harvesting: Seed should be harvested when it is brown for maximum medicinal quality. Using scissors cut off seed head and place intobasket, then remove seed from pods and hairs. Screen out debris. Can also be mechanically harvested with a wheat combine, but onewould want to clean out the combine well after this operation, or have a designated machine for milk thistle harvest.

Parts used: Seeds, fresh or dried.

Used as: Tincture, medicinal food, powder, infusion (tea) and capsules.

Food uses: Stalks can be boiled as a vegetable, young leaves used in salads, and the root is also eaten. Roasted seed can be used as acoffee substitute.

Medicinal benefits: Although there are some interesting flavonoids and steroids in the leaves of the plant, the main active ingredient inthis plant, silymarin, is found only in the seed case. Silimarin has been shown in laboratory studies to block toxins from entering liver cell



membranes, to detoxify liver cells, and even to promote regeneration of liver cells through increased ribosomal protein synthesis. Clinicalstudies have not always shown improvement in patients with severe liver damage, but a study of patients with subacute liver diseaseshowed positive results. Approved in Europe for treatment of upset stomach, liver, and gallbladder complaints. Used for toxic liverdamage, adjunctive treatment in chronic inflammatory liver disease and hepatic cirrhiosis. Unproven uses include as an antidote to death-cap mushroom poisoning.

Market Potential: Very High. This is becoming a very popular herb in the treatment of hepatitis and other liver ailments, and is one ofthe top selling herbs in the world. However, prices for the seed may not justify growing the crop and cleaning the seed, with a range of$3.20-$26.50/lb. Most of milk thistle seed now is imported from Europe and South America.


Summary of field trial data: The milk thistle appeared to be relatively healthy on our field trials, but we didn’ t grow it under optimalconditions. The ideal timing for this plant is to direct seed it in the fall or very early spring (February or March) in Kansas, it will flower inJune, and set seed in July. As a winter annual/biennial, it would be similar in timing to wheat, but doesn’ t appear to have a chillingrequirement to bloom, as wheat does. Our plants were greenhouse grown, and transplanted in May, so only had a month or two in the fieldbefore flowering and seed set. Our data at this point consists of top and root dry weight, and we are working on getting an estimate of seedweight as a ratio of the total top dry weight. For now, we don’ t have accurate yield data for the seed for this plant under Kansas conditions.

Estimates from the literature range from ¼ lb of seed per plant, when hand harvested, which would result in about 4000 lb of seed from acrop density of 21,780 and a survival rate of 75%. Another literature estimate was closer to 2000 lb of seed dw per acre for machineharvesting. The seed heads don’ t mature at all the same time, so hand harvested yields will be higher than those with a machine, whichwould be harvested all at once. With a yield of 2000 lb per acre (which would be similar to 33 bushel wheat), one would probably notmake money at the low end price of $1.60/lb (1/2 of lowest price in Appendix B), but could possibly make money if the price were closerto $13.25 (1/2 of the high end price). Other questions would have to be answered though, such as whether one has the right plantingwindow in February or March to get the seed in the ground, and the proper equipment to harvest the seed. From our observations in thefield, this plant self-seeds, but doesn’ t seem to become weedy, or spread from the immediate vicinity of seed drop. However, in someplaces this plant has become weedy, so one would want to be careful where they seeded it, and clean out any harvesting equipmentthoroughly before moving on to other crops.

MILK THISTLE1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 4 0 0Survival (%) 75.6 -- -- --Vigor (rating) 3.6 -- -- --Height (cm) 57.5 -- -- --DW Herb (g/plant) 144.7 -- --DW Root (g/plant) 32.0 -- --Maturity (rating) 4.7 -- -- --Insect (rating) 0.9 -- -- --Disease (rating) 0.7 -- -- --

Est. planting density 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 16,466kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - seeds)

???

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre seeds)

2000






MF-2619: Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Medieval Europeans dipped this plant in suet and used as a torch. The leaves make a mild flavored tea, which is soothing to the throatduring the winter cold season. Science has confirmed mild expectorant and antiviral activity of mullein. The plant also containsverbascoside, which has antiseptic, antitumor, antibacterial, and immunosuppressant activity. Boy Scouts and other avid camperssometimes know this plant as “ toilet paper plant,” because of its large, soft, furry leaves.

Family: Scrophulariaceae/Figwort

Life cycle: Biennial, Zones 3-9

Native: Europe, naturalized in N. America

Height: 1-8 feet.

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Well drained soil, but does better with moderate water. pH 6.5-7. Doesn’ t require much fertility.

Water: Low to moderate

Flowers: Flowering does not occur until the second year. The flowers are a spike or spikelike panicle with small yellow flowers along theupper portion of the stalk will bloom in mid- to late summer.

Propagation: Sow seed directly in the field or start indoors for better germination rate. Seed is very small so do not cover with soil.Germination occurs in about 2 weeks, at a rate of around 80 percent. Space 15 inches apart in the row, mullein takes up a lot of spacebecause of the size of the lower leaves.

Harvest: Leaves can be harvested by hand any time, preferably in the late spring or early summer when in bloom. For the largest crop,leaves would be harvested in the fall of the first year or the spring of the second year, as quality deteriorates after that. The lower leavesmay need to be discarded, as they may be covered with dust, and have more insect and wind damage than the middle and upper leaves.Theroots are harvested with a needle nose spade in the fall of the first year growth or in the spring of the second years growth. Flowers can beharvested individually or by cutting a stalk in heavy flower/bud stage. Lay on screens to dry in a shady location or in forced air oven.Make sure to dry leaves long enough, as we’ve had some mold in the bags after we thought they were dry.

Parts used: Flowers, leaves and roots. Fresh or dried. Most of the market seems to be for leaves. One source recommends growing V.olympicum for flower harvest, as they are easier to pick.

Used as: Tincture, infusion, syrup, ointment, salve, cream, balm, infused oil.



Medicinal benefits: Flowers and leaves are used for skin, ears, and the respiratory tract. The roots are used for the urinary tract.Approved for use in Europe for cough and bronchitis. The plant contains up to 3% mucilage, in addition to saponins, flavonoids, and otherbiologically active compounds. The mullein alleviates irritation and has an expectorant effect due to its mucin and saponin content. Theflowers are infused in olive oil over a period of weeks, which is then used traditonally for earache, eczema of the auditory anal, middle earinfection and inflammatory skin diseases.

Market potential: Moderate for leaves, to high for flowers. Prices range from $3.50 - $20.43 for leaves. No prices found for flowers orroots. Flowers are often sold fresh, not dried.


Summary of field trial data: Mullein does very well under Kansas growing conditions, and is seen growing in healthy stands nearroadsides, ditches, river banks, and other non-mowed areas. The growing condition mullein does not appear to like is too much mulch,especially if the mulch is applied over the top of the plant, or gets into the inner whorl, as we saw in one set of plots where we appliedwood chip mulch as weed control. Many of the whorls began to rot from the center, and the plants in general did not do well if there wastoo much water retention close to the base of the plant. The optimal time to harvest leaves seems to be in the fall of the first year. In thesecond year, the plant begins to put its energy into the flower stalk, and the leaves were much smaller. This would be a good crop to growin Kansas, as long as there is enough of a market for the leaves. The flowers would be very labor intensive to harvest, and might be goodfor a market to local herbalists, or for home use. This is a lovely plant for the home garden, and some seed sources seemed to growexceptionally large plants, with multiple flower stems, which would be very impressive in the backyard garden. We don’ t recommendharvesting this plant from wild stands along roadsides, as they may be contaminated with road dust, car fumes, and other environmentalpollutants.

MF- 2620: Narrow-Leaved/Pale Purple Coneflower

Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea angustifolia var. pallida

For years taxonomists have debated about whether these are two species or one. The morphology of the two species is quite different, withthe E. angustifolia appearing shorter, with shorter flower petals, and is found in the dryer regions of the Great Plains (western KS,Nebraska, Dakotas, etc.). E. pallida is much taller, with a generally larger root, long drooping petals, and tends to be found in the wetterregions of the Great Plains, including eastern, and particularly south-eastern KS. The chemical markers in the two species also provide

MULLEIN1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 6 1 --Survival (%) 81.7 8.3 --Vigor (rating) 4.2 5.0 --Height (cm) 47.0 90.0 --DW Herb (g/plant) 237.4 -- --DW Root (g/plant) 75.7 -- --Maturity (rating) 1.0 4.8 --Insect (rating) 1.1 0.5 -- 0.5Disease (rating) 0.5 0.5 -- 0.5

Est. planting density 14,520 -- -- Assume 1’ x 3’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 11,863kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

2816

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

6203




some distinguishing characteristics, with the E. angustifolia having more isobutylamide, the tongue-numbing component that is often usedto distinguish this root. However, other compounds in the plant appear to be responsible for the medicinal qualities, includingpolysaccharides. Currently, taxonomists have named E. pallida a sub-species of E. angustifolia (as written above), but these will beabbreviated in this fact sheet as if they were two species.

Family: Asteraceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial

Native: Great Plains, North America

Height: 2 feet for E. angustifolia, 2-4 feet for E. pallida.

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Any soil, can survive on poor soil.

Water: Low to moderate.

Flowering: Pink/purple flowers bloom from mid to late summer.

Propagation: Seed MUST be stratified between 1 and 3 months to germinate, or sow outdoors in the fall or winter for natural stratificationGermination is very erratic and can take several weeks. Germination rates will vary greatly, and are usually less than 50%.

E. angustifolia seed in particular has a light requirement to germinate, and should not be covered with soil.

Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall or spring of the 2nd or 3rd year. These are both taprooted species, are fairly easy to harvest, atleast the top 6 to 12 inches. However, it is difficult to get the entire root. In some cases, root remnants can resprout, so don’ t abandon thefield right away. Use needle nose spade to dig roots, or special “digging tool” that resembles a flattened crow-bar. A chisel plot or listercan also be used to loosen and expose roots, which are then picked up by hand and washed, either with a power sprayer or root washer.Occasionally the tops of these plants are marketed, but most of the market is for the roots or seed crop. If harvesting seed, keep otherspecies of Echinacea at least ½ mile away, to avoid cross pollination.

In Kansas, these species are often harvested in the wild. In years of high prices, this species can be overharvested. However, the species isalso in danger of becoming a rare plant from the use of broad-leaved herbicides used in pastures, and overgrazing. A sustainable harvesthas been estimated as about 5% of the adult plants, with the rest left to re-seed. Even better, don’ t harvest from the wild at all, but growthis crop as a cultivated species.

Parts used: Primarily the root, fresh or dried.

Used as: Infusion, decoction, tincture, syrup, compress, poultice, elixir, lozenge, ointment, salve, cream. Root can also be simply chewed,fresh or dry.



Medicinal benefits: Echinacea pallida has been approved for use by European physicians for use against fevers and colds. E. angustifoliais more in demand however, has been more extensively used historically, but ironically, much of the research done on Echinacea in Europeprior to 1988 was done on E. pallida, which had been mis-identified as E. angustifolia. All three species (E. angustifolia, E. pallida, and E.purpurea) are generally accepted as having immune system stimulating and wound-healing properties. Some of the more rare Echinaceaspecies (such as E. paradoxa, E. atrorubens, or E. tennesseensis) may also share these traits, but have not been researched yet.

Market potential: Moderate to very high. Root price is $20.00 - 99.99 per lb dw for E. angustifolia, and $14.00 - 22.47 per lb dw for E.pallida. Echinacea is one of the top selling herbs in the U.S., but the supply side of the market is becoming very competitive, with largeplayers entering the market.


ECHINACEAANGUSTIFOLIA


Location/Years 6 4 1Survival (%) 53.2 26.3 30.0 36.5 Apparently some root re-sprouting

between years 2 and 3.Vigor (rating) 2.0 2.2 1.8 2.0 A vigor rating of below 3 is below

average.Height (cm) 11.5 28.0 47.0 28.8DW Herb (g/plant) 6.6 19.7 33.4DW Root (g/plant) 3.3 7.8 23.0Maturity (rating) 1.1 4.2 5.5 3.6 The plants appeared to flower

earlier each year.Insect (rating) 1.2 1.3 0.8 1.1 Observed some misc. leaf feeding,

but no specific pests.Disease (rating) 0.5 1.7 1.3 1.1

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 1 ft between plants in row, rows 2ft apart.

Plant density x survival. 5728 6534kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

45 150

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

98 331

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $980 $3310 There is a huge price range outthere for E. angustifolia roots,which makes budgeting difficult.

Yld x ½ of “high” price $4900 $16,550

ECHINACEAANGUSTIFOLIA VAR.

PALLIDA1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 3 2 2Survival (%) 86.0 55.5 54.0 65.2Vigor (rating) 3.0 3.3 3.9 3.4Height (cm) 25.0 81.0 91.5 65.8DW Herb (g/plant) 9.4 62.3 128.4DW Root (g/plant) 5.3 35.1 59.9 Root weights similar to E.

purpurea in year 3, but easier toclean.

Maturity (rating) 1.1 5.0 5.5 3.9Insect (rating) 1.0 2.2 1.0 1.4Disease (rating) 0.1 1.7 1.7 1.2

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 1 ft between plants in row, rows 2ft apart.



Summary of Field Trial Data: Though the market sometimes pays a premium price for E. angustifolia, and there appear to be fewer buyersand less name recognition for E. pallida (only two of the 9 retailers in Appendix B. listed it), from our field data, we cannot recommendplanting, or at least transplanting E. angustifolia at this time. Survival was poor, at 53% the first year (as compared to 86% for E. pallida),and only 30% survival by year 3, as compared to 54% for E. pallida. Yields were also low, at 23 g/root dw in year three for E. angustifolia,as compared to 60 g/root dw for E. pallida, and 59 g/root dw for E. purpurea.

We have been told that E. angustifolia prefers high pH soils, and well drained, even stony sites. All of our sites have neutral to high pH,and all soils were reasonably well drained. Because it is taprooted, it could be one of those plants that suffers from transplant shock, andjust never fully recovers. In discussions with colleagues from western KS and from North Dakota, we are also getting the impression thatone of the reasons those areas report larger plants than the ones we dug from our plots is not just due to optimal pH and drainage, but alsocooler night temperatures on the high plains.

In two observations not included in these data sets, strips of plots were broadcast seeded at Olathe and Wichita at the experiment fields inJanuary of 2001. Preliminary data suggests that if seed germination is successful, and weeds are moderately under control, yields fromdirect seeding may equal, or even exceed yields from transplanted, weeded, and coddled plots. Farmer experience with direct seeding isthat germination can be successful, but controlling weeds is difficult to impossible, as this species does not compete well with weeds.Future research will address some of these questions, but for now, we recommend that growers only try E. angustifolia on a small scale,though E. pallida and E. purpurea show some promise, if the price can justify the harvest/labor costs.

Plant density x survival. 12,088 11,761kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

424 704

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

935 1552

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $6545 $10,864Yld x ½ of “high” price $10,509 $17,444



MF 2610: Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Oregano is used as both a culinary and a medicinal herb. O. vulgare, is generally known as Oregano, while its cousin, O. majorana, isusually called Sweet Marjoram, and the two are similar in scent. Greek Oregano, popular in many dishes, is a subspecies of commonOregano, O. vulgare hirtum. The dried leaves of oregano are commonly used in many folk remedies, which have not been tested forefficacy at this time. However, the essential oil is a powerful anti-microbial, and has even been tested and used at K-State to sterilize plantcell cultures in tissue-culture experiments. In these trials, oregano oil was as strong as the chlorine bleach. (citation?)

Family: ??

Life cycle: perennial; herbaceous/slightly woody (Zones 4-9)

Native: Oregano is native to the Mediterranean regions of the world. It enjoys a hot, but not too wet, climate. Is common throughoutAsia, Europe, and northern Africa, and cultivated in gardens in N. America.

Height: 6” - 24”

Sun: Full sun preferred, tolerates partial shade.

Soil: Well drained is ideal, does not require fertile soil, but will respond well to additions of compost or mulch.

Water: Low to moderate water requirement.

Flowers: Small lavender flowers, throughout the summer months. Plant tends to be more leafy prior to flowering, and again in the fall,after main flowering season.

Propagation: Stratify seeds for 1 week and then sow indoors, for germination near 70%. Seeds take 1 to 2 weeks to sprout. Transplantoutside once spring weather has settled. Can also propagate through stem/tip cuttings. Space 12” in the row. Plant will bush up, andspread slightly, but not rampant spreader like mints.

Pests: No major pests noted in field plots or in the literature about Oregano.

Harvesting: Clip above ground portion prior to full flower. Could be mechanized?

Parts used: Above ground portion, leaves, before or during flowering, and the oil obtained through steam distillation of above groundparts.

Used as: Leaves used as infusions (teas), gargles, and bath additives. Essential oil for external use only.



Medicinal Benefits: A strong medicinal food, recommended during winter illnesses and to support healthy digestive system function. Un-proven folk medicine includes use for respiratory disorders, coughs, inflammation of the bronchial mucous membranes, and as anexpectorant. In China, used for colds, fever, vomiting, dysentery, jaundice and malnutrition for children. Oil is strongly antiseptic for skinconcerns.

Market Potential: Medium, competitive? Prices range from $3.83 - 25.42 per lb dw for tops/herb.


Summary of field trial data: We only had this plant at one location (Wichita), and in fact, the plot was not even replicated, so the datapresented is observational based on 5 plants from this plot. However, we felt that it was worth including here, as the results were verypositive (more than 3 tons dw per acre estimated in the second year of growth), and the potential for growth of the market for this plant isthere. Traditionally, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)essential oil was the main antiseptic recommended for skin disorders, but recentresearch, including research at KSU shows that oregano oil is just as effective. For this market to be available to Kansas growers however,we would need to have access to a steam distillation plant, within driving distance of the oregano fields (1/2 day drive). There are smalldistillation units available for test batches, but no commercial units that I’m aware of at this time. The other positive attribute with oreganois that it is a culinary herb, so a grower may be able to sell to a local or regional market, though quantities may be limited, and competitionfrom international markets may undercut the price. Since this is an above ground herb, mechanization may be possible.

Observations in the field is that this is a vigorous plant under Kansas’ hot, windy conditions, with few pests or diseases. There was nomortality of the 5 plants in our observation plant, and the plants continued to spread into the 2nd (and now 3rd) year of growth.

OREGANO1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 1 1 0Survival (%) 100.0 100.0 -- 100.0Vigor (rating) 4.1 5.0 -- 4.6Height (cm) 44.0 61.0 -- 52.5DW Herb (g/plant) 47.8 134.0 --DW Root (g/plant) 29.9 46.0 --Maturity (rating) 1.8 5.0 -- 3.4Insect (rating) 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0Disease (rating) 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780Plant density x survival. 21,780 21,780kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1041 2919

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

2293 6428




MF-2623: Butterfly Milkweed/ Pleurisy Root

Asclepias tuberosa

This is a beautiful plant that is a standout on the prairie. It produces a bright orange flower and then gorgeous fruit pods in the latesummer. The common name, pleurisy root, comes from the use of this herb by both the Native Americans and Pioneers to treat lunginflammations, or pleurisy.

Family: Milkweed

Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial, zone 4-9.

Native: Great Plains of North America; frequently seen in the Flint Hills of Kansas, though the plant is now on the United Plant Savers at-risk list. This plant should not be wild harvested.

Height: 24 inches

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Well drained soil. Tolerates dry, sandy, and rocky soil.

Water: Low to moderate.

Flowers: Brightly colored orange flowers bloom in midsummer.

Propagation: Stratify seed for at least 1 month then sow indoors. In 2-3 weeks seedlings will appear at around 40-50% germination.Transplant out in mid-late spring. Sow directly in the field in late winter or early spring. Plant 12 inches apart. Grows in moundingclumps.

Harvesting: Harvest the root in the fall after the plant has gone to seed. Roots may be dug with a garden fork or needle nose spade.

Parts used: Roots, dried. Do not ingest any other part of this plant.

Used as: Tincture, elixir, syrup, found in some medicinal tea blends.

Medicinal benefits: Recommended for respiratory conditions, coughs, as an analgesic and to ease breathing. Also used as a diaphoreticand expectorant.



Market Potential: Low to moderate. Price range $8.50 to $46.40 for retail, bulk dried (cut and sifted) herb (see Appendix B.).

KSU Field Trial Data - 2000-2002. (Note: two bio-types were grown in the field - one more adapted to silt or sand soils, and one selectedby the seed company for sites with more clay. Both types have been averaged in this table, but performed slightly differently at ourdifferent sites. For detailed site information, see Appendix C.)

Summary of Field Trial Data: This plant germinates fairly well in the greenhouse, once the seed is stratified. However, plants seem tolack vigor when young, and are easily attacked by various greenhouse pests. Once in the field, the plants seem to need extra attention thefirst year to get started, as they are quite small. By the second year, plants that have survived become more vigorous. Insect and diseasepressure were not severe, but small, first-year plants seemed to host a large number of bright yellow aphids, which weakened the plant, butusually did not kill it.

This may be a good long-term crop for growers seeking some diversification, as the roots generally wouldn’ t be large enough to dig untilthe second or third year, or later. Prospects for sales are moderate, but the root is found in some commercial cold remedy tea formulas.Ironically, as a native plant to central Kansas and the Great Plains, one would expect exceptional vigor, but this plant only rated a slightlyabove average rating of “3.3” averaged over all years and sites.

BUTTERFLYMILKWEED


Location/Years 6 4 4Survival (%) 66.9 47.3 52.0 55.4 We aren’ t sure how to explain the

increase in % survival from year 2to year 3, except that some plantsapparently re-grew from the rootsafter harvested as data plants.

Vigor (rating) 3.1 3.4 3.5 3.3Height (cm) 28.4 49.5 60.5 46.1DW Herb (g/plant) 6.3 89.1 104.7DW Root (g/plant) 4.3 42.7 61.9Maturity (rating) 2.5 5.0 4.0 3.8 Plants were in full flower during

harvest in years 2 and 3.Insect (rating) 0.6 1.0 0.7 0.8 Aphids.Disease (rating) 0.2 1.7 1.0 1.0

Est. planting density 43,560 43,560 43,560 Assume 12” x 12” spacing.Plant density xsurvival.

29,142 20,604 22,651


125 800 1402

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

276 1938 3088


$1173 $8237 $13,125


$6403 $44,962 $71,642



MF-2624: Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower (E. purpurea) is the domesticated cousin of E. angustifolia and E. pallida. It is also native to N. America, but hails fromthe more humid regions of the southeast and Appalachia. Garden cultivars range from the intensely pink/purple ‘Blaze,’ (?) to a pure whiteflowered ‘White Swan.’ This plant is rare in the wild, and so should not be wild-crafted. So far, research shows that the garden varietieshave medicinal properties, along with their wild cousins, so this can actually be a dual purpose crop, as the flowers are also in demand inthe floral industry and local flower markets.

Family: Asteraceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial

Native: North America

Height: 3-4 feet.


Soil: Fairly rich soil.

Water: Moderate. Can tolerate some drought, but responds to irrigation.

Flowering: Pink/purple flowers bloom from mid to late summer.

Propagation: Sow seed directly in the field in spring, or sow seed indoors in very early spring and transplant out to the field in late spring.No seed treatment is required for this Echinacea. In a garden setting, the plants re-seed fairly prolifically, and daughter plants can betransplanted each year.

Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall or spring of the 2nd or 3rd year. Roots are fibrous and are fairly easy to harvest, but washing ismore difficult than with the tap-rooted species. Harvest the aerial parts, flowers and seed from the 2nd season on while in full flower. Useneedle nose spade to dig roots. Mechanization is possible using a chisel plow or lister to expose the root, then remove and clean roots byhand. A modified potato digger is also a possibility. Seed crops are possible, but the Echinaceas will hybridize over the distance of up to amile, so only grow one species if you are saving seed to sell. Harvest seed once the heads are partially dry, and thresh by hand ormechanically. If seed is difficult to get out, freeze and thaw one or more times to loosen the seed in the head.

Parts used: Tops, leaves, and roots, fresh or dried. The highest concentration of active ingredient is found in the roots and flower buds.

Used as: Primary forms are infusion (tea), tincture, juice, and capsules. Also found in many other products.



Medicinal benefits: Approved by physicians in Europe for common cold, cough/bronchitis, fevers and colds, infections of the urinary tract,inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, tendency to infection, and topically for wounds and burns. Several clinical trials havedemonstrated the efficacy of E. purpurea in activiating T-cells (immune system cells), and promoting wound healing. Historically used foreverything from saddle sores to snake-bite, and also to promote healing following the bite of the brown recluse spider.

Market potential: Moderate to very high. Prices for tops range from $14.00 - 54.40 per dw lb, and for roots $12.00 - 65.60 per dw lb.Echinacea is the top selling herb in the U.S.


Summary of Field Trial Data: In field trials, we found that the seeds were easy to germinate, and seedlings for transplant were easy togrow in the greenhouse. Fairly good success was obtained with transplanting, and survival by the end of the first growing season averagednearly 90%. However, this plant appears to be highly suceptible to the disease, ‘Aster Yellows,’ which is a mycoplasma-like organism.The disease is spread by a leaf-hopper, and there are no known organic controls for this pest. The disease apparently doesn’ t always killthe plant, but symptoms include light green color to leaves and stems, multiple seed-heads, distorted, stunted growth, short inter-node stemlength, and low vigor. By the end of the first growing season, some symptoms were visible, and by the end of the second growing season,90 to 100% of plants appeared to be infected (data not shown). Survival was reduced to less than 50%, and the vigor rating dropped fromover 3 in the first year, to less than 3 (below average) in years 2 and 3, largely because of the aster yellows disease. It is plausible that onecould still harvest some of the plant, especially the root for market, but we don’ t have data yet on whether efficacy is affected by thedisease, and whether it would be ethical to market roots known to have the disease. There wouldn’ t be an effect of the plant disease onhumans per se, just a reduction in the effectiveness of the medicinal qualities. Another possibility is to harvest the tops in year 1 formarket, knowing that the entire stand will be affected by the second year.

Unfortunately, we observed this disease at all locations, and have had grower reports from several parts of the state as well, so this is not anisolated outbreak. We also have heard that some parts of the country are not affected by aster yellows, as the leaf hopper pressure is not ashigh, so those growers would have the competitive advantage over Great Plains growers in that respect. Our thoughts on this crop at thispoint is that it is not commercially viable on a large scale as an organic crop in Kansas at this time, given the difficulties of controlling thedisease. However, if one were growing this crop small scale and/or for local markets, there is still some potential. Root weights per plantwere as high with E. purpurea as with E. pallida, though both E. pallida and E. angustifolia seem to be much less susceptible to asteryellows (see E. angustifolia and E. pallida fact sheets for details).

ECHINACEAPURPUREA


Location/Years 5 2 2Survival (%) 89.8 48.0 44.5 60.8Vigor (rating) 3.2 2.7 2.9 2.9Height (cm) 39.8 56.0 58.5 51.4DW Herb (g/plant) 41.7 88.4 95.3DW Root (g/plant) 6.0 26.1 59.3Maturity (rating) 3.2 4.9 4.9 4.3Insect (rating) 1.0 2.1 1.8 1.6Disease (rating) 0.9 4.6 3.8 3.1

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 21,780 1’ plant spacing, rows 2’ apart.Plant density x survival. 19,558 10,454 9692kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

816 924 924

kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

273 575

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

1796 2036 2036

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

601 1266

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $12,572 $14,252 $14,252 topsYld x ½ of “high” price $48,851 $55,379 $55,379 topsYld x ½ of “ low” price $3606 $7596 rootsYld x ½ of “high” price $19,713 $41,525 roots





MF-2625: Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

The word “ trifolium” refers to the three leaves on this, and other clovers. There is a high demand for good quality red clover blossoms, butthe price will also need to be high to pay for the labor intensive nature of harvesting this crop. Historically valued for its use in controllingcoughs, bronchitis, and skin problems, red clover is now known to contain phytoestrogens, which have several important properties.

Family: Fabaceae/Pea

Life Cycle: Herbaceous, short lived perennial, zone 3-9.

Native: Indigenous to Europe, central Asia, northern Africa and is naturalized in many other parts of the world.

Height: 12 to 24 inches

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Any soil. Will fix it’s own nitrogen, but will require some fertility; phosphorus and potassium, to yield well.

Water: Moderate

Flowering: Flowers are large, pink blossoms that appear throughout the summer months, with a particularly large flush in mid-spring/earlysummer.

Propagation: Some say that seed germinates readily in the field (is probably scarified first), while others suggest that seed must bestratified for several weeks before sowing directly in the field. Germination takes 7-10 days with a germination rate of about 75%. Space12 inches apart in row. When grown as a forage crop, direct seed in early spring or fall, or broadcast seed into standing oats or wheat inearly to mid-March for a clover crop, after the grain is harvested. Since red clover is a common forage crop, the seed won’ t be expensive(as compared to many other herb crops).

Pests: Pests were not a problem in our field plots, except for rabbit and deer feeding. With only 5 red clover plants per plot, scattered hereand there, among other plants that are less delicious, we found that our four-legged friends liked to “eat dessert first.” In a larger, solidseeded field of red clover, this problem would probably not be noticed. One reference reported some powdery mildew on the leaves andflowers in the late summer and early fall. There is also a root weevil that is common in many parts of the country, that limits red clover’ sproductive stand life to about 2 to 3 years, so plan on rotating this crop.

Harvesting: Harvest the flowers carefully by hand in the early morning while the dew is still on the plant. Clover will bruise easily sohandle with care. Place the flowers on a screen in one layer and allow them to dry naturally. When fully dried they have a deep purplishred color. Store them in a glass jar or paper bags away from direct heat and light until they are ready to be used.



Parts used: Flowers, fresh or dried. Some use the dried herb, or leaves.

Used as: Infusion, tincture, syrup, elixir, lozenge, medicinal food, ointment, salve, cream, balm, honey.

Medicinal Benefits: Red clover is reported to have antispasmodic and expectorant effects, and also promotes the skin’s healing process,including use for athlete’s food, sores, burns, and ulcers. Traditional uses also include use for coughs, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Ithas also been used as an anti-cancer remedy. Science has not confirmed red clovers’ many traditional uses, but has identified manybiologically active compounds, including phytoestrogenic isoflavones, which activate estrogen receptors in mammals. Standardizedextracts of red clover are sometimes sold, which contain 8 times the amount of phytoestrogens consumed in the typical diet. These samephytoestrogens can cause physical problems with cattle fed late cut hay, and reduced fertility/conception rates in sheep that graze on redclover pasture. Red clover also contains volatile oils and cyanogenic glycosides. Though red clover leaves are sold by several herbcompanies, there is not much written about the medicinal value of the leaves, as compared to the flowers, which have been used andstudied more.

Market Potential: High for good-quality flowers. Flowers sell for between $5.70 - $47.03/lb dw, and the herb (leaves) for $8.00 -$52.80. Because the harvesting is so labor intensive, one might want to secure a market, probably local, to obtain a return for your timeinvestment.


Summary of field trial data: Red clover was grown under less than optimum conditions in our trials, and we didn’ t have the people-power (time) to harvest individual red clover blossoms for yield estimates. We grew all of the herbs in the greenhouse in the spring, andtransplanted them to the field, so that various species could be compared. Most growers would direct seed red clover. However, we did getsome interesting numbers. Survival ranged from 20% to 85% for first year transplants, and biomass differed tremendously by location,ranging from 4 to 150 g/plant dw in the first year. The differences can be partially explained by irrigation, but rabbit and deer feeding atsome locations were also a factor. Solid seeded, large stands of clover probably wouldn’ t have this problem, unless one was over-winteringa large herd of deer.

RED CLOVER1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 4 2 0Survival (%) 57.3 48.3 -- 52.8Vigor (rating) 3.5 3.5 -- 3.5Height (cm) 37.0 38.0 -- 37.5DW Herb (g/plant) 67.5 140.8 -- Flower yield estimate: 25% of 2nd

yr dry weight is flowers, or 35.2g/plant. See price calculationsbelow.

DW Root (g/plant) 9.9 38.6 --Maturity (rating) 3.8 5.2 -- 4.5Insect (rating) 0.6 0.4 -- 0.5Disease (rating) 0.5 0.2 -- 0.3

Est. planting density 43560 43560 -- Assume a solid seeded stand, withat least 1 plant per ft2 (1’ x 1’spacing).

Plant density x survival. 24,960 21,039 21,039kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1685 2962 741 (flowers)

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

3711 6525 1631 (flowers)

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $14,844 $26,100 $4648Yld x ½ of “high” price $97,970 $172,260 $38,361



If we make some assumptions, such as that about 25% of the dry weight of the above-ground plant in the second year could be flowerblossoms (especially if harvested over several weeks of repeated picking), then a yield of about 1600 lb dw of flowers per acre should bepossible. However, one is more likely to be labor limited than land limited with this crop. One reference estimated that an experienced,fast picker can pick 1 lb dw flowers per hour, while a more average value is ½ to ¾ lb per hour. A grower would certainly need a pricecloser to the $25 to $30 dollar range, than the $5 per lb, to make it worthwhile to grow and harvest.

Though prices were found for the herb (leaf), it isn’ t clear what their medicinal value is at this point. If you can find a buyer for leaf atthese prices, go for it. That’s one valuable bale of hay!!!



MF-2626: Round-headed Lespedeza/Bush-clover

Lespedeza capitata

The Pawnee name for this plant is “ rabbit foot,” while the Omaha and Ponca name is “male buffalo bellow plant,” as it blooms on hillsidesduring the bison rutting season. Use by Native Americans has been documented, but the herb is not widely used today. L. capitata isrelated to, but not to be confused with its aggressive and invasive cousin, Serecia Lespedeza. Another common cousin of this plant isgrown in Kansas as a forage crop; Korean Lespedeza, which is a low growing, drought hardy annual.

Family: Fabaceae/Bean Family


Native: Great Plains and eastern North America.

Height: 2-3 feet.

Sun: Full sun optimal.

Soil: Appears to prefer well drained, hillside soils of the Great Plains. At Olathe, did well on neutral pH, silt loam soil.

Water: Plants did well without irrigation at the Olathe site. However, would probably benefit from some water.

Flowers: Creamy white in crowded, bristly heads, July-Sept.

Propagation: Can start from seeds...(*Jeanie...any details here?)

Pests: Appears to be resistant to most insect pests, though leaf spotting noted one year, that may have been mildew, due to wet conditions?

Harvesting: Harvest above ground portions of the plant with clippers or mower?

Parts used: Above ground stems and leaves.

Used as: infusion (tea), moxa.

Medicinal Benefits: The round-head lespedeza was not generally used in Anglo medicine, and is not currently listed in the Herbal PDR.It was listed in 1901 in the “Preliminary List of Medicinal and Economic Kansas Plants” as a diuretic and emetic. However, it was used byNative Americans as an antidote for poison, and a beverage tea was made from the leaves that was thought to be beneficial to sick people.



The Omahas and Poncas used lespediza as a moxa for neuralgia or rheumatism. For this treatment they moistened one end of a short pieceof stem so that it would stick to the skin, then lit the other end and allowed it to burn down to the skin. Similar treatments are often used intraditional Chinese medicine with other plants. Experiments with lespedeza have found that extracts have antitumor activitiy againstWalker-256 carcinosarcoma, and it also reportedly lowers blood cholesterol levels. The plant contains sev eral biologically activecompounds, and is worthy of more research. Pharmaceutical preparations are manufactured in Europe from this plant.

Market Potential: Unclear at this time. Only one company of those surveyed listed a price or product, so it is not widely recognized orused at this time, at least commercially. The price for Lespedeza tops was $19.52/lb dw (Richters).


Summary of field trial data: Lespedeza is not a common herb in the commercial market, but we wanted to include it in our fieldscreening trials, since it is one of the plants native to the Great Plains region of N. America. We only tried this plant at one location,Olathe, so it should also be tested at other sites, if it is determined that there is in fact a market for this plant. At Olathe, the plant appearedhealthy (vigor rating average 3.8), though leaves were spotted with something like a mildew in year 2. Dry weight yields per plantappeared to level off in year 2, but the plants continued to propagate, and more stems were counted each year. Survival of transplants wasalso ok, at 73% for first year plants. Yields were a respectable ton in year two, and ton and a half in year 3, so this could almost beconsidered a forage crop? In the flower garden, Lespedeza capitata is a graceful plant on a long stem, with greenish-grey foliage, and whiteflowers inside a light-brown, ball-like cluster.

ROUND-HEADEDLESPEDEZA


Location/Years 1 1 1 Only evaluated at Olathe, sameplot, all 3 years.

Survival (%) 73.0 82.0 111.0 Plants apparently spread, either byseed, or rhizomes each year.

Vigor (rating) 3.5 4.5 3.5 3.8 Above average vigor rating,especially in year 2, in spite ofdisease symptoms.

Height (cm) 32.0 59.0 97.0 62.7DW Herb (g/plant) 6.0 61.2 58.1 Yields did not decline in year 3 as

much with this plant as with someothers that suffered from thedrought in 2002 at Olathe, whichhad no irrigation.

DW Root (g/plant) 6.7 26.7 29.2Maturity (rating) 3.6 5.0 5.0 4.5 Plants were in full flower/seed set

at the time of harvest.Insect (rating) 0.8 1.0 0.5 0.8Disease (rating) 0.0 3.0 0.5 1.2 Higher disease rating in year 2 than

other years. May have beenmildew or other leaf spottingdisease. 3rd year plants did notshow disease symptoms, and was amuch drier year.

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 15,899 17,860 24,176kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

95 1093 1405

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

210 2408 3094

Yld x ½ of “ low” price -- -- --Yld x ½ of “high” price $2050 $23,497 $30,196



MF-2627: Sheep Sorrel

Rumex acetosella

Sheep sorrel leaves have a tangy, lemony flavor, sometimes used as part of a salad greens mixture, though high tannin and oxalic acidcontent limit its use in large quantities. This is the little cousin to yellow dock, R. crispus, another naturalized European alien in N.America. Sheep sorrel is probably best known currently as a traditional ingredient in Essiac, an herbal formula, that is often used as atherapy for cancer patients. Folk cancer remedy. Related culinary species include French sorrel, R. scutatus, and garden sorrel, R. acetosa,best known for their use in soup.

Family: Buckwheat family.


Native: Originally from Europe, now found throughout N. America, especially on acid soils.

Height: 4- 12 inches

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Any soil, does well on wetter, acid soils.

Water: Light to moderate

Flowers: Flowers are reddish purple and bloom from mid- late summer.

Propagation: Sow seeds indoors and transplant outside in mid-late spring, or sow directly outdoors. No treatment required. Germinationin 7-10 days at a rate of 70%. This plant will spread, plant 12 inches apart.

Pests: No major pests reported or observed in field plots.

Harvesting: Harvest aerial parts with scissors in the early summer.

Parts used: Aerial parts, fresh or dried, also root.

Used as: Infusion (tea), tincture.



Medicinal benefits: Immune system and lymphatic system. Caution: may cause poisoning in large doses, due to high oxalic acid andtannin contents. Leaf tea traditionally used for fevers, inflammations, scurvy. Fresh leaves considered cooling, diuretic. Root tea used fordiarrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding. Sheep sorrel is rich in cancer-preventative vitamins, also includes four anti-mutagenic and fouranti-oxidant compounds.

Market potential: Moderate. Prices for herb range from $6.30 - $33.00/lb dw. Is a prominent ingredient in the well known Essiaccancer-treatment formula.


Summary of field trial data: This plant had very good survival from transplants in replicated plots at four locations in Kansas (Olathe,Wichita, Colby and Hays). First year yield of the above ground portion was small, but by the second year, the individual plants had spreadquite a bit, and above ground biomass was estimated at over 2 tons per acre. This may even be an underestimate, as approximately onesquare foot was harvested, assuming this was the original dimensions of the plant, when in fact most plants had spread to a 2’ x 2’ or even3’ x 3’ area. However, harvesting this biomass will be difficult, as the plant is low growing, and either hand harvesting with scissors, ormechanically harvesting and then washing the whole plant may be necessary.

The % survival goes up the second year, instead of down, because the plants are spreading, and filling in gaps. This is NOT a crop to growas a companion crop, and can become weedy. We don’ t know yet if tillage will kill this plant, once we move on from these plots. By thethird year, the plants had grown well out of their original rows, and had begun to invade neighboring plots.

SHEEP SORRELL1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments


Est. planting density 29,040 29,040 Assume 1’ x 1.5’ spacingPlant density x survival. 24,916 28,750kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

294 1900

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

648 4186




MF-2628: Skullcap/Scullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

Known as Mad-dog skullcap because the tea was once used as a folk remedy for rabies. The debate over the effectiveness of this plant waslong running though, as it was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1863 to 1916, and in the national Formulary from 1916 to 1947, butthe U.S. Dispensatory states that skullcap is destitute of medicinal properties. There are eight species of skullcap found throughout thePrairie Bioregion. The Mesquakies used the small skullcap, S. parvula in treatment of diarrhea. This plant is enjoying renewed interestfrom herbalists as a tincture for the treatment of nervous disorders.

Family: Mint/Lamiaceae

Life cycle: perennial; herbaceous (Zones 4-8)

Native: Native to N. America, found in rich woods, moist thickets, and along stream banks.

Height: 1-3 feet.

Sun: Full sun or partial shade.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, but moist soil. Will respond to fertility.

Water: Moderate. Though prefers moist sites in the wild, it survived in our dryland non-irrigated field sites. Responds to irrigation withincreased growth.

Flowers: Violet, blue, hooded, lipped, from May - Sept. Beware of this plants’ ability to spread before putting in your flower garden.

Propagation: Stratify seeds for at least 1 week before sowing. sow indoors and look for germination in about 2 weeks. Transplantoutside after danger of frost. This herb will grow in clumps, space 12 inches apart in the row. Can also propagate with cuttings or rootdivisions. Plants will begin to spread, once in the established in the field. Difficult to weed mechanically later on, due to the clumpiness ofthe plants.

Pests: No major pests noted in the field or in the literature.

Harvesting: Aerial parts are harvested when the herb is in full flower. Harvest about 3 inches above the ground.

Parts used: Aerial parts.

Used as: Tincture, tea, liniment.



Medicinal Benefits: Strong tea traditionally used as a sedative, nerve tonic, and antispasmodic for all types of nervous conditions,including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, and neuralgia. Scutellarin, a flavonoid compound in the plant, has confirmed sedative andantispasmodic qualities.

Market Potential: High. Prices range from $16.00 - $64.00. This is an herb with a fairly high “ low-end” price, perhaps because it isn’ tcompeting yet with imports from Asia or Eastern Europe?


Summary of field trial data: Skullcap did relatively well under field conditions, and was tested in replicated plots at 4 locations(Wichita, Hays, Olathe and Colby), with average survival the first year of 88.5% and a vigor rating of 3.8. The lowest vigor rating was atHays, with a 3.0, which represented the harshest field conditions in terms of dry weather, wind, and no irrigation. The lowest biomassharvest was also obtained at Hays (see Appendix C for details). For a woodland, water loving plant, this was an amazingly hardy fieldherb. Given the current high value in the market, and ease of harvest (this is an above-ground herb), we would recommend trying this as afield crop. Preliminary observation of this plant in year 2 are that we had fairly good winter survival, and higher yields in the second yearthan the first. The only reason that only first year data is presented here is that we didn’ t put this plant in the screening trials until 2002,and we are still collecting data on the 2003 yields.

SKULLCAP1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 4 0 0Survival (%) 88.5 -- - 88.5Vigor (rating) 3.8 -- -- 3.7Height (cm) 40.8 -- -- 40.8DW Herb (g/plant) 52.5 -- --DW Root (g/plant) 11.1 -- --Maturity (rating) 4.6 -- -- 4.6Insect (rating) 0.2 -- -- 0.2Disease (rating) 0.4 -- -- 0.4

Est. planting density 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 19,275kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1012

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

2229




MF-2629: St. John’s Wort

Hypericum perforatum

The species name, “perforatum,” comes from the fact that the leaves have translucent dots which appear to be holes when they are put up tothe light. There are about 370 species of Hypericum, but H. perforatum is easy to identify. Native to Europe and Asia, it has naturalized inN. America, and is considered a “weed” in western range land. For many years, the USDA had a program to import insects as a form ofbiological control for this plant. Good thing it didn’ t work, eh? The common name of the plant is said to originate from the Knights of St.John of Jerusalem, who used it to treat wounds on Crusade battlefields.

Family: Hypericacae


Native: Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, naturalized in N. America, especially western states.

Height: 2-4 feet.

Sun: Full sun optimal, will tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Does best on well drained soil, but will tolerate some wet soils. Can be grown with low fertility, but will do better with somecompost and/or mulch.

Water: Has low to moderate water requirement.

Flowers: Bright yellow flowers, 5 petaled, about ¾ inch across, bloom in mid- to late summer. Flower petals have small black dots onmargins.

Propagation: Seeds should be stratified for 3 to 4 weeks to improve germination. Germination occurs in about 2 weeks, and isapproximately 70%. Can sow directly outdoors, or in seedling flats for transplants. Seed is extremely small, so controlling the seeding ratewould be difficult outdoors. Seed germination is also light dependent, so only cover the seed very lightly. Transplants are pretty tough tokill. Plant also spreads via short rhizomes, so larger plants can be propagated via root divisions in the spring or fall of the 2nd or 3rd year.Seed can also be saved from your own plants if some flowers are left to go to seed. Space plants about 12 inches in the row, with 2 to 3feet between rows.

Pests: No major pests observed in our field trials, though the Klamath Beetle (Chrysolina spp.), introduced into California by the USDA in1944, continues to be a problem for growers west of the Rockies.

Harvesting: The flowering tops are clipped when in full flower. For the absolute best quality, individual blossoms are picked the day theyopen, but this option would probably only be used if you are making oil or tincture for yourself or your family. Sold fresh or dried.

Parts used: Flowering tops, when in peak flower. Check with buyer as to how much plant material may be included with flowering tops.



Used as: Infusion, tincture, herb powder, liquid, wash, cream, infused oil.

Medicinal Benefits: Clinical studies have shown St. John’s Wort preparations to be an effective anti-depressent, sedative, and anti-anxiety treatment. Oily Hypericum preparations demonstrate an anti-inflammatory action, though no antiviral properties of the herb havebeen proven. However, antibacterial effect has been demonstrated, including against penicillin-resistant Staph. In Europe, St. John’s worthas been approved for use by physicians in treating anxiety, depressive moods, inflammation of the skin, blunt injuries, wound, and burns.

The herb can cause increased skin sensitivity to the sun when taken internally. For many years, manufactured products from St. John’sWort were standardized to the hypericin content of the herb. However, it was later found that the efficacy of this herb is due to synergy ofseveral compounds, so now hypericin is simply considered an “ indicator” compound, that may or may not actually be linked to howeffective the product might be.

Market Potential: High. However, much St. John’s Wort now wild crafted in California and other western states. Can be handharvested, but some mechanization should be possible. This herb has received much positive national publicity as an alternative treatmentfor mild depression. It also have value for skin healing, and other medicinal uses, so demand for this herb should be good for quite awhile. In Europe, St. John’s Wort is prescribed 20 times more often for depression than Prozac. Prices range from $4.50 - 25.75 /lb dw fortops with flowers.


Summary of field trial data: Overall, St. John’s Wort seems to be one of the better adapted plants that we evaluated in our plots.Transplants held up well under transplant stress, and mature plants appear to have few insect or disease pests. Our results appear to agree

JOE PYE WEED1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 4 2 2Survival (%) 86.3 72.5 96.0 84.9 The higher survival in yr 3 as

compared to yr 2 is due to clumpsspreading, and being over-countedin year 3.

Vigor (rating) 4.0 4.5 4.7 4.4 High vigor ratings overall.Height (cm) 30.8 69.5 83.0 61.1DW Herb (g/plant) 41.0 428.5 60.5 Lower biomass yields in yr 3 due

to decline of stand, drought in2002, and late harvest relative tobloom time. The same sets of plotswere evaluated in yrs 2 and 3.

DW Root (g/plant) 13.8 299.2 32.3Maturity (rating) 2.8 5.0 5.3 4.4 Plants flowered prior to fall harvest

in years 2 and 3. Harvest formaximum floral bloom wouldoccur in June or July.

Insect (rating) 0.0 0.5 0.3 0.3 Little or no insect or diseasedamage observed.

Disease (rating) 0.1 0.7 0.3 0.3

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 18,796 15,791 20,909kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

77 677 126 Assume that 10% of the top DWwill be harvested with flowers.

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

170 1490 279 The 2nd yr dw estimate is not toofar off Blakely’s estimate of 1250lb/A dw per acre.

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $383 $3353 $627Yld x ½ of “high” price $2190 $19,191 $3594



with the recommendations of Sturdivant and Blakley (1999), who suggest that 2nd yr plants yield more than 3rd year plants. Our standsalso declined in year 3, but this was also confounded with a drought in 2002 at both locations, and fall harvest of these plants, which wasnot the optimal time of harvest for maximum biomass (which would have been June or July).

If a good price can be obtained for either fresh or dried material, this may be a crop to try in Kansas. Since buyers are willing to acceptsome green matter in with the flowers, say 8 - 12 inches, it seems that this crop could be partially mechanized, with a hedge trimmer, if notwith a tractor mounted tool. The tops still need to be dried carefully and cleanly however, or shipped immediately as a fresh product. Arecent e-mail from Europe confirmed that buyers are still looking for this crop.



MF-2630: Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia has only recently gained attention and become available in health food stores in the U.S. as a natural non-sugar sweetener. It is atropical plant, native to Paraguay and Brazil, but it does very well in Kansas, and probably in other Great Plains states. An herb companyin Missouri has recently begun a breeding a selection program to improve Stevia germplasm, and select for even sweeter plants. Stevia wasoriginally used in eastern Parguay to sweeten the local tea, Yerba Mate, but also used the plant medicinally.

Family: Compositae

Life cycle: annual; herbaceous

Native: Paraguay/Brazil

Height: 12-15”

Sun: full sun, partial shade, shade?

Soil: will respond well to rich, high organic matter soil.

Water: Prefers an environment that is hot and humid, but did well in our field trials in hot, windy Kansas. Will tolerate drought, but ifpossible, supply moderate to high rates of irrigation.

Flowers: flowers are delicate and white, and bloom on and off throughout the growing season. Flowers are more abundant in the fall.

Propagation: plant is easily propagated from cuttings, especially if taken before the plant blooms. Seed propagation is also possible.Keep seeds moist and warm, and expect about 30% germination over a 2-3 week period. This plant can be grown outdoors year-round intropical regions, and in Kansas could be brought inside as a house plant for the winter. One could also collect cuttings in the fall forrooting and spring re-planting. Will not be winter hardy in Kansas outdoors.

Pests: No significant insect or disease pests noted in our plots. Rabbit and deer feeding also does not appear to be a problem. However,in one set of test plots, 4 of 5 plants disappeared between field day and harvest, without a trace, and our primary suspects are two-leggedplant eaters.

Harvesting: Clip leaves, or above ground portion any time during the growing season. One source recommends fall harvest for thesweetest plants.

Parts used: Leaves.



Used as: The leaves of the plant are powdered and used as a non-sugar based sweetener. In some cases, an extract of Stevia is sold as aconcentrated white powder to sprinkle on food.

Medicinal Benefits: This plant has been used in folk medicine to treat hypertension, diabetes, and as a contraceptive. However, it iscurrently popular in the market as a sugar substitute, and the glycosidal diterpens present in the leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar, andthe concentrated extract is 300 times sweeter. One recipe conversion chart suggests that 3/8 tsp of Stevia is equivalent to 1 Tbl. of sugar,and that 2 Tbl of Stevia could substitute for 1 cup of sugar.

Market Potential: Moderate to high. Prices range from $6.50 - $36.77 per lb dw for the herb.


Summary of field trial data: This species did well under Kansas conditions, especially considering its tropical origins. It appearedhealthy and vigorous, even in the hot wind, but of the two sites tested, the Hays site (non-irrigated, central/western KS) yielded about half(32 g/plant) the dry weight as the Wichita site, which was irrigated (72 g/plant). This trial took place during the 2001 growing season, andanother trial this year (2003) seems to be showing similar results, with larger plants in Wichita, under irrigated conditions, as compared toOlathe, which was not irrigated. The vigor rating is 4.2 on a 1-5 scale, and no significant insect or disease pests were noted. Since this isan above-ground herb, harvesting could potentially be mechanized, as long as quality control was maintained. The price spread is a bitdisconcerting, and with the high-end price more than 5 times the low end price, one wonders how to get that high price in order to makemoney with this crop.

STEVIA1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 2 0 0 This is an annual crop.Survival (%) 95.0 -- --Vigor (rating) 4.2 -- --Height (cm) 60.5 -- --DW Herb (g/plant) 51.9 -- --DW Root (g/plant) 8.7 -- --Maturity (rating) 2.0 -- --Insect (rating) 0.6 -- --Disease (rating) 0.4 -- --

Est. planting density 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 20,691kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1074

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

2365




MF-2631: Stinging Nettles

Urtica dioica

There are over 50 species of nettle that grow world-wide, many of which are harvested for food or medicine. This is an over-lookedmedicinal plant, that has been mistaken for a weed by the uninformed.

Family: Urticaceae

Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial, Zones 2-9.

Native to: North America (U. dioica spp. gracilis), has male and female flowers on separate branches or plants, and Eurasia (U. dioica spp.dioica) which has male and female flowers on separate plants. In the wild this plant grows near streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes in adisturbed area. The stems of nettle are square . Nettles leaves and stems are covered with sharp spines that sting when touched. It is bestto wear gloves when handling this herb when fresh.. The sting is caused by histamine, small amounts of formic acid, and othercompounds. These are deactivated when the plant is dried or cooked.

Habit: Grows 2 to 4 feet and will spread, so plant at least 12 inches apart.

Sun: Nettles can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade.

Soil: Plant in soil with high organic matter content. (4-5%). Will respond to increased fertility.

Water: Provide moderate to heavy amount of water, but will survive under dryland conditions.

Flowering: Cream colored, pearl like, tiny flowers bloom from early summer to late fall.

Propagation: Stratify seed and sow directly in the garden or plant indoors and transplant to the garden in late spring. Germination rates ofabout 50% are to be expected.

Propagate by root division in early spring. The individual plants will spread into large clumps in years 2 and 3.

Harvesting: Harvest aerial parts any time during the growing season. Best when harvested prior to flowering. Can harvest several timesa year once the plant is established. Wear gloves and cut with scissors or clippers. Dried nettles will not cause stinging.

Pests: Many caterpillars like to feed on nettles, but the plant usually outgrows the leaf feeding damage. These caterpillars will eventuallyturn into butterflies, so this isn’ t always a bad thing.

Parts used: Aerial parts fresh or dried. Roots have recently been shown to be effective for prostrate inflammation.



Used as: Infusion, tincture, elixir, food, ointment, cream, salve, balm, foot soak, bath herb, infused oil, honey, liniment, and dye.

Medical Benefits: Whole body tonic. Nettles are great for the reproductive health of both males and females. Benefits immune system,urinary tract system, and respiratory system. Good for skin, hair, and provides allergy relief. Nettles are an astringent and good for facialsteams. Approved in Europe for infections of the urinary tract, kidney and bladder stones, and rheumatism. The root has been approved inEurope for prostate complaints and irritable bladder. Research with animals has demonstrated a local anesthetic and analgesic effect, aswell as antirheumatic and anti-arthritic effect.

Food uses: Young shoots are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Use in salads (blanched), as a tea and boiled as a vegetable. Goodsource or iron. The plant looses its “sting” once cooked or steamed.

Market potential: Moderate. Prices for tops range from $3.25 - $19.52, roots $4.50 – $18.50.


Summary of field trial data: Under our field conditions, the plants were subjected to full sun, and limited water at 3 of the 5 sites.Though it preferred irrigation, it survived well when water stressed. Though it can be wild harvested, it might be a good crop to grow ifyou don’ t have access to a wild stand. The time to harvest should be taken into account when planting this crop. One local growerharvested about 1 lb of root and 1 lb of tops in about an hour. The plant will have more leaves if harvested prior to flowering. After that,it is stemmy, but a second flush of leaves will come out during a wet fall. Repeated harvests may keep the plant from getting stemmy, andallow for more harvests. Our data are based on one harvest in late summer/early fall, so the above ground biomass estimates are probablyon the low side.

NETTLES1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments


Est. planting density 14,520 14,520 -- Assume 1’ x 3’ spacing.Plant density x survival. 10,890 9583kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

2654 4066

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

5846 8956

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $9529 $14,598Yld x ½ of “high” price $57,057 $87,411kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants – roots)

290 1781

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

638 3922

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $1436 $8824Yld x ½ of “high” price $5902 $36,279



MF-2632: Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Most commercial valerian is from a plant that is native to Europe, but a related species, V. sitchensis, is native to the western U.S, and isthought to have higher levels of valepotriates, and stronger medicinal activity. However, this plant should be cultivated, not wildharvested, and is entering the market in small quantities now. Valerian tincture was used in WWI and WWII to treat shell shock andnervous stress. The root of valerian has a very strong odor, which apparently attracts cats, in a way similar to catnip. According tofolklore, in 18th century apothecaries, the quality of Valerian root was determined by the way in which cats reacted to it.

Family: Valerianaceae


Native: Europe, Western Asia. Naturalized in the northeastern N. America, where it is found in ditches, damp meadows, marshy thickets,and near stream banks.

Height: 4-5 feet (in bloom)

Sun: Full sun, shade, prefers partial shade.

Soil: Prefers a nutrient rich, high humus soil. pH 6.-7. Seems to have a high phosphorus requirement.

Water: Moderate to heavy. Grows along ditches, rivers and damp woods. Can grow in soil too wet for other species.

Flowers: Very fragrant white flowers (slightly pink), in a dense head of several stalked clusters bloom in late spring and early summer.

Propagation: No treatment needed for seed germination. Seed directly in the field in early spring or start indoors to transplant in latespring. Press into soil, do not cover, needs light to germinate. Optimum germination temperature is 68 F. Germination occurs in 7-14 dayswith a rate of 60-70%. Space 12-24 inches apart. Seed will loose viability after the first year, so don’ t save old seed. Fresh seed reportedby Frontier only 30% viable. Another option is to take root divisions in fall or spring. Recommended seeding rate is 2-3kg/ha (or xxxlb/A).

Pests: Trials in Iowa reported some foliage diseases; powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygani) and peronospora (Peronospora valerianae).Other diseases encountered included adema, root rot and white mold. In our field trials, first year plants appeared quite healthy, but duringthe second year, the foliage appeared stunted, purple and yellow, and a root rot (xxx) was identified on some plants.

Harvesting: Harvest the root in the fall of the first or second year. Two references suggested harvesting in the 2nd year, but anotherreference reported that the roots will deteriorate in quality by the fall of the second year so harvest accordingly. Use a needle nose spadeand dig when the soil is moist but not wet. Good weed control is recommended for optimizing crop yield. Cut tops prior to harvest foreasier digging. Carefully dry root with circulating air at temperatures lower than 40 C (110 F). This are somewhat fibrous roots, anddifficult to wash.



Parts used: Root, fresh or dried.

Used as: Infusion (tea) decoction, expressed juice from fresh plants, tincture. Oil is used in flavoring, pharmaceutical and fragranceindustry.

Medicinal benefits: Valerian is used as a strong sedative and pain reliever. It is approved for use in Europe to treat nervousness andinsomnia, and many research studies support its effectiveness. Also used to treat hypochondria, nervous headaches, irritability, mildspasmodic affections, depression, despondency, as well as insomnia. Warning: Do not use in large doses over a long time period. Sideeffects include headache and palpitations. It is not recommended that valerian be combined with other central nervous system depressantsor with alcohol.

Market potential: High. This is one of the top selling sedatives in Europe, and is still growing in popularity in the U.S. However, thereare large growers in this market too. Prices range from $2.95 - $31.65.


VALERIAN -STANDARD


Location/Years 4 2 0Survival (%) 78.0 3.7 --Vigor (rating) 2.9 2.3 --Height (cm) 35.8 -- --DW Herb (g/plant) 41.0 36.0 --DW Root (g/plant) 18.6 33.0 -- 34.5 (Average yield of 2 best sites

in the field trial)Maturity (rating) 1.0 1.0 --Insect (rating) 0.8 0.5 --Disease (rating) 1.2 0.3 --

Est. planting density 21,780 21,780Plant density x survival. 16,988 16,988kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

316 586

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

969 1291


VALERIANVARIETY: ‘Artener

auchtung’1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 1 1 --Survival (%) 100.0 13.0 --Vigor (rating) 3.4 0.1 --Height (cm) 31.0 -- --DW Herb (g/plant) 21.8 -- -- Plants were too small to dig in the

second year.DW Root (g/plant) 4.4 -- --Maturity (rating) 1.0 1.0 --



Summary of field trial data: Though literature values suggest potentially high yields with this crop, ranging from 1500-2500 dry lb/acreto 5 tons/A, and few pests, our experience in the field was quite different. First year plant survival and vigor was relatively good, butobservations in the spring and fall of the second year found plants that barely emerged from winter dormancy, showed severe discoloration,deformed leaves, and failed to produce much the second year. In the field, this affected nearly all the plants, but in a garden setting, withwind breaks and more regular water, fewer plants were affected. Field sites for year 1 plants included Wichita, Hays, Olathe and Colby,with the first 3 trials taking place in 2001, and the Colby trial in 2002. Yields varied a lot, ranging from root dw yield of only 3.4 and 2.0g/plant at Wichita and Hays, and 31.5 an 37.5 g/plant at Olathe and Colby, respectively. Though Olathe was not irrigated and Colby was,the Olathe site apparently did better than Wichita and Hays due to the heavier soils and having enough rain in 2001. A second column ofdata is presented in the comments section of the first table, to calculate yields and net return from the average of the better performingsites. Even using only the best sites, per acre yield was only about 1200 lb dw. Better yields could perhaps have been obtained the secondyear, if more plants had survived.

Two valerian varieties were compared; the “standard” or common variety sold by Richters, and a named, improved variety, ‘Artenerauchtung.’ Unfortunately, the named variety was only tested at one site, Hays, and this was one of the harsher sites for valerian, so theyields were disappointing. The vigor rating and survival was better for the named variety however, so future research on this and otherherbs should include as many cultivars as possible.

Future research on valerian in Kansas should also include wetter, higher fertility sites. Under our field conditions, each transplant receivescompost, and Wichita has occasional irrigation from an overhead sprinkler system, and Colby has drip irrigation. However, all are exposedto full sun and wind. Symptoms in second year plants could have been due to many things, or a combination of factors. Some of the thingswe suspected included winter stress (including wind desiccation of young leaves), phosphorus deficiency (leaves were quite purple),herbicide drift damage, or disease. The only stress factor we’ve confirmed so far is the presence of a root disease, xxx, from one of theplants that died in our demonstration garden, that had been growing under fairly ideal conditions.

Until we get better survival in the field, we do not recommend this as a crop in Kansas at this time, though it does make an attractive andfragrant addition to the home flower/herb garden.

Insect (rating) 0.0 0.0 --Disease (rating) 0.0 0.0 --

Est. planting density 21,780Plant density x survival. 21,780kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - roots)

96

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre roots)

211

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $312Yld x ½ of “high” price $3340



MF-2633: White Sage

Salvia apiana

This herb has been over harvested for ceremonial products. White sage is now on the United Plant Savers at-risk list. Growers are neededto ensure the survival of this herb. This sage is quite different than the common garden sage, S. officinalis, more known for its culinary aswell as medicinal use. White sage is rarely used internally, but more often in ceremonies, and the bundles of sage are sometimes used withcedar to “smudge” or to purify through exposure to smoke. Another plant with the common name “white sage,” was also used medicinallyand ceremonially by Native Americans, but this plant is Artemisia ludoviciana, and more closely related to mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris,than to garden sage.

Family: Lamiaceae

Life cycle: Tender herbaceous perennial (Zones 8-11)

Native: Southern California and northern Baja regions.

Height: 12-24 inches

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well drained soil. Good tolerance to hot, dry weather.


Flowers: Pale blue/purple flowers bloom in late summer.

Seeds: Stratify seed for at least 1 week and then sow indoors. Night time temperature of 70 F and hot daytime temperatures between 80and 90 F. Germination around 40% and will take 2- 3 weeks to germinate. Keep evenly moist until seedlings are up and then cut back onwatering . Do not over water at this stage. Transplant out in late spring. Space 12 inches apart.

Pests: No major pests observed.

Harvesting: Harvest aerial parts in late summer.

Parts used: Aerial parts, fresh or dried.

Used as: Tincture, insect repellent, smudge stick, incense.



Medicinal benefits: Women’s health, digestive tract conditions, respiratory illness, skin and throat conditions. Insect repellent. Not listedin the Herbal PDR or many other herb books, so exercise caution before using medicinally.

Market potential: High. Prices range from $7.85 - $32.00.




Summary of field trial data: This plant did very well the first year it was transplanted, with an 87% survival rate and vigor rating of 4.1on a 5 point scale. Above ground biomass was also high, yielding an estimated 2 tons per acre, though we didn’ t observe much if anyflowering in our test plots. Of the three sites tested, the least successful was the drip irrigated field in Colby, indicating that this plantprefers the dryland sites over the irrigated. None of the plants over- wintered in Kansas, so though it is a perennial, it would need to betreated as an annual crop here.

WHITE SAGE1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 3 3 0Survival (%) 86.7 0.0 -- --Vigor (rating) 4.1 -- -- 4.1Height (cm) 56.3 -- -- 56.3DW Herb (g/plant) 99.5 -- --DW Root (g/plant) 21.4 -- --Maturity (rating) 1.0 -- -- 1.0Insect (rating) 0.5 -- -- 0.5Disease (rating) 0.6 -- -- 0.6

Est. planting density 21,780 Assume 1’ x 2’ spacingPlant density x survival. 18,883kg/acre DW (g/plant x #of plants - tops)

1879

Est. Marketable Yld

(DW lb/acre tops)

4139




MF-2634: Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

The nameAchillea comes from the tale of Achilles using this plant to heal many of his warriers, as it staunched blood flow. It was alsoused in the US Civil War; and was known as soldiers’ woundwort. It has a long tradition of use both by Native Americans on thiscontinent, and by European healers. Few species are native to both sides of the Atlantic.

Family: Asteraceae


Native: North America/Europe. Common in overgrazed pastures.

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Sun: Best in full sun. Will tolerate partial shade.

Soil: Well drained soil


Flowers: White flowers begin to appear in mid to late summer.

Propagation: Stratify seeds for a month before sowing them. Sow indoors and then transplant outside mid to late spring, or sow directlyoutdoors in early spring. Germination is about 70 percent and occurs in about 1 to 2 weeks. Another easy way to propagate yarrow is rootdivisions; in spring or fall. Space 12 inches, yarrow will spread as the clumps enlarge.

Pests: Susceptible to diseases if grown in wet soil. Looses condition in later summer after flowering.

Harvesting: Harvest aerial parts in mid to late summer while plant is in early or full flower.

Parts used: Flowering aerial parts, fresh or dried.

Used as: Infusion (tea), tincture, tincture, syrup, compress, poultice, elixir, lozenge, ointment, salve, cream, balm, foot soak, bath herb,infused oil, honey, liniment.



Medicinal Benefits: Approved for use in Europe for loss of appetite, upset stomach, liver and gallbladder complaints. Folk use forhealing wounds, hemorrhoids, menstrual complaints, and in preparations for varicose veins.

Market Potential: Moderate. Price range $3.40-24.65/DW lb, retail bulk dried herb (see Appendix B.).


Summary of field trial data: Yarrow grew well at all the locations planted, and seems to be well adapted to Kansas heat, wind, anddrought. Disease and insect pressure were low, up until well after flowering, at which time quality goes down quickly, and insect feedingand some plant decomposition are noted. The vigor ratings were high at all locations, indicating that this is a relatively easy plant to grow,and is well adapted to Kansas. The harvested yield on a per acre basis is fairly large, and has the potential to be partially or fullymechanized. Drying this much material, and maintaining quality would be challenges to large-scale production. Yarrow is a generallyuseful herb, but is not used nationally in large quantities. Domestic named varieties of yarrow, often found in floral colors of yellow,orange, and red, are not found in the medicinal herb market, but are suitable for home use.

YARROW1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Average Comments

Location/Years 3 2 0 No 3rd yr plants available yet.Survival (%) 85.3 78.0 * 81.7Vigor (rating) 4.4 4.8 * 4.6Height (cm) 56.7 77.5 * 67.1 2nd year plants were noticeably

larger (taller, and bigger clumps)DW Herb (g/plant) 83.5 130.2 *DW Root (g/plant) 27.4 74.3 *Maturity (rating) 4.5 5.7 * 5.1 Flowering was earlier in 2nd yr

plants.Insect (rating) 0.6 0.3 * 0.4Disease (rating) 0.5 0.3 * 0.4

Est. planting density(plants/acre at 12”spacing)

43,560 43,560

Plant density x survival(# plants)

37,157 33,977

kg/acre DW(g/plant xnumber of plants)

3103 4424

Est. Marketable Yld

( lb/acre DW tops)

6834 9744

Yld x ½ of “ low” price $ 11,618 $ 16,565Yld x ½ of “high”price

$ 84,229 $ 120,095



Appendix B. Introduction

Market research is very difficult in the herb business. There are no governmental statistics, and the industry is reluctant toreveal quantities, prices, or even exports vs. imports purchased. Many companies require growers to sign a confidentialityagreement when making purchases, and brokers don’ t like to reveal the price they are getting from the company, or thecompany making the purchase.

So, what we are left with, if we want to do market research, is data on retail, but not wholesale prices. A number of major (andsome minor) companies’ catalogs and web-sites were gleaned for price information for many of the herbs we think we can growin Kansas. Some of these “herbs” are plants we already have in abundance, like walnut trees. Some are already on our flowergardens, like Lavender and lilly of the valley. A few may not be welcome in our yards, such as stinging nettle, burdock, anddandelion, but they all have a value in the medicinal herb market.

The price list can help you to know if it is worth the effort to gather, clean, dry, and then market the plant or plant part on thelist. A fair assumption is that the price you get will be at least half, or maybe even less, than the retail price (unless you areretailing it yourself). Some of the prices are for whole herb, but many are for “cut and sifted (coarse ground), or powdered.Ironically, in some cases the whole herb was worth more than the processed, which means that equipment purchased forgrinding would not pay for itself!! Some of these details are not on the table, as it is already xx pages long, with just the bareminimum of price info.

When there were organic options, the organic price is in bold type. Some companies ONLY offer organic herb. See table B1for this information. Pricing information, by definition, is out-dated almost as soon as it is compiled. This particular table wasput together using spring 2003 catalogs and websites. We recommend using these tables only as a starting point. As you cansee, the range for herb prices is huge....even within a particular species. In many cases, there is a 10 fold difference betweenthe highest and lowest price for an herb. The difference is partly explained by quality. The lower price probably representsimported herb, of unknown source, and unknown quality. The higher prices are for organically grown, ethically wildcrafted,and probably marketed by a small company with a good reputation among herbalists. If you find yourself thinking aboutgrowing a particular herb for the market, go back to these sources, find some current prices, and then see if you can find amarket. You won’ t always be able to lock in a market or prices without sending in some sort of sample, but it will give you ataste of the market, and a way to get started.



Appendix B. Herb Price Research: Sources of bulk herb products, followed by tables of herb prices.

Table B1. Bulk Herb Sources

Name Comments Address Website

Ameri-Herb, Inc. Mentioned as a reasonable sourceof bulk herbs by another website,catalog only, no website. Seeracehorseherbal.com for ref.

P.O. Box 1968

Ames, IA 50010-1968

1-800-267-6141

not on line at this time

Blessed Herbs Bulk botanicals, sold as (w)wildcrafted, (org) certifiedorganic, and (h) high qualityherbs whose growing conditionswe cannot verify. Purchase froma network of wildcrafters andorganic growers, and only sellherbs that are not fumigated,irradiated, or treated w/ syn.chem. Over 600 products on list.

109 Barre Plains Road

Oakham, MA 01068

1-800-489-4372

[email protected]

www.blessedherbs.com

Bouncing Bear Botanicals Sell about 24 herb products, mostnot on our KSU trial list. Notlisted as organic.

P.O. Box 3895

Olathe, KS 66063-3895

[email protected]

www.bouncingbearbotanicals.com

Desert Bloom Sell about 6 locally desertwildcrafted herbs.

Desert Bloom Herbs

505 N. Bullard St.

Silver City, NM 88061

1-800-583-2976

www.desertbloom

Frontier Herb Coop Products include organic bulkherbs, also many other productsin recent years. Can find bulkherbs with common name search,latin name also available. Sourceof herb not listed.

Frontier Cooperative Herbs

3021 78th St

P.O. Box 299

Norway, IA

319-227-7996

www.frontiercoop.com

Herbal Advantage, Inc. Sells several herbal products inaddition to bulk herbs. Appear tomake their own tinctures. Also,the farm grows a new variety ofStevia, sweeter and less bitterthan older varieties.

131 Bobwhite Rd

Rogersville, MO 65742

417-753-4000

800-753-9199

www.herbaladvantage.com

Jeans Greens Bulk herbs by the oz. or by thepound, maximum order 2 lb. Listof herbs notes if organic orwildcrafted. Source of herb notlisted.

119 Sulphur Spring Road

Norway, NY 13416

315-845-6500

www.jeansgreeens.com

Horizon Herbs Offers growing guide and catalogof many herb seeds. Also offersmany books by founder, RichoCech. Sells herb extracts, but notbulk herbs. Certified organic byOregon Tilth.

Horizon Herbs, LLC

PO Box 69

Williams, OR 97544

www.horizonherbs.com



Other Herb Price Info Sites

541-846-6704In Harmony Herbs and Spices 250 dried herbs, many certified

organic. Prices not listed onwebsite however.

P.O. Box 7555

San Diego, CA 92167

619-223-8051

www.inharmonyherbs.com

Mountain Rose Herbs Bulk herbs, essential oils, otherherbal products, and equipment tomake your own. Bulk herbs areeither certified organic, orsustainable wildcrafted/grown, nochemicals.

PO Box 50220

Eugene, OR 97405

800-867-3337

www.mountainroseherbs.com

Pacific Botanicals Oregon Tilth Certified Organic.Carries 175 medicinal herbs andspices in whole, cut, tea-bag andpowder. Grown on 114 acre Cert.Org. farm and 8 contract growers.

4350 Fish Hatchery Rd

Grants pass, OR 97527

541-479-7777

www.pacificbotanicals.com

Planet Herbs Herbs, roots, barks, and NativeAmerican ceremonial and ritualitems. Lists common and latinnames, not necessarily organic.

815 2nd Ave.

Marlinton, WV 24954

1-888-480-4372

www.planteherbs.net

Prairie Moon Nursery Catalog and cultural guide formany herb species, but theyspecialize in native plants forwetland, prairie, savanna, andwoodland. Seeds only, no bulkherbs.

Route 3 Box 163

Winona, MN 55987-9515

507-452-1362

www..prairiemoonnursery.com

Richters herbs Established company for diverseherb seeds and plants, new specieseach year. Some bulk herbs, butprimary business is seeds. Greatwebsite with photos, growing tips,etc.

Richters Herbs, 357 Hwy 47,

Goodwood Ontario

LOC 1AO, CANADA

1-905-640-6677

www.richters.com

San Franciso Herb and NaturalFood Company

Bulk herbs offered, listed bycommon and latin name, source(country), only a few available asorganic.

47444 Kato Rd.

Fremont, CA 94538

510-770-1215

www.herbspicetea.com

Snakeroot Man Sells only wild-crafted Echinaceaangustifolia roots, cut and sifted.

The Snake Root Man

P.O. Box 242

Bison, KS 67520

[email protected]

www.snakerootman.com

Trinity House Whole-sale only supplier,supporting herbal retailers,practitioners and manufacturers.Does not sell to individuals.Website offers links to companiesthat carry their products.

P.O. Box 1001

Graton, CA 95444

707-824-2040

888-874-4372

www.trinityherb.com

Wild Weeds Family run, mail order business.Offer organically grown herbswhen available. Since 1987.

233 Red Rock Lane

Fieldbrook, CA 95519

800-553-9453 (ph/fax)

www.wildweeds.com

Years to Your Health Catalog includes common nameonly, priced by the ounce, a fewlisted as organic. Source notlisted.

503 E. 2nd Street

Irving, TX 75060

972-579-7042

www.eatmoreherbs.com



Agriculture Canada

www.agr.gc.ca/misb/infohort/data/herbs_spices

Herbal Green Pages

www. herbworld.com

www.HerbNet

Local Health Food Stores

People’s Grocery, 17th and Yuma, Manhattan, KS

Community Mercantile, 9th and Iowa, Lawrence, KS

Several in Wichita, see yellow pages in phone book.

Local Broker

David Hall

“Future in Herbs”

Wichita, KS

316-775-1613

Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops (includes links to many other sites)

www.ksre.ksu.edu/KCSAAC



Table B2. Trees with market as medicinal species

Table B3. Shrubs and vines with a market as medicinal species

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose

Richters Frontier Jean’sGreens

WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Black Walnut Juglans nigra leaf 17.60 -- 7.50 -- -- 13.00 -- -- --“ “ hull pwd 14.40 3.50 7.00 -- 11.00 9.00 12.00 12.10 --“ “ bark -- 4.90 -- -- -- -- -- 14.30 --

Butternut Juglans cinerea innerbark

21.60 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Cedar Thujaoccidentalis

chips

tips

10.40

20.00

2.50 -- --

21.79

7.00

16.75

--

9.00

5.50

--

-- --

Chaste Tree Vitex agnus-castus

berry 28.80 4.40 11.00 25.42 12.60 17.00 16.00 12.70 na

Cherry - wild Prunusvirginiana/

(P. serotina)

bark 16.80 5.10 9.00 17.25 16.25 12.00 14.00 10.45 13.35

Chestnut Castaneasativa/dentata

leaf 6.40 3.25 -- -- 15.50 -- -- -- --

Elm - slippery Ulmus rubra innerbark

45.60 12.95 22.00 28.60 39.79/

30.15

27.00 25.00 15.15 28.05

Fringe tree Chionanthusvirginicus

bark -- -- -- -- -- 68.00 -- -- --

Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba leaf 21.60 3.50 9.50 46.31 26.85/

13.95

30.00 30.00 17.60 25.85

Horsechestnut Aesculushippocastunum

nut/seed

leaf

--

20.00

9.50 24.00 -- 13.45 28.00 -- 13.20 --

Linden Tilia europaea leaf &flower

38.40 7.65 16.00 31.78 24.35 25.00 25.00 17.05 --

Oak - White Quercus alba bark 14.40 2.75 9.00 36.32 22.25/

12.75

10.00 11.00 10.45 --

Persimmon Diospyrosvirginiana

leaf(trad.

bark)

-- 6.90 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Pine - white Pinus strobus bark 13.60 3.00 -- 19.52 15.90 -- 6.00 9.70 --Poplar Populus

tremuloidesbark 32.00 -- -- 20.43 -- -- -- -- --

Willow -black

Salix nigra bark 42.40 -- -- -- -- -- -- 10.30 --

Willow -white

Salix alba bark 16.80 5.20 13.50 36.32 17.00/

11.15

10.00 11.00 9.90 15.95

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Barberry Berberisvulgaris

rootbark

32.80 4.75 9.00 -- 17.70 21.00 21.00 13.20 --

Bayberry Myricacerifera

rootbark

48.80 7.80 15.00 34.50 42.65 40.00 na 18.15 na

Bilberry Vacciniummyrtillus

fruit 69.60 16.50 32.50 44.49 42.55 na na 25.40 na

“ “ leaf 21.60 5.85 21.00 na 19.15 20.00 na 16.50 na

Bittersweet Solanumdulcamara

leavesand

54.40 na na na na na na na na



stemsBlackberry Rubus

fruticosus(villosus)

leaf

root

20.00

29.60

4.05 11.00

22.00

--

20.43

--

--

16.00

23.00

--

--

--

10.45

--

--Black haw Viburnum

prunifoliumbark 26.40 -- 18.25 -- -- 20.00 23.00 -- --

Blueberry Vaccinum spp. leaf 28.80 4.90 9.50 -- -- 25.00 24.50 -- --Buckthorn Rhamnus

frangula

(cathartica)

bark 16.00 -- 9.00 22.25 12.80 11.00 -- 11.30 --

Cascarasagrada

Rhamnuspurshiana

bark 19.20 7.50 9.25 22.25 17.25 17.00 17.00 10.30 --

Cramp bark Viburnumopulus

bark 52.80 14.00 21.00 -- 45.00 40.00 40.00 18.15 49.69

Elderberry Sambucusnigra

berry 17.60 4.60 10.00 -- 21.65/

12.50

19.00 -- 12.65 --

“ “ flower 27.20 9.00 10.00 25.42 20.40 20.00 20.00 15.15 --“ “ leaf 50.40 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --“ “ root 54.40 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Forsythia(Chinese)

Forsythiasuspensa

fruit? ??

Hawthorn Crataeguslaevigata/

monogyna

leaf &flower

28.00 na 11.00 na 21.45 24.00 na 17.60/

15.15

na

“ “ berry 9.60 5.00/

3.50

10.50 17.71 12.50 20.00 18.00 13.60/

11.55

9.15

Honeysuckle Lonicerajaponica

flower 53.60 -- 16.00 -- oil only 24.00 -- -- --

Hops Humuluslupulus‘Hallertauer’

flower 27.20 6.00 23.00 25.42 34.90 26.00 26.00/

16.50

18.15/

12.70

na

Hydrangea Hydrangeaarborescous

root 30.40 -- 10.00 23.61 18.35 16.00 -- 11.40 --

Jasmine Jasminumofficinale

flower 30.40 7.90 9.00 -- 17.60 -- -- 18.15

Juniper Juniperuscommunis

berry 19.20 5.50 10.00 25.42 26.85 17.00 17.00 20.35/

12.10

14.45

Jujube -Chinese

Ziziphusspinosa/

jujuba

wholedates/

seeds

21.60

34.40 13.25

--

363.20

-- 9.00 -- 12.65 --

Oregon Grape Mahoniaaquifolia

root 26.40 9.50 9.00 19.52 -- 24.00 -- 14.85 27.95

PassionFlower-Amer.

Passifloraincarnata

herb 26.40 4.25 14.75 20.43 2-.30 18.00 17.00 11.55 17.35

Raspberry,Red

Rubus idaeus leaf 14.40 2.95 10.00 30.42 24.75/

13.13

18.00 18.00 15.15 21.65

Red Root/

Jersey Tea

Ceanothusamericanus

root 30.40 -- 14.00 -- 25.10 21.00 -- 14.85 --

Sassafras Sassafrasalbidum

rootbark

leaf

56.80 12.75 25.00 34.96 47.00

26.25

36.00 32.00 24.75 47.05

Schisandra Schisandrachinensis

berries 34.40 6.00 18.00 23.61 17.80 15.00 18.00 10.90 --

Seabuckthorn Hippophaerhamnoides

berries -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Sumac-sweet Rhus

aromatica

rootbark

-- -- -- 55.39 -- -- -- -- --

Wahoo Euonymousatropurpurea

leaves

rootbark

150.40 -- -- 44.49 -- -- -- --

21.45

--

Witch Hazel Hammamelisvirginiana

bark 20.80 5.90 11.00 20.43 22.50 15.00 20.00 10.45 --

“ “ leaves 32.00 -- 13.00 20.88 23.90 16.00 -- 12.10 --



Table B4. Woodland herbs with a market for medicinal species (difficult to grow in Great Plains)

Table B5. Weedy sun-loving perennials with a potential for medicinal herb market

Wolfberry,Chinese

Lyciumbarbarum

berries 39.20 -- 10.00 -- 37.50 24.00 24.00 13.75 --

Common

Name

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Black Cohosh Cimicifugaracemosa

root 28.80 4.70 16.00 19.07 41.63/

31.63

22.00 22.00 18.15/

11.55

28.65

Blue Cohosh Caulophyllumthalictroides

root 21.60 6.50 12.50 19.07 26.25 19.00 18.50 10.45 --

False Unicorn Chamaelirumluteum

root 225.60 only

tincture

94.00 146.19 na na 96.00 82.50 na

Ginseng -American

Panaxquinquefolius

root 280(Dom)

1896(Wld)

53 70 309 360/

180

128 -- 163(wo)

825(wld)

93

Ginseng -Korean/Asian

Panax ginseng(P.

pseudoginseng)

root 200-634**

16-34 -- -- 62-144 -- -- 50 --

Ginseng -Siberian

(Eluthero)

Eleutherococcussenticosus

root 41.60 3.70 12.00 15.89 18.75 17.00 9.50 18.15/

16.50

--

Goldenseal Hydrastiscanadensis

root 186.40 19.10 144.00 280.00 240.00 160.00 144.00 142.69/

72.60

280.25

“ “ top 105.60 31.00 -- 127.12 81.00 56.00 -- 35.75 --Gotu Kola

(trop. annual)

Centella asiatica herb 20.00 3.50 12.00 72.64 25.10 22.00 24.50 17.55/

14.85

na

Pipsissewa Chimaphilaumbelatta

herb 29.60 -- 19.00 27.24 -- 34.00 32.00 15.15 --

Spikenard Aralia racemosa root 40.00 12.25 22.25 30.42 31.95 28.00 -- 19.25 --Uva Ursi Aretostaphylos

uva ursileaf 31.20/

26.40

7.50 11.00 12.72 21.35/

19.15

16.00 -- 17.35/

14.85

17.95

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Burdock Articumlappa

root 33.60/

18.40

3.60 9.00 19.07 20.40 14.00 14.50 13.59 20.40

“ “ leaf 10.05

Chickweed Stellariamedia

herb 25.60 4.35 8.00 25.42 14.90 13.00 13.50 12.70 13.95

Chicory Chicoriumintybus

root 16.00 3.90 7.50 24.06 11.25 6.00 -- 12.10 16.05(roasted)

Cleavers Galiumaparine

herb 20.00 5.50 9.00 22.25 13.45 17.00 16.50 11.55 --

Clover -sweet Melilotisofficinalis

herb -- -- -- 24.06 -- -- -- 11.20 --

Clover - red Trifoliumpratense

flowers

herb

29.60

52.80/

16.00

5.70 42.00

8.00

15.44 24.70/

19.55

12.00 14.50 47.03

10.21

16.65



Coltsfoot Tussilagofarfara

leaf 20.80 4.75 9.00 25.42 20.55/

16.15

18.00 17.00 14.85/

12.10

--

Couchgrass Triticumrepens

rhizome -- 3.90 10.00 -- -- 36.00 -- 16.50 --

Dandelion Taraxacumofficinale

leaf

root

21.60

23.20

4.10

4.10

8.00

10.00

--

30.42

20.40

23.45

19.00

20.00

16.00

19.00

15.53

15.53

19.65

30.85Dock - yellow/

curley

Rumexcrispus

root 16.80 3.20 18.00 20.88 19.80 28.00 13.00 9.90 --

Goldenrod Solidagovirgaurea

herb 13.60 3.50 11.00 -- -- 14.00 -- 10.30

Horsetail Equisetumarvense/

hyemale

herb 16.80 3.25 11.00 22.25 17.20 24.00 16.50 15.40/

10.75

16.05

Kudzu Puerarialobata

root 33.60 4.90 -- 25.42 14.80 17.00 -- 12.10 --

Lettuce - wild Lactucaverosa

herb 29.60 6.95 11.00 38.14 -- 20.00 -- 13.55

Marshmallow Altheaofficinalis

root 28.00 8.80/5.00 12.00 19.07 27.30 19.00 19.00 13.06 18.45

“ “ leaf 36.00 3.90 11.50

Mullein Verbascumthapsis

leaf 3.50 3.90 15.00 20.43 19.95 19.00 19.50 10.45 9.95

Nettles Urticadioica

leaf

root

3.25 3.25

4.50

10.00

11.00

19.52

--

18.90

18.50

14.00 18.00 11.50

12.54

15.95

Plantain Plantagomajor

leaf 17.60 5.15 9.00 -- -- 16.00 12.00 -- --

“ Plantagolanceolata

leaf -- -- -- 22.70 19.15 -- -- 12.70 --

Pokeweed Phytolaccaamericana

root 21.60 8.50 -- 20.43 -- 15.00 15.00 9.90 --

Puncture vine Tribulusterrestris

weed -- 7.50 -- 317.80 -- -- -- -- --

Shepardspurse Capsellabursapastoris

herb 18.40 3.50 8.00 20.43 14.80 13.00 16.00 12.65 --

Sorrell Rumexacetosa

herb 31.20 6.30 11.00 15.89 33.00 30.00 30.00 22.47/

15.68

--

Yucca Yuccaglauca

root bark 34.40 8.50 14.25 54.48 35.00/

24.90

18.00 -- 13.75 --



Table B6. Other sun-loving perennials with a potential for medicinal herb market

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Alfalfa Medicagosativa

leaf

seed

23.20

10.40

1.90

4.75

6.00

--

--

--

13.80

10.50

8.00

12.00

13.20

--

8.50

--

8.85

9.19Angelica Angelica

archangelicaroot 29.60 4.00 16.50 34.96 24.88 21.00 23.50 22.55/

15.15

--

Ashwagandha Withaniasomnifera

root 33.60 8.90 25.00 31.33 28.95 44.00 -- 16.50 --

Bergamot -Wild

Monardafitulosa

herb -- -- -- 23.61 -- -- -- 9.79 --

BlessedThistle

Cnicusbenedictus

herb 13.60 4.00 9.00 18.61 22.05/

12.60

14.00 17.00 11.40 10.85

Boneset Eupatoriumperfoliatum

herb 19.20 -- 10.25 23.15 15.00 14.00 -- 10.36 --

Borage Boragoofficinalis

herb 23.20 4.70 7.00 30.42 -- 25.00 26.00 17.24 --

Bupleurum Bupleureumchinense

root 48.00 9.75 8.00 38.14 -- 30.00 -- 19.40 --

Burdock Articum lappa root 33.60/

18.40

3.60 9.00 19.07 20.40 14.00 14.50 13.59 20.40

“ “ leaf 10.05

ButterflyMilkweed

Asclepiastuberosa

root 46.40 8.50 22.00 25.42 -- 25.00 28.00 15.68 --

Calamus(sweetflag)

Acoruscalamus

root 22.40 5.75 12.00 22.25 21.50 17.00 18.50 12.40 na


flower 24.00 4.80 27.00 36.77 18.50 39.00 32.00/

8.00

25.89/

10.97

23.75

Celandine Chelidoniummajus

herb 31.20 6.25 15.25 25.42 -- 31.00 -- -- --

Chamomilie -German

Matricariarecutita

flowers 21.60 9.90/3.50 12.00 30.42 25.10 12.00 23.00/

11.00

16.50 25.25

ChincesMilkvetch

Astragalusmembranaceus

root 40.00 7.50 17.00 54.03 38.00/

20.80

56.00 52.00 16.50 35.25

Comfrey Symphytumofficinale

leaf 27.20/1.20 8.90/3.90 10.00 36.32 19.63/12.45

12.00 13.50 12.10 13.85

“ “ root 36.80/17.60 8.70/3.95 11.25 36.32 24.75/

13.35

18.00 18.00 14.05 13.95

Dong Quai Angelicapolymorpha

root pwd/

slice

31.20 8.75 12.00 34.96 29.05

47.75

17.00

40.00

8.90 18.15

27.50

--

43.05Echinacea-Narrow leaf


leaf

root

--

95.20

--

21.00

--

20.00

--

73.09

32.15

70.00

--

80.00

--

50.00

14.39

38.4

--

99.99Echinacea-Pale Purple

Echinaceapallida

leaf

root -- 14.00 -- -- -- -- -- 22.47 --Echinacea-Purpleconeflower

Echinaceapurpurea

leaf

root

54.40

65.60

--

18.50

--

12.00

17.71

63.56

16.00

40.15

14.00

46.00

--

28.20

--

18.29

--

38.65Elecampane Inula helenium root 20.00 4.75 10.50 25.42 14.20 22.00 14.60 11.85 --

EveningPrimrose

Oenotherabiennis

herb

seed

-- 7.50

--

-- 34.96 -- -- -- -- --

Feverfew Tanacetumparthenium

herb w/ 40.00 6.75 9.00 27.69 22.55 16.00 16.00 14.39 --



flowersFo-Ti (plant) Polygonum

multiflorumroot 20.80 4.75 11.00 29.06 16.15 15.00 16.50 14.50 --

Heal-all Prunellavulgaris

herb 56.80 -- -- -- -- -- -- 20.35 --

Horehound Marrubiumvulgare

herb 16.80 4.00 13.00 25.42 24.35 18.00 -- 14.05 24.35

Hyssop Hyssopusofficinalis

herb 17.60 3.80 10.00 25.42 23.65 21.00 19.70 12.65 --

Joe Pye Weed Eupatoriumpupureum

root 28.00 9.50 14.00 25.42 21.95 19.00 23.00 10.30 --

Lady’sMantle

Alchemillavulgaris

herb 24.80 6.25 12.00 34.96 22.05 38.00 -- 18.15 --

Lemon Balm Melissaofficinalis

herb 22.40 6.25 13.00 25.42 28.70 22.00 22.00 13.75 19.85

LemonVerbena

Aloysiatriphylla

herb 36.80 8.90 13.00 72.64 28.30 26.00 26.50 -- 23.05

Lespedeza -RoundHeaded

Lespedezacaptiata

herb -- -- 19.52 -- -- -- -- --

Licorice Glycyrrhizaglabra

root 14.40 cs

25.60 wh

9.65/3.35 10.00 22.25 16.70 -- 20.00/

9.50

13.06/

9.79

16.70

Licorice -Chinese

Glycyrrhizauralensis

root 28.00 wh46.40 sl

-- -- -- 18.20 20.00 -- -- --

Lobelia Lobelia infata herb 43.20 5.40 30.00 31.33 24.63 40.00 -- 18.15 34.55

Lungwort Pulmonariaofficinalis

herb 32.00 -- -- 30.42 24.65 -- -- -- --

Marshmallow Altheaofficinalis

root 28.00 8.80/5.00 12.00 19.07 27.30 19.00 19.00 13.06 18.45

Milk Thistle Silybummarianum

seed 20.00 3.20 12.00 19.07 24.65/

11.95

22.00 26.50 14.05/

11.85

24.65

Motherwort Leonuruscardiaca

herb 20.00 4.50 17.00 26.79 21.25/

18.13

22.00 21.00 13.30 19.05

Mugwort Artemesiavulgaris

leaf 16.00 4.50 12.50 28.15 24.13/

14.63

14.00 16.00 12.10 --

Mullein Verbascumthapsis

leaf 3.50 3.90 15.00 20.43 19.95 19.00 19.50 10.45 9.95

Nettles Urtica dioica leaf

root

3.25 3.25

4.50

10.00

11.00

19.52

--

18.90

18.50

14.00 18.00 11.50

12.54

15.95

Patchouli Pogostemoncablin

leaf 44.80 oil only 18.00 38.14 22.50 -- 16.00 18.15 --

Pennyroyal Menthepulegium

herb 16.80 3.60 8.00 22.70 15.63 17.00 17.00 15.15 --

Prairie clover Petalostemumcandidum/

purpureus

roots andflowering

tops

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Red clover Trifoliumpratense

flowers

herb

29.60

52.80/

16.00

5.70 42.00

8.00

15.44 24.70/

19.55

12.00 14.50 47.03

10.21

16.65

Rue Rutusgraveoluns

herb 67.20 6.67 17.00 29.06 30.45 18 -- 14.05 18.15

Skullcap/

Scullcap

Scutellarialateriflora

herb 64.00/

33.60

16.00 16.00 33.59 34.25/

30.00

24.00 25.00 17.24 26.05

Soapwort Saponariaofficinalis

root -- 10.00 20.00 -- -- -- -- -- --

Spilanthes/

ToothahcePlant

Spilanthesacmella

herb -- -- -- 39.95 -- 39.00 -- 27.50 --

St. John’sWort

Hypericumperforatum

tops w/flowers

20.00 4.50 10.00 24.06 25.70 22.00 -- 16.72/

13.06

25.75

Tansy Tanacetumvulgare

herb 21.60 9.00 -- 15.89 -- 25.00 -- 11.55 --

Valerian Valeriana root 2.95 4.50 9.00 31.33 31.65 26.00 22.00/ 14.39 30.85



Table B7. Medicinals also grown as culinary species (annuals and perennials) [and fruit/veg?]

officinalis 11.50

Vervain -Blue

Verbena

hastata

herb 4.50 14.50 22.25 20.30 17.00 17.00 10.45 --

Wormwood Artemisiaabsinthium

herb 16.80 3.50 17.00 25.42 20.00/

11.25

18.00 18.50 14.85 17.55

Yarrow -‘Proa’

Achilleamillefolium

flower 20.00 3.40 16.00 20.88 24.65/

12.90

22.00 18.00 12.02 11.05

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Asparagus tuber Asparaguscochinchinensis

root 44.00 5.90 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Basis - sweet Ocimumbasilicum

leaf 11.20 4.60 8.00 26.79 13.80 16.00 14.00 15.40 7.69

Catnip Nepeta cataria leaf &flower

43.20/

25.60

5.50 9.00 11.35 20.40/

18.20

24.00 20.50 13.30 17.55

Chervil Anthriscuscerefolium

leaf 32.80 9.75 18.75 -- 27.70 -- -- -- 25.85

Chives Alliumschoenoprasum

leaves

(rings)

81.60 11.50 40.00 -- 79.30 -- -- -- 32.05

Cilantro Coriandrumsativum

leaf -- 14.40/

4.20

17.00 41.31 35.00/

24.05

17.00 -- 22.55 26.85

Corn silk Zea mays silk 25.60 4.95 13.00 -- 13.25 14.00 -- 14.20 12.35

Corriander Coriandrumsativum

seed 6.40 4.25/

1.95

7.00 12.71 10.55/

4.80

16.00 11.00 14.05 4.85

Dill Anethumgraveolens

leaf 32.00 4.70 14.00 31.78 26.25/

18.50

24.00 -- 18.15 23.05

“ “ seed 7.20 3.30 8.00 17.71 12.00/

6.00

-- -- -- 12.85

Fennel Foeniculumvulgare

seed 9.60 4.95/

3.60

6.50 6.36 16.50/

8.50

12.00 13.00 12.65 11.25

Garlic Allium sativum bulb/root

(granules)

10.40 3.40 8.00 -- 16.50 15.00 15.50 13.60 --

Ginger - tropical Zingiberofficinale

root 12.80 3.50 9.75 30.42 18.75/

8.75

20.00 18.00/

8.50

15.15 8.35

Horseradish Armoraciarustocana

root 34.40 5.90 -- 39.04 20.30 -- -- -- --

Lemongrass Cymbopagoncitratus

leaf 24.00/

12.00

3.25 8.00 25.42 15.25 12.00 12.50 13.30 13.95

Lovage Ligusticumlevisticum

root

leaf

32.80

12.00

6.50 12.00 -- 21.05 -- -- -- --

Oat straw Avena sativa straw 12.80 2.50 7.00 20.43 19.50 8.00 9.00 9.10 --

Oregano Origanumvulgare

leaf/herb 16.00 3.85 9.50 25.42 15.00/

11.00

13.00 14.00 12.70 13.45

Parsley Petroselinumcrispum

leaf 20.80 6.50/

4.10

14.00 22.70 26.25/

18.88

16.00 -- 16.35 18.65

“ “ root 24.00 6.50 14.00 -- 21.25 15.00 -- 14.85 --



Table B8. Flowers sold as medicinals

Peppermint Mentha piperita leaf 23.20/

11.20

2.75 10.00 -- 13.65/

8.50

10.00 14.00 10.45 13.95

Rhubarb -common

Rheumofficinalis

root 15.40 -- 13.00

Rhubarb-Turkish/Chinese

Rheumpalmatum

root 17.60 4.75 10.00 31.78 20.30 27.00 20.00 18.15/

17.05

--

Sage - common Salviaofficinalis

leaf 27.20 4.50 10.00 14.07 21.25/

14.38

16.00 18.00 12.10 12.05

Spearmint Menthacardiaca

leaf 10.40 2.50 8.00 19.52 15.80/

7.80

14.00 15.00 15.15 14.35

Strawberry Fragaria vesca leaf 18.40 3.50 8.00 -- -- 15.00 15.00 -- --Stevia Stevia

rebaudianeherb 24.00 6.50 12.00 36.77 19.15 18.00 17.00 17.24 31.75

Tarragon Artemesiadraunculus

leaf -- -- 11.00 55.39 55.00/

35.40

25.00 -- 27.25 33.05

Thyme Thymusvulgaris

leaf 8.80 -- 13.00 30.42 18.20/

12.25

26.00 23.00/

7.00

17.60 18.25

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Blue Flag

Iris

Iris Versicolor root 54.40 -- 44.00 -- -- 48.00 -- 24.20 --

Blue Malva Malvasylvestris

flower 24.00 12.90/

6.75

15.00 -- -- -- 36.00 -- --

ButterflyMilkweed

Asclepiastuberosa

root 46.40 8.50 22.00 25.42 -- 25.00 28.00 15.68 --

CaliforniaPoppy

Eschscholziacalifornica

herb -- -- 33.00 43.13 -- 48.00 -- 33.00 --


flower 24.00 4.80 27.00 36.77 18.50 39.00 32.00/

8.00

25.89/

10.97

23.75

EveningPrimrose

Oenotherabiennis

herb

seed

-- 7.50

--

-- 34.96 -- -- -- -- --

Fumitory Fumariaofficinalis

herb 24.00 4.80 12.00 -- -- -- -- -- --

Hibiscus Hibiscussabdariffa

flower 20.80 4.75 11.00 -- 15.25 21.00 20.00/

10.50

15.95 26.25

Hydrangea Hydrangeaarborescens

root 30.40 -- 10.00 23.61 18.35 16.00 -- 11.40 --

Jasmine Jasminumofficinale

flower 30.40 7.90 9.00 -- 17.60 -- -- 18.15

Lavender Lavendulaofficinalis(angustifolia)

flower 32.80 6.95 16.00 44.49 -- 20.00 32.00/

22.00

22.00/

16.35

25.55

Lilly of theValley

Convallariamajalis

herb -- -- -- 31.33 -- -- -- 18.15 --

Orris Root Iris germanica root 35.20 6.10 10.00 24.06 21.30 17.00 17.00 -- 25.05

PassionFlower-Amer.

Passifloraincarnata

herb 26.40 4.25 14.75 20.43 2-.30 18.00 17.00 11.55 17.35

Peony Paeoniaofficinalis

root 32.80 7.50 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Rose hips Rosa canina fruit 12.00 2.50 9.00 -- 10.55/

8.75

14.00 14.00 12.10 6.95

Rose petals Rosa gallica, petals, -- 4.50 9.00- 24.06 11.80 8.00 10.00 18.15 --



Table B9. Possible herbs for medicinal animal feed market

Table B10. Alpine Herbs- probably very difficult to grow in KS

** parasitic annual, attaches to grass roots

Table B11. Herbs with essential oil and fragrance markets

R. centifolia buds 120.00Violet Viola odorata leaf 43.13 22.40Violet -Blue

Viola tricolor leaf 41.60 4.80 22.75 43.13 28.95 27.00 25.00 22.40 --

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Fenugreek Trigonellafoenum-graecum

seed

herb?

6.40

--

3.10/

1.90

--

6.00

--

30.42

--

11.75/

4.30

--

15.00

--

--

--

11.00

--

11.05

--Goats Rue Galega

officinalisherb 32.00 7.00 -- -- -- -- -- --

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Arnica Arnicamontana

flower 23.20 15.00 112.00 63.56 38.13 2400.00? 20.00 36.30 --

Eyebrignt** Euphrasiaofficinalis

herb 29.60 -- 13.00 38.14 29.90/

21.45

24.00 19.00 19.80/

18.15

24.05

Gentian Gentianalutea

root 29.60 13.50 14.00 17.71 28.50 24.00 -- 21.45 --

Osha Ligusticumporteri

root 74.40 -- 40.00 54.03 -- 44.00 44.00 49.50/

33.00

--

CommonName

Species HerbPart

YTYH SanFrancisco

MtnRose


WildWeeds

BlessedHerb

PeoplesGrocery

Calamus(sweetflag)

Acoruscalamus

root 22.40 5.75 12.00 22.25 21.50 17.00 18.50 12.40 na

Chamomile- Roman

Chamaemelumnobile(Anthemisnobilis)

flowers -- -- -- 95.34 -- -- -- 35.20/

26.95

--

Clary Sage 38.40

Lavender Lavendulaofficinalis(angustifolia)

flower 32.80 6.95 16.00 44.49 -- 20.00 32.00/

22.00

22.00/

16.35

25.55

Patchouli Pogostemoncablin

leaf 44.80 oil only 18.00 38.14 22.50 -- 16.00 18.15 --

White Sage Salvia apiana herb 32.00 7.85 17.00 -- 23.10 20.00 21`.00 -- --



Notes on prices, Spring 2003, $/lb Dry Weight (some whole, some C/S, a few powder)

Notes: priced for cut and sifted product in most cases (a very coarse grind), in a few situations, for whole item (espec. berries).Powdered product generally runs $1 to $3 more per lb than cut and sifted. In a few cases, powdered products bring a lowerprice. For some roots, the whole root (licorice) or sliced root (astragalus) brings a better price than cut and sifted. Checkindividual catalogs for details. When an organic and a conventional source were listed side by side in the same catalog, bothprices are listed divided by a slash. The first price is the organic price (in bold) and the second price is non-organic. In all ofthese cases, organic means certified organic. In some catalogs, it is assumed that all herbs are wildcrafted and/or non organic,and in some it is stated that most are organic, and in some, each item is coded. Again, check individual catalogs for details.This list is not meant to be exhaustive, complete, or up-to-date. It was accurate at the time it was compiled (April 2003), buteven during the 2-3 weeks from beginning to the end of this project, some prices changed. Also, not everything makes sense,for example, the People’s Grocery Price, a local health food retailer, should be linked to Frontier’s price, the wholesale supplierfor People’s (at least according to the labels on the bulk jars). However, the price at the time they bought the herb may havebeen different than the day I was checking the prices at the store.

[1] “Medicinal Herbs” Agricultural Notes Series No AG0673

[2] “The US Market for Medicinal Herbs” Rural Agricultural Incomes with a Sustainable Environment, March 2001.

[3] HerbalGram 41, 51, 53

[4] “Market Report on Herbs and Spices” Herb Market Report April 2000. Agribusiness in Sustainable Natural African PlantProducts.

[5] Conversations with herb buyers

[6] “Commercial Medicinal Herb Enterprise” Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development. Available online athttp://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/agdes/200/263_830-2.html

[7] “The US Market for Medicinal Herbs” Rural Agricultural Incomes with a Sustainable Environment, March 2001.

[8] “Medicinal Herbs” Agricultural Notes Series No AG0673

[9] Articles of Incorporation of Great Plains Herb Growers Association



Documents

Farming a Few Acres of Herbs NB