Bay (Laurus nobilis)
A British

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Introduced into Britain by the Romans. It was plaited into crowns and garlands and thought to give the wearer improved intelligence and memory. An unusual use is to boil it in water to warm up the body before exercise.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Introduced into Britain by the Romans and still popular today. The oil was used for massage and put into baths to increase vigour. It was thought to be an antidote for snake bites.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
A Roman introduction. It was used to give gladiators strength and stamina. The dried leaves and seeds were used to cure eye infections and inflamation. The seeds were eaten as a slimming aid to stave off hunger.

Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic has been cultivated in Mediterranean countries since ancient times. Romans and Greeks enjoyed garlic to eat, whilst the Egyptians considered it a sacred herb. The plant appeared in British herbals from the 900’s onwards and it was used as an antiseptic in World War I. Garlic is most commonly used today in cooking.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
The petals of this flower were mixed with others to make a tea which King Henry VIII believed could combat the plague. A cream made from the flower was used in World War I to clean the wounds of soldiers, and it is still used today to treat some skin conditions.

Caraway (Carum carvi)
Introduced by the Romans. Dioscorides wrote that the seeds are chewed to relieve flatulence and indigestion. Julius Caesar referred to chara, a bread made from caraway root mixed with milk.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
A British native plant.  It was valued for its aromatic and antiseptic properties in the past and is still a popular herb. The name comes from lavare ‘to wash’. The oil was added to baths and used as an aromatherapy treatment for headaches and faintness.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
A British native plant, with relatives throughout Europe and Asia. It has been used for its medical properties since Egyptian times to calm fevers and help the digestive system. The name ‘Oro-ganos’ means ‘joy of the mountains'.

Hawthorn (Crataegus)
In the language of flowers Hawthorn means hope. This reflects the meaning given to it by Greeks, where Hawthorn crowns were worn by brides. Romans placed the leaves in newborn babies' hands for luck. The tree was also sacred to the Celts. Its leaves, flowers and berries have been used to treat heart conditions in several countries.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
This low growing shrub is

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.