The Medicinal Herb Garden
at the University of Washington
Department of Biology
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At two and a half acres the University of Washington's Medicinal Herb Garden is one of the largest public gardens of its kind. It houses over 1,000 species from all over the world used in historic and modern times for treating a wide array of ailments, from colds to heart disease, as well as for food, fiber, dye, spices, and ceremonial purposes.
The Medicinal Herb Garden is divided into seven sections, including Cascara Circle, the formal entrance to the garden, which is “guarded” by two monkey statues, representations of the Hindu deity Hanuman. Cascara Circle features many Pacific Northwest species, including the cascara tree (Rhamnus purshiana), Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), and evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum). Throughout the rest of the garden visitors will come across many intriguing plants including foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), pomegranate (Punica granatum), squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), and many, many others.
Please note that the Medicinal Herb Garden is not a source of medical advice or a guide to self-medication. Harvesting plant material, flowers, or seeds from plants in the Medicinal Herb Garden is strictly prohibited. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional in your area for advice on using medicinal herbs.
Leonotis nepetifolia, Lion's-Ear
