SpeciesZonesLightMoistureSoil textureSoil pHFormHeightWidthRoot
SpanLifespanGrowth RateNative?Edible?Medicinal?Nitrogen
fixer?Ground cover?Dynamic Accumulator?Nectary?Cover
crop?Seed/stock Sources (see tab 2 for key)Local
examplesSourcesNotesIf Edible: Flavor Profile
AlfalfaDrought tolerant6.8 7.5herb3' (1m)annualxxBGExcellent
cover crop. Used as hay for cows (especially milk), goats, sheep,
and horses.Alpine Strawberry5Some shadeMoistS, L,
Cacid-neutralshrubfruitxPFAFTolerates heavy clay. Fruit is smaller
than normal strawberries (1.5 cm) but abundant. Loses vigor after
first few years. Likes pine needle mulch. Grows well with bush
beans, spinach, borage, lettuce and pyrethrumAmaranth0Full
sunDrought tolerantseeds, leavesUWG, BG, SoC, JLHSPFAF, AFCMHi
protein. Drought-tolerant once established. Sown in late may/early
june. Cuttings root easily. >1000 lbs grain/acre in upper
midwest.American Persimmon4Some
shadeMoistxfruitxOGWEFGArugulaAsparagusSun or shadeMoistS, L, C6.5
or higherherb, large5' 3'w coastal EuropestalksxPFAFStalks are
harvested in the spring and are a good source of protein and fiber.
Can be eaten steamed, boiled, pickled, or raw in salads. A good
companion plant for tomatoes, parsley and basilDon't harvest first
two years to allow roots to get established.Austrian Winter Pea3S,
L,
CannualSproutsxxxhttp://www.permaculture.org/nm/images/uploads/Enriching_Soil_Through_Cover_Cropping_by_Kate_Tieman.pdfGood
cold-season cover crop. Edible sprouts. Fixes nitrogen at 70-125
lbs/acre. Does well in heavy soils.Bali CherryBarberry3Some
shadeDrought tolerantvshrub10'6'mberriesxDBGPFAFthe 1/2 in fruit
has a very acid flavor and is mainly used in preserves, though can
be eaten raw when it is fully ripe.Barberry, Mexican/RedFull
sunDryS, Lslightly acidshrub, large20's - mxberriesHGHGPFAFAbundant
red, tart berries are somewhat seedy. Thorny leaves - good as
hedge. Fragrant flowers.Beetberry5full sunDrought
tolerantshrub2'annualxLeaves, berriesSoCR&RPFAF, SoC,
WikiSelf-seeding annual with edible leaves and small red berries.
Like its relatives Quinoa and Lamb's Quarters, the leaves contain
saponins and should be rinsed before eating.Buckwheat2full sunmoist
Buckwheat apparently tolerates a wide range of soil pH (Bugg, pers.
comm.).leaves and seedxxBGBGAccumulates soluble phosphorus. Edible
sprouts, seeds and flour. "very fast-growing cover crop has low
grain yield, but is tolerant of very cool temps, and is high in
lysine. Widely used as a bee plant, green manure, "nurse" plant for
seedlings, and to attract wildlife. Plant spring or late summer.
Will grow on nearly any soil, but prefers light, well-drained
soil."not frost hardy plant after frost danger, plant will die as
seeds mature,cut and dry in sun to let green seeds mature then
thresh.Buffalo GrassannualBuffaloberry 'Sakakaweja'2Some
shadeDrought tolerantS, L, Cshrub, l15'15'sxberriesxOTCOTC,
PFAFCurrant-like yellow fruit. Thorns make fruit tough to
harvest.Bur oakxacornsEFGBurdockSome shadeMoist7 -
9rootxxBGR&RPFAF, BGexcellent detoxifier. sow in spring or
autumn 15 cm apart. self-sows. likes sandy soil. Burdock burs were
also the inspiration to the inventor of Velcro fasteners, who
became curious about the burs after taking his dog for a walk one
day, and finding them stuck in the dogs fur afterward. By observing
the hooked barbs on the burs, he was able to manufacture a product
that replicated Burdocks seizing qualities. early 1940s George de
Mestral, a Swiss inventor, became curious about the seeds of the
burdock plant that had attached themselves to his clothes and to
the dogs fur. Under a microscope, he looked closely at the
hook-and-loop system that the seeds use to hitchhike on passing
animals aiding seed dispersal, and he realized that the same
approach could be used to join other things together. The result
was Velcro."Cherry, western sand3Some shadeDrought tolerantS, L,
Cherb, large5-8'xfruitMonumentPFAFFruit up to 1 in. can be eaten
raw or cooked. Shallow-rooted. Fruits best in full sun.Chicory3Some
shadeMoist4.5 - 8.5slightly acidicShrub1-2'fleaves,
rootsxxJLHSR&REFG, JLHS"The crisp, bitter leaves add flavor and
bite to salads, and can be braised or boiled. The roots of all
types can be dried and roasted, then ground for a coffee flavoring
or substitute, or can be cooked and eaten like carrots or
parsnips"Chinese Chestnut2Full sunDrought tolerantshrub, m30'100
yrs +nuts (cooked)EFG, PFAFVery drought-tolerant once established,
succeeds in a variety of soils. Produces abundant nuts that can be
used as a staple crop when cooked.Chinese Magnolia4bFull
shadeMoistberryBRN, OGWEFG, BRN, OGWLemony berries. Leaves can be
used as tea. Does well in full shade. Drought intolerant - requires
irrigation. The fully dormant plant is hardy to about 0 F, though
the young growth in spring can be damaged by late
frosts.chinquapinsnutsEFGSucceeds in dry soils once established.
Sweeter nuts than other chestnuts.Chokecherry, Canada Red2Some
shadeMoistS,L,CshrubxfruitOTCMercury CafeHardy to -40 F. Nomadic
plains tribes pounded the dried berries and seeds into small,
circular cakes. "Processed into syrups and jellies, the flavor can
be best described as tart cherry with a mellow almond flavor. Trees
are adaptable to shade and grow in almost all types of soils and
locations." - OTCComfrey4Some shadeMoists,l,c3-5'3-5'fxx
(phosphorous)xxCRMPI, R&R House, MonumentCRPMI, EFG,
http://www.permaculture.org/nm/images/uploads/Enriching_Soil_Through_Cover_Cropping_by_Kate_Tieman.pdfPermaculture
all-star plant: cover crop, weed barrier, chicken feed, "living
mulch", accumulates phosphorous, many medicinal uses, great compost
activatorCreeping RaspberrySun or shadeDrought
tolerant6'indefperennialberriesxhttp://www.bigdipperfarm.com,
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/81725/Currant, alpineDrought
tolerant(S, L) CCurrant, American Black3Some shadeMoist/Wet(S, L)
Cberriestreatment of kidney diseases and menstrual and menopausal
problems. Cree Indians used the fruit of Ribes glandulosum as a
fertility enhancer to assist women in becoming
pregnant.http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=RIAM2Currant,
clove/buffalo3bSome shadeDrought tolerant(S, L) CxberryxOTC,
FFGreen SpacesFF, EFG, PFAFOTC: one of the only currants that can
be eaten raw. Best to have 2 plants for pollination. They appear to
be self infertile. Hardy to -30 F. EFG: most drought-tolerant
currant. PFAF: clove-scented flowers. ripens from late July and can
hang on the bush until early autumn. Can also be dried for winter
use.Currant, GoldenSome shadeDrought tolerant(S, L)
CxberriesCurrant root and seeds are high in gamma-Linolenic acid
(GLA). GLA has been clinically verified as an effective treatment
for pre-menstrual syndrome. [1]BGBGsomewhat
drought-tolerantDandelionxxMonumentDwarf chestnut
oakxacornsEFGEchinacea3 - 8Some shadeDrought tolerants,lherb,
large3-4'1-2'm-fxxCRMPIEFG, PFAFPFAF: "The plant has a general
stimulatory effect on the immune system and is widely used in
modern herbal treatments". Drought-tolerant once established.
Attracts slugs. Harvest and dry roots and/or tops of mature plants
and use in teas and decoctions. Great guide to growing and
harvesting:
http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/herbs/coneflower.aspEgyptian
OnionsCRMPIFava Bean/Broad Bean0Full sunDrought tolerantS, L,
C1annualBeanxxxhttp://www.permaculture.org/nm/images/uploads/Enriching_Soil_Through_Cover_Cropping_by_Kate_Tieman.pdfCold-season
cover crop. Fixes nitrogen up to 150 lbs/acre. Large, protein-rich
seed.FenugreekannualHerb,
seedxxxhttp://www.permaculture.org/nm/images/uploads/Enriching_Soil_Through_Cover_Cropping_by_Kate_Tieman.pdfCold-season
cover crop.Gamote/Widewing Springparsley6Full sunDryherb,
medium1'1'xrootsxAPvery little info available.Ginger, wild3 -
8ShadeMoistS, L, Cshrub, m4"1'stubersxPFAFRoots have pungent
peppery ginger smellGoji Berry/ Wolfberry5Full sunDrought
tolerantS, L, Cshrub, mediumberries, shootsxxBRN(?), HHPFAF, BRN,
http://www.ehow.com/how_5580571_grow-goji-berry-plants.htmlcan be
tough to start, but once established, grows quickly & can grow
in poor soil - can become invasive. recovers well from pruning.
Hardy to about -15 F. Good for erosion control.Good King
HenryGooseberry, mountainSome shade(S, L) CxberryxFFFF, PFAFdoesn't
sound deliciousGoumi5 - 8Some shadeDrought tolerantS, Lshrub,
large6-8'6-8'm - fberriesxxBRNEFGDrought tolerant nitrogen fixer,
hardy to -20 F. Great for hedges and companion planting. "The fruit
must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly
under-ripe it will be quite astringent... the fruit is well hidden
in the shrub and is quite difficult to harvest without damaging the
plant."Grain SorghumGrapevine (large)20'20'mfruitCO grape growers'
guide: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/550a.pdfWill
produce after 3rd year. Require heavy pruning each year
thereafter.Ground Nut3 - 10Some shadeMoistS, Lneutral to v.
acidicVine, M4'10'-25'mtuberxxOTCEFG, PFAFGrows naturally in low
marshy areas of NE United States, forming long thin roots with
tubers at intervals along their length. Can twine around
neighboring plants for support, or trail on the ground. Tuber is
17% protein and takes 2-3 years to reach a sizeable harvest. Can be
eaten raw or cooked. Best when harvested in autumn. stores well
until the spring.Groundplum Milk Vetch3 to 8Full sunDryS, Lherb
(small)6-15"1-2'fxleaves, fruitxxxJLHS, RMRP, MSGCRMPIEFG, MSG,
PFAFSomewhat difficult to grow, esp for transplants. "The fruits
are edible. They are very juicy and taste a little like pea pods.
They were eaten by Native Americans and early settlers."Highbush
Cranberry2Some shadeMoist/WetS, L, Cshrub
(large)6-12'6-12'mfruitxOTCCRMPIPFAF, EFGTolerates heavy clay.
Drought-tolerant once established.Honeylocust, thornlessDrought
toleranttreexHoneypod Mesquite7Full sunDrought tolerantshrub, very
large12-25'30'mpodsxxEFG, WikiInvasive. Fruits even during drought.
Bark gum is candy or wound treatment. Wood is also
multifunctional.Hull-less BarleyannualHull-less
OatsannualJostaberry4Some
shadeMoistS,L,CShrub6'6'perennialmberriesxPFAF, WikiJujube6 - 9Full
sunDrought tolerantS, L, Ctree,
small-medium15-30'15-30'ffruitxxBRN, OGWEFG, OGWHardy to -13 F.
Grows quickly even in poor soil. Drought tolerant. Responds well to
coppicing. 1/2-inchx1-inch fruit can be eaten raw or dried.
Increases immune system resistanceKinnikinnick/Bearberry4Sun or
shadeDrought tolerantS, Lneutral - acidicshrub, medxberriesxxWiki,
PFAFSucceeds well in poor soils. Cultivars 'Anchor Bay', 'Point
Reyes' and 'Vulcan's Peak' have all been mentioned as good
groundcover forms. 6mm fruit is best dried or cooked. "leaves are
picked any time during the summer and dried for use in infusions,
liquid extracts, medicinal tea bags and tablets. The plant has the
following claimed properties: anti-lithic, aromatic, astringent,
disinfectant, diuretic, lithontripic, sedative (renal), stimulant
(mild), tonic, urinary antiseptic." - WikipediaKiwi, hardy4 -
8MoistvinefruitBRN, OGWKorean PinenutsEFGLab Lab Hyacinth
BeanDrought
tolerantannualBeanxxhttp://www.permaculture.org/nm/images/uploads/Enriching_Soil_Through_Cover_Cropping_by_Kate_Tieman.pdfWarm-season
cover crop. Fixes nitrogen up to 150 lbs/acre. Edible substitute
for garbanzo beans.Lady's Mantle5Some shadeDrought
tolerantherbperennialxxR&RPFAF, Wiki, Easy-to-grow in partially
shaded areas, spreads easily. "The herb is alterative,
antirheumatic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge,
sedative, styptic, tonic and vulnerary" (PFAF)Lamb's
Quartersannualleaves, seedsLamb's Quarters/Huauzontle0 (?)Full
sunDrought tolerantS,L,C4'2'fxleaves, inflorescence, seedsJLHSJLHS,
Wiki, PFAFCommon garden weed - self-sows freely in most soils.
Indicator of nitrogen-rich soils. Good companion for potatoes, corn
and cucurbits. Leaves are good spinach substitute. Contains
saponins, which can cause indigestion unless cooked/rinsed.Lead
PlantLily of the Valley3Sun or shadeDrought
tolerantherbxxR&RPFAFAttractive ornamental. All parts of the
plants are poisonous and should be used with supervision. "Lily of
the valley encourages the heart to beat more slowly, regularly and
efficiently, at the same time it is strongly diuretic, reducing
blood volume and lowering blood pressure" - PFAFLotus5Some
shadeDrought tolerant5.1-8.5Herb1"1-2'mxxEFGLovageSome
shadeMoistLarge herb3-5'1-2'fleaves, stalksxCRMPI, R&RPFAF,
personal obsleaves and stalks have strong celery taste and can be
eaten cooked or raw. Not everyone finds the taste agreeable. Leaves
are available early in the season. Regenerates when cut back to
ground during growing season. Grows quickly in moist soil. Good
companion plant.Lowbush
BlueberrymoistberriesxEFGLupineannualxxhttp://www.permaculture.org/nm/images/uploads/Enriching_Soil_Through_Cover_Cropping_by_Kate_Tieman.pdfMotherwort3Some
shadeDrought tolerantherbannualxR&RPFAF, Wiki, "historically
used in China to prevent pregnancy and to regulate menstruation.
Motherwort is also used to ease stomach gas and cramping,
menopausal problems, and insomnia..." - WikiMountain Mahogany6Full
sunDrySshrub (large)6-20'6-20's-mxxxCRMPI, MonumentEFG, CRMPICRMPI:
coppice for chicken fodder and mulch. poison
(?)MustardannualNanking Cherry2Some shademoistS, L, Clarge
shrubfruitCRMPI, MonumentCRMPISmall, slightly tart fruit. Reliable
crop.New Zealand SpinachFull sunDrought
tolerant1'indefannualxwikiSpreading groundcover that thrives in hot
weather. Taste and use are similar to spinach.Oregon grape6Some
shadeDrought tolerant(S, L) Cshrub,
s1'6'smountainsberriesxOTCDBGOTC, PFAFDrought-tolerant, grows in
poor soils. Taste is like a tart grape. Relatively little flesh and
a lot of seeds. Root and root bark improves the digestion and
absorption and is taken internally in the treatment of coughs,
fevers, psoriasis, syphilis, haemorrhages, stomach complaints,
kidney problems and impure blood conditions.Paw Paw5 - 7Sun or
shadeMoistshrub (l)15"15"sfruitOGW, BRN, FF, OTCPFAFNative to SE
USA - Nebraska to Florida (largest native american fruit). requires
some irrigation in CO climate. Hardy to -30 F. Begins bearing in 4
- 6 years and yields up to 75 lbs per tree. Slow-growing at first,
established plants average 1-2 feet growth.Pinon Pine5Full
sunDryneutraltree50'35's-mxnuts, needle teaBG (seeds)EFGtraditional
source of proteinPlum, American3Some shadeDrought
tolerantS,L,CtreemxfruitxCRMPIPFAFMost members of this genus are
shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are
damaged.Prickly Pear5 - 9Full sunDryshrub4-8'3'sxfruit, padsxOTC,
IMCEFGneedlesProso MilletProstrate Broom6 - 8Full sunDrought
tolerantherb (small)4 - 8"3' +mxxFFEFGdislikes root
disturbanceQuinoa0Full sunDrought tolerant6 - 8.5leaves, seedsSoC,
BG, JLHSJLHS, SoC article:
http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_38/quinoa.aspWell-suited
to high elevations with warm days and cool nights. Drought-tolerant
but prefers moist soil. Sow in april. Must thoroughly rinse to
remove saponins before eating. "The leaves, stem-tips and young
flowers are excellent in salads, having a mild sweet flavor, and
very succulent. Also good cooked like spinach or added to soups." -
JLHSSouth American seed doesn't seem to do well,I bought Black
quinoa from a place in the San Louis Valley and its doing very well
in full sun some plants are 7 feet high.The only soil additions I
used were bagged steer manure tilled in 8 inches.Last year my black
quinoa failed because of drought and root maggots but still managed
to pop a few seeds out.Use seed sparingly as every single one will
germinate,the plants will tiller out if given room and create
multiple seed heads.This is definitely a plant I will stick with in
the future.Ramps4 - 8ShadeMoistS, Lleaves, rootxPlant bulbs fairly
deeply. Requires relatively rich soil. Inhibits the growth of
legumes.Rhubarb3Some shadeMoistS, L, Cherb5'4'fstalkR&RPFAF,
EFGTart stem is harvested in early spring. Can be eaten raw but is
usually stewed with sugar or fruit. Roots have many medicinal
properties. Grows best in moist, loamy soil but tolerates a wide
variety of conditions.Don't harvest first year to allow roots to
get established. Harvest just a few stalks per plant the second
year.Rocky Mountain Bee Plant3/10/2010Full sunDrought tolerantS, L,
Cherb3'1'annualxleavesxxhttp://www.easywildflowers.comGaia's
Garden, http://www.wildflowerinformation.orgEdible leaves. Attracts
bees. Used by Anasazi and Navajo as "fourth sister". Pretty
purple-pink flowers in July-AugRosemary 'arp'5 - 9Full sunDrought
tolerantshrub, small/medium3-4'3-4'sherbxEFGRunning club moss1 -
8Partial shadeDrought tolerantherb, small5-12"indefsxRunning
Juneberry4Full sunDrought tolerantS (L, C)5.5-7Shrub,
M4-6'IndefmberryxOTCEFG, OTCGrows true to seedSalad Burnet5Full
sunMoistS, L, Cherb2'1'leavesAbbondanzaR&RPFAF, AbbondanzaMild
perennial salad green with cucumber flavor. Can turn bitter in hot,
dry conditions. SalsifySaltbush8Full sunDrought
tolerantShrub6'9'other members of genusleavesJLHSEFG, JHLSTolerates
dry and salty soils. Doesn't grow well in clay soil. "Plants can be
damaged by severe frosts but they soon recover" - PFAF. A. Halimus
might need a sheltered microclimate to grow in CO, but A.
canescens, a relative, is native to the Denver area and was used as
a fuel source by Native Americans.Saltbush, Four-wing7Full
sunDrought tolerantS, Lbasic, neutralshrub, m5'5'xleaves,
seedsxNAGcommon to Denver area, used as fuel source by Native
Americans. "It survives with 8" to 12" of rain a year and is found
anywhere from below sea level to 8,000'. Taproots that can reach
down 20' tolerate soils containing salt, selenium, boron, and
alkalis, but accept slightly acid soils, deep sandy loams, heavy
clays, and gravel washes... The leaves contain high levels of
protein and carotene in the winter, but saponin makes them
unpalatable in the summer when theyre producing seed." - NAG "The
leaves can be made into a soapy lather and used as a wash on itches
and rashes such as chickenpox. A poultice of the crushed leaves can
be applied to ant bites to reduce the pain and swelling." -
PFAFSand Cherry3Some shadeDrought tolerantShrub, m3-6'3'15-30
yrsxfruitxPFAF, EFG, NAGpretty good fruit - up to 2 cm in
diameterSea Buckthorn3Some shadeDrought tolerantS, L, Cshrub,
large20'10'15-30 yrsmberriesxxPFAF, RFG, WikiProduces acidic
1/4-inch berries high in vitamins A and C. A high-quality medical
oil is produced from the fruit. Less tart (but less nutritious)
after a frost. As the name implies, the branches are quite thorny.
Grows on dunes and sea cliffs in the wild.Sea Kale4 - 8Some
shadeDrought tolerant6.5-8herb, m2-3'3'5-10 yrsm-fleavesxJLHS,
BGMonumentPFAF, BGlikes good, rich, deep soil and an open and sunny
position with plenty of compost and manure.
drought-tolerantServiceberry, Shadblow2Drought tolerantS (L,
C)5.5-7Shrub, L18'9'berriesxOTCOTCGrows true to
seedServiceberry/Saskatoon "Pigeon Berry" (Amelanchier alnifolia
var. pumila)2 - 3Some shadeMoistS (L, C)5.5-7Shrub, M15'15'15-30
yrsxberryFor inflamation and pain when fruit ingested
*http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15997850xBNPN, OTCPFAF,
OTCGrows true to seed. Plants fruit in 2-3 years. Hardy to -40
FSheep Sorrel3Full sunDrought
tolerantacid-neutralherb6"indefperennialfleavesxxxxHHCRMPIEFG,
CRMPI, PFAFattracts wildlife. Detoxifier when juiced, makes
lemonade-like drink when boiled. lemony flavor due to oxalic acid
-> raw leaves in hi quantities will lock up other nutrients.
Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the
roots.Siberian Pea Shrub2 - 9Full sunDrought tolerantShrub,
large15-30 yrsfpodsxBRNCRMPI, MonumentEFG, BRNGood chicken feed,
seeds are 36% protein, good hedge (thorny), winter hardy, drought
tolerant. New growth can be trimmed and left on ground as
nitrogen-rich mulch. "The seeds are edible cooked. Small, but
produced in abundance, there are 4 - 6 seeds per pod. Having a
bland flavor, it is best used in spicy dishes. The raw seed has a
mild pea-like flavor. The seed contains 12.4% of a fatty oil and up
to 36% protein, and it has been recommended as an emergency food
for humans -
http://www.djroger.com/Siberian%20Pea%20Shrub.htmSilverberry2 -
6Full sunDrought tolerant15-30 yrsxfruitxxOGW, BRNEFG, OGW, BRNOGW
tastier, BRN hardier. good for hedgerows, poor soils, windbreaks.
Resent root disturbance. Good-smelling flowersSoapberry8Full
sunDrought tolerantS, L, Ctree40'ssw usxDBGPFAF, WikiFruit contains
saponins that make a good natural detergent. Antimicrobial
properties good for disinfecting greywater and cisternsSorrel,
Garden3 - 9Some shadeDrought
tolerantherb1'2'perennialleavesxSOCEFG, PFAF,
http://growingtaste.com/vegetables/sorrel.shtmlLeaves are available
year-round if in a good microclimate. However, "they tend to be
almost tasteless early on, gradually gaining their characteristic
and desired acidity and flavor as the season wears on". lemony
flavor due to oxalic acid -> raw leaves in hi quantities will
lock up other nutrients. SpilanthesFull sunMoistherb12"xUWG, SoC,
HHCRMPICRMPI, PFAF, UWG, HHused to make a useful + multifunctional
tincture. chewing leaves numbs mouthSpruce,
ColoradoMoistacidictreexStanley PlumSunchoke (Jerusalem Artichoke)2
- 10Some shadeMoistherb,
large6-12'indefperennialftubersxOTCR&REFGHeavy yield with
little maintenance. Tubers sweeten after frost. Can take over if
not managed. Contains inulin, which can cause indigestion.
Long-term storage, boiling, or slow roasting will convert inulin to
starches, making tubers more easily digestible. "The first frost
kills the stems and leaves, but the tubers can withstand freezing
for months" - PFAF "Whole tubers or pieces about 2 oz. should be
planted like potatoes and covered to a depth of 5 in."-
PFAFSundropsxSweet CicelyPartial shadeMoistshrub, small3'3'leaves,
root, seed, teaxPFAFPFAF: "Excellent raw, the leaves have a
delicious sweet aniseed flavour and are liked by the majority of
people who try them... They can be cooked with tart fruits in order
to reduce their acidity. The plant produces fresh leaves from late
winter to early the following winter."Sweetfern2 - 6Some
shadeDrought tolerantshrub, small3'4-8's-mteaxxEFG, PFAFTolerates
dry soil when grown in the shade. Leaves are astringent, blood
purifier, expectorant and tonic.Sylvetta Arugula3Full sunDrought
tolerant5.5-7Herb, S1'1'2-5 yrsleavesxSOCR&RPFAFCommon roadside
weed in many places (CO?). Prolific leaves taste bitter like
Arugula. "Prefers dry soils and dislikes shade. Very resistant to
heat" - PFAF.Thread-leaved
coreopsisxxxEFGThymeherbMonumentEFGTomatilloannualValerian5 - 8Full
Sun-Partial ShadeMoistS, L, Cshrub, med4-6'xR&R, DGLPFAF, Wiki,
HHValerian root has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep
quality and reduce blood pressure. Dry, rocky soil produces more
potent oils than fertile soil. "When grown for its medicinal root,
the plant should not be allowed to flower." "Valerian (Valeriana
officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant,
with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers...Valerian was
used as a perfume in the sixteenth century...Native to Europe and
parts of Asia, Valerian has been introduced into North
America...Valerian, in pharmacology and phytotherapic medicine, is
the name of a herb or dietary supplement prepared from roots of the
plant, which, after maceration, trituration, dehydration
processes...may be used for certain effects including sedation and
anxiolytic effect." Wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_(herb))VetchannualxWalnut,
blackDrought tolerantWelsh Bunching Onions4 - 10Full sunmoist5.5 -
8herb, medium2-3'1-2'perennials-mbulbs, leavesxxBG, HHCRMPI,
R&REFG, PFAFVery hardy and easy to grow. bulbs are small (.5-1
inch diameter) but have strong flavor. leaves have mild onion
flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. repels insects.Wild
Indigo2Full sunDrought tolerant6'2'perennialfxxEFGDye plant,
attractive perennial flowerWild lupine3MoistseedsxEFGWintergreen,
christmas4Partial - full shadeDrought tolerantS,
LAcidicperennialfruit, leaves as teaxxxOTCOTC, PFAF"The bright red
fruits are attractive and remain on all winter. Really a good
edible groundcover and will spread with its dense growth habit.
Needs acidic soil with lots of organic matter." - OTCWood Nettle3 -
8ShadeMoistherb1-3'1-3'cooking greens, teaxEFGstings before
cookedWooly Thyme6Full sunDrought
tolerantS,Lherb1"indefperennialleavesxxeriscape CO, PFAFExcellent
groundcover: good in cracks and paths. Tolerates being walked on
occasionally. OK edible. Likes sandy soil. Thymes dislike wet
conditions, especially in the winter. Hardy to approx. 10 F (sunny
microclimates only in Denver area)3Some shadeDrought tolerantS, L,
CacidfruitxxxBRN, FFEFG, BRN, PFAFSomewhat drought-tolerant. Fruit
is astringent, should be sweetened before eating. better after a
frost or two. High in vitamin C, antioxidants, polyphenols,
bioflavonoids, and tannins4Some shadeMoistshrub, medium5' -
8'fberrieshttp://www.territorialseed.comhttp://www.territorialseed.comHardy
to -40F, very easy to grow, and has very few pest and disease
problems. Great fresh or made into preserves. Dioecious (two
varieties of similar bloom time are needed for pollination.)Sx
SourcesCodeNameLocationWebsiteNotesAPAlplainsKiowa,
COalplains.comLarge selection of wild-harvested western seeds.
difficult site to navigate - search by species name only, no photos
or other info.BRNOnalaska,
WAburntridgenursery.comFFForestfarmWilliams,
ORforestfarm.comGGGuzman's Greenhouseguzmansgreenhouse.comgood tree
selectionHCGHigh Country GardensSanta Fe, NMxeriscaping, cacti,
agave, flowers. not many edibles.HHHorizon HerbsWilliams,
ORhorizonherbs.comhuge herb selection. informative
site.IMCIntermountain Cactus UTintermountaincactus.comOGWOne Green
World Molalla, ORonegreenworld.comAFCM= Alternative field crops
manual,
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/amaranth.htmlOTCOikos Tree
CropsMIoikostreecrops.comUWGUnderwood GardensChino Valley,
AZunderwoodgardens.comSoCSeed Of ChangeSanta Fe,
NMseedsofchange.comgreat selection of open-pollinated organic seeds
for the west.BGBountiful GardensWillits, CAbountifulgardens.orgwide
variety of heirloom open-pollinated vegetables and fruits. seeds
only.JLHSJ.L. Hudson SeedsLa Honda, CAExhaustive catalog. Not
especially user-friendly site.WNSWestern Native SeedsCoaldale,
COhttp://westernnativeseed.comSpecializes in CO natives. Not many
edibles. Seed only.http://blackfootnativeplants.comNursery of hardy
western plants.MSGMorning Sky Greenerycentral
MNhttp://www.morningskygreenery.comNative prairie startsRMRPRocky
Mtn Rare PlantsFranktown, COhttp://www.rmrp.comAlpine seeds from
around the world. Open Nov-March only.