Linum usitatissimum

Linum usitatissimum (Flax) is a small shrub that grows 2-5 feet tall. It is native to Mediterranean regions and India. It is grown for its seeds and for its fibers, with the use of flax for the production of linen dating back at least to ancient Egyptian times. To grow flax, it requires full sun and regular water, but not too much. Linum usitatissimum has sky blue, lavender, and purple flowers, making it not just a valuable herb, spice, or ethnomedical plant, but also a beautiful ornamental plant that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The fruits of Linum usitatissimum are edible and a mature plant can be cold hardy at least to 30sF for a short time.

Flax is grown in the USDA Zone 9-11. It is valued primarily for the production of linseed oil, but it also carries many health benefits. Some studies suggest it can lower cholesterol levels, and that taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast and prostate cancers. It is particularly high in dietary fiber as well as micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Flax is also used to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets, hair gels, and soap.

When grown in a pot in cold regions, Linum usitatissimum requires a larger container for the root system and should be brought indoors for the winter.

Each plant can produce fruits, inside of which these edible, small, rounded, oval, olive-brown seeds are contained up to eight. The flavor of the seeds is bitter, so it is often used as a spice, herb, or ethnomedical plant in food and drinks. The seed is also added to various recipes to increase nutrient content. Flax seed is the source of linseed oil, which has uses as an edible oil, as a nutritional supplement and as an ingredient in many wood finishing products.

Flax seeds contain high levels of dietary fiber including lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that Flax seeds may lower cholesterol levels, taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast and prostate cancers and much.

Various parts of the plant have been used to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets, hair gels, and soap. Flax fibers are amongst the oldest fiber crops in the world. The use of flax for the production of linen goes back at least to ancient Egyptian times.

As well as having a place in the culinary arts, flax is also the emblem of Northern Ireland.

Lippia citriodora, Aloysia citriodora, Verbena citriodora, Verbena triphylla

Lemon verbena has an unusually pure, fruity lemon, note it is more intense than many other lemon-scented herbs. The genus name Aloysia, now also obsolescent, was allegedly given in honour of Maria Luisa Teresa de Parma (1751-1819), wife of king Carlos IV of Spain. The shrub can grow to 5 feet in height and has long narrow leaves which are highly scented smelling of lemon. It will bloom in late summer the flowers being tiny and white or lilac in color. Soil can be poor but needs a sheltered warm place and will need protecting during the cold weather. Lemon Verbena is an herbal medicine used to treat asthma, colds, fever, gas, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Lemon Verbena can be used in fruit dishes, jellies, punches, added to baked custard or home made ice cream. The leaves dry very well and can be used to make a mildly sedative tea. The leaves can also be put among linen and in pot-pourri, make an infusion of the leaves and add to your bath. An infusion is also said to be good for cleaning the teeth.

Liriope muscari

Becomes established most rapidly in well worked, fertile soil, but is tolerant of much less than ideal conditions. This plant is a true survivor and will grow almost anywhere.

Liriope is one of the best and most beautiful ground covers for shady gardens and even boasts summertime color. Because of its dense root mass, liriope is an excellent choice for controlling erosion on steep, shady slopes by stabilizing the soil and suppressing weed growth.

The genera Liriope and Ophiopogon are closely related and there is some confusion over their common names, particularly since some have been renamed recently but are still being sold under their old names.

Lobelia erinus

The versatile Lobelia erinus (Bellflower) is a low-growing, sprawling groundcover, growing to a maximum of 2ft. It looks absolutely stunning when in full bloom with its clusters of small, nodding bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender and purple. Lobelia not only brightens up any garden but also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Lobelia thrives in USDA zones 9-11, but even in colder climates can be grown as an annual. It does best in full sun and requires regular water to keep its soil consistently moist, so it's ideal for window boxes, hanging baskets, planters and as a ground cover.

For potting, use a loose and well-draining soil mix and a good-sized pot, since Lobelia has a deep root system. Place the pot in an area that receives full sun, always keeping a consistent moisture level. When deadheading and pruning, in colder areas it is recommended to wrap the pot in bubble wrap and place it in a sheltered location for winter. In spring, repot the Lobelia in fresh soil, fertilize it and it will be ready to bloom again.

Lobelia siphilitica