There is no simple definition for the word, despite the fact that, for centuries, herbs have been grown and used for flavorings, fragrances, medicines and teas. An herb is any plant that's valued for its medicinal, savory or aromatic qualities.
Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow.
The world of herbs goes far beyond parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme to include strange and beautiful plants such as artemesias, blue cohosh and black snakeroot. Herb festivals all over the country sell all kinds of neat herbs, sometimes at bargain prices. The leaves, which are a key ingredient in salsas, are called cilantro, whereas the seeds are called coriander. Popular perennial herbs include chives and garlic chives, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme. Among the thyme you'll also find a variety of colors and flavors as well as the creeping thymes, which look great when grown between flagstones.