First cultivated in China centuries ago, mentioned in 15th century BC writings. Brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in AD 400. Introduced to Europe in 17th century by Karl Linnaeus
Biennial plant reaching up to 3 meters in height. Native to temperate regions of Old World, naturalized worldwide. Forms invasive weed in high-nitrogen soils
Forms 1-8cm high orange/red fruiting bodies from dead underground pupae. Common throughout Northern Hemisphere, appearing in Europe from August to November. Can be cultivated in various media including silkworm pupae and rice
Verbena is a genus of about 150 species in Verbenaceae family. Contains annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-woody flowering plants. Leaves are opposite, simple, and often hairy. Flowers are small, blue, white, pink, or purple
Deciduous shrub or small tree reaching up to 10 meters in height. Leaves are 10-30 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs with serrated margins. Flowers are white, 5-6 mm in diameter, borne in corymbs 10-25 cm in diameter. Dark purple to black berries 3-5 mm in diameter produced in late autumn
Tansy is a 50-150 cm tall perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. Features yellow button-like flowers and pinnately lobed leaves. Introduced worldwide, including North America, becoming invasive in some areas