Species & systems

The building blocks Understory designs with. Everything here is seed data, conservatively authored and pending expert review. Check edibility and toxicity yourself before eating anything.

Systems

Starter food forest

A small, layered planting of fruit, shrubs and groundcover that mostly looks after itself.

A garden+Sun/part shade~3 yrs to yieldlow upkeep

No-dig kitchen garden

Productive annual veg beds you can harvest from in the first season.

A few beds+Full sunUseful year 1high upkeep

Orchard with chickens

Fruit trees over a run where chickens forage, manure and clean up pests.

A large garden+Full sunUseful year 1medium upkeep

Orchard with ducks

Fruit trees with ducks for unbeatable slug control (and eggs).

A large garden+Full sunUseful year 1medium upkeep

Low-input perennial polyculture

Perennial vegetables and herbs that come back every year with little work.

A few beds+Sun/part shade~2 yrs to yieldlow upkeep

Herb & medicinal garden

A sunny, fragrant bed of culinary and medicinal herbs that thrives on neglect.

A few beds+Full sunUseful year 1low upkeep

Pollinator & wildlife system

Year-round flowers and habitat to bring in bees, hoverflies and birds.

A few beds+Full sunUseful year 1low upkeep

Hedgerow / shelterbelt

A living boundary that blocks wind, feeds wildlife and yields hedgerow fruit.

A large garden+Sun/part shade~4 yrs to yieldlow upkeep

Fruit & berry beds

Soft fruit you can pick by the handful, in a small footprint.

A few beds+Full sun~2 yrs to yieldmedium upkeep

Full forest garden

A mature seven-layer edible woodland for serious self-reliance.

¼–1 acre+Sun/part shade~5 yrs to yieldlow upkeep

Coppice / biomass strip

A cut-and-come-again stand for firewood, mulch, stakes and craft material.

A large garden+Sun/part shade~4 yrs to yieldlow upkeep

Species (330)

Use

Where it grows

Showing 330 of 330

AI illustration

Apple

edible

Malus domestica

foodfruit

Propagate: grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Pear

edible

Pyrus communis

foodfruit

Propagate: grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Plum

edible

Prunus domestica

foodfruit

Propagate: grafting, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration

Cherry

edible

Prunus avium

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Quince

edible

Cydonia oblonga

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting, layering (easy)

AI illustration

Medlar

edible

Mespilus germanica

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Black Mulberry

edible

Morus nigra

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Fig

edible

Ficus carica

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Sweet Chestnut

edible

Castanea sativa

nutfoodmulch-producer

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Walnut

edible

Juglans regia

foodnut

Propagate: seed, grafting (hard)

AI illustration

Small-leaved Lime

edible

Tilia cordata

foodfodderinsectarywildlife

Propagate: layering, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Crab Apple

edible

Malus sylvestris

pollinatorwildlifefood

Propagate: seed, grafting (easy)

AI illustration

Rowan

edible

Sorbus aucuparia

wildlifefoodwindbreak

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Hazel

edible

Corylus avellana

foodnutwindbreakmulch-producer

Propagate: layering, suckers, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Common Alder

non-food

Alnus glutinosa

n-fixerwindbreakwildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Sea Buckthorn

edible

Hippophae rhamnoides

n-fixerfruitfoodwindbreak

Propagate: seed, cutting, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration

Goumi

edible

Elaeagnus multiflora

n-fixerfruitfoodwildlife

Propagate: cutting, seed, layering (moderate)

AI illustration

Autumn Olive

edible

Elaeagnus umbellata

n-fixerfruitfoodwildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Siberian Pea Tree

edible

Caragana arborescens

n-fixerwindbreakfodderwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

White Clover

edible

Trifolium repens

n-fixergroundcoverpollinatorfodder

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Red Clover

edible

Trifolium pratense

n-fixerpollinatorfodderdynamic-accumulator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Perennial Lupin

non-food

Lupinus perennis

n-fixerpollinator

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Comfrey (Bocking 14)

non-food

Symphytum × uplandicum

dynamic-accumulatormulch-producerinsectary

Propagate: division, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Blackcurrant

edible

Ribes nigrum

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Redcurrant

edible

Ribes rubrum

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Gooseberry

edible

Ribes uva-crispa

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting, layering (easy)

AI illustration

Jostaberry

edible

Ribes × nidigrolaria

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Raspberry

edible

Rubus idaeus

foodfruit

Propagate: suckers, division (easy)

AI illustration

Blackberry

edible

Rubus fruticosus

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: layering, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Japanese Wineberry

edible

Rubus phoenicolasius

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: layering (easy)

AI illustration

Blueberry

edible

Vaccinium corymbosum

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Honeyberry

edible

Lonicera caerulea

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Juneberry (Saskatoon)

edible

Amelanchier alnifolia

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: suckers, division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Chokeberry (Aronia)

edible

Aronia melanocarpa

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting, suckers (easy)

AI illustration

Cornelian Cherry

edible

Cornus mas

foodfruitinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting, layering (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Elder

edible

Sambucus nigra

foodmedicinalinsectarywildlife

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Rhubarb

edible

Rheum rhabarbarum

food

Propagate: division (easy)

AI illustration

Grape Vine

edible

Vitis vinifera

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Hardy Kiwi

edible

Actinidia arguta

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting, layering (moderate)

AI illustration

Hops

edible

Humulus lupulus

foodmedicinalwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Sea Kale

edible

Crambe maritima

food

Propagate: cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Good King Henry

edible

Blitum bonus-henricus

food

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Sorrel

edible

Rumex acetosa

food

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Salad Burnet

edible

Sanguisorba minor

foodinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Sweet Cicely

edible

Myrrhis odorata

foodmedicinalinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Welsh Onion

edible

Allium fistulosum

foodpollinator

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Tree Onion (Walking Onion)

edible

Allium × proliferum

food

Propagate: bulbils (easy)

AI illustration

Daubenton's Perennial Kale

edible

Brassica oleracea var. ramosa

food

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Skirret

edible

Sium sisarum

food

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Jerusalem Artichoke

edible

Helianthus tuberosus

foodwindbreak

Propagate: tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Asparagus

edible

Asparagus officinalis

food

Propagate: seed, division (moderate)

AI illustration

Borage

edible

Borago officinalis

insectarypollinatordynamic-accumulator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Phacelia

non-food

Phacelia tanacetifolia

insectarypollinatormulch-producer

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Yarrow

edible

Achillea millefolium

insectarymedicinaldynamic-accumulatorpollinator

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Calendula (Pot Marigold)

edible

Calendula officinalis

insectarymedicinalpollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Nasturtium

edible

Tropaeolum majus

trap-cropinsectarygroundcover

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Chives

edible

Allium schoenoprasum

foodpollinatormedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Thyme

edible

Thymus vulgaris

foodpollinatorgroundcovermedicinal

Propagate: cutting, division (easy)

AI illustration

Creeping Thyme

edible

Thymus serpyllum

groundcoverpollinatorfood

Propagate: division, cutting, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Rosemary

edible

Salvia rosmarinus

foodpollinatormedicinal

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Sage

edible

Salvia officinalis

foodpollinatormedicinal

Propagate: cutting, layering (easy)

AI illustration

Mint

edible

Mentha spicata

foodpollinatormedicinalgroundcover

Propagate: division, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Lemon Balm

edible

Melissa officinalis

foodpollinatormedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Fennel

edible

Foeniculum vulgare

foodinsectarypollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Lovage

edible

Levisticum officinale

foodmedicinalinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Dandelion

edible

Taraxacum officinale

dynamic-accumulatorfoodinsectarymedicinal

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Stinging Nettle

edible

Urtica dioica

dynamic-accumulatormulch-producerwildlifefood

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Chicory

edible

Cichorium intybus

dynamic-accumulatorfoodfodderpollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Strawberry

edible

Fragaria × ananassa

foodfruitgroundcover

Propagate: runners, division (easy)

AI illustration

Wild Strawberry

edible

Fragaria vesca

foodfruitgroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: runners, seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Wild Garlic (Ramsons)

edible

Allium ursinum

foodgroundcover

Propagate: division, bulbils, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Hawthorn

edible

Crataegus monogyna

wildlifewindbreakfoodinsectary

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Blackthorn

edible

Prunus spinosa

wildlifewindbreakfood

Propagate: suckers, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Dog Rose

edible

Rosa canina

wildlifefoodpollinator

Propagate: cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Willow (Osier)

non-food

Salix viminalis

mulch-producerwindbreakwildlife

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Damson

edible

Prunus insititia

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: suckers, grafting (easy)

AI illustration

Apricot

edible

Prunus armeniaca

foodfruit

Propagate: grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Peach

edible

Prunus persica

foodfruit

Propagate: grafting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Bay Laurel

edible

Laurus nobilis

foodmedicinalwindbreak

Propagate: cutting, layering (moderate)

AI illustration

Field Maple

non-food

Acer campestre

wildlifewindbreakinsectary

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Beech

edible

Fagus sylvatica

windbreakwildlifefood

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Whitebeam

edible

Sorbus aria

wildlifefoodwindbreak

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Bird Cherry

non-food

Prunus padus

wildlifeinsectary

Propagate: seed, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration

Pawpaw

edible

Asimina triloba

foodfruit

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Persimmon (Kaki)

edible

Diospyros kaki

foodfruit

Propagate: grafting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Szechuan Pepper

edible

Zanthoxylum simulans

foodmedicinalwildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Black Locust

edible

Robinia pseudoacacia

n-fixerfodderinsectarywindbreak

Propagate: seed, suckers (easy)

AI illustration

Italian Alder

non-food

Alnus cordata

n-fixerwindbreakwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Oleaster (Ebbing's Silverberry)

edible

Elaeagnus × ebbingei

n-fixerfruitfoodwindbreak

Propagate: cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Gorse

edible

Ulex europaeus

n-fixerwindbreakwildlifeinsectary

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Bog Myrtle

non-food

Myrica gale

n-fixermedicinalwildlife

Propagate: layering, cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Tayberry

edible

Rubus fruticosus × idaeus

foodfruit

Propagate: layering (easy)

AI illustration

Loganberry

edible

Rubus × loganobaccus

foodfruit

Propagate: layering (easy)

AI illustration

Worcesterberry

edible

Ribes divaricatum

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Chilean Guava

edible

Ugni molinae

foodfruit

Propagate: cutting, layering (moderate)

AI illustration

Goji Berry

edible

Lycium barbarum

foodfruitmedicinal

Propagate: cutting, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Rugosa Rose

edible

Rosa rugosa

foodwildlifewindbreakpollinator

Propagate: suckers, seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Barberry

edible

Berberis vulgaris

foodwildlifemedicinal

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Oregon Grape

edible

Mahonia aquifolium

foodwildlifepollinatormedicinal

Propagate: seed, cutting, suckers (easy)

AI illustration

Hardy Fuchsia

edible

Fuchsia magellanica

foodwildlifepollinator

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Guelder Rose

edible

Viburnum opulus

wildlifeinsectary

Propagate: cutting, seed, layering (easy)

AI illustration

Bilberry

edible

Vaccinium myrtillus

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Lingonberry

edible

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

foodfruitgroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Buffaloberry

edible

Shepherdia argentea

n-fixerfruitfoodwildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration

Akebia (Chocolate Vine)

edible

Akebia quinata

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: cutting, layering, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Maypop (Hardy Passionflower)

edible

Passiflora incarnata

foodfruitmedicinalpollinator

Propagate: cutting, seed, division (moderate)

AI illustration

Groundnut (Apios)

edible

Apios americana

n-fixerfoodpollinator

Propagate: tubers, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Runner Bean (perennial)

edible

Phaseolus coccineus

n-fixerfoodpollinator

Propagate: seed, tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Caucasian Spinach

edible

Hablitzia tamnoides

food

Propagate: seed, division (moderate)

AI illustration

Globe Artichoke

edible

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

foodpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Cardoon

edible

Cynara cardunculus

foodpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Sea Beet

edible

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Turkish Rocket

edible

Bunias orientalis

foodpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Horseradish

edible

Armoracia rusticana

foodmedicinal

Propagate: division (easy)

AI illustration

Alexanders

edible

Smyrnium olusatrum

foodinsectarypollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Babington's Leek

edible

Allium ampeloprasum var. babingtonii

food

Propagate: bulbils, division (easy)

AI illustration

Garlic Chives

edible

Allium tuberosum

foodpollinatormedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Watercress

edible

Nasturtium officinale

foodmedicinal

Propagate: cutting, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Oca

edible

Oxalis tuberosa

food

Propagate: tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Yacon

edible

Smallanthus sonchifolius

food

Propagate: division, tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Chinese Artichoke (Crosne)

edible

Stachys affinis

food

Propagate: tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Mashua

edible

Tropaeolum tuberosum

food

Propagate: tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Oregano / Marjoram

edible

Origanum vulgare

foodpollinatormedicinalinsectary

Propagate: division, cutting, seed (easy)

AI illustration

French Tarragon

edible

Artemisia dracunculus

foodmedicinal

Propagate: division, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Hyssop

edible

Hyssopus officinalis

pollinatormedicinalfoodinsectary

Propagate: cutting, seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Anise Hyssop

edible

Agastache foeniculum

pollinatorfoodmedicinalinsectary

Propagate: seed, division, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Bergamot (Bee Balm)

edible

Monarda didyma

pollinatormedicinalfoodinsectary

Propagate: division, cutting, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Echinacea (Coneflower)

non-food

Echinacea purpurea

pollinatormedicinalinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Valerian

non-food

Valeriana officinalis

medicinalinsectarypollinator

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Roman Chamomile

edible

Chamaemelum nobile

medicinalgroundcoverpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Feverfew

non-food

Tanacetum parthenium

medicinalinsectarypollinator

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Angelica

edible

Angelica archangelica

foodmedicinalinsectarypollinator

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Marsh Mallow

edible

Althaea officinalis

medicinalfoodpollinator

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Lemon Verbena

edible

Aloysia citrodora

foodmedicinalpollinator

Propagate: cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Bird's-foot Trefoil

non-food

Lotus corniculatus

n-fixergroundcoverpollinatorfodder

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Alfalfa (Lucerne)

non-food

Medicago sativa

n-fixerdynamic-accumulatorfodderpollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Sainfoin

non-food

Onobrychis viciifolia

n-fixerpollinatorfodder

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Sweet Woodruff

edible

Galium odoratum

groundcovermedicinalinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Bugle (Ajuga)

non-food

Ajuga reptans

groundcoverpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, runners (easy)

AI illustration

Winter Purslane (Claytonia)

edible

Claytonia perfoliata

foodgroundcover

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Ribwort Plantain

edible

Plantago lanceolata

dynamic-accumulatormedicinalwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Self-heal

edible

Prunella vulgaris

groundcovermedicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Chickweed

edible

Stellaria media

foodgroundcovermedicinal

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Almond

edible

Prunus dulcis

foodnut

Propagate: grafting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Cherry Plum (Myrobalan)

edible

Prunus cerasifera

foodfruitwildlifewindbreak

Propagate: seed, cutting, grafting (easy)

AI illustration

Sour Cherry (Morello)

edible

Prunus cerasus

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: grafting, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration

White Mulberry

edible

Morus alba

foodfruitfodderwildlife

Propagate: cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

English Oak

edible

Quercus robur

wildlifefoodfodder

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Silver Birch

edible

Betula pendula

foodmedicinalwildlifewindbreak

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Hornbeam

non-food

Carpinus betulus

windbreakwildlife

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Holly

non-food

Ilex aquifolium

wildlifewindbreak

Propagate: cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Scots Pine

edible

Pinus sylvestris

foodmedicinalwindbreakwildlife

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

True Service Tree

edible

Sorbus domestica

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Wild Service Tree

edible

Sorbus torminalis

foodwildlife

Propagate: seed, suckers (hard)

AI illustration

Strawberry Tree

edible

Arbutus unedo

foodfruitpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Loquat

edible

Eriobotrya japonica

foodfruit

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Honey Locust

edible

Gleditsia triacanthos

fodderfoodwildlife

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Nanking Cherry

edible

Prunus tomentosa

foodfruitwildlifewindbreak

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Russian Olive

edible

Elaeagnus angustifolia

n-fixerfruitfoodwindbreak

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

False Indigo (Amorpha)

non-food

Amorpha fruticosa

n-fixerinsectarypollinatorwildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Bladder Senna

non-food

Colutea arborescens

n-fixerpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Tree Lupin

non-food

Lupinus arboreus

n-fixerpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Broom

non-food

Cytisus scoparius

n-fixerpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Bayberry

non-food

Morella cerifera

n-fixerwindbreakwildlifemedicinal

Propagate: seed, cutting, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Liquorice

edible

Glycyrrhiza glabra

n-fixermedicinalfood

Propagate: division, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Cranberry

edible

Vaccinium macrocarpon

foodfruitgroundcover

Propagate: cutting, division (moderate)

AI illustration

Salal

edible

Gaultheria shallon

foodfruitgroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration

Wintergreen (Checkerberry)

edible

Gaultheria procumbens

foodmedicinalgroundcover

Propagate: division, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Salmonberry

edible

Rubus spectabilis

foodfruitwildlifepollinator

Propagate: division, suckers, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)

edible

Acca sellowiana

foodfruitpollinator

Propagate: cutting, seed, layering (moderate)

AI illustration

Common Myrtle

edible

Myrtus communis

foodmedicinalpollinator

Propagate: cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Japanese Quince

edible

Chaenomeles speciosa

foodfruitpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: cutting, layering, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Schisandra (Magnolia Vine)

edible

Schisandra chinensis

foodmedicinalwildlife

Propagate: seed, cutting, layering (moderate)

AI illustration

Kolomikta Kiwi

edible

Actinidia kolomikta

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: cutting, layering (moderate)

AI illustration

Nine Star Perennial Broccoli

edible

Brassica oleracea (Botrytis)

food

Propagate: seed, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Perennial Wild Rocket

edible

Diplotaxis tenuifolia

foodpollinator

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Daylily

edible

Hemerocallis fulva

foodgroundcoverpollinator

Propagate: division (easy)

AI illustration

Hosta

edible

Hosta sieboldiana

foodgroundcover

Propagate: division (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Solomon's Seal

edible

Polygonatum × hybridum

foodmedicinalgroundcover

Propagate: division (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Ostrich Fern

edible

Matteuccia struthiopteris

foodgroundcover

Propagate: division (easy)

AI illustration

Udo

edible

Aralia cordata

food

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Earthnut Pea

edible

Lathyrus tuberosus

n-fixerfoodpollinator

Propagate: tubers, seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Camas

edible

Camassia quamash

foodpollinator

Propagate: bulbils, division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Mioga Ginger

edible

Zingiber mioga

food

Propagate: division (easy)

AI illustration

Three-cornered Leek

edible

Allium triquetrum

foodgroundcoverpollinator

Propagate: bulbils, division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Buckler-leaved Sorrel

edible

Rumex scutatus

foodgroundcover

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Lavender

edible

Lavandula angustifolia

pollinatormedicinalinsectaryfood

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Catmint

edible

Nepeta × faassenii

pollinatorinsectarymedicinal

Propagate: division, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Winter Savory

edible

Satureja montana

foodpollinatormedicinal

Propagate: cutting, division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Mullein

non-food

Verbascum thapsus

medicinalinsectarypollinatorwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Elecampane

non-food

Inula helenium

medicinalinsectarypollinator

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Wood Betony

non-food

Betonica officinalis

medicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Motherwort

non-food

Leonurus cardiaca

medicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

White Horehound

edible

Marrubium vulgare

medicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed, division, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Lady's Mantle

non-food

Alchemilla mollis

groundcoverdynamic-accumulatormedicinalinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Meadowsweet

edible

Filipendula ulmaria

medicinalinsectarypollinatorwildlife

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

St John's Wort

non-food

Hypericum perforatum

medicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Vervain

non-food

Verbena officinalis

medicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Sweet Violet

edible

Viola odorata

foodmedicinalgroundcoverpollinator

Propagate: division, runners, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Lungwort

non-food

Pulmonaria officinalis

groundcoverpollinatormedicinalinsectary

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

White Dead-nettle

edible

Lamium album

foodgroundcoverpollinatormedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Bunchberry

edible

Cornus canadensis

foodgroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: division (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Lesser Periwinkle

non-food

Vinca minor

groundcoverpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting, layering (easy)

AI illustration

Common Vetch

non-food

Vicia sativa

n-fixerpollinatorfodder

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Wood Sorrel

edible

Oxalis acetosella

foodgroundcover

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Sweet Rocket (Dame's Violet)

edible

Hesperis matronalis

foodpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Pignut

edible

Conopodium majus

food

Propagate: seed, tubers (hard)

AI illustration

Earth Chestnut (Great Pignut)

edible

Bunium bulbocastanum

food

Propagate: seed, tubers (moderate)

AI illustration

Silverweed

edible

Potentilla anserina

foodgroundcovermedicinal

Propagate: runners, division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Arrowhead

edible

Sagittaria sagittifolia

foodwildlife

Propagate: tubers, division (easy)

AI illustration

Chinese Yam (Cinnamon Vine)

edible

Dioscorea polystachya

food

Propagate: bulbils, tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Scorzonera

edible

Scorzonera hispanica

foodpollinator

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Dahlia

edible

Dahlia pinnata

foodpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: division, cutting, tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Ulluco

edible

Ullucus tuberosus

food

Propagate: tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Tiger Nut (Chufa)

edible

Cyperus esculentus

food

Propagate: tubers (easy)

AI illustration

Marsh Woundwort

edible

Stachys palustris

foodmedicinalpollinator

Propagate: tubers, division (easy)

AI illustration

Aspen

non-food

Populus tremula

wildlifewindbreakmulch-producer

Propagate: suckers, cutting (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Juniper

edible

Juniperus communis

foodmedicinalwildlifewindbreak

Propagate: cutting, seed (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Alder Buckthorn

non-food

Frangula alnus

wildlifeinsectary

Propagate: seed, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Purging Buckthorn

non-food

Rhamnus cathartica

wildlifewindbreak

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Spindle

non-food

Euonymus europaeus

wildlifeinsectary

Propagate: seed, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Wayfaring Tree

non-food

Viburnum lantana

wildlifeinsectarywindbreak

Propagate: seed, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Common Dogwood

non-food

Cornus sanguinea

wildlifeinsectarywindbreak

Propagate: cutting, seed, suckers (easy)

AI illustration

Butcher's Broom

edible

Ruscus aculeatus

foodwildlifemedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Honeysuckle

non-food

Lonicera periclymenum

pollinatorwildlifeinsectary

Propagate: cutting, layering (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Common Ivy

non-food

Hedera helix

pollinatorwildlifeinsectarygroundcover

Propagate: cutting, layering (easy)

AI illustration

Cloudberry

edible

Rubus chamaemorus

foodfruitgroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: division, seed (hard)

AI illustration

Kidney Vetch

non-food

Anthyllis vulneraria

n-fixerpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Tufted Vetch

non-food

Vicia cracca

n-fixerpollinatorfodderwildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Meadow Vetchling

non-food

Lathyrus pratensis

n-fixerpollinatorfodder

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Ribbed Melilot

non-food

Melilotus officinalis

n-fixerpollinatorinsectaryfodder

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Teasel

non-food

Dipsacus fullonum

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Common Knapweed

non-food

Centaurea nigra

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Field Scabious

non-food

Knautia arvensis

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Devil's-bit Scabious

non-food

Succisa pratensis

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Ox-eye Daisy

edible

Leucanthemum vulgare

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Viper's Bugloss

non-food

Echium vulgare

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Hemp Agrimony

non-food

Eupatorium cannabinum

pollinatorinsectarywildlifemedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Purple Loosestrife

non-food

Lythrum salicaria

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Cowslip

edible

Primula veris

pollinatorfoodmedicinalwildlife

Propagate: seed, division (moderate)

AI illustration

Primrose

edible

Primula vulgaris

pollinatorfoodgroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Agrimony

non-food

Agrimonia eupatoria

medicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Common Mallow

edible

Malva sylvestris

foodmedicinalpollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Ground Ivy

edible

Glechoma hederacea

groundcovermedicinalpollinator

Propagate: division, runners (easy)

AI illustration

Garlic Mustard (Jack-by-the-hedge)

edible

Alliaria petiolata

foodwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Wood Avens (Herb Bennet)

edible

Geum urbanum

foodmedicinalgroundcover

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Water Mint

edible

Mentha aquatica

foodmedicinalpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting (easy)

AI illustration

Burdock

edible

Arctium lappa

foodmedicinalinsectary

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Rock Samphire

edible

Crithmum maritimum

food

Propagate: seed, division (moderate)

AI illustration

Lady's Bedstraw

non-food

Galium verum

pollinatorinsectarygroundcovermedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Bistort

edible

Bistorta officinalis

foodmedicinalpollinatorgroundcover

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Great Burnet

edible

Sanguisorba officinalis

foodpollinatorinsectarymedicinal

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Cuckooflower (Lady's Smock)

edible

Cardamine pratensis

foodpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Turkish Hazel

edible

Corylus colurna

foodnutwindbreakwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Heartnut

edible

Juglans ailantifolia var. cordiformis

foodnutwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Butternut (White Walnut)

edible

Juglans cinerea

foodnutwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Shagbark Hickory

edible

Carya ovata

foodnutwildlife

Propagate: seed (hard)

AI illustration

Korean Pine

edible

Pinus koraiensis

foodnutwindbreakwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Monkey Puzzle

edible

Araucaria araucana

foodnutwildlife

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Ginkgo (Maidenhair Tree)

edible

Ginkgo biloba

foodmedicinalwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Black Walnut

edible

Juglans nigra

foodnutwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Holm Oak

edible

Quercus ilex

foodwindbreakwildlife

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration

Bladdernut

edible

Staphylea pinnata

foodnutwildlifepollinator

Propagate: seed, cutting, suckers (moderate)

AI illustration

Judas Tree (Redbud)

edible

Cercis siliquastrum

foodpollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed (moderate)

AI illustration

Tamarisk

non-food

Tamarix gallica

windbreakwildlifepollinator

Propagate: cutting (easy)

AI illustration

American Persimmon

edible

Diospyros virginiana

foodfruitwildlife

Propagate: seed, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Jujube (Chinese Date)

edible

Ziziphus jujuba

foodfruitmedicinal

Propagate: seed, suckers, grafting (moderate)

AI illustration

Darwin's Barberry

edible

Berberis darwinii

foodpollinatorwildlifewindbreak

Propagate: cutting, seed (easy)

AI illustration

Sweet Briar (Eglantine)

edible

Rosa rubiginosa

foodwildlifepollinatorwindbreak

Propagate: seed, cutting, suckers (easy)

AI illustration

Beach Plum

edible

Prunus maritima

foodfruitwildlifewindbreak

Propagate: seed, cutting (moderate)

AI illustration

Thimbleberry

edible

Rubus parviflorus

foodfruitwildlifegroundcover

Propagate: division, suckers, seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Wisteria

non-food

Wisteria sinensis

n-fixerpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: cutting, layering, seed (moderate)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Goat's Rue

non-food

Galega officinalis

n-fixerpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

AI illustration

Black Medick

non-food

Medicago lupulina

n-fixergroundcoverpollinatorfodder

Propagate: seed (easy)

AI illustration⚠ safety

Patience Dock (Herb Patience)

edible

Rumex patientia

food

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

Salsify

edible

Tragopogon porrifolius

foodpollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

Elephant Garlic

edible

Allium ampeloprasum

foodpollinator

Propagate: bulbils, division (easy)

No photo yet

Potato Onion

edible

Allium cepa Aggregatum

food

Propagate: division, bulbils (easy)

No photo yet

Everlasting Onion

edible

Allium cepa var. perutile

food

Propagate: division (easy)

Mitsuba (Japanese Parsley)

edible

Cryptotaenia japonica

food

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

⚠ safety

Fuki (Giant Butterbur)

edible

Petasites japonicus

foodgroundcover

Propagate: division (easy)

Chinese Toon (Fragrant Spring Tree)

edible

Toona sinensis

foodwildlife

Propagate: suckers, seed, cutting (easy)

⚠ safety

Edible Bamboo (Moso)

edible

Phyllostachys edulis

foodwindbreakmulch-producer

Propagate: division (moderate)

⚠ safety

Curry Plant

edible

Helichrysum italicum

foodpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: cutting (easy)

Southernwood (Lad's Love)

non-food

Artemisia abrotanum

insectarymedicinalpollinator

Propagate: cutting (easy)

⚠ safety

Mugwort

edible

Artemisia vulgaris

medicinalinsectarywildlife

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

⚠ safety

Soapwort

non-food

Saponaria officinalis

pollinatormedicinalgroundcover

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

Wood Sage

non-food

Teucrium scorodonia

pollinatormedicinalgroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

Evening Primrose

edible

Oenothera biennis

foodmedicinalpollinatorinsectary

Propagate: seed (easy)

Clary Sage

edible

Salvia sclarea

foodpollinatormedicinalinsectary

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Mountain Mint

edible

Pycnanthemum pilosum

pollinatorinsectaryfoodmedicinal

Propagate: division, seed, cutting (easy)

Korean Mint (Purple Giant Hyssop)

edible

Agastache rugosa

pollinatorfoodmedicinalinsectary

Propagate: seed, division, cutting (easy)

Perilla (Shiso)

edible

Perilla frutescens

foodpollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

Land Cress (American Cress)

edible

Barbarea verna

foodpollinator

Propagate: seed (easy)

Wild Basil

edible

Clinopodium vulgare

pollinatorinsectarymedicinal

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

Common Toadflax

non-food

Linaria vulgaris

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

Ragged Robin

non-food

Silene flos-cuculi

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

Red Campion

non-food

Silene dioica

pollinatorinsectarywildlife

Propagate: seed, division (easy)

Meadow Cranesbill

non-food

Geranium pratense

pollinatorinsectarygroundcoverwildlife

Propagate: division, seed (easy)

Yellow Archangel

non-food

Lamiastrum galeobdolon

groundcoverpollinatorwildlife

Propagate: division, cutting, runners (easy)

Creeping Jenny

non-food

Lysimachia nummularia

groundcoverpollinator

Propagate: division, cutting, layering (easy)

⚠ safety

European Wild Ginger

non-food

Asarum europaeum

groundcoverwildlife

Propagate: division (easy)

No photo yet

⚠ safety

Tomato

edible

Solanum lycopersicum

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Cucumber

edible

Cucumis sativus

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Sweet Pepper

edible

Capsicum annuum

food

Propagate: seed (moderate)

No photo yet

Chilli

edible

Capsicum annuum

food

Propagate: seed (moderate)

No photo yet

Aubergine

edible

Solanum melongena

food

Propagate: seed (moderate)

No photo yet

Basil

edible

Ocimum basilicum

foodinsectary

Propagate: seed, cutting (easy)

No photo yet

Lettuce

edible

Lactuca sativa

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Spinach

edible

Spinacia oleracea

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Swiss Chard

edible

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Kale

edible

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Mizuna

edible

Brassica rapa var. nipposinica

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Lamb's Lettuce

edible

Valerianella locusta

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Rocket

edible

Eruca vesicaria

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Carrot

edible

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Beetroot

edible

Beta vulgaris

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Parsnip

edible

Pastinaca sativa

food

Propagate: seed (moderate)

No photo yet

⚠ safety

Potato

edible

Solanum tuberosum

food

Propagate: tubers (easy)

No photo yet

Onion

edible

Allium cepa

food

Propagate: seed, bulbils (easy)

No photo yet

Garlic

edible

Allium sativum

food

Propagate: bulbils (easy)

No photo yet

Leek

edible

Allium porrum

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Pea

edible

Pisum sativum

foodn-fixer

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Broad Bean

edible

Vicia faba

foodn-fixer

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

French Bean

edible

Phaseolus vulgaris

foodn-fixer

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Courgette

edible

Cucurbita pepo

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Winter Squash

edible

Cucurbita maxima

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Cabbage

edible

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Broccoli

edible

Brassica oleracea var. italica

food

Propagate: seed (easy)

No photo yet

Cauliflower

edible

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

food

Propagate: seed (moderate)

Find what fits my land

Image credits

Starter food forest — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
No-dig kitchen garden — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Orchard with chickens — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Orchard with ducks — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Low-input perennial polyculture — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Herb & medicinal garden — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Pollinator & wildlife system — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Hedgerow / shelterbelt — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Fruit & berry beds — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Full forest garden — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Coppice / biomass strip — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)
Soil-building starter year — AI-generated illustration (Generated for Understory)