The non-woody layer
The Herbaceous Layer
The herbaceous layer contains plants whose above-ground growth is soft rather than woody. It includes annuals, biennials, and perennials with many different seasonal patterns.
Role in the design
What this layer contributes
Herbaceous plants can respond quickly while trees and shrubs mature. They can fill temporary openings, cover soil, produce crops, attract beneficial organisms, and contribute recurring biomass.
Living library
Explore herbaceous plants
370 records in this layer
Annual
Adzuki Bean
Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H.Ohashi
USDA zones 3–11
Annual
African Eggplant
Solanum aethiopicum
USDA zones 8–12
Annual
African Rice
Oryza glaberrima
Zone range varies
Perennial
Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatoria
USDA zones 5–9
Annual
Ajwain
Trachyspermum ammi
Zone range varies
Perennial
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
USDA zones 4–11
Perennial
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
USDA zones 10–12
Perennial
Alsike Clover
Trifolium hybridum
USDA zones 5–9
Annual
Amaranth Greens
Amaranthus tricolor
USDA zones 2–11
Biennial
Angelica
Angelica archangelica
USDA zones 5–7
Annual
Anise
Pimpinella anisum
USDA zones 4–9
Perennial
Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
USDA zones 4–8