Parts of Plants

When using herbs, is it important to know which part will have the active ingredients. To see the terminology of herbs, see our Terminology and Definitions page. Herbs are available in several different forms. You can also see our How to Use Bulk Herbs page for more information or our Products A-Z Page to see a list of all of our products. To clarify these forms, here are the terms and definitions that we use:

• Bark: The outer covering of the trunk and branches of a tree, usually corky, papery, or leathery.

• Berries: A fleshy fruit that contains small seeds, the whole pericarp of which is fleshy or pulpy.

• Fruit: The mature ovary of a seed plant.

• Leaf/Leaves: Usually flat, green structure of a plant where photosynthesis takes place and attaches to a stem or branch.

• Powder: A fine grain mesh 80-120 grade (roughly the consistency of sugar to powder sugar).

• Rhizome:  A plant stem that grows horizontally under or along the ground and often sends out roots and shoots. New plants develop from the shoots.

• Root: The bark of the underground part of a plant that serves to anchor it and supplies it with nourishment. 

• Root Bark: The protective covering surrounding the roots. 

• Stem: The main ascending axis of a plant.

• Whole: Not cut.

• Stem: The main ascending axis of a plant.

• Mushroom: Need a bit more explaining. Please see our Mushroom Page