sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum

The essential basil! Without this plant would there be a chain of Olive Gardens? It's hard to think of Italian style dishes without thinking of this herb. Basil has also become an almost magical part of culture and tradition around the world. For example, Jewish lore says basil lends strength while fasting. Not sure how that would work. You couldn't eat it, and having it around sure would make it hard to fast! Anyway, we now have it here! Basil has been reported from the wilds of AZ, CT, FL, HI, IL, LA, MA, MO, NC, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, and WI. Cultivated, Lenawee Co MI, 5/30/13. Mint family, Menthaceae.