Harvest Calendar

The plant is harvested in late spring and early summer and can be dried for later use.

Ken Fern / Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3191) gives the harvest window coinciding with the onset of flowering; Grieve confirms the part is 'the herb' with the flower-spikes in bloom from June to early September. Single harvest-stage source -> provisional; a pharmacopoeial 'flowering tops' definition (Ph. Eur. / EMA Agrimoniae herba) would upgrade to verified.

Sources REF-3191

The seed is harvested when fully ripe and either distilled for the essential oil or dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3352); the seed is harvested when fully ripe (seeds ripen July-August). Single lineage -> provisional. (Leaf and root, also listed parts, were not separately timing-sourced this pass.)

Sources REF-3352

Look for thick and fleshy leaves that are growing on the outside of the plant. These are typically the most mature leaves and will provide the best yield.

Gardener's Path, aloe harvest (REF-3195). Maturity-based signal (mature outer/lowest leaves), not seasonal. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3195

the seeds ripen from August to October

PFAF (REF-3358); the berries ripen to deep red in autumn (seeds ripen August-October; flowering June-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3358

The plants at flowering stage (90-120 days after sowing) is cut at the base leaving 10-15 cm stem for plant regeneration.

Purdue NewCROP fact sheet (REF-3199). The parenthetical day-count is a cultivation guide, not a latitude-invariant signal; the observable stage is flowering. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3199

The root should be dug up in the autumn of the first year, as it is then least liable to become mouldy and worm-eaten

Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3202), for Angelica archangelica. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3202

The whole herb, if for medicinal use, should be collected in June and cut shortly above the root.

Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3202). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3202

If the seeds are required, they should be gathered when ripe and dried.

Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3202). parts_used lists 'Fruit and seed'; angelica's fruit is the ripe schizocarp (the seed). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3202

The seed is harvested by cutting the whole plant when the seed is ripe.

PFAF (REF-3310); the whole plant is cut when the seed is ripe (seeds ripen August-September), then threshed. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: anise is an Apiaceae - confirm identity against the fatal Conium maculatum (poison hemlock); see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3310

The flowers are harvested when fully open and dried - the receptacles are sometimes removed since these are liable to be attacked by insects.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3207) for Arnica montana. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3207

The leaves are best harvested just before the plant flowers, and can be used fresh or dried.

Useful Temperate Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3243), filed under the accepted name Cynara cardunculus (the globe artichoke is Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus): the leaves are best gathered just before flowering. The plant's harvesting.text also claims cynarin / caffeoylquinic acid peaks before flowering, but REF-0461 (a pharmacology review of artichoke leaf extract) does NOT state that timing, so basis is kept traditional rather than constituent (per the audit finding that harvesting.status=verified does not mean the timing is sourced). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3243

The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3369); the root is dug in autumn. Single lineage -> provisional. (Leaf, also a listed part, is gathered through the growing season but was not separately timing-sourced this pass.)

Sources REF-3369

The root of 4 year old plants is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3212) for Astragalus mongholicus (accepted name; A. membranaceus is a synonym). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3212

Leaves can be harvested year-round, but they are typically picked in summer.

PFAF (REF-3282); as an evergreen, the leaves are gathered year-round, typically in summer. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: true bay (Laurus nobilis) is confused with the toxic cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), whose leaves are cyanogenic - never substitute; confirm identity, see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3282

Fruit a globular to ellipsoidal drupe, 1-2 cm long, dark violet to glossy black at maturity.

PROSEA monograph on Laurus nobilis, hosted on Pl@ntUse (REF-3379). The same page gives the gathering practice: 'When berries are harvested they are mostly picked at the same time as the leaves.' Supersedes the earlier dead end (PFAF gave no fruit timing). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY CRITICAL: cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) berries are toxic and the two are confused - confirm identity before gathering any 'laurel' fruit, see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3379

It is in flower from July to August.

PFAF (REF-3252); the medicinal part is the flowering aerial herb, gathered in summer while in flower (in flower July-August). PFAF gives the flowering stage rather than an explicit harvest sentence; flowering-herb collection is the standard stage for Epilobium. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3252

These leaves should be harvested in early autumn, only green leaves being selected, and then dried in gentle heat

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3206) for Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3206

the seeds ripen from July to September

PFAF (REF-3361); the berries ripen to blue-black in late summer (July-September). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: do not confuse bilberries with the mildly toxic berries of privet (Ligustrum vulgare); see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3361

It is harvested in early spring, before the leaves unfurl, by tapping the trunk.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3213) for Betula pendula. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3213

The young leaves and leaf buds are harvested in the spring and dried for later use.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3213). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3213

The bark is usually obtained from trees that have been felled for timber and can be distilled at any time of the year.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3213); it adds the outer bark 'is most easily removed in late spring to early summer' (when the bark slips). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3213

It is gathered in early spring when the leaves are just beginning to shoot, and then dried

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3214) for Bistorta officinalis (syn. Persicaria bistorta / Polygonum bistorta). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3214

The leaves are available from late winter in most years and can be eaten until the early autumn though they become much tougher as the season progresses

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3214). The source frames the tender-young window (gather before toughening) rather than a flowering harvest. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3214

The fruit is harvested when young and used fresh as a pulp or juice.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3295); the fruit is picked young and green (the immature stage), before it ripens orange and splits. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3295

The part used in medicine is the rhizome, gathered in the autumn and carefully dried in the shade.

Independent confirmation NC State Extension (REF-3188) independently confirms the autumn harvest of the entire rootstock: 'The entire root, including rhizome and fibrous roots, is harvested.'

Sources REF-3187 REF-3188

Most black cohosh is harvested in the fall, primarily because that is when the roots are at their peak in weight and bioactive constituents.

Independent confirmation King's American Dispensatory (REF-3187) independently gives the autumn rootstock collection: 'The part used in medicine is the rhizome, gathered in the autumn and carefully dried in the shade.'

Sources REF-3187 REF-3188

It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September.

PFAF (REF-3297); the seeds ripen in autumn (September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3297

A tea is made from the dried leaves - the young leaves are best

PFAF (REF-3324); the young leaves (best for tea) are gathered in spring as the shoots emerge. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3324

Currants are usually harvested in mid to late summer, from June to August.

PFAF (REF-3323); the berries ripen in mid-to-late summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3323

The leaves are harvested during the growing season and can be used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3323); the leaves are gathered through the growing season. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3323

the seeds ripen from July to August

PFAF (REF-3323); the seeds ripen in the summer berries (July-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3323

The plant is harvested in the summer as it comes into flower and is dried for later use

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3232) for Cnicus benedictus. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3232

The adult leaves, without their petioles, are antiperiodic, antiseptic, aromatic, deodorant, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic and stimulant.

PFAF (REF-3258); the medicinal material is the ADULT foliage (Eucalyptus has distinct juvenile rounded leaves vs adult sickle-shaped leaves). For this evergreen there is no seasonal harvest window - the readiness signal is developmental (leaves matured to the adult form). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3258

The leaves are harvested in late spring and the summer as the plant comes into flower.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3216); leaf and flower gathered together as the plant comes into flower. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3216

The leaves are harvested in late spring and the summer as the plant comes into flower.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3216). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3216

The leaves are harvested in late spring and the summer as the plant comes into flower.

The stem is gathered with the leafy flowering herb (Useful Temperate Plants, REF-3216). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3216

Unfortunately, the seed ripens intermittently over a period of time and falls from the plant when it is ripe, this makes harvesting the seeds in quantity very difficult.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3216); the seed's ripeness cue is that it falls when ripe. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3216

After tapping a tree in one spot and allowing the secretion of resin to continue for a couple days, they collect the accumulated resin and take it to the common collection center for sun-drying.

Banyan Botanicals (REF-3220) for Boswellia serrata; the resin is wild-harvested through the dry season (stated as October to March in India). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3220

can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3349); the flowering tops are cut as the plant comes into flower (in flower July-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3349

If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open

PFAF (REF-3349); the leaves are gathered just before the flowers open (early and late summer), when the oil is highest. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3349

The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3329); the rhizome and root are dug in autumn. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3329

The leaves are harvested in early summer, the root in late summer to autumn.

PFAF (REF-3308); the root and rhizome are dug in late summer to autumn. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: butterbur itself contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (only PA-free extracts are used medicinally), and the plant can be confused with Adenostyles alliariae - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3308

The leaves are harvested in early summer, the root in late summer to autumn.

PFAF (REF-3308); the leaves are gathered in early summer. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - PA-toxic, and confusable with Adenostyles alliariae.

Sources REF-3308

ripeness states (RS) were established based on days since flowering to ensure that all fruits had exceeded the state of physiological maturity

Rojas et al., Heliyon 2020 (REF-3388), open access, tracking husk colour, firmness, weight, soluble solids and pH against ripeness state in three Theobroma cacao clones (ICS95, CCN51, TSH565). The paper's colour descriptors run from 'Purple to reddish color with 20% yellow grooves' to 'Reddish to yellow color with 60% yellow grooves' depending on clone, and it concludes that each clone carries its own set of ripeness parameters - which is why the signal here is the proportion turned rather than a single colour. Supersedes the earlier dead end (Useful Tropical Plants gave no pod-ripeness stage). The seed (cocoa bean) is extracted from these same harvested pods. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3388

The whole plant is harvested when in flower and dried for use in tinctures and infusions.

PFAF (REF-3254); the whole plant is gathered when in flower (in flower July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3254

The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3340); the flowering tops are gathered in summer as the plant comes into flower (in flower August-October). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: goldenrod can be confused with the PA-toxic ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3340

The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3340); the leaf is gathered with the flowering tops in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3340

The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3340); the stem is gathered with the flowering tops in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3340

The seed is harvested when fully ripe, then dried and stored in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3225) for Carum carvi (biennial; seed produced in the second year). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3225

Fresh leaves can be harvested as needed and used in salads, soups, and stews or eaten like spinach.

University of Illinois Extension herb guide (REF-3373). The source gives no discrete stage for the leaf - it is picked as required - and confirms the biennial habit under which seed forms 'the second season after planting'. A weak but sourced phenophase, recorded rather than guessed. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: caraway is an Apiaceae confusable with poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) - confirm identity before gathering, see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3373

Roots can be dug when plants are young.

University of Illinois Extension herb guide (REF-3373) gives youth of the plant as the root-readiness stage, and the same page places seed in 'the second season after planting'. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: confirm identity against poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) before digging any Apiaceae root - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3373

The fruits are harvested in the dry season and dried whole.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3249): fruits harvested in the dry season, dried whole. The green (unripe) pod is the quality target, but no independent source stating the exact ripeness stage/timing was found - Gernot Katzer's spice page confirms green pods are superior yet gives no harvest-timing sentence. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3249

The fruits are harvested in the dry season and dried whole.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3249): the seed shares the fruit's harvest - pods picked in the dry season, seeds removed after drying. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3249

Harvesting is usually done during the rainy season when the bark is more pliable.

RawSpiceBar (REF-3230), which names Cinnamomum cassia and describes cutting the stems and peeling the inner bark in the rainy season. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3230

The flowering stems are harvested in August when the plant is in full flower, they are dried and stored for use as required.

PFAF (REF-3294); the flowering stems are cut at full flower in summer (in flower July-November). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3294

The flowering stems are harvested in August when the plant is in full flower, they are dried and stored for use as required.

PFAF (REF-3294); the leaf is gathered with the flowering stems at full flower. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3294

The flowering stems are harvested in August when the plant is in full flower, they are dried and stored for use as required.

PFAF (REF-3294); the stem is cut with the flowering tops at full flower. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3294

The whole plant is harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3226) for Centaurium erythraea. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3226

Look for this marvelous fungus in late fall and all throughout the winter, until spring's warmth causes the birch sap to flow.

Grow Forage Cook Ferment (REF-3276) for Inonotus obliquus (chaga); harvested in late autumn through winter while the birch is dormant ('there is more energy stored in the chaga'), only from masses 'larger than a grapefruit', leaving a third to a half behind. Single source -> provisional. Chaga takes 3-20 years to mature, so sustainable harvest is essential.

Sources REF-3276

The flowers are harvested when fully open and are dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3289); the flowerheads are picked when fully open (in flower June-July). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3289

The fruit is 3-4 mm, globose, and purple with a pungent flavor.

Independent confirmation Wikipedia (REF-3390) independently confirms the autumn ripening stage and adds the practical consequence for gathering: 'The fruits tend to fall from the plant as they ripen, getting lost in the soil,' and 'Consequently, to avoid yield loss, unripe fruits need to be harvested. This early harvesting has no effect on quality.'

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (REF-3389), which gives the fruit and a fruiting season of autumn - 'small, purple, globose drupes are present in the fall' - confirmed by Wikipedia (REF-3390) from an independent prism. Supersedes the earlier dead end (PFAF gave no fruit timing and noted seed may not ripen in cool climates). The chaste tree flowers late, so in cool-summer regions the fruit may never colour; where it does not, there is nothing to gather.

Sources REF-3389 REF-3390

It is in flower from July to August.

PFAF (REF-3330); the seed follows flowering (July-August) and is collected once the flower heads dry (seed maturation depends on a warm enough summer). PFAF gives the flowering stage rather than an explicit seed-harvest sentence. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3330

Chickweed is best harvested between May and July, it can be used fresh or be dried and stored for later use

PFAF (REF-3344); the fresh herb is gathered through the growing season, best May-July. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: chickweed can be confused with the irritant petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus), which exudes a milky latex chickweed lacks - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3344

Chickweed is best harvested between May and July, it can be used fresh or be dried and stored for later use

PFAF (REF-3344); the stems are gathered with the fresh herb, best May-July. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: see the Euphorbia peplus caution above.

Sources REF-3344

Chickweed is best harvested between May and July, it can be used fresh or be dried and stored for later use

PFAF (REF-3344); the flowers are gathered with the fresh herb (in flower nearly all year), best May-July. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3344

For medicinal use, fully ripened red fruits are preferred.

The Herbal Medic (REF-3224) for Capsicum annuum. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3224

For medicinal use, fully ripened red fruits are preferred.

The Herbal Medic (REF-3224); the seed is contained in the fruit, so it is gathered at fruit ripeness. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3224

It is harvested in May and June as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3260); the cleavers herb is gathered as it comes into flower (May-June). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3260

It is harvested in May and June as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3260); the stems are gathered with the herb as it comes into flower. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3260

It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September.

PFAF (REF-3260); the seeds (roasted as a coffee substitute) ripen in late summer to early autumn. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3260

Young flowers, which are dried to make cloves

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3345); the clove is the immature (unopened) flower bud, picked before it opens. Single source -> provisional. (Leaf and stem, also listed parts, yield clove oils but were not separately timing-sourced this pass.)

Sources REF-3345

the plant becomes completely red or yellow depending on the variety of C. arabica. At this point, they are called "cherries", which fruit they then resemble, and are ready for picking.

Wikipedia, Coffea arabica (REF-3235); the ripe drupe matures 'bright red to purple' and is then ready for picking, the seed being the coffee bean inside. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3235

the flowers are harvested when fully open

PFAF (REF-3357); the flowers are gathered when fully open in very early spring (in flower February-April, appearing before the leaves). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: coltsfoot contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (use PA-free/cautiously), and the leaf can be confused with Adenostyles alliariae and Petasites - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3357

The leaves are harvested in June and early July, the flowers are harvested when fully open and the root is harvested in the autumn.

PFAF (REF-3357); the leaves are gathered in June and early July (after flowering). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - PA-toxic, and confusable with Adenostyles alliariae.

Sources REF-3357

The leaves are harvested in early summer before the plant flowers

PFAF (REF-3341); the leaves are gathered in early summer before flowering, young and tender. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: the comfrey leaf rosette resembles the FATAL foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) rosette - comfrey leaves are untoothed, foxglove toothed; confirm identity, see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3341

The roots are harvested in the autumn.

PFAF (REF-3341); the root is dug in autumn. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - the vegetative rosette is confusable with the fatal Digitalis purpurea.

Sources REF-3341

It is usually harvested in the autumn when fully ripe and then dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3278); the fleshy cones ('berries') are gathered in autumn when fully ripe (seeds ripen in October). The cones take 2-3 years to ripen, so green and ripe blue-black cones occur together - pick only the ripe dark ones. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: do not confuse with the toxic savin (Juniperus sabina); see Dangerous Lookalikes. (Leaf and stem, also listed parts, were not separately timing-sourced this pass.)

Sources REF-3278

The leaves can be available all through the winter, especially in mild weather or if a little protection is given to the plants.

PFAF (REF-3331); the young leaves are gathered through the growing season (available into winter in mild weather), best before flowering (May-June) when least bitter. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: young sorrel leaves can be confused with the poisonous cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3331

It is in flower from July to October.

PFAF (REF-3305) gives the flowering period (July-October) as the seasonal marker; the fresh aerial parts are gathered through the growing season while in leaf and flower. PFAF gives no explicit harvest sentence. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3305

It is in flower from July to October.

PFAF (REF-3305); the flowers are gathered while in flower (July-October). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3305

It is in flower from July to October.

PFAF (REF-3305); the fresh leaves are gathered through the growing season (flowering July-October as the seasonal marker). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3305

Harvest when Cordyceps militaris stromata are 1.5-3 inches tall with firm, upright club shapes and slightly enlarged heads, before the tips begin to darken or show visible spore powder on the jar walls.

Out-Grow cultivation guide (REF-3236) for Cordyceps militaris. The parts_used label 'Whole Plant' resolves to the fungal fruiting body. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3236

Once coriander's first bloom unfolds, harvest and store all remaining foliage.

Plantura (REF-3233) for Coriandrum sativum; the leaf is gathered before/at flowering (flowering spoils the leaf). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3233

Once coriander's first bloom unfolds, harvest and store all remaining foliage.

Plantura (REF-3233); the tender stems are gathered with the cilantro foliage before flowering. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3233

As soon as the seed heads take on a light brown colour, they are ready for harvest.

Plantura (REF-3233). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3233

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source found states a readiness stage for the coriander ROOT. Seams searched: Useful Temperate Plants gives only day-counts from sowing; Plantura covers leaf and seed; Wikipedia describes the root's culinary use ('Coriander roots have a deeper, more intense flavour than the leaves') with no harvest stage; Thaifoodmaster names the root as an ingredient without timing; a Thai-cookery growing guide that does give the stage (lift the whole plant before it bolts) returned HTTP 500 on every attempt and could not be quoted. Next seam: retry that guide, or a South-East Asian horticultural extension. SAFETY: confirm identity against poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) before digging.

The silks are harvested before pollination occurs and are best used when fresh because they tend to lose their diuretic effect when stored and also become purgative.

PFAF (REF-3370); the corn silk (stigmas and styles) is gathered fresh, before pollination, while soft and pale. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3370

The roots are harvested in the spring and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3251) for Elymus repens (syn. Elytrigia/Agropyron repens); the rhizome is dug in spring (the DB also notes autumn is convenient). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3251

They are harvested in the spring and can be used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3315); the flowers are gathered in spring (in flower April-May). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3315

They are harvested in the spring and can be used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3315); the leaf is gathered in spring with the flowers. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3315

The root can be harvested in the spring or autumn and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3315); the root is dug in spring or autumn. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3315

The root can be harvested in the spring or autumn and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3315); the rhizome is dug with the root in spring or autumn. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3315

The bark is harvested in the autumn before the leaves change colour, or in the spring before the leaf buds open.

PFAF (REF-3365); the stem bark is stripped in autumn (before leaf-fall) or spring (before the buds open). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: the raw berries are toxic and the plant can be confused with the poisonous woody nightshade (Solanum dulcamara); see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3365

The fruit often persists on the plant all winter without rotting.

PFAF (REF-3303) for Vaccinium oxycoccos (syn. Oxycoccus palustris); the ripe berries persist on the plant all winter without rotting, so are gathered from autumn through winter (flowering June-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3303

in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September ... The seed is harvested when fully ripe and is then dried and stored in airtight jars

PFAF (REF-3241, Ken Fern lineage): seeds ripen in late summer and are harvested when fully ripe. Independent phenophase confirmation not found - Wikipedia (Cumin) gives sowing/harvest MONTHS only ('harvested by hand'), and Gernot Katzer's spice page gives no harvest stage; Gardenia.net returned 403. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3241

The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn, dried and roasted to make a very good coffee substitute

PFAF (REF-3346); the root is dug in autumn from 2-year-old plants. This properly time-sources the record: the audit found taraxacum marked verified while its references carried no timing language - REF-3346 is a genuine collection-timing source. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3346

The leaves are harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3346); the leaves are gathered in spring, when the plant is in flower. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3346

The leaves are harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3346); the flowers open in spring (gathered with the spring leaves). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3346

The plant is harvested when in flower and should be dried quickly and with care or it will lose its medicinal qualities.

PFAF (REF-3364, as Verbascum densiflorum/thapsiforme); the flowers are gathered when in flower (July-August) and dried quickly. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: the first-year mullein rosette resembles the FATAL foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) rosette - confirm identity before gathering; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3364

The stems grow from a persistent primary tuber and several secondary tubers (the harvested organs) grow from the primary tuber at the end of fleshy roots. The above-ground stems emerge after the first rains and die back during droughts or after frosts.

Wikipedia (REF-3378) gives the harvested organ and the rain-driven growth cycle that bounds when a plant can be located. NO source found states a harvest month or a dormancy-stage rule, so none is asserted: the FAO/CRIAA certification study on Namibian devil's claw covers trade and certification only, Useful Tropical Plants has no harvest stage, SANBI PlantZAfrica gives dormancy but not harvest, and the Herbal Reality Kalahari account describes technique ('leave the thick root and primary tuber intact') without a season. Devil's claw is CITES Appendix II and permits are required in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3378

The leaves can be harvested at any time the plant is growing, but are best just before the plant flowers

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3200). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3200

The leaves can be harvested at any time the plant is growing, but are best just before the plant flowers

The small tender stems are gathered as 'dill weed' with the leaves before flowering (Useful Temperate Plants, REF-3200). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3200

The seed heads can be cut from the stalks when the seeds are fully developed but before they have turned brown.

University of Wisconsin Extension (REF-3201). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3201

Rose hips are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn, usually from August to October

PFAF (REF-3322); the hips are gathered in autumn, softened and sweetened by frost. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3322

the seeds ripen from October to December

PFAF (REF-3322); the seeds ripen in the autumn/early-winter hips (October-December). Single lineage -> provisional. (The petals, also a listed part, were not separately timing-sourced this pass - gathered in early summer while in flower.)

Sources REF-3322

It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September.

PFAF (REF-3257); the flowers are gathered while in flower (in flower May-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3257

It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September.

PFAF (REF-3257); the flowering herb is gathered while in flower (May-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3257

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source states a root-harvest stage for Filipendula vulgaris. Grieve's entry (filed under Meadowsweet, as Spiraea Filipendula) describes the tubers and quotes Culpepper on their use but gives no digging season; PFAF likewise gives none. The DB harvesting.text claims 'roots and tubers in autumn' citing REF-2726, but that source was not verified for root timing, so no autumn stage is asserted here. Next seam: a Baltic or central-European ethnobotanical survey, or the dropwort-into-cultivation literature. SAFETY CRITICAL: the small root tubers of dropwort are name-confused with the FATAL Oenanthe crocata (hemlock water dropwort) - never dig dropwort roots without certain identification; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September.

PFAF (REF-3332); the flowers are gathered in early summer, in full bloom (in flower June-July). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: do not confuse with the toxic dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus); the raw flowers are fine, but see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3332

Elderberries are usually harvested in late summer to early autumn, around August to September, when the berries are fully ripe.

PFAF (REF-3332); the berries are gathered in autumn when fully ripe (August-September). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: raw elderberries and the leaves are cyanogenic (cook before use); and the toxic dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus) is a lookalike - S. ebulus berries stand upright whereas S. nigra clusters droop; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3332

It is best harvested in the autumn from plants that are two years old

PFAF (REF-3277); the root/rhizome is dug in autumn from 2-year-old plants (another report says at least 3 years). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3277

The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3342); the flowering tops are gathered in summer as it comes into flower (in flower July-October). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: goldenrod can be confused with the PA-toxic ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3342

The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3342); the leaf is gathered with the flowering tops in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3342

The plant is gathered in the summer and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3342); the stem is gathered with the flowering tops in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3342

the seeds ripen from August to October

PFAF (REF-3298); the seeds (source of the seed oil) ripen from August to October on the second-year flowering stem. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: the first-year leaf rosette resembles the FATAL foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) rosette - relevant if leaves rather than seed are gathered; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3298

Eyebright should be harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3255); the flowering herb is gathered when in flower (in flower July-September). Euphrasia officinalis is a hemiparasitic annual and an aggregate species. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3255

It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October.

PFAF (REF-3259); the seeds ripen in autumn (September-October). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: fennel foliage and umbels resemble the fatal Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) - confirm identity before wild-gathering; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3259

can often be harvested all year round, especially if the plants are in a warm, sheltered position

PFAF (REF-3259); the leaves are gathered through the growing season (all year in mild spots). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: see the Conium maculatum caution above.

Sources REF-3259

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source states a root-harvest stage for Foeniculum vulgare. PFAF gives leaf, seed and bulb stages only; Wikipedia has nothing on the taproot; Madaus records only the fruit ('Erntezeit: September des zweiten Jahres') and notes that Radix foeniculi is rarely used and was officinal in France. The taproot would conventionally be dug in autumn, but no source stating that for this species was found, so no season is asserted. SAFETY: poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a fatal lookalike.

The seeds are harvested when fully ripe and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3356); the seed is harvested when fully ripe (seeds ripen August-September, intermittently). Single lineage -> provisional. (Leaf and young sprouts, also listed parts, are a fresh-herb/sprouting use rather than a distinct field harvest stage.)

Sources REF-3356

The plant is gathered as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3347); the leaf/flowering herb is gathered as the plant comes into flower (in flower July-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3347

Sterile stems follow shortly after and persist through summer.

PFAF (REF-3253); the medicinal material is the green sterile stems, which persist through summer and are cut in summer/late summer and dried (distinct from the pale spring fertile shoots). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: confirm the species against the more toxic Equisetum palustre (marsh horsetail), which grows in similar damp ground, before gathering - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3253

The valuable taproot can be dug up from late summer to autumn and then hung up to dry.

The cited source names this plant by a common or genus name only, not the accepted binomial.

Plantura restharrow overview (REF-3391). TAXONOMIC CAVEAT, and the reason species_confirmed is FALSE: the harvest sentence sits in the source's treatment of spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and the same page treats our plant as a subspecies of it - 'Also known as Ononis arvensis, this is another subspecies of the spiny restharrow' (i.e. Ononis spinosa subsp. hircina). The source therefore never names Ononis arvensis as the plant whose taproot it describes. Recorded as provisional with the caveat visible, rather than silently inheriting the pharmacopoeial congener's timing; the PFAF page for O. arvensis remains an empty template listing only O. repens and O. spinosa. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3391

It is in flower from July to September.

PFAF (REF-3280); the flower heads are gathered while in flower (July-September). PFAF gives the flowering stage rather than an explicit harvest sentence. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3280

It is in flower from July to September.

PFAF (REF-3280); the flowering herb is gathered while in flower (July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3280

The fresh or dried flowering plant can be used, with or without the roots.

Plants For A Future, Knautia arvensis (REF-3280) - the same page already cited for the flower and flowering aerial parts. Re-read this pass: PFAF does tie the root to the flowering plant ('with or without the roots'), which is a readiness signal for the root even though no separate root season is given. Supersedes the earlier dead end. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3280

It is harvested as the plant comes into flower in the summer and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3338); the flowering herb is cut as it comes into flower in summer. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: figwort can be confused with the FATAL deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3338

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source states a ROOT-harvest stage for Scrophularia nodosa. Grieve (Knotted Figwort) lists 'Part Used: Herb' and 'The whole herb is used, collected in June and July and dried'; King's American Dispensatory names 'The leaves, tops, and roots' and says 'the root is generally employed' but gives no season; Cook's Physio-Medical Dispensatory gives none; Madaus gives 'Sammelzeit: Juni bis September' without stating which organ that window applies to, and it was not stretched to cover the root. PFAF gives no root timing. The knotty rhizome would conventionally be dug in autumn, but nothing states it. SAFETY: Atropa belladonna is a fatal lookalike - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Young leaves and shoots can be consumed

Edible Wild Food (REF-3231) for Chamerion angustifolium (syn. Epilobium angustifolium); the young stage is the part used. A clean seasonal/phenophase statement could not be retrieved (theferns had no record; US Forest Service and Gardenia returned 403; PFAF was empty). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3231

Young leaves and shoots can be consumed

Edible Wild Food (REF-3231). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3231

The inflorescence is a symmetrical terminal raceme that blooms progressively from bottom to top, producing a gracefully tapered shape.

Wikipedia (REF-3374) under the accepted name Chamaenerion angustifolium (syn. Chamerion angustifolium); the same page names the material used - 'The young flowers are also edible (being made into jelly in the Yukon)' - and the bottom-to-top flowering sequence gives the stage. Seams that failed earlier: theferns (no record), PFAF (empty), US Forest Service and Gardenia (403), Edible Wild Food (young leaves/shoots only). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3374

the seeds ripen from August to September

PFAF (REF-3285); the seeds ripen in late summer (August-September), the plant being harvested just after it flowers. Single lineage -> provisional. (Young sprouts, also a listed part, are a sprouting preparation rather than a field harvest stage.)

Sources REF-3285

Around the end of July-beginning of August, about a month after your scapes appeared, leaves will begin to yellow. They yellow from the bottom up. Stop watering when several bottom leaves are yellow, but top leaves are still green. Each green leaf represents a layer

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Growing Garlic (REF-3193). The bulb (Allium sativum bulb) is the primary medicinal part per the WHO monograph but was absent from parts_used; added in this edit. Maturity signal: lower leaves yellow bottom-up while upper leaves stay green. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3193

Green garlic can be pulled at any stage once the leaves are lush and full; the longer you wait to harvest, the more pronounced the bulb will be.

Garden Betty, green garlic (REF-3194), confirming Allium sativum. The leaf is taken at the green-garlic stage in spring. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3194

Green garlic is the immature version of garlic (Allium sativum)—essentially, young garlic without a divided bulb.

Garden Betty, green garlic (REF-3194). 'Young sprouts' = the immature spring shoots, pulled before the bulb divides. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3194

In general, garlic is ready to harvest when half of the leaves have turned brown. Dig the bulbs with the shoots still attached. Loosen the soil underneath the bulb and carefully pull up the entire plant by the shoot.

Wisconsin Horticulture / UW-Madison Extension (REF-3372) gives the leaf-browning signal for lifting the whole plant, and the same page directs 'trim roots close to the base of the bulb' - so the readiness of the root IS the readiness of the bulb. Recorded as a real (if dependent) signal rather than a gap. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3372

The root, which can be as thick as a person's arm and has few branches, is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3261); the thick root is dug in autumn from mature (several-year-old) plants. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY CRITICAL: non-flowering gentian rosettes are confused with the FATAL Veratrum album (white hellebore), which grows in the same alpine meadows and has caused fatal root poisonings - confirm identity before digging; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3261

Commercially, plants are given a ten month growing season from planting out a root, being harvested when the stalks begin to wither.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3371); the rhizome is lifted when the stalks begin to wither (~10 months after planting) for mature/dried ginger; young green ginger is lifted earlier. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3371

Commercially, plants are given a ten month growing season from planting out a root, being harvested when the stalks begin to wither.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3371); the root is lifted with the rhizome when the stalks wither. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3371

The leaves are best harvested in the late summer or early autumn just before they begin to change colour.

PFAF (REF-3264); the leaves are gathered in late summer/early autumn, just before they yellow. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3264

It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November.

PFAF (REF-3264); the seeds ripen in autumn (October-November). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3264

The root is the active part of the plant, it is harvested in the autumn after the plant has died down and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3273); the rhizome and root are dug in autumn after the plant dies down (one canonical rhizome entry covers the co-harvested root). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: goldenseal root can be confused with mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3273

The plant can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3227) for Centella asiatica; 'whole plants are generally harvested at any suitable time of the year' during active growth. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3227

The plant is harvested when in flower and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3362); the flowers are gathered when in flower (June-August), opening a few at a time up the spike. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: the first-year mullein rosette resembles the FATAL foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) rosette - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3362

The plant is harvested when in flower and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3362); the leaf is gathered with the flowering plant in summer. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - the rosette is confusable with the fatal Digitalis purpurea.

Sources REF-3362

The roots of one-year old plants are harvested in mid-summer and dried.

Independent confirmation Grieve (REF-3204) independently gives the same stage: 'The roots are dug in July,' and 'The dried root from plants of the first year's growth forms the official drug.'

Sources REF-3203 REF-3204

The seed is harvested in the summer and dried for later use.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3203). The seed/fruit (bur) matures on the second-year plant. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3203

Burdock leaves, which are less used than the root, are collected in July.

Grieve, A Modern Herbal, Burdock entry (REF-3204), which places the leaf gathering in the same month as 'The roots are dug in July'. CAVEAT, stated plainly: this source gives a calendar month, not a phenophase, and no biological readiness stage specific to the leaf was found in any seam searched (King's American Dispensatory and Felter give root and seed only; Herbal Reality gives no timing; the NordGen Nordic/Baltic cultivation manual covers only the seed). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: confirm identity before gathering - burdock is confused with belladonna at the root stage; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3204

The plant is harvested in the spring as it comes into flower, it is best used fresh

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3228) for Chelidonium majus. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3228

The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, but the best time is from spring to early summer.

PFAF (REF-3314); the leaves are best gathered from spring to early summer (through the growing season). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3314

the seeds ripen from July to October

PFAF (REF-3314); the seeds ripen July-October. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3314

The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower.

PFAF also gives a divergent MEDICINAL-herb window - 'The plant is harvested when it is in flower in late spring to mid-summer' - recorded here, not merged: the tender-leaf harvest (before flowering) and the flowering-herb medicinal harvest differ by intended use. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3190

The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower.

'Stem' here is the tender leaf-stalk (petiole), gathered with the young pre-flowering leaves; PFAF's leaf statement is the source. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3190

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No reliable phenological source for the ROOT of Aegopodium podagraria. Seams searched and why each failed: Grieve lists 'Parts Used: Herb, root' with no collection stage; King's American Dispensatory has no Aegopodium entry; PFAF carries only unsourced reader comments; a peer-reviewed goutweed review is botanical/chemical with no timing; Madaus gives a collection time for the HERB only ('Die guenstigste Sammelzeit duerfte Juni bis Juli sein') and records that only Gerard-Johnson recommend the root at all; Eat The Weeds states the rhizomes are NOT eaten. Two foraging blogs do give a root season, but their wording is duplicated verbatim from an AI-generated encyclopedia page and they were rejected as unreliable. Next seam: a European flora or a peer-reviewed ethnobotanical survey. SAFETY: the root is confused with the FATAL Oenanthe crocata (mistaken for parsnip) - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Fruits are mature and dehisce the seeds in about 75 days

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3309); the fruit ripens and dehisces (splits) about 75 days after flowering - the seed is gathered as the capsules split. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3309

Only mature leaves (60%) were hand plucked in the month of October. Second harvest was done in the month of June.

Pandey & Yadav, Pharmacognosy Research 2010 (REF-3377), an open-access study that standardised non-destructive harvesting of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. The readiness stage is LEAF MATURITY, not a date: the same paper reports that 'the leaves left at the time of 1(st) harvest during October matured in June at the time of 2(nd) harvest', and that the practice 'did not have any negative impact on overall development of the plant'. Supersedes the earlier dead end (Useful Tropical Plants gave no leaf-harvest timing). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3377

an explosion of pretty pale-pink blossom in May

Independent confirmation PFAF (REF-3238) 'It is in flower from May to June' independently confirms the Woodland Trust (REF-3237) spring-blossom stage; two independent prisms agree.

Woodland Trust (REF-3237) 'blossom in May' and PFAF (REF-3238) 'in flower from May to June' both place flowering in spring; the flowering tops are gathered as folium cum flore with the young leaf.

Sources REF-3237 REF-3238

The pale green leaves of this hedgerow staple are often the first to appear in spring

Woodland Trust (REF-3237); the young leaf is among the first to appear in spring and is gathered with the flowering shoots (folium cum flore). Single source for the leaf specifically -> provisional.

Sources REF-3237

It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November.

PFAF (REF-3238); the haws ripen in autumn ('seeds ripen from September to November'; 'Hawthorn berries are typically harvested in late Summer to early Autumn'). Woodland Trust gave no fruit-ripening stage. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3238

The plant is harvested from June to August and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3368); the flowering herb is cut from June to August while in flower (in flower April-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3368

When most trichomes are milky with a small percentage turning amber, cannabinoids and terpenes have reached peak development.

The cited source names this plant by a common or genus name only, not the accepted binomial.

Ed Rosenthal (REF-3222) on judging cannabis ripeness by trichome maturity. The source uses the vernacular 'cannabis' rather than the binomial Cannabis sativa, so species_confirmed is false pending a binomial-level source. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3222

Seed is harvested from the female plants when most of it falls off when the plant is shaken.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3221) for Cannabis sativa. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3221

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source states a readiness stage for the cannabis LEAF as a part in its own right. The sourced signals are for the female flower (trichome maturity), the seed (falls when ripe) and the fibre/male-plant harvest; the fan leaves are taken with the flowering tops. A peer-reviewed morphological characterisation of the complete Cannabis sativa life cycle (Hesami et al., Plants 2023) tracks the life cycle but does not address fan-leaf senescence at harvest. Recorded as a dead end rather than asserting the leaf inherits the flowering-top stage.

becoming fleshy and a deep crimson red as the fruit matures

Wikipedia Roselle (REF-3271) for Hibiscus sabdariffa; the harvested organ is the persistent calyx, ready when it has enlarged and become fleshy and deep crimson as the fruit (seed capsule) matures inside - picked before it dries and turns woody. Mapped to the canonical 'flower' organ (the fleshy calyx is the floral structure gathered). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3271

The leaves can be harvested during the growing season and used fresh or dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3300); the leaves are picked repeatedly during the growing season (twigs cut every ~2 weeks). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3300

The female flowering heads are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3272); the female flowering heads (strobiles) are picked in late summer to early autumn while greenish and aromatic. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: the climbing habit can be confused with the dangerous white bryony (Bryonia dioica) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3272

The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3288); the flowering herb is cut as it comes into flower (long flowering June-November). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3288

a large green husk, protected with short spines, which splits into three valves when it falls to the ground and frees the nut.

Grieve also notes 'the nuts, which are collected in the autumn.' Single authoritative source for the ripeness cue -> provisional; a pharmacopoeial 'ripe, dried seed' definition (Ph. Eur. Hippocastani semen) would upgrade to verified. The toxicity note reflects the plant's existing contraindications.

Sources REF-3189

Hyssop is typically harvested in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

PFAF (REF-3275); the flowering tops are cut at full bloom in summer (in flower July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3275

Leaves at any time after the plant is established.

PFAF (REF-3275); the leaf may be gathered any time once established, and with the flowering tops at full bloom. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3275

Hyssop is typically harvested in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

PFAF (REF-3275); the stem is gathered with the flowering tops at full bloom in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3275

The leaves are harvested in spring and early summer, they are used fresh and can also be dried.

PFAF (REF-3269); the leaves are gathered in spring and early summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3269

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). Still no species-specific source for the ROOT/rhizome stage of Reynoutria japonica. PFAF pages for all three synonyms (Reynoutria japonica, Fallopia japonica, Polygonum cuspidatum) are empty templates and Useful Temperate Plants returns 'No Record'. This pass added: Herbal Reality (names the root as the part used in TCM but gives no timing), a clinical foraging guide on tincturing knotweed (describes digging and processing, no season), and Galloway Wild Foods - which DOES give a stage, but for the SHOOT ('The young (and rapidly growing) shoots are best harvested when they are less than 50cm long'), not the root. The resveratrol-rich rhizome is conventionally dug in autumn or early spring, but no source states it. Next seam: a Chinese materia medica entry for Hu Zhang, or an agronomy paper on seasonal resveratrol in the rhizome.

Roses usually flower from late spring to early autumn, typically between May and September.

PFAF (REF-3325); the flowers/petals are gathered in summer while in flower (May-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3325

Rose hips are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn, usually from August to October.

PFAF (REF-3325); the hips are gathered in autumn (August-October). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3325

The crop is potentially profitable when harvested after 3 - 4 years.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3313); the root and rhizome are dug from mature plants (3-4+ years old); no seasonal window. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3313

The crop is potentially profitable when harvested after 3 - 4 years.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3313); the rhizome (the primary kava part) is dug with the roots from mature 3-4+ year plants. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3313

It is in flower from April to June.

PFAF (REF-3326, as Ledum palustre); the medicinal part is 'the leaves and young flowering shoots', gathered at the flowering stage (in flower April-June). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: marsh Labrador tea is TOXIC (ledol/grayanotoxins) and can be confused with the poisonous bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) in the same bog habitat - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3326

It is in flower from April to June.

PFAF (REF-3326, as Ledum palustre); the young flowering shoots (leafy stems) are the part, gathered at flowering. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - toxic, and confusable with Andromeda polifolia.

Sources REF-3326

The whole herb, gathered in June and July when in flower and when the leaves are at their best, and dried.

Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3192), for Alchemilla vulgaris - the whole herb (leaf + flower) is gathered together in flower. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3192

The whole herb, gathered in June and July when in flower and when the leaves are at their best, and dried.

Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3192); leaves at their best coincide with flowering. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3192

Lavender is typically harvested in mid to late summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

PFAF (REF-3283); the flower spikes are cut at full bloom in mid-to-late summer (in flower July-September). For essential-oil yield PFAF notes harvesting 'as soon as the flowers have faded'. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3283

Leaves can be harvested from late spring to early autumn, ideally just before flowering for the best flavor.

PFAF (REF-3292); the leaves are gathered just before flowering (late spring to early autumn), when the aromatic oil is best. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3292

harvested just before or just after flowering

PFAF (REF-3292); for drying, the plant is gathered just before or just after flowering (in flower June-October). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3292

just before its tiny white flowers open, its leaves reach a medicinal peak

Nature and Garden, lemon verbena (REF-3196), for Aloysia citrodora. Timing plus constituent rationale come from one source -> provisional; a peer-reviewed essential-oil-content study (e.g. Acta Sci. Pol. Hortorum Cultus) would give an independent second prism for verified.

Sources REF-3196

The dried root of one year old plants is the official herb, but the leaves and fruits can also be used

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3205) for Arctium minus; 'The best roots are obtained from young plants.' Single source -> provisional. Cf. the congener A. lappa (verified, first-year mid-summer).

Sources REF-3205

Young leaves and leaf stems - raw or cooked

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3205) specifies the young leaves are used; gathered young in the first-year rosette. A stage (young/tender) rather than a dated window. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3205

The root is harvested in the autumn when 3 - 4 years old and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3265); the root is dug in autumn from 3-4 year old plants. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3265

Lime flowers are said to develop narcotic properties as they age and so they should only be harvested when freshly opened.

PFAF (REF-3350); the flowers are gathered only when freshly opened (in flower June-July) - they develop narcotic properties as they age. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3350

The margin of reishi (where it's growing from) will dull from white or orange to a more matte red in maturity.

The cited source names this plant by a common or genus name only, not the accepted binomial.

North Spore (REF-3263) describes reishi harvest maturity at the genus level (Ganoderma), not naming Ganoderma lingzhi specifically -> species_confirmed false. The fruiting body is ready when the white/orange growing margin turns matte red and growth stops ('Harvest them when growth has stopped and their color has darkened a bit'), before the heavy spore drop. Single source -> provisional. SAFETY: the fatal Podostroma cornu-damae can be confused with reishi - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3263

Lion's mane mushrooms are done growing when they stop increasing in size and the spines grow longer and thicker.

GroCycle (REF-3270) for Hericium erinaceus; harvest when growth stops and the spines are long, before they yellow/brown ('harvest them before they turn yellow or brown for the best flavor and texture'). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3270

They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3320); the flowering herb is gathered in spring (in flower March-May). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3320

The flowers are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3287); the flowers are gathered in summer (in flower June-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3287

The leaves can be used fresh whenever they are available or can be harvested in the spring and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3287); the leaves are gathered in spring, or fresh through the season. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3287

The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3304); the plant is cut as flowering begins (in flower June-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3304

Harvest leaves from the first year all year, but they are best in late spring to summer, just before the plant begins to flower.

PFAF (REF-3304); the leaves are best gathered just before flowering (late spring to summer). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3304

The root should be gathered in the early spring or autumn of the second (not later than the third) year's growth, and only the fleshy portions retained, the older, woody roots being valueless.

Independent confirmation Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3198) independently gives the same stage: 'The root is best harvested in the autumn, preferably from 2 year old plants', using the 'Nonlignified roots of the second year's growth'.

Sources REF-3197 REF-3198

The plant is harvested in July when it is in flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3256); the flowering tops are gathered in summer as the flowers open (in flower June-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3256

The plant is harvested in July when it is in flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3256); the leaf is gathered with the flowering tops in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3256

The plant is harvested in July when it is in flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3256); the stem is gathered with the flowering tops in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3256

Creamy-white, and sometimes pink or red flowers, which appear in clusters from mid-April.

Woodland Trust (REF-3234) for Crataegus laevigata; the flowers appear in spring (from mid-April) and are gathered with the young leaf (folium cum flore). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3234

Creamy-white, and sometimes pink or red flowers, which appear in clusters from mid-April.

Woodland Trust (REF-3234); the leaf is gathered with the spring flowers (folium cum flore). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3234

Flower clusters are followed in autumn by red, oval berries called haws.

Woodland Trust (REF-3234); the haws ripen red in autumn. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3234

the seeds ripen from August to October

PFAF (REF-3337); the seeds ripen in late summer to autumn (August-October), harvested as the heads dry. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3337

The whole herb is harvested in August when in flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3284); the whole flowering herb is cut in summer while in flower (in flower July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3284

The whole herb is harvested in August when in flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3284); the leaf is gathered with the flowering herb in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3284

The whole herb is harvested in August when in flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3284); the stem is gathered with the flowering herb in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3284

the plant was gathered when in flower and dried

Independent confirmation Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3209) independently gives the same late-summer aerial harvest: 'The leaves are harvested in August and can be dried for later use'.

Sources REF-3210 REF-3209

the plant was gathered when in flower and dried

Independent confirmation Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3209) gives the same aerial harvest window: 'The leaves are harvested in August and can be dried for later use'.

Sources REF-3210 REF-3209

the root, dug in autumn and dried

Independent confirmation Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3209) independently gives 'The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use'.

Sources REF-3210 REF-3209

The fruits can be harvested ripe or unripe and are sometimes charred and mixed with salt for medicinal use.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3296); the fruit is taken ripe (soft, strong-smelling) or unripe (mature green). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3296

The leaves are harvested as required during the growing season.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3296); the leaves are gathered as required during the growing season (evergreen tropical, no seasonal window). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3296

The roots are harvested as required and used in decoctions.

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3296); the roots are dug as required (no distinct seasonal stage on this evergreen). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3296

Harvesting: autumn.

PFAF (REF-3299); the fruit is harvested in autumn (late September to November) - green when picked early, black when fully ripe. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3299

Increased phenolic composition and antioxidant and antiproliferative capacity are noted in the extracts obtained from leaves harvested in autumn, followed by summer, spring and winter.

Losada-Echeberria et al., Int J Mol Sci 2022 (REF-3380), open access, sampling Olea europaea leaves across all four seasons. BASIS IS CONSTITUENT, NOT TRADITIONAL: the only sourced stage found is a phenolic-content peak, not a traditional collection rule, and the two are deliberately kept apart. PFAF had given fruit timing only. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3380

harvest the whole plant (but not the roots) in late summer to dry and store for winter use

PFAF (REF-3301); the whole flowering herb (not roots) is cut in late summer, or just before flowering (in flower July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3301

The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn.

PFAF (REF-3291); the root and root bark are best dug in autumn (also given as 'late autumn or early spring'). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3291

The oyster mushrooms should be harvested before the edges of the caps flatten out completely or even flip up.

Fungi Ally (REF-3318) for Pleurotus ostreatus; harvest while the cap edges still have a slight roll (before they flatten or flip up), which also limits spore release. Single source -> provisional. SAFETY: the fatal angel wings (Pleurocybella porrigens) can be mistaken for oyster mushrooms - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3318

The roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 6 - 7 years old, and can be used fresh or dried

PFAF (REF-3302); the root is dug in autumn from mature 6-7 year old plants. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3302

The leaves should be harvested regularly in order to encourage fresh growth and get maximum yields

PFAF (REF-3307); the leaves are picked regularly through the growing season. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: parsley foliage resembles the fatal Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) - confirm identity before wild-gathering; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3307

the seeds ripen from July to September

PFAF (REF-3307); the seeds ripen July-September on the second-year plant. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3307

Harvest the roots when they are 12 - 15cm long and can be easily lifted with a fork.

Plantura growing guide for turnip-rooted (Hamburg) parsley, Petroselinum crispum var. tuberosum (REF-3381) - a variety of this species, so the binomial holds. The same page places readiness 'from late autumn through winter, depending on when the seeds were sown', which is why the sourced signal here is root size and liftability rather than a date. Supersedes the earlier dead end (PFAF gave no root timing). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a fatal lookalike - confirm identity before digging, see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3381

The plant is harvested after some of the berries have matured and is then dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3306); the aerial parts are gathered after some berries have matured (flowering June-July, fruit maturing late summer to early autumn). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3306

Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3219) for Campanula persicifolia; the young shoots (leaf) are gathered at 10-15 cm. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3219

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). PFAF's full Edible Uses text for Campanula persicifolia gives only 'Flowers - raw. A pleasant sweetness, and a very ornamental addition to mixed salads' - a use, not a readiness stage - and Useful Temperate Plants (the same Ken Fern lineage) adds nothing. No independent flora or ethnobotanical source giving a flower-harvest stage for this species was found. The flower would obviously be picked open, but no source states it, so nothing is asserted.

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). PFAF's full Edible Uses text gives only 'Root - raw' for Campanula persicifolia, with no season, size or condition; Useful Temperate Plants is the same Ken Fern lineage. Statements found elsewhere about bellflower roots being 'white, firm and crisp from October through winter' belong to other Campanula species and were NOT inherited. Next seam: a central-European flora or a historical kitchen-garden source, since the species was once grown as a salad vegetable.

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source states a root-harvest stage for Pelargonium sidoides. Useful Tropical Plants has no record; Wikipedia gives no harvest timing; SANBI PlantZAfrica gives the growth cycle only - 'In its natural habitat this plant is able to withstand the winter dry, cold season by going dormant and shooting again from the roots when the rains come' - which is a dormancy statement, not a harvest rule, and was not converted into one. Cultivation research indicates tubers need roughly 8-9 years to regain unharvested wild biomass, but that is a sustainability finding rather than a readiness stage. Next seam: a South African cultivation or sustainable-harvest guideline that states a digging season.

The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3293); the leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower (in flower August-October). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3293

The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3293); the flowering tops are gathered as the plant comes into flower. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3293

The flowering tops are harvested in mid-summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

PFAF (REF-3274); the flowering tops are cut at full bloom in mid-summer (in flower May-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3274

The flowering tops are harvested in mid-summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

PFAF (REF-3274); the leaf is gathered with the flowering tops at full bloom. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3274

The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried.

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3211) for Asclepias tuberosa. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3211

The flowers are also used fresh or dried, for drying they are harvested when fully open and need to be dried quickly in the shade

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3217) for Calendula officinalis. Both parts_used labels (Flower and Petals) resolve to the flower head, picked when fully open. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3217

Intact = not ready. Torn but still hanging in ragged fragments = harvest window open.

Azarius (REF-3321) for Psilocybe cubensis; the partial veil under the cap is the readiness signal - harvest as it tears, before it detaches and spores drop. Single source -> provisional. SAFETY: the deadly Galerina marginata (autumn skullcap) can resemble small brown Psilocybe - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3321

It is in flower from July to August.

Independent confirmation Wikipedia (REF-3248), an independent prism, confirms summer flowering: 'Depending on the climate, it blooms throughout summer into autumn.'

PFAF (REF-3247, July-August) and Wikipedia (REF-3248, summer into autumn) agree the heads open in summer.

Sources REF-3247 REF-3248

Echinacea roots are typically harvested in late autumn (September to November).

PFAF (REF-3247); the root is dug in late autumn from mature plants. Wikipedia gave no root-harvest stage. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3247

the bark can be harvested sustainably every 4 - 5 years, harvesting from alternate pairs of quarters each time

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3317); pygeum bark has no seasonal window - the readiness is tree maturity plus a 4-5 year recovery rotation, stripping only two opposite quarters at a time without damaging the cambium. Single lineage -> provisional. (Prunus africana is CITES-listed; over-harvest kills the tree.)

Sources REF-3317

The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3328); the leaves are gathered in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3328

The plant is normally harvested for use as it comes into flower.

PFAF (REF-3353); the flowerheads are gathered as the plant comes into flower (in flower May-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3353

The plant is normally harvested for use as it comes into flower.

PFAF (REF-3353); the leaf is gathered with the flowerheads as the plant comes into flower. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3353

Rhodiola rosea is grown as a perennial, but the roots are harvested once at the end of four or five years.

Two complementary sources, not one confirming the other, which is why this stays provisional. Alberta Agriculture Agdex 188/20-2 (REF-3384) gives the maturity rule (fourth or fifth year); the ISHS harvest-time study (REF-3385) gives the within-season phenophase - 'The content of total rosavins in the dry rhizomes was the highest at flowering on both sites'. They address different aspects of readiness and so do not constitute an independent confirmation of the same stage. Supersedes the earlier dead end (PFAF and Useful Temperate Plants gave only flowering and propagation-division timing).

Sources REF-3384 REF-3385

the dry weight of the root decreased until budding/full flowering, followed by an increase towards the last harvest after wilting

ISHS harvest-time study of cultivated Rhodiola rosea at Finnish and Norwegian sites (REF-3385) for the within-season phenophase, plus Alberta Agriculture Agdex 188/20-2 (REF-3384) for the maturity rule, 'the roots are harvested once at the end of four or five years'. The two sources are complementary rather than confirmatory, so this stays provisional. Supersedes the earlier dead end.

Sources REF-3384 REF-3385

The very young leaves are somewhat better and are less fibrous.

PFAF (REF-3312); the young leaves are gathered through the growing season (flowering April-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3312

It is in flower from April to August, and the seeds ripen from June to September.

PFAF (REF-3312); the aerial parts are gathered while in flower (April-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3312

Leaves are harvested year-round but are best harvested in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

PFAF (REF-3334, as Rosmarinus officinalis); the evergreen leaves are gathered year-round, best in spring/early summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3334

in flower from March to October

PFAF (REF-3334); the flowers are gathered while in flower (mainly spring to early summer). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3334

It is in flower in October. The styles are harvested in the autumn when the plant is in flower and are dried for later use.

Independent confirmation Wikipedia (REF-3240), an independent non-Ken-Fern prism, confirms the same autumn/dawn stage: 'Only in October ... do its brilliantly hued flowers develop' and 'after blossoming at dawn, flowers quickly wilt as the day passes.'

PFAF (REF-3239, Ken Fern lineage) and Wikipedia (REF-3240, independent) agree: autumn flowering, stigmas gathered as the flowers open at dawn. SAFETY: the autumn-flowering harvest stage coincides exactly with the deadly Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus / meadow saffron), a classic fatal confusion. Confirm identity before gathering - see Dangerous Lookalikes: true saffron (Crocus sativus, Iridaceae) has exactly THREE stamens and three long deep-red saffron threads, whereas Colchicum (Colchicaceae) has SIX stamens and no red threads and is lethally toxic (colchicine, no ready antidote). If in any doubt, do not harvest.

Sources REF-3239 REF-3240

The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3333); the leaves are best gathered just before flowering (spring to early summer). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3333

Fruit color: deep, shiny blue-black

Independent confirmation Wikipedia (REF-3387) independently gives the same ripe-fruit stage for Serenoa repens - 'The fruit is a large reddish-black drupe and is an important food source for wildlife and historically for humans' - agreeing with the UF/IFAS factsheet that ripeness is read from the darkened fruit colour.

UF/IFAS Extension EDIS factsheet FPS-547 (REF-3386) plus Wikipedia (REF-3387) as a genuinely independent second prism; both give the ripe fruit colour as the observable stage, on a plant that flowers in spring. Supersedes the earlier dead end (PFAF gave no fruit timing). NOTE for gatherers: wild harvest of saw palmetto berries is legally regulated in Florida - a permit and the landowner's written permission are required, and harvest on public land is prohibited.

Sources REF-3386 REF-3387

The fruit is harvested after the first frosts and sun-dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3336); the berries are gathered in autumn after the first frosts (seeds ripen August-October), then sun-dried. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3336

They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3311); the young shoots and buds are gathered in spring. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: pine needles/shoots must not be confused with the fatal yew (Taxus baccata); see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3311

They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3311); the needles are gathered with the spring young growth (evergreen). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: do not confuse pine needles (in bundles of two) with fatal yew (Taxus baccata) needles (flat, single); see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3311

Large sheets of bark were taken from trees in the spring, prepared and stored as a staple food resource.

Zackrisson, Ostlund, Korhonen & Bergman, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 2000 (REF-3382) - a dendroecological and ethnobotanical study of Sami inner-bark use of Pinus sylvestris L. across 313 bark-peeled-tree sites in northern Sweden, documenting continuous use from A.D. 1450 to 1890. NOTE: the source states the SEASON only. The common assertion that pine bark is taken 'when the sap rises and the bark slips' is NOT claimed here, because no source found states that mechanism for this species. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3382

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source states a resin/sap collection stage for Pinus sylvestris specifically. PFAF gives no timing. Resin-tapping literature that does tie tapping to the growing season concerns other pines (Pinus pinaster, P. pinea, P. merkusii, P. elliottii), and that timing must not be inherited across species. The inner bark of this species IS now sourced (spring, REF-3382), but that is a different organ. Next seam: a Nordic or Baltic naval-stores / oleoresin-tapping source that names Pinus sylvestris.

The fruit is ripe from late September and usually hangs on the plants all winter if not eaten by the birds.

PFAF (REF-3268); the berries ripen from late September and persist over winter, but are best gathered before frost ('the taste and quality of frosted berries quickly deteriorates'). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3268

The seeds ripen from September to October.

PFAF (REF-3268); the seeds ripen in autumn (September-October). Single lineage -> provisional. (The leaf, also a listed part, was not separately timing-sourced this pass.)

Sources REF-3268

For drying it is best harvested in mid-summer.

PFAF (REF-3316); best harvested in mid-summer while in flower (in flower July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3316

For drying it is best harvested in mid-summer.

PFAF (REF-3316); the leaf is gathered with the flowering tops in mid-summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3316

For drying it is best harvested in mid-summer.

PFAF (REF-3316); the stem is gathered with the flowering tops in mid-summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3316

both types produced at the same time, but those bearing cones remaining non-green and unbranched until after spore dispersal, and only later becoming green and branching so as to resemble the sterile stems vegetatively

Horsetails of Britain and Ireland (DELTA/Intkey) species account for Equisetum pratense Ehrh. (REF-3376) - a species-specific flora, so no congener timing is inherited from Equisetum arvense. PFAF had given only spore-ripening dates for this species. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is a toxic lookalike - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3376

The plant can be used fresh or dried, for drying it is harvested in the summer

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3223) gives the summer drying-harvest window; Grieve and Herbal Reality confirm the whole-plant use but state no phenological stage (the plant flowers nearly year-round). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3223

Cut mushrooms at the base when caps are 80-90% open.

The Spore Depot (REF-3286) for Lentinula edodes; harvest when the caps are 80-90% open and 2-4 inches wide, while the edges are still curled under (before the cap flattens). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3286

The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3250); the root and rhizome (radix et rhizoma) are dug in autumn from mature 3-4 year plants. Single canonical entry (root) covers the co-harvested rhizome. Independent confirmation not found. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3250

They are harvested in early summer and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3339); the flowering aerial parts are cut in early summer (in flower June-August). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: skullcap is adulterated with the hepatotoxic wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) - confirm identity/source; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3339

The root is harvested in the spring and can be dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3335); the root is dug in spring. PFAF gives no harvest timing for the aerial parts (also a listed part). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3335

The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3366); the flowering herb is gathered in summer while in flower (in flower May-August). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3366

The leaves and young shoots are typically harvested in spring, before flowering, from early spring to late spring.

PFAF (REF-3355); the young leaves and shoots are gathered in spring, before flowering (in flower May-October). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3355

the seeds ripen from June to October

PFAF (REF-3355); the seeds ripen from summer into autumn (June-October). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3355

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). No source states a root-harvest stage for Urtica dioica. Grieve's Nettles entry gives the herb only ('The whole herb, collected in May and June, just before coming into flower'); Herbal Reality gives the leaf only; the Arzneipflanzen-Lexikon entry has no root collection time; and Madaus is explicit that under the HAB it is the FRESH HERB, root excluded, that is the collection material for this species, noting root use only as a historical recommendation. Wikipedia supplies the aerial phenology ('dying down to the ground in winter') but no harvest rule, and it was not converted into one. German herbal websites do assert a spring/autumn root window but none could be retrieved to quote verbatim. Next seam: the EMA HMPC Urticae radix monograph checked for a collection statement, or a nettle-root agronomy paper.

The rhizome should be gathered in early spring or in October and November, freed from dirt and its bitter rootlets, and dried quickly in a gently warmed room.

Independent confirmation Grieve (REF-3186) independently gives the same dormant-season window - 'Late autumn or early spring is the time chosen for collection' - and adds the readiness cue that the rhizomes are lifted 'before they lose their firmness and become hollow'.

Sources REF-3185 REF-3186

It is in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from April to June.

PFAF (REF-3367); the flowers open in early spring (February-April). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: sweet violet can be confused with the irritant lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) before flowering; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3367

Usually available all through the winter.

PFAF (REF-3367); the leaves are gathered through the growing season, young leaves available into winter. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - confusable with Ficaria verna.

Sources REF-3367

The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3348); the flowering tops are cut as the plant comes into flower (in flower August-September). Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: tansy is toxic (thujone) and can be confused with the PA-toxic ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3348

The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3348); the leaf is gathered with the flowering tops. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - toxic (thujone), Jacobaea vulgaris lookalike.

Sources REF-3348

The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3348); the stem is gathered with the flowering tops. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3348

Only the very young leaves and leaf buds are used for medicinal purposes, these can be harvested throughout the growing season from plants over three years old and are dried for later use

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3218) for Camellia sinensis. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3218

Terminal sprouts with 2-3 leaves are usually hand-plucked, 10 kg of green shoots (75-80% water) produce about 2.5 kg dried tea

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3218); the bush is 'plucked every 7-15 days, depending on the development of the tender shoots.' 'Young sprouts' = the terminal flush. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3218

If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly.

PFAF (REF-3351); the aerial parts are cut just before the flowers open (early to late summer), when the oil is highest. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3351

Medizinisch genutzt werden die frischen, im Fruehling gesammelten unterirdischen Teile der Pflanze (Tormentillae rhizoma) oder der alkoholische Auszug des getrockneten Wurzelstockes.

Bochumer Botanischer Verein plant portrait of Potentilla erecta, Medicinal Plant of the Year (REF-3383). Translation of the quote: 'Medicinally used are the fresh underground parts of the plant collected in spring (Tormentillae rhizoma), or the alcoholic extract of the dried rootstock.' The same portrait records the sustainable practice of harvesting the rhizome and replanting the small remaining pieces. Supersedes the earlier dead end: Grieve's Tormentil entry gives no collection stage, and PFAF and Useful Temperate Plants give only the flowering period. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3383

Stems are cut during the rainy season to facilitate peeling of the bark in 2 longitudinal strips

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3229) for Cinnamomum verum; the bark is peeled from the 'flush of straight shoots generated by coppicing.' Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3229

Turkey tails may persist on wood for 2-3 years, but when the mushroom is fresh it will have white spores and flexible flesh.

Eat The Planet (REF-3354) for Trametes versicolor; harvest the fresh brackets - flexible flesh and a white growing edge - before they toughen and fade. Single source -> provisional. SAFETY: the inedible false turkey tail (Stereum hirsutum) is a lookalike - true turkey tail has visible pores on the underside, Stereum has a smooth underside; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3354

the crop is harvested when the leaves wither after 270 - 365 days

Useful Tropical Plants / Ken Fern (REF-3242): rhizomes are lifted at roughly 9-12 months once the leaves wither. Independent confirmation not found - Wikipedia (Turmeric) gives no readiness signal ('gathered each year for their rhizomes'), and Britannica and Gardening Know How returned 403/404. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3242

The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3360); the root is dug in autumn from 2-year-old plants after the foliage dies back. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: valerian is confusable with the fatal Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) - confirm identity; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3360

The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried.

PFAF (REF-3360); the rhizome is dug with the roots in autumn from mature 2-year plants. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: as above - confusable with Conium maculatum.

Sources REF-3360

The plant is harvested as flowering begins in the summer and dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3363); the flowering herb is cut as flowering begins in summer (in flower July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3363

The root is best harvested in the spring, since at this time it is most fragrant.

PFAF (REF-3267); the clove-scented rootstock (root/rhizome) is best dug in spring when most fragrant, or in autumn ('best harvested in the spring or autumn'). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3267

It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from June to October.

PFAF (REF-3267); the aerial parts are gathered while in flower (in flower May-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3267

It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from June to October.

PFAF (REF-3267); the flowers open from late spring through summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3267

Regarding capacity per plant, the highest content of active compounds was found in week 12.

Thai Journal of Agricultural Science growth-stage study (REF-3215). Week 12 of cultivation coincides with peak flowering / mature active growth; there is no traditional-collection source, so the signal rests on the constituent-peak study (basis: constituent). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3215

Regarding capacity per plant, the highest content of active compounds was found in week 12.

Thai Journal of Agricultural Science growth-stage study (REF-3215). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3215

It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September.

PFAF (REF-3262) for Galium mollugo, the accepted synonym of Galium album; in flower June-September. Species confirmed via the G. album = G. mollugo synonymy. Single lineage -> provisional. (PFAF's Galium album query returns only a genus table and theferns/Wikipedia gave no flowering months - the synonym page was the working seam.)

Sources REF-3262

It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September.

PFAF (REF-3262) for Galium mollugo (syn. Galium album); the flowering herb is gathered while in flower (June-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3262

It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October.

PFAF (REF-3359); the flowering heads are gathered while in flower (June-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3359

It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October.

PFAF (REF-3359); the leaf is gathered with the flowerheads in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3359

The plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3281); the plant is harvested in summer while in flower (long flowering period May-December). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3281

The plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3281); the flowering herb is gathered in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3281

The plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3281); the leaf is gathered with the summer flowering tops. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3281

It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September.

Independent confirmation Wikipedia (REF-3245), an independent prism, confirms summer flowering: 'The flowers are mainly produced from June to August, rarely also in May or September.'

PFAF (REF-3244) and Wikipedia (REF-3245) agree the umbels bloom in summer (June-August). SAFETY: never gather where the plant cannot be told with certainty from its deadly Apiaceae look-alikes (see the root/seed entries).

Sources REF-3244 REF-3245

The plant is harvested in July and dried for later use.

Independent confirmation Wikipedia (REF-3245) independently confirms the summer flowering stage at which the herb is gathered ('flowers ... produced from June to August').

PFAF (REF-3244) gathers the whole herb in July, in flower; Wikipedia (REF-3245) confirms summer flowering. SAFETY: the ferny foliage and white umbels are confusable with the fatal Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) and the dangerous Aethusa cynapium (fool's parsley) - confirm identity before gathering; see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3244 REF-3245

It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September.

PFAF (REF-3244); the seeds ripen in late summer (August-September). Wikipedia gave no seed-ripening stage. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: confirm identity against Conium maculatum / Aethusa cynapium before gathering.

Sources REF-3244

Roots are best gathered from first-year plants before flowering stems appear.

PFAF (REF-3244); the taproot is dug from the first-year rosette, before flowering. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY CRITICAL: the first-year rosette is exactly the stage most easily confused with the fatal Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) - never dig a wild-carrot root unless the identification is certain; see Dangerous Lookalikes (Conium maculatum fatal, Aethusa cynapium dangerous).

Sources REF-3244

The bark is harvested in the autumn and should not be stored for longer than one year since it quickly loses its medicinal properties.

PFAF (REF-3319); the bark is stripped in autumn and used within a year (it quickly loses potency). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3319

Concentrations of lactucarium are low in young plants and most concentrated when the plant comes into flower.

PFAF (REF-3279); the readiness rests on the constituent peak - lactucarium is most concentrated as the plant comes into flower (in flower July-September). basis:constituent (the sourced statement is the constituent peak; no separate traditional-collection source, so not basis:both). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3279

The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3246); the rhizome is dug in autumn (flowering September-October, so harvest follows as the vine dies back). Independent confirmation not found (theferns is the same Ken Fern lineage). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3246

The bark is harvested in the spring or early autumn from 3 - 6 year old branches and is dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3327); the bark is stripped in spring (sap rising, bark slips) or early autumn, from 3-6 year old branches. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3327

Branches and twigs are harvested for the bark in the spring

PFAF (REF-3266); the bark is taken from branches and twigs in spring (as the sap rises and the bark slips). The distilled witch-hazel water is produced from these dormant/spring twigs. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3266

The leaves are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use

PFAF (REF-3266); the leaves are gathered in summer (the shrub itself flowers in autumn - a separate event, not the harvest signal). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3266

The whole plant is collected when in flower in the summer and can be dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3343); the whole flowering herb is collected when in flower in summer (in flower June-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3343

both types produced at the same time, but those bearing cones remaining non-green and unbranched until after spore dispersal, and only later becoming green and branching so as to resemble the sterile stems vegetatively

Horsetails of Britain and Ireland (DELTA/Intkey) species account for Equisetum sylvaticum L. (REF-3375) - a species-specific flora, so no congener timing is inherited from Equisetum arvense. PFAF had given only 'The barren stems are used, they are most active when fresh' (a freshness note, not a stage) plus spore dates. Single lineage -> provisional. SAFETY: marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is a toxic lookalike - see Dangerous Lookalikes.

Sources REF-3375

The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and then dried for later use

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3208) for Artemisia absinthium; the flowering aerial parts (leaf/flower/stem) are gathered together as it comes into flower. Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3208

The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and then dried for later use

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3208). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3208

The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and then dried for later use

Useful Temperate Plants (REF-3208). Single source -> provisional.

Sources REF-3208

The whole plant, stems, leaves and flowers, collected in the wild state, in August, when in flower.

Independent confirmation King's American Dispensatory (REF-3184) independently gives the same flowering-stage collection: 'It flowers from May to October, during which time it should be gathered'.

Sources REF-0371 REF-3184

The whole plant, stems, leaves and flowers, collected in the wild state, in August, when in flower.

Independent confirmation King's American Dispensatory (REF-3184) independently gives the same flowering-stage collection: 'It flowers from May to October, during which time it should be gathered'.

Sources REF-0371 REF-3184

The whole plant, stems, leaves and flowers, collected in the wild state, in August, when in flower.

Independent confirmation King's American Dispensatory (REF-3184) independently gives the same flowering-stage collection: 'It flowers from May to October, during which time it should be gathered (preferably during July), and after rejecting the coarser stems, should be carefully dried'.

Sources REF-0371 REF-3184

It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3290); the flowering herb is gathered while in flower (in flower April-September). Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3290

It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3290); the flowers are gathered with the flowering herb in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3290

It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use.

PFAF (REF-3290); the leaf is gathered with the flowering herb in summer. Single lineage -> provisional.

Sources REF-3290

GAP (documented dead end, re-searched 2026-08-15). PFAF gives a harvest stage for the flowering HERB of Lysimachia vulgaris ('It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use') but says nothing about the root; the Madaus entry filed under this genus covers Lysimachia nummularia, a different species, and specifies 'the fresh, flowering plant WITHOUT root'. No root stage is asserted. Next seam: a central or eastern-European flora treating L. vulgaris root specifically.