Herb of the Year ™

In 1991, the International Herb Association established National Herb Week to be celebrated every year during the week prior to Mothers Day. The purpose of National Herb Week is to develop and coordinate national attention on herbs, herbal uses, herb businesses, and the IHA.

Every year since 1995, the International Herb Association has chosen an Herb of the Year™ to highlight. The Herb of the Year™ Program, spearheaded by IHA’s Horticulture Committee, has established Herb of the Year™ selections up to 2025. All IHA members are invited to participate in the selection process. Long-standing member, Chuck Voigt, who has been involved in the selection process for many years explains, The Horticultural Committee evaluates possible choices based on them being outstanding in at least two of the three major categories: medicinal, culinary, or decorative. Herb societies, groups, and organizations, from around the world, work together to educate the public about these important herbs throughout the year. The IHA publishes a book each year to celebrate that year’s selected herb. IHA members and friends contribute material ranging from growing instructions to botanical information to recipes. Members receive a single copy as part of their membership. Copies are available for purchase by members, businesses, and the general public.

Celebrate the use of herbs and all things herbal!

Millions of individuals throughout the world use herbs in their day-to-day life. Members of the International Herb Association (IHA) are proud to support these individuals by providing quality products and services including information and education surrounding the use of herbs.

1995-2030

1995: Fennel Foeniculum spp.

1996: Monarda Monarda spp.

1997: Thyme Thymus spp.

1998: Mint Mentha spp.

1999: Lavender Lavandula spp.

2000: Rosemary Rosmarinus spp.

2001: Sage Salvia spp.

2002: Echinacea Echinacea spp.

2003: Basil Ocimum spp.

2004: Garlic Allium sativum

2005: Oregano & Marjoram Origanum spp.

2006: Scented Geraniums Pelargonium spp.

 

2007: Lemon Balm Melissa spp.

2008: Calendula Calendula spp.

2009: Bay Laurel Laurus spp.

2010: Dill Anethum spp.

2011: Horseradish Armoracia spp.

2012: Rose Rosa spp.

2013: Elderberry Sambucus spp.

2014: Artemisia ssp. (Wormwood, Tarragon, et al.)

2015: Savory Saturea ssp.

2016: Peppers Capsicum ssp

2017: Coriander/Cilantro Coriandrum sativum

2018: Hops Humulus ssp

 

2019: Anise-Hyssop Agastache ssp.

2020: Rubus spp. (Blackberries, Raspberries, et al.)

2021: Parsley Petroselinum

2022: Viola Violet, Pansey, Heartsease, et, al.

2023: Ginger Zingiber

2024: Yarrow

2025: Chamomile

2026: Turmeric

2027: Flax

2028: Basil & Tulsi

2029: Nasturtium

2030: Alliums