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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.

Herb of the Year™ Selections:
1995Fennel Foeniculum spp.
1996Monarda Monarda spp.
1997Thyme Thymus spp.
1998Mint Mentha spp.
1999Lavender Lavandula spp.
2000Rosemary Rosmarinus spp.
2001Sage Salvia spp.
2002Echinacea Echinacea spp.
2003Basil Ocimum spp.
2004Garlic Allium sativum
2005Oregano & Marjoram Origanum spp.
2006Scented Geraniums Pelargonium spp.
2007Lemon Balm Melissa spp.
2008Calendula Calendula spp.
2009Bay Laurel Laurus spp.
2010Dill Anethum spp.
2011Horseradish Armoracia spp.
2012Rose Rosa spp.
2013Elderberry Sambucus spp.
2014Artemisia ssp.
(Wormwood, Tarragon, et al.)
2015Savory Saturea ssp.
2016Peppers Capsicum ssp
2017Coriander/Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
2018Hops Humulus ssp
2019Anise-Hyssop Agastache ssp.
2020

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

2021Parsley Petroselinum
2022Viola Violet, Pansey, Heartsease, et, al.
2023Ginger Zingiber
2024Yarrow Achillea
2025Camomile Matricaria

 

Herb of the Year Book for 2024
- Now Available!