Profile: The native holly is one of the few evergreen deciduous trees. As a tree, it can reach a height of 10-15 m and has a densely branched crown. Holly trees are characterized by their leathery, dark green leaves, which are often thorny, and their mostly bright red drupes. The common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is native to Western Europe and has its natural habitat in coniferous and deciduous forests with rather acidic, humus-rich soil.

Interesting facts: In addition to the wild variety, several cultivated varieties are available commercially, some with different leaf shapes and colors. Holly is also a good source of food and nesting material for birds. The flowers are popular with bees and bumblebees. Holly is often used as a Christmas decoration because of its decorative leaves and berries. Incidentally, Harry Potter's wand is also made of holly.

Profile: The great burnet grows as a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches heights of 30 to 120 centimeters. This perennial prefers a sunny to semi-shaded location. It blooms from June to August in dark red. The soil should be nutrient-rich and moist, but still well-drained. The nectar-rich flowers are an important source of food for bees, ants, and butterflies.

Interesting fact: By choosing the great burnet as Flower of the Year, the Loki Schmidt Foundation is committed to preserving its species-rich habitat, extensively used grassland. This is one of the most species-rich habitats in the agricultural landscape. In addition to its use as a medicinal herb, meadow knapweed is also a popular culinary herb. Its close relative, the small meadow knapweed (or pimpinella), is an important ingredient in the famous Frankfurt green sauce.

Profile: These are perennial herbaceous plants that reach heights of 6 to 80 centimeters. The entire plant is usually aromatic. Yarrow forms rhizomes that sprout a rosette of leaves in spring. Later, a stem grows on which white or pink flowers form. Yarrow is not very demanding and grows best in a sunny location. It prefers well-drained, light, sandy soils, which can be rich in nutrients.

Interesting fact: Yarrow was named medicinal plant of the year in 2004. One area of application is its effect on bleeding. It can help with nosebleeds and internal bleeding. In ancient times, yarrow was known as a special herb for women's health.

Profile: Horseradish grows as a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches heights of 50 to 120 centimeters. It forms a vertical, cylindrical taproot that is used as a vegetable, spice, or in herbal medicine. The white flowers can be seen from mid-May to July. Horseradish grows in almost all soils and also thrives in partial shade.

Interesting facts: Scientific studies have proven that the ingredients contained in horseradish have anti-inflammatory properties, significant antiviral effects, and strong antibacterial properties. It is used to strengthen the immune system and protect against colds. Horseradish contains a lot of vitamin C. It also stimulates circulation and relieves coughs. Applied externally as a poultice, it is used to treat rheumatism, insect bites, or sciatica, for example.

Profile: The myrrh tree is a deciduous, thorny small tree from the balsam tree family. With a height of approx. 4 meters, it usually grows on flat soil, mainly on sandstone. It is native to the arid regions of northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Interesting facts: The aromatic gum resin of the myrrh tree is used. Its ritual and medicinal use is mentioned in the oldest surviving records of mankind. The best-known reference is in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2:11), in which the magi from the East bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts to the newborn child. Today, preparations made from myrrh are used primarily for their astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in cases of inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, but also in the intestines. 

Profile: Corn belongs to the sweet grass family and originates from Latin America. Cultivated corn is a robust, deciduous, annual, herbaceous plant that can grow up to three meters tall. It grows in almost all climatic conditions. Corn prefers nutrient-rich, humus-rich, loose soil. A sunny location without waterlogging is best.

Interesting facts: Corn has a wide range of uses. In 2020, two-thirds of the global harvest was fed to animals for meat production, with only about 15% used directly for human consumption. Corn germ oil is used not only as an edible oil but also in skin and care products due to its vitamin E and linoleic acid content. The food industry uses corn starch to make confectionery, baked goods, and dairy products. Starch-based sugars, such as glucose syrup or dextrose, are also added to beverages. Corn starch is found in laundry starch, cosmetics, as a powder base, in adhesives, and in pharmaceuticals for tablet production or as a filler and binding agent.