Basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, is an annual herb of the mint family, grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is widely grown as a kitchen herb. Basil leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with smooth or slightly toothed edges that typically cup slightly; the leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems. The small flowers are borne in terminal clusters and range in color from white to magenta. The plant is extremely frost-sensitive and grows best in warm climates. Description from Britannica
Home > Plant Guide >
Scientific Name
Family
Garden Type
Wildlife
Native Plant Region
Light needs
Water Needs
Plant Type
Bloom Color(s)
Height
Width
Months in Bloom
Safe Beneath Power Lines?
We’d like to maintain accurate and robust plant listings. If you see information that is not correct or that could be added to improve the listing, please let us know. Or if you’d like to suggest a plant to add to our plant guide, you can use this form do so. Thank you!

Learn about the diversity in pigeon populations in the United States and the implications of this variability on the species.

Gardeners can check out seeds for free from the library to plant. Then after harvest, gardeners bring seeds back to the library for others to enjoy in future growing seasons.

Some introduced plant species can diminish biodiversity. Other plants produce poisons that can harm wildlife. Learn what plants to avoid when figuring out what to plant or remove in your outdoor space.

Start a garden in a planting strip along the street. Explore our interactive corridor map, find what to grow, and start nurturing today.

Take a virtual tour of Capitol hill with naturalist and author David B. Williams and gain a new appreciation of the nature of the city and its wild side.

The plants, animals, fungi, microbes, and other natural features that make up “urban habitat” are important to the character, function, and livability of cities.
Nature of Your Neighborhood is a collaboration between Birds Connect Seattle, the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict, and the Seattle Bird Conservation Partnership. Our goal is to foster relationships between the people and the nature of their neighborhoods.