Identification Characteristics
Examine the leaf shape and color
Feel if the leaves are glossy or hairy
Smell the plant if possible (avoid doing it if the plant grows in the wild)
Observe the flowers if there are any
Numerous plants belong to a single family or genus, making herb plants identification tough, so using identifier apps is a common practice.
Leaf
In most cases, you need to rely on herb identification by leaf. For example, rosemary and tarragon have a similar needle-like leaf shape, but the tarragon is much lighter in color. Flat leaf parsley and cilantro look almost the same, except for cilantro’s more rounded shape of leaflets and less noticeable lobes. Basil has green or purple shiny opposite leaves, while his counterpart oregano often features hairy, toothed foliage.
Flower
Once the herb is blooming, it makes everything so effortless. You can identify herbs with long stalks and violet flowers as lavender. Rosemary has similar flowers and leaves, but the stalk is much shorter. Spear mint’s blooms are pink, and oregano’s are small and white. Dill can’t show off its flowers, though these yellow umbrella-like inflorescences are easy to recognize.
Scent
Many herbs are used in culinary – all because of their fragrant aromas. Thus, checking the scent is another method of herb identification. In this way, you can identify rosemary, basil, thyme, dill, and many other species.
