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Herb classification as tree or vegetable for kilei zera'im and kilei hakerem

Herb classification as tree or vegetable for kilei zera'im and kilei hakerem

A comprehensive list of common herbs with English, Hebrew, and Latin names, categorizing them as trees or vegetables, to avoid the prohibitions of kilei zera'im and kilei hakerem (interplanting with annuals and vineyards). Since there are different halachic guidelines for vegetables and trees, this is a valuable reference.

Agronomist Dr. Mordechai Shomron, update May 2025

 

Below is a list of common herbs, divided into three categories:

(1) woody perennials, considered trees; the prohibitions of kilei zera'im and kilei hakerem do not apply;

(2) an intermediate category of herbaceous perennials, which grow back either from the root or root collar, halachically classified as a vegetable, so both kilei zera’im and kilei hakerem  do apply;

(3) annuals, also treated as vegetables and both kilei zera’im and kilei hakerem apply.   

Blessings for fragrance:

  • Herbs defined as trees -  borei atzei besamim.
  • Herbs defined as vegetables -  borei isvey besamim.
  • In situations of doubt -  borei minei besamim.

 

Common Name

Hebrew Equivalent

Latin
Name

Woody
Perennial = Tree

Herbaceous
Perennial = Vegetable

Annual = Vegetable

Alfalfa

אספסת תרבותית

Medicago sativa

 

 

Anise

כמנון האניס

Pimpinella anisum

 

 

Arugula (rocket)

רוקולה (רוקט, בן-חרדל)

Eruca sativa

 

 

Asparagus

אספרג רפואי

Asparagus officinalis

 

 

Basil [1]
(
Sweet Basil)

בזיליקום (ריחן)

Ocimum basilicum

 

 

Bible Hyssop (Lebanese/Syrian oregano)

אזוב מצוי

Origanum syriacum

 

 

Chamomile

בבונג דו גוני

Matricaria recutita (chamomilla)

 

 

Chives

עירית (שום העירית)

Allium schoenoprasum

 

 

Clover

תלתן

Trifolium

 

 

Coriander

כוסברה (גד השדה)

Corriandrum sativum

 

 

Cumin

כמון תרבותי

Cuminum cyminum

 

 

Dill

שמיר (שבת)

Anethum graveolens

 

 

False rhubarb (rhapontic)

ריבס הגינה

Rheum rhaponticum

 

 

Fenugreek

חילבה (גרגרנית יונית)

Trigonella foenum- graecum

 

 

Fringed rue[2]

פיגם מצוי (רוטה)

Ruta chalepensis

 

 

Garden sorrel (spinach dock)

חומעת הגינה

Rumex acetosa

 

 

Garlic

שום הגינה

Allium sativum

 

 

Hyssop (medicinal plant)

בן אזוב רפואי

Hyssopus officinalis

 

 

Lavender

לבנדר (אזוביון)

Lavandula angustifolia

 

 

Lemon balm

מליסה

Melissa officinalis

 

 

Lemon verbena

לואיזה לימונית

Lippia triphylla

 

 

Lemongrass

עשב לימון (גראס)

Cymbopogon

 

 

Lovage

לווג'

Levisticum officinale

 

 

Mint

נענע

Mentha

 

 

Mizuna (kyona)

מיזונה

Mizuna

 

 

Monks cress (garden nasturtium)

כובע הנזיר

Tropaeolum majus

 

 

Oregano (wild marjoram)

אורגנו (איזובית פשוטה)

Origanum vulgare

 

 

Parsley

פטרוזיליה

Petroselinum hortense

 

 

Rose geranium

פלרגון חריף (גרניום לימוני)

Pelargonium graveolens

 

 

Rosemary (medicinal)

רוזמרין (רפואי)

Rosmarinus officinalis

 

 

Sage

מרווה רפואית

Salvia officinalis

 

 

Tarragon

טרגון (לענת הטרגון)

Artemisia dracunculus

 

 

Thyme

קורנית (טימין)

Thymus vulgaris

 

 

Tree wormwood

שיבא (לענה שיחנית)

Artemisia arborescens

 

 

White micromeria (white-leaved savory)

זוטה לבנה

Micromeria fruticosa

 

 



[1] Sweet basil is considered a vegetable. As for other varieties, some are considered vegetables while others are classified as trees. 

[2] While some are stringent and forbid planting common fringed rue in a vineyard, see the article by Rabbi Ehud Ahituv “Fringed rue in the Vineyard,” Emunat Itecha 96 (5772), pp.33–39 (Hebrew).