SEMI HARDY PLANTS FOR CENTRAL AUSTIN, THEY SURVIVE MANY WINTERS BUT NOT ALL!
Capparis spinosa
Capers, Family Capparidaceae
Perennial, hardy to 18 degrees F, native to Mediterranean region
Prostrate shub with long trailing stems, sage green, leathery ovoid leaves
Flowers, four petaled white or pale pink with very long stamens in summer and fall
Grow in full sun, must be well drained, low water needs
Propagate by fresh seeds or cuttings
Culinary use, buds, fruits and even leaves are pickled, GRAS as spice, seasoning, flavoring

Ocimum selloi
Green Pepper Basil, Family Lamiaceae
Perennial, hardy in zone 9, native to South America
Small shrub to 3 ft, shiny leaves with scent of green pepper
Flowers in lavender spikes in summer
Plant in full sun, water needs similar to other basils
Propagate by cuttings or seeds
Use as an attractive culinary plant, flavor fades when heated so use raw or add at end of cooking

FUN TROPICAL PLANTS, BRING THESE INSIDE DURING THE WINTER!
Pimenta dioica
Allspice, Family Myrtaceae
Perennial, tropical tree hardy to 27 degrees F, native to West Indies, Southern Mexico, Central & South America
Tree growing to 30-50 ft in native habitat with shiny, attractive, highly fragrant, elongated leaves
Flowers are white in racimes, trees are either male or female so berry development is rare in home plants
Grow in shade in Texas, tolerates moderate watering, flourishes with heavy watering and feeding
Propagate by fresh seeds or semi-hard cuttings
Grow as a potted plant, bringing it in for the winter, makes an excellent house plant
Culinary use of both berries and leaves, GRAS as spice, oleoresin, extract, oil

Satureja biflora
Lemon Savory, Family Lamiaceae
Perennial, low growing, tropical shrub of unknown hardiness native to Africa
Marvelous lemon flavor is useful in cooking

AN UNDERUTILIZED ANNUAL TO GROW DURING AUSTIN WINTERS
Anthriscus cerefolium
Chervil, Family Apiaceae
Annual, cool weather native to Russia and Caucasus Region
Low growing, rosette of bright green fernlike leaves with anise scent
Flowers, white in umbels
Grow in full sun or partial shade, moderate water needs
Propagate by seed planted in fall
Culinary use, flavor is destroyed with heat so use raw or add at end of cooking, GRAS in all forms

REFERENCES
Bown, Deni.  The Herb Society of America New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses.  Dorling Kindersley.  London.  2001.
Mountain States Wholesale Nursery Plant Information Sheets http://www.mswn.com
Purdue New Crop Information www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/
Tucker, Arthur O and Thomas DeBaggio. The Big Book of Herbs.  Interweave Press.  Loveland, CO.  2000.
The Herb Society of America  www.herbsociety.org
USDA Web Site for GRAS Listings http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/syllabus/gras.htm