Basil
ExplorePlants
Basil
Ocimum L.
Basil is a sweet-smelling herb that is often used in cooking. It has bright green leaves and loves the sun!
Habitat: Gardens and sunny areas
Appearance
The Basil has vibrant green, often slightly crinkled, oval leaves that emit a distinct aroma. Its stems are typically square-shaped, bearing small, delicate white or pale purple flowers arranged in spikes at the top. This leafy herb often grows as a bushy plant.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusOcimum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Basil's name comes from the Greek word 'basileus,' meaning king or royal herb!
Rubbing basil leaves on insect bites can help soothe the itch!
Some cultures believe basil brings good luck or protects against evil spirits!
There are over 150 different types of basil, each with unique flavors!
Special abilities
Ability
Aromatic Shield
Basil produces strong aromatic oils that deter some pests and attract beneficial insects, protecting its leaves.
Ability
Sun Seeker
Basil's broad, light-catching leaves are optimized to absorb maximum sunlight, fueling its fast growth in warm climates.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-60 cm
- Spread
- 20-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit its flowers for nectar and pollen.
eats
Green Peach Aphid
Myzus persicae
Aphids feed on basil's sap, potentially weakening the plant.
eats
Human
Homo sapiens
Humans cultivate and consume basil as a popular herb.
hunts
Seven-spotted Ladybug
Coccinella septempunctata
Ladybugs prey on aphids that feed on basil plants.
Traits
Herbaceous
Herbaceous plants are non-woody plants with soft stems that typically die back to the ground at the end of the growing season.
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Genovese BasilHoly BasilLemon BasilPurple BasilThai Basil
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Basil?
30-60 cm
How wide does Basil spread?
20-40 cm
How big are the flowers on Basil?
0.5-1 cm
When does Basil bloom?
Summer
Is Basil edible?
Yes
Is Basil toxic?
None
What is Basil's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Basil pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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