Herbalism 101
FDR Park
1800 Pattison Ave.
Philadelphia
July 25, 2026
While walking through the streets of Philadelphia, you’re likely to pass a wide range of plant species. Some parts of the city have more than others, but you generally don’t have to travel far to interact with the native trees, plants, and flowers that Philly provides. Generally speaking, I could identify the more popular species of plants, but I wouldn’t particularly say that I have a green thumb. I’m convinced that the handful of houseplants I own are only alive thanks to dumb luck – so I was intrigued by the opportunity to learn more about local plantlife through an herbalism class I found out was happening at FDR park. Hosted by Majesty Moreland, a local farmer, beekeeper, and gardener, "Herbalism 101" seeks to educate Philadelphians about the plants and trees we see around us on a regular basis.
The tour began outside the park's welcome center, where we encountered our first plant, The Black-eyed Susan. It's a flower I’ve seen a million times but had never taken the initiative to learn about. Majesty detailed the history of the Black-eyed Susan in the area and its many medicinal benefits. Indigenous tribes used properties of the plant as treatment for snake bites as well as lyme disease. Learning this as I looked at such a familiar flower made me consider the amount of cultural history unknown to me that's attached to all our neighboring wildlife. As Philadelphia is Lenape land, many of the other plants we learned about shared a history of use with the Indigenous people that were here long before there was even an FDR to name a park after.
Majesty was midway through telling us about how chicory is edible and rich in fiber when a new member joined our group. Comfortably perched on my right shoulder, a butterfly had captured the attention of everyone, including our guide. Outside of making me feel like a Disney princess, this moment was important to me because of the authentic enthusiasm that everyone in attendance shared. Being outside and interacting with nature opened a door to deeper connection with local life as a whole — from butterflies to human beings.
Majesty ended the class by pointing out some plantain weed and telling us the story of a formerly enslaved man named Dr. Caesar, who won his freedom by exchanging a poison antidote formulated from his knowledge of medicinal plants (including plantain, specifically) with the government. By sharing their own knowledge of herbalism, Majesty hopes today to empower and deepen the connection that Philadelphians have with the earth around them — and to provide us the sense of freedom that comes with such awareness. Herbalism 101 classes are finished for the summer but will be returning during the fall. Stay updated on that and other events that FDR park has to offer here.
