Leonurus, Genus, cardiaca, Species,
- Genus & species
common motherwort
Central Asia and southeastern Europe
Overview
Leonurus cardiaca is an upright perennial 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) tall with stiff, square, branching stems rising from a spreading rootstock. The lower leaves are broad and palmately cut into three to five toothed lobes, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, while the upper leaves narrow to three lobes, all dark green and roughly hairy. From early to late summer, dense whorls of small two-lipped flowers form in the axils of the upper leaves, the pink to pale-purple blooms hooded above and bearded with white hairs, set in a spiny five-toothed calyx that hardens and pricks as the seeds ripen. The flower spikes rise in tiers up the stem. L. cardiaca grows on roadsides, waste ground, hedge banks, and field edges, and has a long history of use in herbal medicine. It spreads by seed and short rhizomes and can self-sow into a broad patch. The prickly old calyces catch on clothing and the foliage carries a sharp, bitter scent.
Native Range
Leonurus cardiaca is native to central Asia and southeastern Europe and has naturalised across Europe, North America, and temperate Asia. It grows in disturbed, open ground such as roadsides, farmyards, and waste places, often on nitrogen-rich soils.Suggested Uses
Planted in herb gardens, pollinator borders, and wildlife or cottage plantings on poor, dry ground. It is grown for its long use as a medicinal herb and as a nectar source for bees. The tiered flower spikes suit naturalistic and informal schemes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from June to August in tiered whorls up the stem. Bees and other insects work the small hooded flowers through summer. The spiny calyces persist after the petals fall and hold the ripening nutlets into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to pale purpleFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight