Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) is a popular herbaceous perennial that is native to a large region that spans from Eastern Europe into Central Asia. It is now naturalised around the world for its use as a herbal remedy and attraction to pollinators and is both cold and drought tolerant.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, and Sub-Tropical climates.
Leonurus cardiaca is also known by other common names such as Throw-Wart, Lion’s Ear and Lion’s Tail. The genus, Leonurus is translated to Lions Tail while the ephiphet cardiaca means the heart. In Europe, the term Motherwort translates to meaning Mother Herb as it was commonly used to assist mothers during childbirth.
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Growth
Leonurus cardiaca is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 1.2 metres (4 feet) and around 50cm (2 feet) wide. Motherwort’s natural habitat can be roadsides, vacant fields, waste grounds, rubbish dumps and other disturbed areas so it can become invasive and spread.
Often grown in containers in a part-shady location, Motherwort seedlings require just enough water to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Once established, plants become both drought and frost tolerant and can grow quickly throughout the warmer seasons.
Flowers appear in mid to late Summer and are pink to lilac in colour. The calyx of each flower is bell-shaped and has five lobes. Motherwort was first introduced into North America to increase honey production from bumblebees so the flowers will be of great attraction to pollinators.
When growing from seed, you can expect to start harvesting Motherwort leaves in around 90 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2m (4 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm (2 feet)
pH:
7.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
80-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 18-27°C / 65-80°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT LEONURUS CARDIACA (Motherwort)
In 15th century Europe, Motherwort was considered by some herbalists to fend off evil spirits.
Ancient Greeks used Motherwort to reduce to mothers during childbirth.
Motherwort is used as a herbal treatment, usually as a tea or tincture, for heart complaints, amenorrhoea, menopausal problems and flatulence.
The fresh or dried flowers can be used as a flavouring in soups and to flavour beer.
Make a Motherwort Tea by steeping two teaspoons of dried leaves in boiling water for around 5 minutes.
For more information regarding the medicinal applications of Motherwort please click here.
