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Leonurus cardiaca

Leonurus cardiaca
Cow Wort, Lion's Tail

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A large villous perennial, sturdy and hardy, forming a clump of leafy stems where numerous tiny pink to purplish flowers in summer. Its leaves, with very pointed lobes, are dark green on top and covered with silvery bristles on the underside.  Undemanding, it is satisfied with ordinary soil and rainwater.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to September
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Description

Leonurus cardiaca, also known as Cow Wort or Lion's Tail, is a recognised medicinal plant, as well as a hardy perennial that adds charm to wildflower beds. Widely spread in our countryside, this hairy plant, which is perfectly hardy, forms a clump of basal leaves from which numerous leafy stems adorned with countless small flowers, ranging from pink to purplish, emerge in late spring. Undemanding, tolerating most climates and exposures, it is content with ordinary, well-drained soil and rainwater.

Leonurus cardiaca belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes many aromatic and medicinal plants like sages, mints, lavenders, and rosemarys. It is a tall perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and Algeria.  A large rosette, 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in) wide, emerges from a robust stump in spring, forming a cushion of leaves divided into 5 to 7 very sharp lobes, dark green on the upper side, hairy and whitish on the underside. From this rosette, robust flowering stems covered in leaves, branching, square in section, and blackish, often reaching 1 m (3ft) in height, emerge in May-June. The numerous bilabiate flowers, carried in whorls in the axils of the leaves along almost the entire length of the stems, are pink, slightly streaked with yellow when observed closely. This flowering, which lasts until September, is highly visited by pollinating insects. In the garden, numerous spontaneous seedlings can appear under favourable conditions. The above-ground vegetation, which is deciduous, emerges in spring and dries up in autumn.

Leonurus cardiaca is a very robust perennial plant that tolerates many situations, and is easy to combine with other wild or more sophisticated flowers. Plant it at the edge of woodlands, in a rather wild garden, in the company of Cimicifuga, Astrantia, Ligularia tangutica, Luzula sylvatica, in a fresh, clay soil where it self-seeds spontaneously. Under these conditions, it can become very tall, in a moist to wet soil and in slightly shaded places. It can also be planted in a corner of the vegetable garden, with vegetables and herbs.

Properties:

The fruits of Leonurus cardiaca are distinguished by their very hairy appearance, toning properties, and a shape reminiscent of a human heart. The plant has calming, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and soothing properties. Leonurus cardiaca is also prescribed as an accessory remedy in the treatment of epilepsy. The use of this powerful plant should be reserved for professionals.

Leonurus cardiaca in pictures

Leonurus cardiaca (Flowering) Flowering
Leonurus cardiaca (Foliage) Foliage
Leonurus cardiaca (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to September
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 1 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Leonurus

Species

cardiaca

Family

Lamiaceae

Other common names

Cow Wort, Lion's Tail

Origin

Western Europe

Product reference93691

Planting and care

Leonurus cardiaca should be planted in autumn or early spring. It is a perennial plant that is undemanding in terms of soil type, although it should be properly drained and relatively deep, and kept sufficiently moist during summer. Choose a sunny position which is not scorching (morning sun), semi-shaded or even shaded, where it particularly thrives. This plant requires no maintenance, has no known enemies, and can rely solely on rainwater in regions that are not too dry. Remove faded flowers if you want to avoid self-seeding.

6
19,50 €
16
14,50 € Each

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border, Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Deep, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Remove the withered stalks to prevent self-seeding.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time September
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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