Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Attracts pollinators

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

A vigorous perennial herb with inconspicuous flowers highly sought after by bees over a long flowering period. In the herbaceous layer of a food forest, it functions as a melliferous and traditional medicinal plant. Adapts to ordinary soils and partial shade.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees motherwort grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Full sun
Size: Perennial herb up to 1.2 m
Mature diameter: 0.6 m
Soils: Loam, Clay, Sandy
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Harvest — Planting
October — Planting
November
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The leaves and flowering tops are traditionally used in infusions or tinctures to soothe the nervous system, relieve palpitations and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Where to buy

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.