Black horehound
ExplorePlants
Black horehound
Ballota nigra
Black horehound is a plant with fuzzy leaves and small purple flowers. It grows in many places and has a strong smell that some people find interesting!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Black horehound has square, hairy stems and dark green, crinkled leaves with a distinct odor when crushed. Its small, purplish-pink to white flowers grow in dense whorls around the stem, often looking a bit hidden among the leaves.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusBallota
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its unique scent, sometimes described as earthy or musty, kept bad smells away in old houses!
Like many mints, this plant has a square stem, which is a cool secret identifier!
People once planted Black horehound near doors to ward off scary spirits and witches!
The 'horehound' part of its name might mean 'hoary' or 'hairy', just like its fuzzy leaves!
Special abilities
Ability
Scent Shield
Black horehound has a strong, minty yet musky scent when crushed that helps it deter hungry animals from eating its leaves.
Ability
Fuzzy Fortification
Its stems and leaves are covered in soft hairs, protecting the plant from excessive water loss and some insect pests.
Ability
Rooted Resilience
This plant has a deep, tough taproot that helps it survive in dry, poor soils by reaching water deep underground.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late Spring to Early Autumn
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Honey bees are frequent visitors, gathering nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Bumblebees often visit its small, tubular flowers for nectar.
pollinates
Drone fly
Eristalis tenax
Drone flies, a type of hoverfly, are attracted to its blooms.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching or tasting any plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Black horehound?
30-100 cm
How wide does Black horehound spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Black horehound?
0.5-1 cm
When does Black horehound bloom?
Late Spring to Early Autumn
Is Black horehound edible?
No
Is Black horehound toxic?
Mild
What is Black horehound's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Black horehound pollinated?
Insect
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