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common motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Common motherwort is a leafy plant with pretty pink flowers. It grows in gardens and fields, and it has a special smell that many people love!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The common motherwort is a tall, upright plant with a square, hairy stem. Its deeply lobed, dark green leaves resemble a hand. Small, fuzzy, pinkish-purple flowers grow in spiky clusters around the stem.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusLeonurus
common motherwort
herbaceous trait badgearomatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badge
common motherwort

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient people carried motherwort for good luck and to ward off bad spirits!

Its scientific name means 'lion's tail' due to its furry, bushy flower stalks!

Some Native American tribes used motherwort to dye fabrics a dark green color!

The tiny flowers are so fuzzy, they feel like velvet to the touch!

Special abilities

Ability

Seed Spikes

common motherwort has sharp, spiky calyces that protect its developing seeds from hungry animals. (15 words)

Ability

Herbal Helper

common motherwort contains special compounds that deter some pests and attract beneficial insects. (15 words)

Ability

Resilient Roots

common motherwort has strong roots and spreads easily, helping it thrive in disturbed soil. (15 words)

Measurements & details

Height
60-150 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.8-1.2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Major pollinator, collecting its nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

A frequent visitor to the flowers for nectar.

pollinates

Cabbage White

Pieris rapae

Sometimes visits flowers for nectar.

Traits

Also known as

Motherwort

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or picking plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common motherwort?

60-150 cm

How wide does common motherwort spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on common motherwort?

0.8-1.2 cm

When does common motherwort bloom?

Summer

Is common motherwort edible?

Yes

Is common motherwort toxic?

Mild

What is common motherwort's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common motherwort pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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