Motherwort

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort is a hardy perennial herb prized for its medicinal properties, especially in traditional herbal remedies. Known for supporting heart health and calming the nervous system, its leaves and flowers have been used in teas and tinctures for centuries. Motherwort also plays a vital role in the garden by attracting pollinators such as honeybees, bumblebees, and beneficial insects with its small, spiky, pink-to-purple flowers. Thriving in a variety of soil types, it’s a great choice for pollinator gardens, herb gardens, and naturalized areas. Its robust nature allows it to withstand dry conditions and poor soils, making it a resilient addition to any landscape.

Key Characteristics:

• Traditional Medicinal Uses
  The aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Motherwort are traditionally used in herbal medicine to support cardiovascular health, calm anxiety, and promote menstrual health. Commonly taken as a tea or tincture, it has a long history in European and Chinese medicine.

• Pollinator Friendly
  Motherwort’s late spring to summer blooms attract pollinators like honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies, providing a rich nectar source during the flowering season, supporting the local ecosystem.

• Drought-Tolerant and Adaptable
  Motherwort thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance plant for meadows, naturalized areas, or herb gardens.

• Beneficial for Integrated Pest Management
  By attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, Motherwort helps balance the ecosystem and can reduce pest populations, contributing to a healthier garden environment.

• Versatile Garden Use
  Ideal for cottage gardens, medicinal herb gardens, and naturalized meadows, Motherwort can also be used as a tall, architectural plant in borders, offering texture and height while providing ecological and medicinal benefits.

Product Details:

• Native range: Europe, Asia
• Plant life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, tolerates poor soil
• Mature height: 3-5 feet
• Bloom time: June to August
• Bloom color: Pink to purple
• USDA Hardiness zones: 4-8

Motherwort is a must-have for herbalists and pollinator enthusiasts, offering medicinal value and crucial support to beneficial insects.