Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Leonurus cardiaca is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in soups, particularly lentil or split pea. — The fresh or dried flowers can be used as a flavouring in soups, particularly lentil or split pea.; They are also used as a flavouring in beer.; Fresh or dried flowers can be used to make a tea.

Habitat & North American Range

Hedge banks, waste places etc, usually on gravelly or calcareous soils. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)