Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to South-eastern Europe to central Asia; naturalised across Europe and North America. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Motherwort in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Motherwort at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-eastern Europe to central Asia; naturalised across Europe and North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Motherwort toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves
Leaves can cause contact dermatitis; as a medicine it stimulates the uterus and is unsuitable in pregnancy. No reliable data for pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Motherwort
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Motherwort
- How far apart should I plant Motherwort?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Motherwort need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Motherwort need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Motherwort?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Motherwort flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Motherwort poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Leaves can cause contact dermatitis; as a medicine it stimulates the uterus and is unsuitable in pregnancy. No reliable data for pets.
- What grows well with Motherwort?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Motherwort. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Herbal monographs (European Union herbal monographs and assessment reports), European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Square stems with deeply three-lobed leaves and whorls of pale pink, hairy flowers all the way up; spiny calyces in seed. A traditional heart and women’s herb; the EMA lists it for nervous tension.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare