Leonurus japonicus, commonly known as Chinese motherwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to grasslands, roadsides, and riverbanks in Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. It can grow up to 47 inches tall and has an upright, branching form. The leaves are palmately lobed, giving them a hand-like appearance. From summer to early fall, it produces small sessile flowers arranged in whorls along the stem, with white to reddish-purple corollas that are modest in showiness. The plant is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine.

Chinese motherwort is often used in herbal gardens and for naturalistic plantings. It is known for its ease of maintenance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils with consistent moisture. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. In cultivation, it is important to control its spread as it can self-seed prolifically, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should be aware of its invasive potential and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0