Chinese Motherwort

(Leonurus macranthus)

Chinese Motherwort (Leonurus macranthus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Leonurus macranthus, commonly known as Chinese Motherwort, is a perennial herb that can be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to Northeast Asia, including regions of China, Korea, and Japan, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including grasslands, forest edges, and along streams. Typically, it reaches a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant has an upright form with deeply lobed leaves and produces dense whorls of pink and purple flowers in the summer, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Chinese Motherwort is valued for its medicinal properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. It is also appreciated in gardens for its showy flowers and as a plant that attracts beneficial insects. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it adapts to a range of soil types provided they have good drainage. It requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively easy to maintain. While not commonly used for ornamental purposes in Western gardens, it can be an interesting addition to herb gardens or naturalized areas. Potential problems include susceptibility to rust and powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, forest edges, and along streams in Northeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Common Motherwort, 송장풀

Scientific Names: , Leonurus macranthus, Leonurus macranthus var. villosissimus,

GBIF Accepted Name: Leonurus macranthus Maxim.