American Water Horehound

(Lycopus americanus)

American Water Horehound (Lycopus americanus)

halpaugh@verizon.net

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: halpaugh@verizon.net | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Nonenmac | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Lycopus_americanus_01.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Photo of Western Skunk Cabbage, Goodman Creek, Eugene, OR. |Source=self-made |Date=April 12, 2008 |Author= [[User:Martin Bravenboer|Martin Bravenboer]] |Permission= |other_versions= }} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Lycopus americanus, commonly known as American Water Horehound, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to wetlands, such as marshes, fens, and the edges of ponds and streams in the USA and Southern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-3 feet (0.2-0.9 meters) and spreads 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) wide. The plant features square stems with oppositely arranged leaves and produces small, white, tubular flowers that cluster in the leaf axils during the summer and fall months. These flowers are modest in appearance but can add a delicate texture to garden settings.

American Water Horehound is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens, water features, and naturalized wetland plantings. It is also used for its purported medicinal properties, traditionally in the treatment of throat and respiratory ailments. For successful cultivation, it requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and can tolerate full sun to part shade. While it is not particularly prone to diseases, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes, which may be a consideration for gardeners looking to maintain a controlled planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.5-2.5 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: High
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to wetlands such as marshes, fens, and the edges of ponds and streams

Other Names

Common Names: American Bugleweed , American Water Hore-Hound , American Water-Horehound , Common Water-Horehound , Cut-Leaved Bugleweed , Cut-Leaved Water-Horehound , Lycope D’Amérique

Scientific Names: Lycopus americanus , Lycopus europaeus , Lycopus sinuatus , Lycopus americanus var. scabrifolius , Lycopus americanus var. americanus , Lycopus exaltatus , Lycopus lucidus var. americanus , Lycopus americanus var. longii , Lycopus lacerus , Lycopus sinuatus var. angustifolius

GBIF Accepted Name: Lycopus americanus Muhl. ex W.P.C.Barton