Lycopus virginicus, commonly known as Virginia water horehound or sweet bugleweed, is a perennial herb native to wetland areas such as marshes, stream banks, and lakeshores in eastern Canada and the eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of up to 3 feet (1 meter) with a hairy, squared stem and features dark green or purple, toothed leaves. The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall, producing clusters of tiny white or pink-tinged flowers in the leaf axils, which are modest in appearance but attract a variety of pollinators.

Virginia water horehound is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, naturalized areas, and as a ground cover in moist, shady sites. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring consistently moist soil and partial to full shade. While not known for aggressive roots, it can spread via rhizomes and may need to be managed in smaller garden settings. In traditional medicine, Lycopus virginicus has been used to treat hyperthyroidism, anxiety, insomnia, and respiratory ailments. However, its medicinal use should be approached with caution and under professional guidance due to the complexity of thyroid disorders.CC BY-SA 4.0