White Horehound

(Marrubium vulgare)

White Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Marrubium vulgare, commonly known as White Horehound, is a deciduous perennial subshrub or herb native to a variety of habitats including dry grasslands, rocky areas, and disturbed soils in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is characterized by its woolly, grey-green foliage. White Horehound typically grows to 25–45 centimeters (10–18 inches) tall. The leaves are 2–5 cm (0.8–2.0 in) long with a densely crinkled surface, and are covered in downy hairs, which contribute to its distinctive appearance. The small, white flowers are borne in dense whorls at the upper part of the main stem and are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Flowering occurs from early to mid-summer.

White Horehound is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly as an ingredient in cough remedies and lozenges due to its expectorant qualities. It is also appreciated for its ornamental features, such as the textured leaves and the contrast between the foliage and the white flowers. In gardens, it is used for border planting, as a ground cover, and in herb gardens. White Horehound thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive outside its native range, as seen in California, and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden

Natural Habitat

Dry grasslands, rocky areas, and disturbed soils

Other Names

Common Names: Common Horehound, Horehound, Kransburre, Gewöhnlicher Andorn, Andorn, (Valko)Hurtanminttu, Marrube, Marrube Blanc, Marrube Commun, Borremynte

Scientific Names: , Marrubium vulgare, Marrubium album, Marrubium apulum, Marrubium vaillantii, Marrubium vulgare var. lanatum, Marrubium ballotoides, Marrubium propinquum, Marrubium hamatum, Marrubium vulgare var. vaillantii

GBIF Accepted Name: Marrubium vulgare L.