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Integrated Crop Management
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Motherwort

Motherwort - Leonurus cardiaca L.

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Life cycle: Perennial, reproducing by seed and short rhizomes
Native status: Introduced
Habitat: Disturbed areas, especially common in urban areas

General description: Erect plant reaching heights of 4-5 ft. Leaves are opposite, palmately 3-5 lobed (resembling a maple leaf), with coarsely serrate margins. Leaves become narrower in the upper canopy, typically with 3 lobes. Prominent, deep veins. White to purple flowers are produced in leaf axils of terminal stems.

Key ID traits: Palmately lobed leaves (resembling maple leaves) with deep veins. The plant has square stems, a trait of the mint family.

Miscellaneous: Motherwort was brought to North America due to its medicinal properties. The botanical name is derived from its use for heart problems. Still sold in health stores for these properties.

motherwort plant
Motherwort begins growth in spring as a tight cluster of deeply lobed leaves with deep veins.
flower spike with three-lobed leaves emerging from axils
Flower spike with three-lobed leaves emerging from axils.
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.
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