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), coarsely serrate margins. Leaves become narrower in upper canopy, typically with 3 lobes. Prominent, deep veins. White to purple flowers produced in leaf axils of terminal stems.
Key ID traits: Palmately lobed leaves (resembling maple leaves) with deep veins. Plant has square stems, a trait of the mint family.
Miscellaneous: Motherwort was brought to North America due to its medicinal properties. Botanical name derived from its use for heart problems. Still sold in health stores for these properties.
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in...