Motherwort
leonurus cardiaca
Also known as: ["Heartwort","Widow's Herb"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant native to Central Asia and Eastern Europe, known for its traditional use in herbal medicine.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Leonurus |
| Botanical Name: | Leonurus cardiaca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during growing season; major pruning in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near an east or west-facing window; outdoors, provide afternoon shade in hot regions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay mixes; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids prolonged frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut above leaf nodes to promote branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; inspect roots; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage. Water deeply to encourage root growth, and ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback, especially below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; apply a thick mulch layer for in-ground plants.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to water stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild toxicity if they ingest Leonurus cardiaca, primarily due to gastrointestinal irritation. The cardiac glycosides present can pose a risk, especially to cats with pre-existing heart conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Leonurus cardiaca can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and, in rare cases, cardiac effects due to the presence of cardiac glycosides. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic to dogs but should be consumed in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLeonurus cardiaca, commonly known as motherwort, contains cardiac glycosides and other bioactive compounds that can affect heart function when ingested in significant quantities. It may cause mild to moderate physiological disturbances, particularly in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the traditional uses of Motherwort?
A: Motherwort has been traditionally used to treat heart conditions, menstrual issues, and anxiety.
Q: Is Motherwort safe for pets?
A: Motherwort is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, so it should be used with caution around pets.
Q: How should Motherwort be cared for?
A: Motherwort prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly but allowed to dry between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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