Gypsywort
lycopus europaeus
Also known as: ["Water Horehound","Frog's Bit"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, typically found in wetlands and along riverbanks.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lycopus |
| Botanical Name: | Lycopus europaeus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: wetland edges, stream banks, or garden beds with consistent moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers loamy conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead, diseased, or overgrown stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions but thrives with dappled sunlight for 3–4 hours/day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for shaded garden beds or woodland settings.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid direct sun; prefers shade; adjust placement based on light intensity.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Soil
moist, fertile, loamy soil with good organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but sensitive to extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize during active growth only.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Moist, well-draining soil mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, moist soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or healthy bud; thin out crowded growth to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; remove dead/damaged growth; cut above a leaf node; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; repot and water.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 50°F (10°C); vulnerable to frost.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors during freezes.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in temperatures above 85°F (29°C); growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLycopus europaeus is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines, and ingestion is not expected to cause significant health issues. Cats may exhibit mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts, but this is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLycopus europaeus is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines, and accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause significant adverse effects. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities may vary.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLycopus europaeus, commonly known as gypsywort, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its slightly bitter and astringent properties. The plant has been historically used in traditional medicine for its sedative and anticonvulsant effects, though its efficacy is not well-documented in modern pharmacology.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lycopus europaeus edible?
A: While historically used in traditional medicine, its edibility is not well-documented, and caution is advised.
Q: Where does Lycopus europaeus grow best?
A: It thrives in moist to wet soils, often in marshy areas or along water bodies.
Q: Does Lycopus europaeus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees and other pollinators due to its small white flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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