Leonotis leonurus

Leonotis leonurus is part of the Lamiaceae family of plants or more commonly called the mint family. This erect, evergreen shrub is native to South Africa, and usually grows in moist grasslands. They also call it Phlomis leonurus, Lion’s Ear, Lion’s Tail, or Wild Dagga.

It grows to about 6ft or 2m tall and has green, aromatic leaves that are about 4in or 10cm long. The flowers are orange, tubular, and two-lipped. They grow in whorls during the summer months sometimes continuing into late autumn depending on the climate.

How to grow Leonotis leonurus:

Leonotis leonurus is easy to grow. Grow it in the sun or light shade. Plant it in any type of soil that is well-drained. It likes moisture yet it is drought tolerant. Leonotis leonurus is generally disease-free and pest-free, nevertheless, watch out for whiteflies, spider mites, and grey mold. It is deer resistant. Leonotis leonurus attracts birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Prune it each year as it helps it grow bushier, and propagate by seed or cuttings.

Leonotis leonurus contains the substance leonurine and marrubin. They believe the leaves possess antinociceptive and antiinflammatory and hypoglycemic properties. They also use this plant’s flower and seeds in traditional medicine to treat tuberculosis, jaundice, muscle cramps, diabetes, and viral hepatitis. The roots and bark are used to treat snakebites or scorpion stings.