Leonurus macranthus

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Leonurus macranthus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Grassy places and thickets in hills all over Japan. Grows in shady places in Kiangnan, China. Grassy slopes and thickets to 400 metres in Hebei, Jilin and Liaoning.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Shoots - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is a blood tonic and is used in the treatment of women's complaints, especially post-partum difficulties.

Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a poor soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed, or even in situ. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. japonicum. Miq.