How much sun does Motherwort need?

Motherwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Motherwort bloom?

Motherwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.

What pollinators does Motherwort attract?

Motherwort draws bees and moths.

Is Motherwort HOA-friendly?

Motherwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Motherwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Leonurus cardiaca

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, moths

Native alternatives to Motherwort

Motherwort is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Motherwort is a tall perennial herb with deeply lobed leaves and small pink or white flowers arranged in whorls around square stems. This old-world medicinal plant can spread aggressively and may appear weedy, especially when not in bloom.

In an HOA neighborhood

Motherwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Can spread aggressively and appear weedy
Tall growth habit may look unkempt

Wildlife value

The small tubular flowers attract bees and moths during the long summer blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Motherwort need?: Motherwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Motherwort bloom?: Motherwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.
What pollinators does Motherwort attract?: Motherwort draws bees and moths.
Is Motherwort HOA-friendly?: Motherwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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