Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
SC
Pollinators
bees, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
- Where is Motherwort native?
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is native to SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Motherwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz