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Taperleaf Water Horehound

Lycopus rubellus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Taperleaf Water Horehound (Lycopus rubellus)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Taperleaf Water Horehound (Lycopus rubellus) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Taperleaf Water Horehound as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, wasps, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Taperleaf water horehound is a native perennial that thrives in moist to wet soils and partial sun conditions. This medium-height plant produces small white flowers from July through September and naturally spreads to form colonies in suitable wet areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet soil conditions
  • Can spread aggressively in suitable habitat
  • May look unkempt compared to typical landscaping

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract various pollinators including native bees, wasps, and flies. As a native wetland plant, it provides important habitat for moisture-loving beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Taperleaf Water Horehound need?
Taperleaf Water Horehound grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Taperleaf Water Horehound bloom?
Taperleaf Water Horehound blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Taperleaf Water Horehound native?
Taperleaf Water Horehound (Lycopus rubellus) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Taperleaf Water Horehound toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Taperleaf Water Horehound as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Taperleaf Water Horehound attract?
Taperleaf Water Horehound draws bees, wasps, and flies.
Is Taperleaf Water Horehound HOA-friendly?
Taperleaf Water Horehound 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Taperleaf Water Horehound? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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