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Taperleaf Water Horehound

Lycopus rubellus

Last reviewed: June 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)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas PlainsSouth Central Plains

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.

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.

Does Taperleaf Water Horehound fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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