How much sun does Water Horehound need?

Water Horehound grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Water Horehound bloom?

Water Horehound blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Water Horehound native?

Water Horehound (Lycopus virginicus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Water Horehound toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Horehound as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Water Horehound attract?

Water Horehound draws bees and flies.

Is Water Horehound HOA-friendly?

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.

Water Horehound

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lycopus virginicus

Last reviewed: July 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag 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, CT, DE and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains

Water horehound is a native perennial that thrives in moist to wet soils and partial sun conditions. This medium-sized plant produces small white flowers in late summer that attract various pollinators. It naturally spreads to form colonies in consistently moist areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Horehound 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.

Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear messy
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare patches

Wildlife value

The summer blooms provide nectar for native bees and beneficial flies. Seeds may attract small birds in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Water Horehound need?: Water Horehound grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Water Horehound bloom?: Water Horehound blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Water Horehound native?: Water Horehound (Lycopus virginicus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Water Horehound toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Water Horehound as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Water Horehound attract?: Water Horehound draws bees and flies.
Is Water Horehound HOA-friendly?: 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 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 Water Horehound? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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