Water Horehound
Lycopus virginicus
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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 Water Horehound fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.