Siberian Motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus)
Regular price $19.95Purple Flower Spikes and Herbal History
Siberian Motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus), also known as Marihuanilla or Honeyweed, is a striking perennial or annual medicinal herb that grows tall, erect, and covered in vibrant purple flower spikes. Its unique flowers form in whorls around the upper half of the stems, complemented by deeply toothed foliage that gives the plant an ornamental, distinctive appearance. Siberian Motherwort makes a showstopping hedge and is beloved by pollinators.
Although it grows wild along the coastal regions of Brazil and Mexico, Siberian Motherwort is native to China, Mongolia, and Siberia. This member of the Leonurus mint family has a long history of traditional medicinal use, including use in Chinese medicine for some symptoms associated with menstruation. It has also been used traditionally for ritual smoking, with purported effects described as comparable to cannabis and associated with a mellow, relaxed sensation. Siberian Motherwort does not tolerate frost but can be overwintered indoors. It is closely related to two other Sow Exotic favorites, Klip Dagga and Wild Dagga.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Siberian Motherwort has a history of traditional use in Chinese medicine and ritual practices. It was traditionally used for some symptoms associated with menstruation and has also been used for ritual smoking. Reported effects from traditional use are sometimes described as producing a mellow, relaxed sensation comparable to cannabis; these effects and safety can vary.
Why Grow Siberian Motherwort?
- Enjoy vibrant purple flower spikes arranged in unique whorls along the stems.
- Grow striking toothed foliage that adds ornamental texture.
- Create a showstopping hedge that attracts pollinators.
- Explore a plant with a long history of traditional herbal use.
- Overwinter this frost-sensitive herb indoors for continued growth.
Growing Tips
Siberian Motherwort, Wild Dagga, and Klip Dagga are fast-growing perennial herbs that thrive in part shade to shade and dry, sandy, well-draining soil. They are drought tolerant but also perform well in humid conditions. When growing in pots, water once or twice weekly as needed. Siberian Motherwort can reach 5–8 ft., while Wild Dagga and Klip Dagga can reach 4–9 ft. All three can be harvested year-round and are capable of harvest within the growing season. Protect plants from frost in Zones 9–11, or grow them on a patio or in a greenhouse in Zone 4+. Propagate by seed or division.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Plants | Siberian Motherwort, Wild Dagga, Klip Dagga |
| Botanical Names | Leonurus sibiricus, Leonotis leonurus, Leonotis nepetifolia |
| Plant Type | Perennial Herb |
| Harvest Season | Year-round |
| Mature Size | Siberian Motherwort: 5–8 ft.; Wild Dagga and Klip Dagga: 4–9 ft. |
| Soil & Moisture | Dry, sandy, well-draining soil. Drought tolerant but also thrives in humid conditions. Water once or twice weekly if growing in a pot. |
| Light Requirements | Part Shade, Shade |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 9–11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Grown from seed and division; capable of harvest within growing season |
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