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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Leonurus japonicus is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Alterative Antibacterial Antifungal Aphrodisiac Birthing aid Contraceptive Depurative Diuretic
Eczema Emmenagogue Hypotensive Ophthalmic Poultice Vasodilator Vulnerary
Women's complaints

This plant (and other closely related species) is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. The leaves are diuretic and are placed in bath water to relieve itching and painful shingles[218]. The dried flowers are emmenagogue and are also used in pregnancy and to help expel the placenta after giving birth[218]. The juice of the stems is vulnerary[218]. The fruit is antibacterial, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, ophthalmic and vasodilator[176, 218]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, nebula and conjunctivitis[176]. The seed is aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic and is also used in the treatment of various women's complaints[147, 218]. The plant was ranked number one in a survey of 250 potential antifertility plants in China[218]. The seed is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and night blindness[147]. The aerial parts of the plant are alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, vasodilator and vulnerary[176, 218]. The whole plant is decocted, either on its own or with other herbs, as an ophthalmic[218]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, postpartum abdominal pain, tumours, uterine bleeding, oedema, eczema and purulent abscess[176]. It is also used externally as a poultice for bruises[218]. Stimulates blood circulation[147]. (The part of the plant used is not made clear.)

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils[200]. Prefers a poor soil[108]. There is some doubt over the correct name for this species, a recent work suggested that it should be L. artemisia (Lour.)S.Y.Hu. - at least in as much as it refers to the medicinal plant in China[218].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Leonurus cardiaca	Motherwort, Common motherwort	Perennial	1.0	3-7	LMH	SN	M	2	3	1
Leonurus macranthus		Perennial	1.0	-	LMH	SN	M	1	1
Leonurus sibiricus	Chinese Motherwort, Honeyweed	Annual/Biennial	1.0	5-9	LMH	SN	M	2	3	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Leonurus japonicus - Houtt.