Distribution

• Motherwort and Siberian motherwort originated in Asia, including Siberia, China, Korean, Japan and Vietnam. Siberian motherwort also thrives in the southern part of Mexico and coastal Brazil. Both species are introduced plants to North America. Motherwort, also known as Lion’s Ear and Lion’s Tail, has a more extensive range from southern Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, and in the lower 48 States, east of the Rocky Mountains. Siberian Motherwort, also known as Honeyweed, occurs in the province of Manitoba in central Canada, and from Minnesota to Texas, and Nebraska to Delaware.
  
  

Habitat

• Both species can thrive in USDA Zones 4 to 8. According to Ohio State University, habitat for the motherwort includes moist, rich soils by streams, meadows, open woods, floodplains, riverbanks and neglected gardens. Habitat for Siberian motherwort includes stony or sandy grass lands or pine forests. Siberian motherwort, intolerant to frost, can develop into a perennial bush in regions with no winter season or heavy frost.
  
  

Leaf Description

• Both species reproduce by seed and grow on one upright stem. Motherwort reaches 16 to 70 inches high, with some growing to five feet; Siberian motherwort reaches 8 to 31 inches high, with some measuring over six feet high.
  
  Leaves can distinguish these herbaceous plants. Motherwort features rather square-shaped leaves, with four vertical planes that somewhat resemble a maple leaf. Dull green leaves measure two to four inches long and grow opposite on the stem. The long-stalked lower leaves feature three lobes that radiate from a central point. In contrast, Siberian motherwort features long leafstalk basal leaves with an ovate-cordate shape. L. sibiricus leaves have more deeply cut lobes than L. cardiaca.
  
  

Flower Description

• The perennial Motherwort has flowers in clusters of pinkish blossoms measuring less than one-half inch in the leaf axil. The calyx, or cluster of leaves surrounding the unopened flower, features five sharp lobes, with three lobes pointed up and two lobes pointed down. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Siberian motherwort has flowers formed in whorls also attached directly by the base to the stalk.This biennial ranges from white or reddish to reddish-violet.
  
  Flowering season for L. cardiaca ranges from June to September; flowering for L. sibiricus ranges from July to September. Siberian motherwort can also flower year-round in regions with no winter season.
  
  

History of Uses

• In ancient Greece, Leonurus cardiaca, used for anxiety in pregnant women, became known as “Motherwort.” Motherwort was also used for dizziness, nervousness and female disorders; Siberian motherwort as a tonic for women aided in toning the reproductive tract.
  
  Toxicity of L. cardiaca involves ingesting lemon-scented oil that can result in photosensitivity. Leaves can cause contact dermatitis for the susceptible.