Family: Lamiaceae
Author: Moench
Bibliography: Suppl. Meth.: 146 (1802)
Year: 1802
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lycopus
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to Colorado
Description
Taperleaf water horehound, scientifically known as Lycopus rubellus, is a perennial herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae. This intriguing plant species was first documented in detail in 1802 by the botanist Moench. It is part of a diverse family renowned for its aromatic members and significant ecological roles.
This North American native is predominantly observed across the central and eastern regions of the United States, extending its range westward to Colorado. Such geographical dispersion suggests its adaptability to various environmental conditions, particularly wet habitats like marshes, stream banks, and damp meadows.
Characterized by its tapering leaves, Lycopus rubellus exhibits typical horehound traits with its square stems and opposite leaf arrangement. These leaves gradually diminish in width towards the base, a distinctive feature that contributes to the plant’s common name. During the blooming season, this species produces small, inconspicuous white flowers, which cluster in leaf axils and provide subtle beauty amidst the greenery.
Beyond its visual appeal, taperleaf water horehound performs an essential function within its ecosystem. Serving as a nectar source for various pollinators, it also plays a role in stabilizing moist soil environments, thus mitigating erosion. Its presence indicates healthy wetland conditions, making it a valuable component of riparian plant communities.
In sum, Lycopus rubellus is not only significant ecologically but also offers a glimpse into the richness and complexity of the flora in its native regions. It warrants appreciation and study, further contributing to our understanding of the biodiversity of North America’s plant life.
Common Names
Eng: taperleaf water horehound, stalked water-horehound, stalked bugleweed, taper-leaved bugleweed, taper-leaved water-horehound
Fra: lycope rougeâtre
En: Taperleaf water horehound, Taper-Leaf Water-Horehound, TAPERLEAF BUGLEWEED, Stalked water-horehound, Stalked bugleweed, Taper-leaved bugleweed, Taper-leaved water-horehound
Fr: Lycope rougeâtre
Synonyms
- Lycopus obtusifolius (Michx. ex Vahl)
- Lycopus rubellus var. lanceolatus (Benner)
- Lycopus rubellus var. arkansanus ((Fresen.) Benner)
- Lycopus velutinus (Rydb.)
- Lycopus rubellus var. velutinus ((Rydb.) Benner)
- Lycopus arkansanus (Fresen.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Feb 25, 2016 by EOL − grbfrog (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Oct 24, 2018 by Todd Schnakenberg (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 24, 2018 by Todd Schnakenberg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341465)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:449683-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lycopus rubellus Moench)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.2
Ph minimum: 5.2