Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus, Nat. Hist. 2(9): 366 (1778))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Houtt.

Bibliography: Nat. Hist. 2(9): 366 (1778)

Year: 1778

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Leonurus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: China to Russian Far East and N. Australia

Description

Chinese motherwort, scientifically known as Leonurus japonicus, is a noteworthy member of the Lamiaceae family. First described in the 18th century, significant details about this plant were documented in “Nat. Hist. 2(9): 366” by Houttuyn in 1778.

Originating from a vast geographical area, this resilient plant thrives naturally from China to the Russian Far East and extends its presence down to Northern Australia. This wide distribution highlights its adaptability to various climates and environments.

Chinese motherwort holds a prominent place in traditional medicine, particularly within the regions where it grows naturally. It has been employed for centuries in various herbal remedies. The plant’s name connotes its historical use in treating women’s health issues, especially for conditions related to childbirth and menstruation.

In addition to its medicinal applications, Leonurus japonicus contributes to the natural aesthetics of the regions it inhabits. Its growth pattern and floral characteristics provide a vital resource for local wildlife and contribute to the biodiversity of its native habitats.

Understanding the ecological and cultural significance of Chinese motherwort helps in appreciating the wider role it plays in both natural ecosystems and human societies. Its long-standing use in traditional medicine and its adaptability across a vast range highlight the value and historical importance of this remarkable plant.

Common Names

Eng: chinese motherwort, honeyweed
Por: chá-de-frade, cordão-de-são-francisco, erva-das-lavadeiras, erva-do-santo-filho, erva-macaé, lavanderia, lavantina, marroio, pau-pra-tudo, rubim
Swe: malörts-hjärtstilla
En: Chinese motherwort, Honeyweed, Sagebrush motherwort, Yi mu cao
Zh: Yi mu cao, 益母草
Cs: Srdečník japonský
Fi: Japaninnukula
Fr: Agripaume du Japon
Ko: 익모초
Pt: Chá-de-Frade, Cordão-de-São-Francisco, Erva-Macaé, Erva-das-Lavadeiras, Erva-do-Santo-Filho, Lavanderia, Lavantina, Marroio, Pau-pra-tudo, Rubim
Pt-br: Chá-de-frade, Cordão-de-São-Francisco, Erva-dos-Santos-Filho, Lavanderia, Rubim, Erva-das-lavadeiras, Erva-de-macaé
Sv: Malörts-hjärtstilla
Zh-tw: 益母草
Th: เอียะบ้อเช่า
Zh-hant: 益母草
Vi: Ích mẫu

Synonyms

• Leonurus sibiricus (Anon.)
• Leonurus heterophyllus f. leucanthus (C.Y.Wu & H.W.Li)
• Leonurus artemisia ((Lour.) S.Y.Hu)
• Leonurus japonicus f. albiflorus ((Migo) Y.C.Zhu)
• Leonurus cuneifolius (Raf.)
• Leonurus artemisia var. albiflorus ((Migo) S.Y.Hu)
• Leonurus intermedius (Didr.)
• Leonurus altissimus (Bunge ex Benth.)
• Leonurus sibiricus f. niveus (A.I.Baranov & Skvortsov)
• Leonurus sibiricus var. albiflorus (Migo)
• Leonurus japonicus f. niveus ((A.I.Baranov & Skvortsov) H.Hara)
• Leonurus heterophyllus (Sweet)
• Leonurus mexicanus (Sessé & Moc.)
• Stachys artemisia (Lour.)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Buryatiya (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• French Guiana (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Guyana (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Suriname (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Marc Roussin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Marc Roussin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2022 by Nikolas Dierka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by bacelar lucia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by chanchandestras (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Marc Roussin (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 15, 2019 by V Nathalia (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 14, 1971 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Ram Chandra Poudel (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 19, 1969 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Ram Chandra Poudel (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6410563)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:449195-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Leonurus japonicus Houtt.)

Specifications

Growth