Horehound (Marrubium peregrinum, Sp. Pl.: 582 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 582 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Marrubium

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. Europe to Caucasus

Description

Horehound, scientifically known as Marrubium peregrinum, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This species was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753.

Recognized for its distinctive properties and widespread use in traditional medicine, horehound is primarily native to Eastern and Central Europe, extending its presence to the Caucasus region. This resilient plant typically thrives in these regions owing to its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions.

Horehound features a robust, erect structure with woolly, gray-green leaves that emit a characteristic aromatic scent when crushed. The plant produces small, white to pale purple flowers arranged in dense clusters, which attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to its propagation across its native habitats.

Traditionally, horehound has been valued for its medicinal properties. It has been utilized as a remedy for respiratory ailments, such as coughs and colds, due to its natural expectorant qualities. Additionally, extracts from the plant are often incorporated into lozenges and herbal teas aimed at soothing sore throats and easing digestive issues.

The plant’s inclusion in the Lamiaceae family places it alongside other well-known aromatic herbs such as mint, basil, and sage, all of which share similar growth habits and ecological preferences. Its hardy nature and ease of cultivation make horehound a favored choice for herbal gardens, allowing enthusiasts to benefit from its medicinal virtues and unique contribution to biodiversity.

In summary, horehound (Marrubium peregrinum) is a significant plant both in the realm of traditional medicine and botanical studies, with a historical legacy that traces back to the classification by Linnaeus. Its widespread distribution from Eastern and Central Europe to the Caucasus showcases its adaptability and enduring importance in various cultural and ecological contexts.

Common Names

Deu: fremder andorn, ungarischer andorn
Fra: marrube voyageur
Ita: marrubio vagante
Eng: horehound
Ces: jabl, jable
En: Horehound
Bg: Сусерка
Cs: Jablečník cizí, Jabl, Jable
Fr: Marrube voyageur
De: Wander-Andorn, Fremder Andorn, Ungarischer Andorn, Grau-Andorn
El: Μαρούβιο το περιπλανώμενο
It: Marrubio vagante
Ru: Шандра чужеземная

Synonyms

• Marrubium candidissimum (L.)
• Marrubium affine (Host)
• Marrubium praecox (Janka)
• Marrubium pauciflorum (Wallr.)
• Marrubium remotum (Janka)
• Marrubium setaceum (Desr.)
• Marrubium rubrum (Roth)
• Marrubium pannonicum (Rchb.)
• Marrubium odoratissimum (Pourr. ex Steud.)
• Marrubium candidissimum var. subrotundum (H.Lindb.)
• Marrubium civice (Klokov)
• Marrubium peregrinum var. creticum ((Mill.) K.Koch)
• Marrubium flexuosum (Moench)
• Atirbesia bracteata (Raf.)
• Marrubium creticum (Roth)
• Marrubium angustifolium (Moench)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Bogdan Nesic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2021 by Маргарита Пулеметовна (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Stefan Kamps (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by abc d (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Angelos (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Stefan Kamps (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2021 by Fomenok Anton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Rebel Herbalist (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2021 by Маргарита Пулеметовна (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Isidora Mitrović (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Maria Taria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by iBushcrafter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Stefan Kamps (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2021 by Fomenok Anton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Lars Mannzen (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Lars Mannzen (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by . Blan (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3905970)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:449945-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Marrubium peregrinum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 8