European Water-horehound
Lycopus europaeus
Also listed as Lycopus menthifolius, Lycopus alboroseus
Climate Match for your location
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A semi-aquatic perennial herb with small purple or pink flowers and aromatic foliage, naturally found in wet habitats and along waterways. It spreads via rhizomes and is useful for rain gardens and moisture-loving plantings.
Why grow it
European water-horehound occupies a middle ground between ornamental interest and functional wetland restoration. Unlike purely decorative moisture-loving perennials, it establishes readily in poorly drained or seasonally waterlogged soils where many garden herbs struggle, making it a practical choice for bioswales and rain gardens. Its rhizomatous spread provides efficient ground coverage in wet zones, though it requires more deliberate placement than non-spreading alternatives.
Watch out for
In ideal conditions, this plant's rhizomatous growth can outpace neighboring plantings, so site it with adequate buffer space or use root barriers in smaller gardens. Performance varies by climate and water table stability, so new plantings may need one or two seasons to establish before reaching full vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A semi-aquatic perennial herb with small purple or pink flowers and aromatic foliage, naturally found in wet habitats and along waterways. It spreads via rhizomes and is useful for rain gardens and moisture-loving plantings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well European Water-horehound grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
European water-horehound occupies a middle ground between ornamental interest and functional wetland restoration. Unlike purely decorative moisture-loving perennials, it establishes readily in poorly drained or seasonally waterlogged soils where many garden herbs struggle, making it a practical choice for bioswales and rain gardens. Its rhizomatous spread provides efficient ground coverage in wet zones, though it requires more deliberate placement than non-spreading alternatives.
Watch out for
In ideal conditions, this plant's rhizomatous growth can outpace neighboring plantings, so site it with adequate buffer space or use root barriers in smaller gardens. Performance varies by climate and water table stability, so new plantings may need one or two seasons to establish before reaching full vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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