A member of the mint family of plants, the lion’s ear has also been called a lion’s tail, wild marijuana, and wild dagga. It is an older plant, known to be growing in some form since the 1600s, according to Floridata.com. It is more commonly grown in its homeland of Africa, so watering needs will not be as plentiful as plants coming from wetter countries. It is a wonderful selection if you are looking to increase your population of butterflies and hummingbirds in your landscape.
Leonotus Leonurus Description
A perennial subshrub that grows 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, the wild dagga has many stems that flowers rest upon. Blooms are in whorled clusters and are tubular. From summer until the beginning of winter, these orange-red blooms will flourish. The hairs on the flowers are said to give it a lion’s ear appearance, hence the name. It is a mint family member and has a mild fragrance. Leaves are lance like and scalloped. Some cultivars will have white flowers, so check the type carefully.
Growing a Lion’s Ear
Plant this in full sun for best growth, with drought tolerance coming after establishment. It will grow in partial shade as well. It can be propagate by softwood cuttings, division, or by seed in USDA hardiness zones of 9 through 11. Propagating by cuttings will require a 3-inch section of stem that has been put into rooting hormones before going into a sterile soil mixture.
If it goes through a frost, it will typically lose its leaves. When pruned, it will flower more frequently. There may be spiny seedheads that can prick your fingers if you are doing maintenance without gardening gloves.
Uses for Lion’s Ear
This particular plant has been used as an herbal remedy and as an alternative to marijuana. Some smoke the herb or use it in teas for the calming effects. The extract of wild dagga is a euphoriant and has been used in different shamanistic rituals. As an herbal remedy it is said to treat fever, headache, and cough. Some have said that it can be a charm for ridding snakes.
In the landscape, it can be a nice shrub for a butterfly garden or in a border. With over 30 different varieties to choose from, this member of the Leonotus family will give you many choices on the type of foliage and flower you’re looking for.
Sources:
Floridata
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
