Description:
Marrubium vulgare (Horehound) is known to be useful against coughs (as an expectorant) and colds as well as asthma, bronchitis
Cultivation:
The plant is bushy, producing numerous annual, quadrangular and branching stems, a foot or more in height, on which the whitish flowers are borne in crowded, axillary, woolly whorls. The leaves are much wrinkled, opposite, petiolate, about 1 inch long, covered with white, felted hairs, which give them a woolly appearance. They have a curious, musky smell, which is diminished by drying and lost on keeping. Horehound flowers from June to September.
White Horehound is a hardy plant, easily grown, and flourishes best in a dry, poor soil. It can be propagated from seeds sown in spring, cuttings, or by dividing the roots (the most usual method). If raised from seed, the seedlings should be planted out in the spring, in rows, with a space of about 9 inches or more between each plant. No further culture will be needed than weeding. It does not blossom until it is two years old.
Until recently, it was chiefly collected in Southern France, where it is much cultivated.
White Horehound is distinguished from other species by its woolly stem, the densely felted hairs on the leaves, and the tentoothed teeth of the calyx.
Horehound is also considered a companion plant, reputed to encourage the fruit production of tomato plants, as well as bestowing the usual mint benefits.
Plant info:
Lamiaceae
Plant Longevity:
Perennial
Tags: herbs, alternative medicine, Horehound, Marrubium vulgare,
