Marrubium vulgare

Common Names:

Horehound, White Horehound, Common Horehound

Phonetic Spelling:

mah-ROO-bee-um vul-GAIR-ee

Description:

The Marrubium vulgare is a perennial herb that typically grows 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) tall. It has a bushy form with square stems covered in white, woolly hairs. The leaves are opposite, oval to oblong, 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long, and covered with dense white hairs, giving them a grayish appearance. They have deeply wrinkled surfaces and toothed margins. The plant produces small, white to pale pink flowers arranged in dense whorls around the upper leaf axils. Each flower is about 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inches) long. The blooming period is from late spring to mid-summer.

Distribution/Location:

Native to Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia. It has become naturalized in North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand

Environmental Concerns:

Marrubium vulgare is not considered endangered or threatened. However, it is often regarded as a weed in many regions due to its aggressive growth and ability to spread rapidly.

Additional Notes:

While Marrubium vulgare provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, its tendency to dominate habitats can reduce biodiversity. In its native range, it plays a more balanced role in ecosystems. Historically, Horehound has been used in traditional medicine for its purported benefits in treating respiratory ailments, digestive issues, and as a bittering agent in liqueurs and candies. Its leaves and flowers have medicinal properties, and it is sometimes cultivated for these purposes.