Leonotis leonurus

Leonitus leonorus is a stately, magnificent pillar of orange flowering rings, flowering into the fall.

Drought tolerant and sun loving, this medicinal plant will bring height and color to any dry patch of a garden.

The Tale:

Infusions made from flowers, seeds, leaves, or stems were traditionally used to treat everything from high blood pressure to muscle cramps to diabetes.

In fact, the plant does contain Leonurine – a pseudoalkaloid with some important abilities.

The leaves of the plant were smoked to appease various pains and illnesses, including epilepsy – it is called ‘wild cannabis” and is reported to produce a mild euphoric effect when smoked and have been said to have a similar, although less potent, psychoactive effect to cannabis.

TIPS: The plant is illegal in Latvia and Poland so beware of travelling with your plant – possession can lead to fines and criminal charges.