Black Horehound

Ballota nigra Lamiaceae

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Perennial

Native distribution

Europe, North Africa, Western Asia; Naturalized in the Northeastern U.S.A.

Biocultural value

Greeks and Romans used it to relieve spasms, especially of rabies.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Hortus Botanicus Nikitensis

Description

To 3' or more in height, more or less pubescent; leaves petioled, blade ovate to lanceolate, to 2" long,cordate, deeply and irregularly crenate; verticillasters many-flowered, calyx tubular, 5-toothed, to 3/8" long, corolla purplish or white, about 1/2" long.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

medicinal/pharmaceutical