Chinese Motherwort
Leonurus sibiricus
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. AA20 — Leonurus sibiricus
Leonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricusLeonurus sibiricus
IOverview
Overview
Chinese Motherwort, scientifically known as Leonurus sibiricus, is an annual or biennial plant native to a wide range of regions including Amur, Assam, Bangladesh, and parts of China, among others. This hardy plant thrives in light to partial sun with moist soil that can be either sandy, medium, or clay-like, making it adaptable to various conditions. Known for its edible properties, Chinese Motherwort is commonly consumed as leaves, shoots, and roots. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow up to 1 meter tall, contributing to its ornamental value while also serving culinary purposes.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Motherwort?
Chinese Motherwort, scientifically known as Leonurus sibiricus, is an annual or biennial plant native to a wide range of regions including Amur, Assam, Bangladesh, and parts of China, among others.
What is Chinese Motherwort used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, mood support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Chinese Motherwort
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Chinese Motherwort appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Traditional-use note: Chinese Motherwort appears in herbal sources around emotional well-being traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Chinese Motherwort support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Motherwort thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 1 meter tall. Propagate via seeds for best results. This plant is an annual or biennial that produces edible leaves, roots, and shoots.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Motherwort for the first time
8steps
Chinese Motherwort is a hardy plant that can be easily grown by beginners with the right care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or as a summer annual in warmer climates.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial shade and well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost before planting.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, about 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Alternatively, transplant seedlings into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to maintain the plant's shape and promote new growth. Cut back any yellowing leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting deadheading, and not providing enough space between plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Chinese Motherwort are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The roots can also be consumed, often prepared through cooking methods such as boiling. These parts are typically used in recipes where their mild flavor complements other ingredients.
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia11 regions
native (11)CambodiaChinaIndiaJapanLaosMyanmarNepalPhilippinesSouth KoreaTaiwanThailand
Broader regions
native:Borneo, East Himalaya, Jawa, Khabarovsk, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Queensland, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Amur
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · aa20ddde-0b52-417a-b3c6-4f24c7f984ce
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