Leonotis leonurus

Thanks to Jimmy Turner, formerly of the Dallas Arboretum, for sharing this winter-hardy form of a plant that we had killed many times. This deer-resistant South African native is found growing in rocky grasslands where it makes a huge 8' tall x 4' wide shrub. For us, Leonotis leonurus is a more demure dieback perennial (4' tall x 4' wide) composed of upright stems and narrow, fuzzy, green leaves. In late October, the clumps burst into bloom with axillary flowers that resemble fuzzy orange golf balls. Leonotis must be kept very dry in winter when growing in climates with cold, wet winters. If that's not enough, Leonotis produces the chemical leonurine which, when smoked (especially the flowers), provides a euphoric feeling. We think growing the plant is euphoric enough. This multi-tasking plant can also be used to treat headaches, fevers, coughs, dysentery, snakebites, and an array of other ailments. How have you lived without a leonotis?

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