American Water Horehound

What you'll need:

American Water Horehound seeds (you can find them at native plant nurseries or online)

A pot or garden space near a water source (this plant loves moist soil!)

Rich, loamy soil that holds moisture well (add some compost if your soil is too sandy or dry)

• A sunny to partially shaded spot (it prefers light shade but can handle some direct sun)

When to start:

Spring is ideal for planting American Water Horehound. You can sow the seeds directly into the ground after the last frost when the soil is warm and workable.

Finding a good spot:

This plant naturally grows near wetlands, so it thrives in damp conditions. If you don’t have a naturally wet area in your yard, consider planting it near a pond, stream, or even in a rain garden. Alternatively, you can use a large pot with drainage holes and keep the soil consistently moist.

Tip: If your soil tends to dry out quickly, mix in some organic matter like compost or peat moss to help retain moisture.

If you’re starting with seeds:

1. Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in some compost or organic material to enrich it.
2. Scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of the soil – don’t bury them too deep, as they need light to germinate. Just press them gently into the soil.
3. Water the area thoroughly but gently to avoid washing the seeds away.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist while you wait for the seeds to sprout, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.

If you already have seedlings:

1. Dig a small hole in the prepared soil, just deep enough to cover the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole and gently pat the soil around it to secure it in place.
3. Water immediately after planting to help the roots settle in.

Plant spacing:

• Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to spread out. They’ll fill in nicely over time, especially if they’re happy with the moisture levels.

Watering:

• This plant LOVES water! Keep the soil consistently moist. If you’re growing it in a pot, check it daily because pots can dry out quickly.
• If you live in an area with regular rainfall, you might not need to water as much, but during dry spells, make sure you give it extra water.

Sunlight needs:

• American Water Horehound does best in partial shade. It can handle some morning sun, but too much direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, might dry it out.
• If you’re growing it in full sun, ensure the soil stays very moist.

Fertilizing:

• You don’t need to fertilize this plant often. Once or twice during the growing season, you can sprinkle some compost around the base of the plant to give it a little nutrient boost.
• Over-fertilizing isn’t necessary and could actually harm the plant since it prefers natural, nutrient-rich environments.

Pruning & Maintenance:

• This plant can spread quite a bit, so if you want to control its growth, trim it back in late spring or early summer.
• Remove any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.

When to harvest:

• You can begin harvesting leaves anytime during the growing season once the plant has grown large enough. The best time to pick leaves is in the morning when their oils are most potent.
• American Water Horehound is primarily used for medicinal teas or herbal remedies, so you’ll want to harvest the leaves before the plant flowers for the strongest flavor.

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip off individual leaves or small stems. Don’t take more than one-third of the plant at a time, so it can continue to grow and thrive.
• Rinse the leaves gently under cool water to remove any dirt before using them.

Drying & Storing:

• If you want to dry the leaves for tea, tie small bunches of stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area.
• Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container away from sunlight, and they should last for up to a year.

Tip: Fresh leaves can also be used immediately for teas or tinctures!

Q: My American Water Horehound’s leaves are turning yellow. What’s wrong?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean the plant is either getting too much sun or not enough water. Try moving it to a shadier spot or increasing watering frequency to see if it perks up.

Q: Can I grow American Water Horehound indoors?

A: Yes, but it will need a lot of moisture and bright, indirect light. You’ll have to water it frequently and possibly mist the leaves to mimic its natural wetland environment.

Q: Does this plant attract any wildlife?

A: Absolutely! American Water Horehound attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden that supports local wildlife.

Q: Is this plant invasive?

A: While it spreads easily in the right conditions, it’s not considered highly invasive. However, if you’re worried about it spreading too much, you can plant it in a contained area or pot to manage its growth.

Q: Can I use this plant in cooking?

A: While it’s more commonly used for medicinal purposes, you can experiment with it in teas or infusions. Just be aware that it has a strong, minty flavor that might not suit every dish!