The South African shrub is a very appealing food source, with its bright red-orange blooms full ofnectar.
The colorful flower on its statuesque stalk makes a valuable ornamental statement in any landscape.
Lion’s Tail Care
This flower is relatively easy to grow in a subtropical setting.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
In more temperate regions, it is still possible to growLeonotis leonurusas an annual.
Depending on which approach is taken, care of the plant will change.
Mature plants do well with deep watering during the summer months.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Lions Tail should be cut back hard in preparation for the first frost.
The next season should bring vivacious growth that invites butterflies and hummingbirds.
Once established, however, propagation can also be done by greenwood cuttings.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Lions tail has concentrations of a chemical compound called leonurine.
This compound is extracted easily in water and can be made into herbal tea.
As with most plants in theMintfamily, this flower also contains very high levels of marrubiin.
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Research shows it is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal.
