Motherwort

One blooming at Charles River Peninsula, and one just getting started at Wilson. Furry little things. Was used by midwives to prevent uterine infection and for other pregnancy-related issues; that’s how it came to be called Motherwort. Mint family. Originally from Central Asia but widely distributed due to its medicinal uses.

Motherwort, Lion’s Ear, Lion’s Tail (Leonurus cardiaca)

Catnip

It had been a couple of weeks since I visited this area, and the flora had really changed… so many new things in blossom, and so many formerly flowering plants already browning or sprouting seed pods. There is a big stand of this flower and I’m excited to discover that it’s wild catnip! Must collect a few sprigs for the cats in my life. The most drought-resistant member of the Mint family. According to Illinoiswildflowers, “Apparently, a chemical in the foliage produces a pleasant intoxicating effect in cats, somewhat akin to the effect of marijuana on humans. As a result, plants in residential areas may display signs of damage from cats rolling in the foliage.” Native to Eurasia.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)