Horehound- Marrubium vulgare

The name is formed from horus, the Egyptian god of sky and light. For thousands of years, horehound has been valued as a cough remedy. The Greek physician Hippocrates held this herb in high esteem for healing many ailments.
Description
This plant has a fibrous, spindle-shaped rootstock which sends up many bushy,
square, downy stems. The leaves are 2 inches long and opposite in pairs. They
usually are round-ovate, wrinkled, rough on top, and woolly underneath. The lower
leaves have petioles. The small white flowers are two-lipped in dense whorls.
The fruit is comprised of barbed seeds inside a small nutlet.
Plant type and hardiness
Perennial; hardiness zone 4.
Height and width
Height 24 to 36 inches; width 20 inches.
Light and soil
Full sun; deep, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.9.
Pests and disease
None noted.
Cultivation
Horehound grows easily and sows itself readily if allowed to flower and set seed. In
early spring, sow seeds 18 inch deep. For an early harvest, start seeds indoors. Plant
outside and thin seedlings to 10 to 20 inches apart. By the second year, the plants will
be sizable and will produce flowers and seeds.
Propagation method
Seeds or division in spring.
Bloom time and color
June to September; white.
Harvesting
The first year, harvest only one-third of the foliage. Hang the leaves in bundles to dry.
When dried, remove the leaves from the stems and chop. Store in sealed jars or containers.
Herbal uses
Culinary and medicinal. The leaves, which taste like menthol, are used in teas and candies. The plants can be grown in containers. Horehound is said to have some medicinal qualities.

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