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Description
Lycopus Cavaleriei, commonly known as Chinese water horehound, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam and can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant has square stems with opposite leaves that are lanceolate to ovate in shape and have a serrated margin. The flowers of Lycopus Cavaleriei are small, tubular, and white or pale pink in color. The plant blooms from June to October and produces fruit that is a schizocarp consisting of four nutlets.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lycopus |
Appearance
The leaves of Lycopus Cavaleriei are green and glossy on the upper surface and lighter in color on the lower surface. The stems are green, square, and hairy. The plant has a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. The flowers are small, white or pale pink, and arranged in whorls around the stem. The fruit is a schizocarp consisting of four nutlets that are brown and shiny.
Care Guide
Lycopus Cavaleriei prefers moist soil and can tolerate partial shade. It can be propagated by seed or division of the root ball.
Water
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It can tolerate some drought but prefers consistently moist soil.
Fertilization
The plant does not require fertilization but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Soil
Lycopus Cavaleriei prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
The plant can tolerate partial shade and prefers a cooler growing environment.
Hardiness Zones
Lycopus Cavaleriei is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycopus Cavaleriei is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Habitat
Lycopus Cavaleriei is native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam and is found growing in wetlands, marshes, and along stream banks. It can also be found growing in disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lycopus Cavaleriei be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow Lycopus Cavaleriei indoors, it prefers a cooler growing environment and may not thrive in a typical indoor setting.
Q: Does Lycopus Cavaleriei attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the small flowers of Lycopus Cavaleriei can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Is Lycopus Cavaleriei edible?
A: While Lycopus Cavaleriei is not commonly consumed, the leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea that is believed to have a calming effect.
Q: Can Lycopus Cavaleriei be used in landscaping?
A: Yes, Lycopus Cavaleriei can be used in landscaping in wetland or marshy areas, or as an accent plant in a shaded garden.
Related Plants
- Lycopus americanus
- Lycopus europaeus
- Lycopus uniflorus
References
- Flora of China: Lycopus
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Lycopus
- Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plants Profile for Lycopus americanus
- Royal Horticultural Society: Lycopus europaeus
