Lion's Ear (Leonotis leonurus): Orange Whorls for Pollinators

Lion's ear (Leonotis leonurus), also known as lion's tail or wild dagga, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub that produces striking whorls of fuzzy, tubular orange flowers along tall, square stems. The blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies from summer through fall.

Habit

This member of the mint family grows 4–6 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, with aromatic, lance-shaped leaves. In frost-free zones (9–11), it is a woody perennial; in cooler areas, it is often grown as an annual or cut back to the ground each winter.

Culture

Full sun, well-drained soil. Very drought-tolerant once established. Pinch young plants to encourage bushiness. Prune hard in late winter. The resinous foliage has traditional medicinal uses but can be psychoactive—handle with knowledge.

Taxonomy

• Family: Lamiaceae
• Genus: Leonotis
• Species: leonurus
• Synonym: Phlomis leonurus