Africans named this native shrub after the tassel of a lion’s tail. Inspired by orange flowers held on tall stalks, the regularly spaced whorls inspired the tribal name. The association was later continued in the botanical name, Leonotis leonurus.
This member of the mint family called wild dagga survives in the wild due to potent alkaloids in the foliage. The primary constituent, leonurine, is a pharmacologically active guanidine alkaloid that can effect the cardiovascular system. Alkaloids are protection against plant-eating wildlife, which are legion and browse heavily during the dry season. This may keep your plants free of rabbits or deer, so it might be worth a test.
This big perennial is native to a large range in South Africa, where it is called wild dagga. They are found along the eastern coast from Cape Province to Natal, where the Zulu and other groups have used it as an age-old medicinal plant. Tribal healers treat with lion’s tail, but it’s also a popular tobacco substitute. These plant chemicals interact with contemporary medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers and antidepressants. It can cure or kill depending strictly on how they’re administered.
Lion’s tail grows so quickly it can reach 6 feet tall in the first season. It’s a quick fix to fill ugly corners and block views of sprinkler valves and pool equipment. It prefers rather rough elevated conditions, which is great for foothill home sites and those in rocky wash ground. The plant loves porous sandy or gravelly soils where other plants struggle due to lack of fertility. The bright orange blossoms evolved to feed the African sunbird, but local hummingbirds find them just as attractive. Plants will self-sow if whorled flower spikes are allowed to go to seed. After seed is released from very attractive structures, the tall spikes are exceptional cut for dried arrangements.
Another key to drought resistance is oily aromatic foliage. When crushed, the leaves emit a distinctive odor, which helps to keep it free of pests and diseases. It can be nipped back by light frost, but will return with the heat. Leonotis leonurus will survive cold to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and desert heat to 120!
Group lion’s tail with other large members of the sage family. Yellow flowering Jerusalem sage, Phlomis fruticosa, with its light gray foliage makes fine contrast, as do the drooping blooms of Mexican bush sage, Salvia leucantha.
At the end of each growing season, trim off all the old seed heads. By this time, the birds will have taken the seed or it’s dispersed to self-sow volunteers next year. If it’s happy, you may have lots of these little fellows to transplant around your garden for even hotter zone color.
As these fast growing sub-shrubs or perennials age they may lose vigor. A careful pruning back at winter’s end stimulates a smaller, less rangy fellow for the growing season. If you cut the seed heads late, you get to make wreaths and dried winter bouquets from these attractive remnants. Shaping renews the foliage and twigs for much more vigorous stems and plentiful blooms.
Lion’s tail is exceptional for larger suburban yards. In hot climates they thrive on east- and south-facing exposures. Use them as fast screens, as wildlife lures and as fillers in new landscapes that need a quick color fix. Then relax and enjoy the yard guilt-free as your lions draw hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects to feed and pollinate all summer long.
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Maureen Gilmer is an author, horticulturist and landscape designer. Learn more at www.MoPlants.com
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