Black horehound
(Ballota nigra)
Background:
Black horehound is native of the Mediterranean region and to central Asia
and is widely distributed in Europe. Black horehound is a garden plant
or potherb having medicinal properties. Most frequently, black horehound
is used in combination with other herbs that prevent or relieve nausea.
It is also used as an antispasmodic and a stimulant. It is harvested when
in flower in the summer. Black horehound is remarkable for its strong
offensive odor, it is for the most part rejected by cattle; hence the
name from the Greek ballo (to reject).
Description:
Black horehound is a strong smelling perennial with branched stems that
grows up to 3 feet tall. The egg-shaped or heart-shaped leaves are arranged
in pairs on the quadrangular stem. The leaves are toothed and are usually
borne on a short petiole. The leaf surfaces are covered with soft hairs.
Black Horehound has reddish-purple to whitish flowers that are arranged
in numerous whorls in the axils of the leafy bracts. The upper lip of
the flower is hairy on both sides. The calyx is tubular with 5 pointed
teeth, which is broadly egg-shaped, and gradually taper to a point. It
is also ten-ribbed and can be up to 3/8 inch long. Black horehound flowers
between June and October. The nutlets are shiny.
Habitat:
Roadsides and waste places.
Distribution:
Black horehound is widely distributed
in Europe, in North America it is found in many eastern states and in
the Pacific Northwest it has been confirmed in only one area in Nez Perce
County, Idaho.