Lamiaceae (Mint, or Sage) family contain about 236 genera and 7,500 species. Leonotis leonurus, is a species in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. The plant is a broadleaf, evergreen shrub, native to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is common and widespread throughout South Africa where it grows in sandy, clayey, loamy or stony areas, forest margins from sea level up to 1980 m. altitude. Plant today naturalised is some parts of Australia, Hawaii and south-western USA. Genus name comes from the Greek words leon meaning a ‘lion’ and otis meaning an ‘ear’ in reference to the corolla that could look like a lion’s ear. The specific epithet leonurus comes from the Greek words leon and urus meaning ‘tail’. Plant is also commonly known as Wild Dagga. ‘Dagga’ comes from Afrikaans, has been extended to include cannabis in Afrikaans, so the use of ‘wild’ serves to distinguish Lion’s Ear from this.

Leonotis leonurus is a fast-growing, soft-woody, robust shrub which grows up to 2-3 m tall and 1,5 m wide. It can grow rapidly to 1-2 m. tall in a single season from seed planted in early spring. The plant is comprised of mostly erect branched stems topped with multiple ball-shaped inflorescences. The brittle stems are velvety, woody at the base, distinctively square in cross section and can break in strong winds. The narrow lanceolate, green leaves are 5-10 cm long, have toothed margins. Leaves are rough on the upper surface and velvety on the lower surface. They are highly aromatic when crushed and have a strong herby scent. Tubular two-lipped (typical mint family) orange to brilliant orange-red flowers appear in 3-11 tiered whorls that encircle the square stems. Flower petals supposed to resemble lions’ ears. Individual flowers are consisting of a long slender tube with four stamens, a hirsute upper lip and short, smooth lower lip. Flowering time is in summer. Flowers bloom in autumn to winter from plants placed out in early spring. The white flowered form was described as Leonotis leonurus var. albiflora.  Hybrids between the two can sometimes be seen as apricot or yellow flowered forms. The flowers contain sweet nectar that attracts many nectivorous sunbirds. However the nectar and pollen is also attractive to honey bees, butterflies and other insects. Once the seed is matured the small, stick-shaped seeds are shaken loose by wind action from the dried seed heads and scattered on the ground around the parent plant.

Lion’s Ear, is not particularly fussy about soil type, and is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Plant tolerates some light shade and -6°C for a short time. Plants should be protected from extreme cold wheather by covering the root zone with thick organic mulch in winter. While it can freeze to the ground in the winter it will often sprout from hardened wood in the spring. At the end of cold winter, damaged stems should be cut 10-20 cm high. Annual pruning is advised after flowering to maintain a bushy dense shape. Propagation is done from seed, cuttings or by dividing large clumps. In cool climates it is used as an annual or in a container as a tender perennial and taken indoors in winter.

Use in Landscape: Leonotis leonurus is an essantial favourite in South African gardens for its colourful flower display coupled with its ability to attract nectar feeding sunbirds. Plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its bright orange blossom spikes, and is used as an accent or screen in gardens and parks.  Can be used as a backdrop to smaller plants, it can also be used effectively as a low screen to hide or reduce visibility of undesired elements. In a natural garden, this species can be used to create height in an open area. This is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife to garden as the flowers profuse copious nectar which attracts birds, bees and butterflies. The flowers can also be stunning in a flower arrangement.

Lion’s Ear, is widely known for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. The leaves, stems or flowers are administered in various forms such as decoctions or infusions. A decoction is used to relieve headaches, coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, fever, haemorrhoids and delayed menstruation. It is also a strong purgative. It is smoked like tobacco for its mild euphoric effects, which are believed to be similar to that of cannabis, but with less potency. The dried leaves can also be brewed to make an appetizing tea.