| Latin Name: | Ballota nigra |
| Common Name: | Black horehound |
| Family: | Labiatae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Known Hazards: | None known |
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Author: L.
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| Habit: Perennial |
| Habitat: Waste ground, hedgerows, woods and shady places[13]. |
| Height: 0.9 Width: 0.75 |
Cultivation Details:
Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade[134, 238]. Avoids acid soils in the wild but tolerates a pH down to 5 in cultivation[200].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200].
This species is widely grown in herb gardens, but little employed because of its strong flavour[238]. Its essential oil is used to adulterate the oil of white horehound (Marrubium vulgare)[238]. The leaves emit a most unpleasant smell when bruised, somewhat like stale perspiration[245].
Plants can self-sow freely when well-sited[238].
There is at least one named variety selected for its ornamental value[238].
The whole plant has an offensive odour[4].
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Propagation Notes:
Seed - sow spring or autumn. The seed germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 15°c[134]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer or following autumn.
Division in spring.
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