Lion's Ear
Leonotis leonurus
Also known as
Wild Dagga, Leonotis, Lion's Tail, Wildedagga, Duiwelstabak (Afr.), Imvovo, Utywala-bengcungcu, Umfincafincane, Umunyamunya (isiXhosa), Umcwili, Imunyane, Utshwala-bezinyoni (isiZulu)
Photo by Peter Warren (CC0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
10b
USDA zone
2°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
2m | Max | 1.5m |
1.5m | Min | 1m |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Lion's Ear
Lion's Ear Overview
Leonotis leonurus is well-known for its colourful flower display coupled with its ability to attract nectar-feeding sunbirds by the dozen. Also known as Wild dagga, Leonotis leonurus is a common, widespread, robust, evergreen shrub and grows up to 2-3 m tall. The bright orange flowers bloom profusely in autumn, and apricot and creamy-white varieties are also found. It is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife as the flowers produce copious amounts of nectar which attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Leonotis leonurus is fast-growing and is both drought and frost hardy. Soil should be kept moist in summer but it can tolerate being dried out during the dry winter months. In the landscape Wild dagga can be used as a backdrop to smaller shrubs, it can also be used effectively as a low screen to hide or reduce visibility of undesired elements. This species is very easy to grow but will do best in rich, well-drained loamy soils with plenty of compost added. Plant in full sun and provide adequate water during the growing season, application of organic fertilizer can be applied at the beginning of the new season as well as a thick layer of organic mulch to stimulate vigorous growth. The stems are brittle and can break in strong winds. Plants should be cut right back at the end of winter. The leaves are highly aromatic when crushed and have a strong herby scent. The generic name Leonotis is derived from the Greek words 'leon-' meaning lion and '-otis' meaning ear. This refers to the pubescent upper lip of each flower that resembles a lion’s ear, hence the vernacular name. The specific epithet 'leonurus' means lion-coloured, a reference to the flower colour of some forms. Leonotis leonurus contains a chemical constituent leonurine that has been reported to be used in traditional medicine for curing a wide range of ailments including headaches, coughs, fever, asthma, haemorrhoids and dysentery. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape.
Common problems with Lion's Ear
Wild Dagga is generally not bothered by pests and diseases.
Lion's Ear Companion Plants
Plant alongside fynbos species, restios and grasses.
How to harvest Lion's Ear
The seeds can be harvested by manually taking apart or shaking the spiky seed heads once they are completely dried out, to dislodge the many small stick-shaped seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored.
How to propagate Lion's Ear
Division
Using a spade, lift clump, divide, and chop away the older less vigorous looking sections. Replant newer, healthier-looking portions immediately into a well-prepared bed. Water thoroughly.
Seed
Sow seeds shallowly in Spring or early Summer, into equal parts, finely graded decomposed bark, compost, loam and fine sand. Germination takes 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings
Greenwood cuttings in early summer.
Special features of Lion's Ear
Attracts birds
The flowers attract nectarivorous birds, such as sunbirds.
Crop rotation
Wild Dagga is a light feeder and does not require many nutrients.
Attracts useful insects
Nectar-rich flowers attrackes insects like butterflies and bees.
Attracts butterflies
Wind break
Hedge plant
Attracts bees
Pioneer
Attractive flowers
Drought resistant
Attractive leaves
These leaves are highly aromatic when crushed and have a strong herby scent.
Other uses of Lion's Ear
Hedging, border.
Medicinal
Flower, seed, leaf or stem infusions are widely used to treat TB, jaundice, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, diabetes, and diarrhoea. Leaves, roots and bark are used as an emetic for snakebites.
Edible
The dried leaves and flowers have a mild calming effect when smoked. It has also been reported to cause mild euphoria, visual changes, dizziness, sweating, and lightheadedness.