Virginia water-horehound, Lycopus virginicus

The flowers of Virginia water-horehound are scarcely an eighth of an inch across. The stems can reach a couple of feet tall. Virginia was much used in herbal medicine by both native Americans and European immigrants. The Cherokee and Iroquois used it to treat snakebite and to 'improve eloquence of speech' in children. European uses included hyperthyroidism and respiratory issues. There is no scientific evidence that any of this had value other than as a placebo. Nonetheless it continues to be a popular homeopathic remedy. Virginia water-horehound grows on damp shaded places in AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI(T), MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, ON, and QC. Ives Preserve, Lenawee Co MI. Mint family, Lamiaceae.