Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Lamiaceae / Labiatae ⟩ Ballota nigra / black horehound

Ballota nigra L.

black horehound (Lamiaceae / Labiatae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadModerate tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Ballota nigra is native to the Mediterranean Region, but is widespread in lowland England and Wales, and more scattered in Scotland and Ireland.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-06-19

 black horehound / Ballota nigra: _Ballota nigra_ is native to the Mediterranean Region, but is widespread in lowland England and Wales, and more scattered in Scotland and Ireland.

The leaves of Ballota nigra release an unpleasant scent when bruised.

Beckley (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-07-01

 black horehound / Ballota nigra: The leaves of _Ballota nigra_ release an unpleasant scent when bruised.

White-flowering plants are occasionally encountered.

Beckley (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-07-01

 black horehound / Ballota nigra: White-flowering plants are occasionally encountered.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne