Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus), also known as lion's tail, is a South African shrub with striking orange flowers arranged in whorls around the stem. The name suggests cannabis, but the plant isn't related to it. In this post you'll learn how to identify wild dagga, how to grow it from seed and get it through winter, and what is and isn't known about the compounds in the plant.
What is wild dagga?
Wild dagga belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), alongside mint, sage and lavender. In South Africa it grows naturally among rocks, in grassland and along forest edges. It's a fast grower: in its homeland it reaches two to three metres (6.5 to 10 ft). In a pot in cooler climates it usually stays between one and one and a half metres.
"Dagga" is the Afrikaans word for cannabis. The Khoikhoi smoked the dried leaves and flowers, so settlers called the plant "wild dagga". Wild dagga contains no THC or the other cannabinoids found in cannabis, though.
How to identify wild dagga
- Square stems, typical of the mint family.
- Narrow, toothed leaves 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long, rough on top and velvety underneath.
- Bright orange, tubular flowers in round whorls, stacked like tiers around the stem.
- A strong, herbal scent when you crush a leaf.
| Plant | Features | Difference from wild dagga |
|---|---|---|
| Leonotis leonurus (wild dagga) | Perennial shrub, narrow leaves, orange flower whorls | The species in this post |
| Leonotis leonurus var. albiflora | Same plant with white flowers | A white form of the same species |
| Leonotis nepetifolia (klip dagga, lion's ear) | Annual, broad heart-shaped leaves, large spiky flower balls | A different species that grows big in one season and then dies |
| Leonurus cardiaca (motherwort) | European plant, small pink flowers, hand-shaped leaves | A different genus, often confused because the names look alike |
What does it contain?
The best-known compound in wild dagga is marrubiin, a bitter diterpene also found in horehound. The plant also contains a range of related labdane diterpenes. Leonurine is often mentioned too. It has mainly been found in motherwort and in the related klip dagga, and analyses of wild dagga itself have given mixed results.
In South Africa the plant was traditionally used in many ways, including as a tea. Modern research is still limited and has mostly been done in animals. No approved health claims exist for wild dagga.
Which form suits you?
| Product | Form | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Wild dagga seeds | 20 seeds | For growing the plant yourself in a pot or in the garden |
| Wild dagga flowers | Dried petals | The dried orange flowers of Leonotis leonurus |
| Wild dagga 20X extract | Extract, 3 grams | A concentrated form, much stronger than the flowers |
| Wild dagga 5% extract | Standardised extract | The strongest form in our range |
You'll also find the flowers and extracts in our relaxing herbs category. Avalon doesn't give usage advice. An extract is much stronger than the dried flowers, so never compare products one to one.
Growing wild dagga from seed
Wild dagga is easy to grow and fast. The seed needs warmth and a little light.
- Sow in spring. March to May is ideal, indoors in a seed tray.
- Sow shallowly. Scatter the seeds on fine, moist seed compost and cover them very lightly with a thin layer of sand or soil.
- Keep it warm and moist. At around 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F) the seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks. Keep the tray bright but out of harsh sun.
- Pot up the seedlings. After about four weeks they're big enough for their own pots.
- Move outside after the last frost. Once nights are reliably frost-free, the plant can go outdoors in a large pot or in the ground.
Position and care
- Light: full sun; the more sun, the more flowers.
- Soil: free-draining, with some compost mixed in. In a pot, regular potting soil with a handful of sand.
- Water: water regularly in summer. The plant copes with dry spells but flowers better with enough water.
- Feeding: once a month during the growing season.
- Flowering: in Northern Europe usually from late summer into autumn. Bumblebees and bees love it, and in warmer regions it attracts nectar-feeding birds.
Overwintering in a cool climate
Wild dagga tolerates a few degrees of frost, but it usually won't survive a long, wet winter outdoors. If you grow it in a pot, move it before the first frost to a cool, bright, frost-free spot, such as an unheated conservatory or a garage with a window. Water sparingly in winter. At the end of winter, cut the plant back to about 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) above the soil. In spring it will regrow fully.
Common mistakes
- Sowing too deep: the seed comes up poorly or not at all.
- Moving outside too early: a spring night frost can kill young plants.
- Too little sun: the plant gets leggy and hardly flowers.
- Leaving it outside in winter: cold, wet weather is the biggest threat in cooler climates.
- Confusing it with motherwort: Leonurus and Leonotis sound almost the same but are very different plants.
Safety
- In animal studies, high doses of extract caused organ damage. Little is known about long-term use in people.
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Smoking any herb puts strain on your lungs.
- Don't combine wild dagga with alcohol, medication or other substances, and don't drive after use.
- On medication or unsure? Ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Keep the plant and products out of reach of children and pets.
Avalon doesn't give usage advice, and all our products are for adults aged 18 and over only. You'll find more background on Erowid.
Is wild dagga legal?
In the Netherlands, the UK, the US and most European countries you can grow, buy and own wild dagga. There are exceptions: Poland and Latvia have banned the plant since 2009. Always check the rules where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Is wild dagga related to cannabis?
No. Wild dagga belongs to the mint family, like mint and sage. The name comes from the Afrikaans word "dagga" for cannabis, but the plant contains no THC.
What's the difference between wild dagga and klip dagga?
Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus) is a perennial shrub with narrow leaves. Klip dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia) is an annual with broad leaves and bigger, spiky flower balls.
How long does the seed take to germinate?
At 20 to 25 °C, usually two to three weeks.
Does wild dagga flower in its first year?
Often, yes, if you sow early in spring and the plant gets plenty of sun. In cooler climates it then flowers in late summer and autumn.
Is wild dagga hardy?
Not really. It tolerates light frost, but in cool, wet climates it's best overwintered frost-free in a pot.
Where can I buy wild dagga?
You'll find wild dagga seeds, dried wild dagga flowers and wild dagga extract at Avalon.
Sources: SANBI PlantZAfrica (Leonotis leonurus), Nsuala et al. (2015) "Wild cannabis: a review of the traditional use and phytochemistry of Leonotis leonurus", Erowid Leonotis Vault.
