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Lion's tail

How to identify Lion's tail (Leonotis leonurus)

Lion's tail, also known as Lion's ear, Minaret Flower

Lion's tail is an erect evergreen shrub that can reach heights and widths of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) or more, with a multitude of branching, herbaceous stems. Its dark green lanceolate leaves measure 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and feature softly serrated edges. The prominent feature of lion's tail is its fuzzy, curved, tubular orange flowers that bloom in tiered whorls on the upper halves of stems. These flowers remain conspicuous from late spring through fall.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Lion's tail

1

Erect shrub, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) tall with herbaceous stems

2

Dark green lanceolate leaves, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long with serrated edges

3

Fuzzy, curved, tubular orange flowers in tiered whorls on upper stems

4

Orange tubular blooms, 1.5 inches (4 cm) long, with two-lipped structure

5

Distinctive vein pattern on smooth, dark green leaves for easy identification

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Detailed Traits of Lion's tail

Leaf Features

The leaves of lion's tail are lanceolate and measure 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. They are a dark green color and feature serrated margins, giving them a slightly jagged appearance. The texture of the leaves is generally smooth, with a prominent, well-defined vein pattern that runs parallel along the length of the leaf. This vein arrangement adds structural integrity and can be a key identification feature for this plant.

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Flower Features

Lion's tail flowers are characterized by their vibrant, hairy, tubular orange blooms grouped in whorls, each featuring a distinctive two-lipped structure. These flowers, measuring approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length, adorn the plant from late spring through fall. Their unique formation and striking color make them easily identifiable and resemble the shape and hue of a lion's ear, providing an eye-catching display that is both biologically fascinating and visually appealing to plant enthusiasts.

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Key Facts About Lion's tail

Attributes of Lion's tail
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
1.2 m to 2.5 m
Spread
1.2 m to 1.8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Orange
White
Fruit Color
Green
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Scientific Classification of Lion's tail

Family
Mint
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Species
Lion's tail (Leonotis leonurus)
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Distribution Map of Lion's tail

Lion's tail is indigenous to the southern parts of the African continent, thriving in its native climates. The plant has further spread and is now established in various regions of South America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, evidencing its adaptability to diverse environments. Lion's tail is additionally cultivated in areas beyond its original and introduced range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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