Leonurus cardiaca variety 'Cascade' – a perennial herbaceous plant, valued both as a medicinal and ornamental species. The plant height ranges from 0.3 to 2 meters; during the mass flowering phase of the second year, it reaches approximately 1.5–2 m in height. The stem is upright, four-sided, sometimes branched, while the root system is taproot. Flowers are gathered in spike-like inflorescences with pink petals, giving the plant an attractive appearance and making it popular in garden compositions.
The medicinal properties of Leonurus cardiaca are confirmed both in traditional and scientific medicine. The plant possesses sedative properties similar to valerian and is effectively used for sleep disorders, nervous excitability, and anxious states. Additionally, Leonurus is used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases: it lowers blood pressure, improves heart rhythm, and exhibits cardiotonic properties. In gastroenterology, it helps with gastrointestinal disorders, and is also used in gynecology – easing painful menstruation and normalizing hormonal background.
The 'Cascade' variety is distinguished by its high resistance to drought, winters, and frosts, making it suitable for mechanized cultivation on large areas. Yield of green mass reaches 300–340 kg/ha, dry – 60–65 kg/ha, and seeds – 5.0–5.5 kg/ha. For sowing, open ground is recommended in late October–early November or in spring after seed stratification. Distance between rows – 45–60 cm, between seedlings – 15–20 cm. The plant flowers already in the first year of growth, which allows for quick acquisition of commercial and medicinal product.
