Honeyweed is an east Asian relative of motherwort, a well-known European weed used traditionally to treat infections and circulatory and menstruation disorders. Chinese motherwort grows in the first summer 4-5 ft high and flowers from August until late fall. The flowers and the fine foliage resembling Japanese maples are quite pretty and would make a nice herb garden hedge, but the branches get bare and twiggy in late summer. Whilst flowering continues, the leaves turn reddish and fall off in late September.
Medicinal uses: It is known in Chinese medicine as Yi-mu-cao. Chinese motherwort is unusual amongst Chinese herbs in that it is often prescribed for use on its own and not in a mixture with other plants. The whole plant is antibacterial, antispasmodic, astringent, cardiac, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic, nervine, oxytocic, stomachic, tonic, uterine stimulant.