Beloved by Hummingbirds ... and Shamans

Perhaps the hummingbirds spotted over in Strawberry Fields this week will venture over to enjoy the plants one of our favorite suppliers just delivered. The orange flowers of Leonotis nepetifolia, aka lion's ear, are supposedly the hummingbird version of liver treats for dogs. The flowers emerge from spiky balls that form as the slender stems shoot up. A fascinating late summer, early fall bloomer, it's one of two leonotis varieties with some intriguing properties that we are unable to verify personally. The dried leaves are used in shamanistic rituals and, reportedly, for other more recreational pursuits. Hmmm. Suppose those hummingbirds are getting a buzz on?