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Lamiaceae
Hedge Nettle
Stachys sylvatica
Woodland defense and quiet resourcefulness.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Genus
- Stachys
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 40–100 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, fertile woodland soil
- Water
- moderate to high
- Hardiness
- 5–9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Despite the name, hedge nettle does not sting — it is a mint family member with square stems and lipped flowers.
- The plant emits a strong, somewhat unpleasant smell when bruised, earning it the old name 'stinking nettles.'
- Bumblebees are the primary pollinators, landing on the lower lip and reaching deep into the hooded flower.
- Stachys comes from Greek for 'ear of grain,' describing the spike-like arrangement of the flower clusters.
- Young leaves were historically boiled as a potherb, though the strong flavor limits modern culinary interest.
Color meanings
0
protection
1
woodland spirit
2
hidden strength