Wikimedia Commons
Lamiaceae
Purple Betony
Betonica officinalis
Protection and surprise.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Genus
- Betonica
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 1-2 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- well-drained, average
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 4-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Roman physician Antonius Musa wrote an entire book claiming betony could cure 47 different diseases.
- In medieval Europe, betony was planted in churchyards and worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits.
- The Anglo-Saxon herbal 'Lacnunga' lists betony as a remedy against 'elf-sickness' and nightmares.
- An old Italian proverb says 'sell your coat and buy betony,' reflecting its historical medicinal importance.
- Its dense spikes of tubular flowers are a favorite nectar source for bumblebees and long-tongued butterflies.
Color meanings
0
surprise
1
protection from evil
2
healing