Stachys sylvatica L.
Hedge Woundwort
Hedge woundwort is a native British perennial of the dead-nettle family, common in shady and disturbed ground. It has upright, square stems and broad, heart-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves that release a strong, rather unpleasant smell when crushed.
About
Hedge woundwort is a native British perennial of the dead-nettle family, common in shady and disturbed ground. It has upright, square stems and broad, heart-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves that release a strong, rather unpleasant smell when crushed. In high summer it bears whorls of two-lipped, claret to beetroot-purple flowers marked with paler patterning, arranged in tall, loose spikes.
It grows in woodland, along hedgerows and shady banks, in damp grassland and on neglected ground, on moist, fertile soils in partial shade. The flowers are particularly favoured by bumblebees, and the plant supports a range of other insects too. It spreads readily and can be vigorous, so it is best used in semi-wild, woodland-edge and hedgerow plantings and shadier wildflower mixes rather than tidy borders, where it provides reliable summer nectar in dappled conditions.
Also known as
Whitespot · woodland hedge-nettle
Synonyms
Stachys canariensis · Stachys cordata · Stachys cordatifolia · Stachys foetida · Stachys glaucescens · Stachys sylvatica minus · Stachys trapezuntea
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.