Common Hemp Nettle, Brittlestem hempnettle
Galeopsis tetrahit
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Galeopsis tetrahit is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Arable land, sometimes in woods, fens and wet heaths.
Europe, including Britain, from Iceland and Russia to Spain and Macedonia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is antispasmodic, detergent, expectorant and resolvent. It is used in the treatment of tissue-wasting complaints. An infusion of the plant is used in the treatment of pulmonary complaints.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Detergent: A cleansing agent, used on wounds etc. It removes dead and diseased matter.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Resolvent: Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.
Other
Rating: 2
A drying oil is obtained from the seed. It is used as a polish for leather. A fibre is obtained from the stems, it is used for making cord.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
How it is grown
Grows in most soils, disliking heavy shade. This plant is sometimes grown in the wild garden. An aggregate species. It is a natural hybrid, G. speciosa x G. pubescens.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination usually takes place within a month.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant is poisonous, causing paralysis.