hyssopleaf hedgenettle
Stachys hyssopifolia ambigua

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Stachys hyssopifolia ambigua is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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): 0.8

Where it is found

Damp sands, swamps and prairies.

E. Asia - Japan. Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Illinois, south to Florida.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Eaten as a vegetable. No more details are given, it is likely to be the roots or the leaves that are eaten.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is astringent, carminative and deodorant.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Deodorant: Masks smells. Is this medicinal?

Other

Rating:

Deodorant: A pleasant smelling plant that is used on the body to mask the human smell.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Succeeds in any deep well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun or light shade. A good bee plant.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Stachys. aspera. Stachys grayana. Stachys tenuifolia