Stachys baicalensis
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Stachys baicalensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. 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): 0.6
Where it is found
Roadsides and waste places. Wet grassy areas and riverbanks at elevations of 200 - 1700 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The stem and leaves are astringent, carminative and deodorant. The whole plant is depurative, diuretic and haemostatic. A decoction is used in the treatment of metrorrhagia, haematuria, jaundice and bacterial dysentery.
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?
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
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
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist