Wood Betony, Common hedgenettle, Betony, Woundwort
Stachys officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink, Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.

Stachys officinalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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

Grassland, hedgebanks, heath and open woods, avoiding calcareous soils.

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Sweden to Spain, Italy, Greece and the Caucasus.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves and flowering tops make a good tea substitute. Refreshing and aromatic, it has all the good qualities of tea without the negative ones.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Wood betony was at one time commonly used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, especially as a nervine and tonic for treating maladies of the head and as an external application to wounds. It also stimulates the digestive system and the liver, having an overall tonic effect upon the body. Wood betony is much less used nowadays, and more often forms part of a mixture of herbs. The whole plant is collected when in flower in the summer and can be dried for later use. It is anthelmintic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, mildly cathartic, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, mildly emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, sedative, sternutatory, tonic and vulnerary. It is taken in the treatment of 'frayed nerves', pre-menstrual complaints, poor memory and tension. It can be taken in combination with herbs such as comfrey, Symphytum officinale, and lime flowers, Tilia species, to treat sinus headaches and congestion. Wood betony can be taken on its own, or with yarrow, Achillea millefolium, to staunch nosebleeds. A pinch of the powdered herb will provoke violent sneezing and it has been used as part of a herbal snuff mixture in the treatment of headaches. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh plant. It is used in the treatment of asthma and excessive perspiration.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

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.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Sternutatory: Promotes sneezing and nasal discharges.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 2

A fine yellow dye is obtained from the leaves.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Ground cover, Specimen. Prefers a light moist neutral to acid soil in sun or light shade. A characteristic plant of healthy roadside banks on heavy soils. Hardy to at least -25°c. At one time bugle was often cultivated for its medicinal virtues, though it is now little used. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value. An excellent bee plant. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length .

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, the plant can be successfully divided at almost any time of the year. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-10

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. betonica. Benth. Betonica officinalis.