Meehania urticifolia

Meehania urticifolia is a perennial in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range runs from southern Primorye to Korea. It also grows in central and southern Japan. This is a plant of temperate regions. In Japan, it grows in rich, damp mountain woods. These woods lose their leaves in winter. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) in height. Its stated garden spread is about 3.3 feet (1 metre). Long stolons help it spread across the soil. These stems take root at their nodes as they grow. This lets the plant form broad patches quite fast. Its low form suits ground cover rather than taller planting. Allow space for its spread when choosing a garden site.

Flowers appear from July to August, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied evidence gives no flower colour or fruit details. Its main stated landscape use is ground cover in shade. It suits woodland gardens and the shaded edges of beds. Its spreading stems can cover ground beneath dappled light. It can also grow in open places without direct sun.

Choose partial shade and soil that stays moist. The plant accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It also grows across a fairly broad pH range. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. It also reports cold tolerance to about 5°F (−15°C). Those two hardiness guides are not fully consistent. The source lists no known hazards or specific pest problems. It does not flag the plant as a weed.

Young leaves can be cooked and eaten. Plants For A Future gives them a low food-use rating. It records no known medicinal use for this species. Sow seed in a cold frame during spring. Grow young seedlings in separate pots through their first winter. Keep them in a greenhouse for that period. Plant them out once the risk of frost has passed. Division offers another way to make new plants. Keep divisions from drying out while they settle. Spring stem cuttings are a further option.