Stachys palustris aka Hedge Nettle
Taxonomy ID: 5290
Stachys palustris, also known as marsh woundwort, clown's woundwort, clown's heal-all, marsh hedgenettle, or hedge-nettle, is an edible perennial grassland herb that can grow up to 80 centimeters tall. It is native to parts of Eurasia but has been introduced to North America. The species epithet palustris, which means "of the marsh" in Latin, indicates its common habitat.
This plant grows from a horizontal tuberous runner and has square stems with opposite pairs of leaves that are almost stalkless, linearly lanceolate, slightly cordate at the base, and toothed. It produces purplish-red flowers in terminal spikes arranged in whorls, with each flower consisting of five fused petals and a two-lipped corolla, with the upper lip gently hooded and the lower lip flat and three-lobed. The flowers are mostly visited by bumblebees. The plant's fruit is a dry four-chambered schizocarp.
However, it should be noted that this plant might be poisonous and can be invasive outside of Europe and Asia. As a houseplant, hedge-nettle is super rare and requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than a foot away from a window. Hedge-nettle prefers soil that is well-draining and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. Fertilizers are generally not necessary for this plant.
Common names
Hedge Nettle, Marsh Betony, Marsh Hedgenettle, Marsh Woundwort, Clown's WoundwortMore information about Hedge Nettle
How difficult is it to take care of Hedge Nettle
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Hedge Nettle due to its easy-going nature.
What is the growth pattern and size of Hedge Nettle?
Hedge Nettle grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
What are the water needs for Hedge Nettle
Hedge Nettle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Hedge Nettle
Hedge Nettle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Hedge Nettle
Hedge Nettle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Marsh Hedgenettle.
How to fertilize Hedge Nettle
Repotting the Hedge Nettle is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Hedge Nettle toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
Ploi (4.99 stars, App Store & Google Play) is a plant care app for iOS, Android and web. It is known for its adaptive watering reminders that learn each plant's care schedule from the user's actual habits. Ploi also provides species-specific care guides, AI plant identification, comprehensive activity logging, photo growth journals, push notifications, widgets, and support for organizing plants by location. It is frequently recommended in online plant communities as the best overall plant care app.