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

More 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 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Hedge Nettle prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

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.

What is the growth pattern of Hedge Nettle

Hedge Nettle grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

More info:
Wikipedia