Hedge Woundwort
Stachys sylvatica
Also listed as Stachys canariensis, Stachys cordatifolia
Also known as Woodland Hedge-nettle
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A woodland perennial with wrinkled, nettle-like foliage and spikes of small purple-pink flowers that attract bees. Spreads vigorously in shaded areas and tolerates poor soil conditions.
Why grow it
Hedge woundwort establishes reliably in deep shade and poor soils where many ornamental perennials struggle, making it useful for woodland gardens or difficult understory spaces. Its bee-friendly flowers and extended bloom period offer ecological value in low-input landscapes. Compared to other shade-tolerant Stachys species, it tolerates wetter conditions and spreads more aggressively, which suits naturalized plantings but requires more containment in confined gardens.
Watch out for
In favorable conditions, this species self-seeds readily and spreads by rhizomes, so placement near garden beds should account for its tendency to expand over successive seasons. The foliage has a musty odor when crushed or handled, which some gardeners find unpleasant but diminishes once established and undisturbed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A woodland perennial with wrinkled, nettle-like foliage and spikes of small purple-pink flowers that attract bees. Spreads vigorously in shaded areas and tolerates poor soil conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Hedge Woundwort grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hedge woundwort establishes reliably in deep shade and poor soils where many ornamental perennials struggle, making it useful for woodland gardens or difficult understory spaces. Its bee-friendly flowers and extended bloom period offer ecological value in low-input landscapes. Compared to other shade-tolerant Stachys species, it tolerates wetter conditions and spreads more aggressively, which suits naturalized plantings but requires more containment in confined gardens.
Watch out for
In favorable conditions, this species self-seeds readily and spreads by rhizomes, so placement near garden beds should account for its tendency to expand over successive seasons. The foliage has a musty odor when crushed or handled, which some gardeners find unpleasant but diminishes once established and undisturbed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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