Overview
Galeopsis tetrahit, common hemp-nettle, is an upright annual in the mint family, growing 8-39 inches (20-100 cm) tall on square, bristly stems that are swollen just below each leaf node. The opposite leaves are oval to lance-shaped, 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, coarsely toothed, and covered in stiff hairs. Whorls of two-lipped flowers cluster in the upper leaf axils; each flower is 0.5-0.8 inch (13-20 mm) long, pink, pale purple, or white, with a darker patterned lower lip and a pair of small projections at the throat. The calyx is tipped with sharp, spiny teeth that persist around the ripening nutlets. The plant has a shallow root system and completes its life cycle in a single season, setting abundant seed. It grows on disturbed and cultivated ground, arable field edges, waste places, and open woodland clearings, often on fertile, slightly acidic soils. Native across Europe and temperate Asia, it is widespread as an arable and garden weed and has naturalized in North America.
Native Range
Native across Europe and temperate Asia, from Britain to Siberia, and naturalized widely in North America. It grows on disturbed and cultivated ground, arable margins, waste places, riverbanks, and woodland clearings, often on fertile, slightly acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Not grown as an ornamental. It appears as a weed of arable land and gardens and has a history of minor traditional herbal use. The flowers are visited by bees and other pollinators where the plant is tolerated.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'3"
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs