Stachys sylvatica
hedge woundwort
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
Overview
Stachys sylvatica is an upright, rhizomatous perennial in the mint family, growing 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall and spreading 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide by creeping roots. The square stems and heart-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves are covered in soft hairs, and the whole plant gives off a strong, pungent smell when bruised. From June to September, whorls of dark reddish-purple to claret flowers, marked with white patterns on the lower lip, open in interrupted spikes at the stem tips. The two-lipped flowers are pollinated mainly by bees. Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, S. sylvatica grows in damp woodland, hedgerows, shaded banks, and disturbed ground on fertile soil. It spreads steadily by underground rhizomes and self-seeds, which can make it weedy in cultivated ground and gardens. The plant dies back in winter and regrows from the rootstock each spring. The leaves were historically used to dress wounds, the source of the common name. It tolerates shade and heavy soil and is hardy to USDA zone 5.
Native Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia. Grows in damp woodland, hedge banks, shaded verges, and disturbed fertile ground, and is naturalized in parts of North America.Suggested Uses
Grown in wild and woodland gardens, shaded wildlife borders, and damp hedge plantings, where its spread can be tolerated. Spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, it fills shaded ground and supplies summer nectar for bees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from June to September in whorled, interrupted spikes of dark reddish-purple. Bloom continues over a long summer season. Small nutlets follow within the persistent calyces and ripen into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Stachys sylvatica grows in partial to full shade in moist, fertile soil across a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, and tolerates clay and heavy ground. It takes steady moisture and tolerates damp sites. The plant is hardy to USDA zone 5 and dies back to the rootstock each winter. Because it spreads by rhizome and self-seeds, cutting back before seed set and lifting wandering roots keep it within bounds. Powdery mildew can appear in dry, crowded conditions. No fertilizer is needed in reasonable soil.Pruning
Cut the plant back after flowering to limit self-seeding and tidy the clump. Remove dead stems in late winter before new growth begins. Lifting and reducing the spreading roots each year keeps the patch in check.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter