Downy Woundwort, German hedgenettle

Stachys germanica

Basic Information

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Genus: stachys

Plant ID (slug): stachys-germanica

Numeric ID: 24628

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Stachys germanica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Central and Southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and the Orient.

Habitats

Meadow; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Plaster The leaves are densely covered with long white silky hairs, they have been used as a substitute for lint in dressing wounds[4]. The thick, lint-like leaves are both soft and strongly antiseptic[245].