Common Hedgenettle

(Betonica officinalis)

Common Hedgenettle (Betonica officinalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Betonica officinalis, commonly known as Common Hedgenettle or Wood Betony, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and forest clearings across Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. It typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) and features wrinkled, hairy leaves with a distinctive quilted appearance. The plant produces dense spikes of tubular purple or pink flowers from July to September, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The flowers are showy and add a splash of color to the garden during midsummer.

Common Hedgenettle is valued for its medicinal properties, as it has been used traditionally to treat various ailments. It is also appreciated for its ease of maintenance and ability to thrive in a range of garden settings, including borders, wildflower meadows, and cottage gardens. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. While it is not particularly prone to diseases, it can occasionally suffer from rust or powdery mildew. It is not known for aggressive roots or other problematic growth habits.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, open woodlands, and forest clearings across Europe, North Africa, and West Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Bishop’s-Wort, Wood Betony, Purple Betony, Bishopwort, Betony, Heil-Ziest, Echter Ziest, Humlesuga, Humlesyska, Läkebetonica, Läkebetonika

Scientific Names: , Stachys officinalis, Stachys betonica, Betonica officinalis, Stachys officinalis subsp. officinalis, Betonica officinalis var. stricta, Stachys serotina, Betonica velebetica, Betonica officinalis var. glabrata, Betonica brachystachys

GBIF Accepted Name: Betonica officinalis L.