Stachys pycnantha, commonly known as Shortspike Hedgenettle, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is native to riparian zones, moist meadows, and forest clearings in western North America. The plant typically grows to a height exceeding 60 centimeters and is characterized by its hairy, glandular, and aromatic stems. The leaves are lance-shaped or oval with short petioles. During the summer, Shortspike Hedgenettle produces purple flowers that are modestly showy, arranged in a single cluster or a few interrupted clusters, with each cluster containing up to 12 flowers.

Shortspike Hedgenettle is valued for its aromatic foliage and purple flowers, which can add sensory appeal to garden settings. It is suitable for naturalistic plantings, wildlife gardens, and as a component of pollinator-friendly landscapes. The plant is adaptable to a range of water conditions and can thrive in full sun to part shade, making it versatile for various garden designs. It prefers soils with varying drainage rates, from slow to fast. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions and may require good soil aeration.CC BY-SA 4.0