Marsh woundwort - Stachys palustris

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Marsh woundwort - Stachys palustris
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

The lipped, pinkish-purple flowers of marsh woundwort are arranged in whorls in the leaf axils. The lower lip of the flower has a fascinatingly spotted white pattern. The flowers are pollinated by bees and will remain on the plant until the first frosts of winter. It has long, narrow, toothed leaves. These are longer at the base of the plant and have a covering of fine hairs.

The wild habitat is ditches, marshes and watersides and so it is a useful plant for damp situations in the garden. The name hints at its traditional medicinal uses for stanching bleeding and treating inflamed spots. This is a member of the mint family Labiatae, valuable as a nectar source for insects. Creeping roots throw up new plants.

Animals

Bees and wasps, Green tortoise beetle

Foliage	Green
Flower	Pink, June to October
Moisture	(Average)
Sunlight	(Full sun to Part-shade)
Origin	Native