Stachys officinalis

Stachys officinalis, also known as Betony or woundwort, is a medium-sized herbaceous perennial that is easy to grow. It blooms in the summer with very bright purple-pink spikes above rough basal foliage, made up of large silver-greyish green, serrated leaves. Long-known for its medicinal properties, it is also a decorative plant that is easy to cultivate in ordinary, not too dry, well-drained soil, ideal for natural or wild gardens.

Betony belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is considered a simple plant. Known and cultivated for a long time, it originates from temperate regions of France and England, in meadows, heathlands, along paths or in clear and dry woodlands. It is a medium-sized herbaceous plant, with a naturally variable appearance, 15 to over 60 cm (24in) high, with a basal rosette foliage. The leaves are opposite with toothed edges, heart-shaped, slightly greyish green and rough. From July to October, it displays flowers grouped in dense spikes at the end of stems adorned with a few small leaves. The flowers are two-lobed, 1 cm (0in) long and vivid purplish pink. It slowly forms beautiful clumps, growing from its thick root system.

Stachys officinalis will fit well in herb gardens, alongside thyme, savory, hyssop and lavender, which are all close relatives. It will also thrive in rustic flower beds, alongside wilder plants like comfrey, borage, centaureas, catmints and asters (Aster cordifolius, Aster turbinellus...). It can adapt to many situations, so plant it as a border plant, at the base of shrub roses or alongside perennial geraniums.

The name "betony" is derived from that of an Iberian people called the Vettones, who made extensive use of this plant during the Middle Ages, and even beyond. The dried leaves were sometimes used as snuff or for tea. The young shoots can be consumed in salads, in moderation.