Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Woundwort, Hedge Nettle, Betony

Comprising about 300 species of annuals and perennials, this genus has a broad distribution in temperate and subtropical areas of the world. Some species are weeds, while others are grown as ornamentals, or cultivated for their edible tubers.

Species

S. affinis, Chinese artichoke, is an upright, hairy plant, to 45 cm (18 in), with white or pink flowers. The edible tubers are white, knotty and elongated, and are produced freely just below the ground. They are cultivated like Jerusalem artichokes.

S. byzantina (Synonym: S. lanata), from the Middle East and the Caucasus, is probably the most often cultivated species. It is known as lamb's ears. A perennial with soft, silvery gray, heavily felted leaves, it is mainly grown as a border or edging plant. Pink to purple flowers grow on stems that may be over 50 cm (20 in). Cultivar 'Silver Carpet' is a non-flowering form which is used as a groundcover.

S. macrantha, betony, is a perennial, bearing purple-pink flowers on stems 30-60 cm (12-24 in) high. Several cultivars are available.

S. officinalis, wood betony or bishop's wort, grows from a woody rhizome, with flowering stems up to 60 cm (24 in) high. The summer flowers are purple to crimson. This herb has been used since ancient times in folk medicine, once being considered the panacea for all ills.

Cultivation

The perennial species of Stachys are frost-tolerant and grow in any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun or very light shade. Most species are easily grown from seed, or by division in spring or autumn. Species from Mediterranean climates, like S. byzantina, dislike high humidity.

Climate

Zone 5.