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Limestone Woundwort

Stachys alpina

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Lamiaceae (Dead-nettle)
Also in this family:
Annual Woundwort, Apple Mint, Balkan Clary, Basil Thyme, Bastard Balm, Betony, Bifid Hemp-nettle, Black Horehound, Breckland Thyme, Bugle, Catmint, Common Calamint, Common Hemp-nettle, Corn Mint, Corsican Mint, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, Cut-leaved Germander, Cut-leaved Selfheal, Downy Woundwort, False Apple Mint, Field Woundwort, Garden Catmint, Garden Clary, Ginger Mint, Ground Ivy, Ground-pine, Gypsywort, Hedge Woundwort, Henbit Dead-nettle, Horse Mint, Lamb's-ear, Large Thyme, Large-flowered Hemp-nettle, Lemon Balm, Lesser Calamint, Lesser Skullcap, Marjoram, Marsh Woundwort, Meadow Clary, Northern Dead-nettle, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pyramidal Bugle, Red Dead-nettle, Red Hemp-nettle, Rosemary, Round-leaved Mint, Selfheal, Sharp-leaved Mint, Skullcap, Somerset Skullcap, Spearmint, Spotted Dead-nettle, Sticky Clary, Tall Mint, Variegated Yellow Archangel, Wall Germander, Water Germander, Water Mint, White Dead-nettle, White Horehound, Whorled Clary, Whorled Mint, Wild Basil, Wild Clary, Wild Thyme, Wood Calamint, Wood Sage, Yellow Archangel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Hedgerows, meadows, mountains, rocky places, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 2 petals
 
The flowers of Stachys alpina are tubular and two-lipped, typically pale yellow to creamy-white, and often adorned with purple or reddish markings on the lower lip. They are arranged in whorls around the upper parts of the stems, forming a loose spike-like inflorescence. Blooming occurs from June to August, and the flowers are pollinated by bees and other long-tongued insects. Compared to other Stachys species, the flowers are larger and more conspicuous, often giving the plant a decorative appearance.
Fruit:
The fruit consists of four small nutlets enclosed in the persistent calyx. These nutlets are dry, brown, and relatively inconspicuous. They serve primarily for seed dispersal and are not significant in terms of foraging or identification.
Leaves:
Leaves are opposite, ovate to heart-shaped, with crenate (rounded) teeth along the edges and a soft, hairy texture. The upper surface is usually darker green, while the underside is paler and more velvety. The leaves give off a mild herbal scent when crushed. The plant typically grows to a height of 60–90 cm, with a somewhat bushy, upright habit.
Fragrance:
The plant has a mildly aromatic scent, especially when the leaves are bruised, but it's not strongly fragrant. The scent is often described as herbaceous or earthy, with hints of resin or menthol, depending on the plant’s growing conditions. The flowers themselves have little to no fragrance.
Other Names:
Alpine Betony, Alpine Hedge-nettle.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Other Information

Summary

Stachys alpina, commonly known as alpine hedge-nettle, is a species of perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, typically found in alpine and subalpine habitats, such as rocky slopes and meadows. It has small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer and leaves that are opposite, simple and hairy. The plant is known for its ability to tolerate harsh, mountainous environments. It has been traditionally used in medicine and it has been used as a stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, and diuretic. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as respiratory problems, digestive issues and menstrual cramps, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support its medicinal properties.

Blog

Stachys alpina, also known as Limestone Woundwort, is a rare and hardy plant that is native to the alpine regions of Europe. This plant is part of the mint family and is known for its ability to grow in challenging environments, making it a great choice for garden enthusiasts who want to add a touch of beauty and ruggedness to their outdoor space.

Limestone Woundwort is a striking plant, with beautiful spikes of purple flowers that bloom in the summer months. It can grow up to 30 centimeters tall and is often used as a border plant, providing a lovely backdrop to other plants in the garden. The leaves are green and glossy, and they are fragrant when crushed, adding an extra layer of interest to the plant.

In addition to its visual appeal, Limestone Woundwort is also known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used for centuries to treat wounds and other skin irritations, and it is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to have a soothing effect on the skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Despite its tough exterior, Limestone Woundwort is relatively easy to care for. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. This plant is also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with limited rainfall. To keep the plant healthy, it should be watered regularly and fertilized once a year.

Limestone Woundwort is a rare and hardy plant that is perfect for garden enthusiasts who want to add a touch of beauty and ruggedness to their outdoor space. With its striking appearance, fragrant leaves, and medicinal properties, this plant is sure to be a standout in any garden.

However, it is important to note that Limestone Woundwort is a rare species and can be difficult to find in nurseries and garden centers. If you are interested in growing this plant, it is best to purchase seeds or plants from a reputable supplier or to look for it at a specialty plant nursery.

Another important consideration is that Limestone Woundwort can be invasive in some areas, so it is important to be mindful of where it is planted and to monitor its growth carefully. In some cases, it may be necessary to control its spread by removing excess plants or by planting it in a contained area such as a raised bed or a container.

Despite these challenges, Limestone Woundwort is a plant that is well worth the effort for those who are passionate about gardening. With its unique and attractive appearance, it can provide a beautiful focal point in the garden and a touch of the wilds of the alpine regions of Europe.

Additionally, Limestone Woundwort is also a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts as it provides nectar and shelter for a variety of pollinators and other insects. Bees, butterflies, and moths are just a few of the many species that are attracted to this plant, making it an important part of the ecosystem in your garden.

In terms of its cultural significance, Limestone Woundwort has a rich history and has been used for a variety of purposes throughout the centuries. It was believed by ancient Greeks to have healing properties and was used to treat wounds and skin irritations. In traditional European medicine, the plant was also used to treat respiratory and digestive issues, as well as to soothe pain and inflammation.

Today, Limestone Woundwort is still prized for its beauty and practicality, and it is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping projects around the world. Whether you are looking to add a touch of the wilds of Europe to your backyard or simply want to grow a plant that is both beautiful and useful, Limestone Woundwort is a great choice for any gardener.

In conclusion, Limestone Woundwort is a rare and hardy plant that is well worth the effort for garden enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. With its striking appearance, fragrant leaves, and rich history, this plant is sure to be a standout in any garden.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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