What they do
Woundworts/hedgenettles add reliable flowers and leafy cover that can help make a pollinator patch feel “full” and active.
Plant profile
Woundworts / hedgenettles
Genus Stachys
Woundworts (also called hedgenettles) are Stachys wildflowers that offer long-lasting blooms and easy, low-fuss habitat value in gardens and naturalized edges.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Woundworts / hedgenettles
Aliases
Woundwort
Native Range
Varies by species within the genus; some are native to parts of North America while others are from elsewhere. Choose locally appropriate species when possible.
Bloom window
Often blooms from late spring into summer (varies by species and site)
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Woundworts/hedgenettles (Genus Stachys) are dependable, easygoing perennials that provide essential vertical structure in layered habitats. They offer a steady and long-lasting source of nectar and are a resilient, low-fuss way to support a wide range of native bees, butterflies, and other local insects over the growing season. They perform best when given room to establish in areas with full sun to part shade and average moisture.
To maximize their ecological benefit, integrate Stachys into the middle of a bed where the flower spikes can rise through shorter plants. As a low-maintenance choice for naturalized areas and garden edges, they require minimal care once established. To protect the foraging insects that rely on their long bloom window, avoid the use of systemic pesticides in and around the plants.
Best role for pollinators
Garden edges, pollinator patches, and naturalized areas where you want steady flowers without fussy careFAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Woundwort |
| Bloom window | Often blooms from late spring into summer (varies by species and site) |
| Typical height | Low to medium height, depending on species |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies |
| Light & moisture | Adaptable; best in a spot that isn’t bone-dry and isn’t constantly soggy |
| Best roles for pollinators | Garden edges, pollinator patches, and naturalized areas where you want steady flowers without fussy care |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
A reasonably sunny to lightly shaded spot, soil that drains, and a little space so they aren’t smothered by taller plants.
One best action
Give them a clear, weed-free ring when they’re getting established so they can fill in confidently.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Adding Stachys is a simple way to increase the number of pollinator-friendly flowers in a space without needing a complicated garden plan. A few plants can make a noticeable difference in how “alive” a bed feels during bloom.
The common name “woundwort” comes from old traditions of using plants in this group in folk remedies—today, most gardeners grow Stachys for its flowers, texture, and wildlife value.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Adds more pollinator-friendly flowers to everyday spaces (even small ones).
- Works well in mixed plantings, helping a patch look lush and intentional.
- Perennial habit means it can return year after year with basic care.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Use these quick clues to recognize woundworts/hedgenettles in the garden or along a path:
Leaves
Usually opposite, often textured; shape and fuzziness vary by species.
Flowers
Small, two-lipped flowers in clustered spikes; commonly pink to purple tones, depending on species.
Fruits
After flowering, small dry seed structures form where blooms were (not usually showy).
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Meadow-like openings
- Edges of woods and trails
- Streamside or moist low spots (for moisture-tolerant species)
- Open, disturbed ground and field edges
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch plantings
- Borders and path edges
- Naturalized corners and meadow-style mixes
- School gardens and community beds
- Large containers (with regular watering)
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Bloom timing depends on the species and the site, but many Stachys provide a helpful stretch of flowers through the warmer months.
Bloom Season Role: A steady, mid-season flower source in many gardens
Seasonal benefits
- Keeps a patch flowering for longer
- Pairs well with both early and late bloomers in mixed plantings
- Can be cut back after flowering to tidy the look and sometimes encourage more blooms
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Most do well with plenty of light; some tolerate part shade.
Soil type
Average garden soil is usually fine; best with decent drainage.
Moisture needs
Water to establish; after that, aim for steady moisture without waterlogging.
Planting method
Plant in spring or fall; give each plant room so air can move through the stems.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch to reduce weeds, keeping mulch off the crown to prevent rot.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a spot with sun to part shade and soil that doesn’t stay soggy.
- Clear a small area of weeds and loosen the soil.
- Plant at the same depth as the pot, then water in well.
- Add a light mulch ring (not touching the stem base).
- Water when the top of the soil starts to dry while the plant is settling in.
Seasonal care
- Weed around young plants so they aren’t crowded out.
- Water during long dry spells, especially in the first season.
- After the main bloom, trim back spent flower stems for a tidier look (and possible repeat bloom).
- In late fall or spring, remove old stems once new growth is ready to take over.
- If a clump gets too large, divide and replant sections to share or expand your patch.
What not to do
- Planting in a spot that stays wet for long periods.
- Letting tall, fast plants shade it out.
- Using pesticides “just in case.”
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Wild columbine (*Aquilegia*)
- Golden alexanders (*Zizia*)
- Spring ephemerals (where appropriate)
Mid-Season Bloom
- Bee balm (*Monarda*)
- Black-eyed Susan (*Rudbeckia*)
- Coneflowers (*Echinacea*)
Late-Season Bloom
- Asters (*Symphyotrichum*)
- Goldenrods (*Solidago*)
- Joe-Pye weed (*Eutrochium*)
“Hedgenettle” and “woundwort” are common names used for different Stachys species in different places. If you’re shopping, check the label for the scientific name so you know what you’re getting.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see on plant tags or garden guides:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.