Marsh Hedge Nettle

Stachys palustris, a native to Minnesota in the Mint family, is also known as ‘woundwort’, referring to the herbal healing tradition of this plant going back centuries. Helpful not just for wounds alone, this plant has many healing properties such as aiding in the relief of gout, cramps (antispasmodic) and joint pain, among many other uses. Crushing the leaves and applying them to a wound will indeed stop bleeding and aid in healing; for, among other attributes, marsh hedge nettle has strong antibacterial qualities. Even though ‘nettle’ is in its name, marsh hedge nettle does not prickle or sting.

Harvest the herb in the summer when it is just coming into flower June through August; then dry the herb for later use. Edible as well, the roots can be dug up and boiled for a salad as they are starchy with a nutty taste.

Pink to lavender flowers grow in whorls around the stem in groups. Calyx is green to purplish, and is interesting with its triangular, pointy-shaped lobes. Lower lip has purple spots and upper lip has 4 dark purple stamens.