Identification
This native perennial is a mint, not a nettle. The square, hairy stems are erect and up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are lance shaped with finely toothed margins, opposite on the stem, rough and hairy, but the hairs do not sting like those of the true nettles (C). The pale to dark lavender flowers are arranged in a series of whorls surrounding the stem near the top of the stem (A). Individual tubular flowers have distinct upper and lower lips characteristic of the Mint Family (B). At the base of the flower is a green calyx composed of 5 triangular teeth covered with fine hairs enclosing the black seeds shown in image (D). Leaves turn a bright red by October (E).
Found in moist spots on the floodplain, flowering from June through September. Common on the floodplain at Fontenelle Forest; less common on floodplain and along Rock Creek at Neale Woods.
Another less common species of Hedge Nettle, Stachys tenuifolia or Thinleaf Betony, has also been observed at Fontenelle Forest by Marjorie Garabrandt. It has leaves with longer stalks and stems with fewer hairs. The Hedge Nettles could also be confused with the more common Mint Family look-alike, Germander (Teucrium canadense). A close look at the flower will show that Germander does not have an upper lip. Rather, it appears like it must have traded the upper lip for 2 big ears which project above the sides of the lower lip.
Also known as Marsh Hedge Nettle.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.