Marsh Woundwort, Clown's Woundwort, Marsh Hedgenettle, All-Heal
Stachys palustris
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
While traditionally considered famine food, young shoots and tubers are edible cooked, though not highly palatable. The plant attracts pollinators and provides ground cover. It can be used as a green manure. No specific cultivars are noted for improved uses. Roots have been used medicinally for wound healing.
Permapeople description
A perennial herb of wet places
Botanical description
Stachys palustris, commonly known as marsh woundwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family (mint family). It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet. The stems are erect, square, and hairy. Leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and toothed. The flowers are pink to purple, arranged in whorls in the leaf axils, forming a terminal spike. Flowering occurs in summer. The plant spreads by rhizomes, forming dense colonies. The underground stems produce small, edible tubers.
Companion planting
No specific companion planting information is widely available for Stachys palustris. However, as a member of the mint family, it may benefit from being planted near brassicas to deter pests. Its spreading nature may make it unsuitable for planting near delicate or slow-growing plants.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily achieved through division of rhizomes or tubers. Seeds can also be used, but they require cold stratification and may not germinate readily. Cuttings can also be taken from the stems in spring or early summer.
History and traditions
Historically, Stachys palustris has been used in traditional medicine for its wound-healing properties, hence the name 'woundwort'. It has also been used as a famine food, with the tubers and young shoots consumed when other food sources were scarce. There are no strong cultural traditions or folklore specifically associated with this plant beyond its medicinal and survival uses.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs from July to September. Tubers can be harvested in the autumn or winter. Planting or dividing rhizomes is best done in spring or autumn. Pruning is generally not necessary but can be done after flowering to neaten the plant.