Hybridises with : Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris) to produce Hybrid Woundwort (Stachys × ambigua)

Some similarities to : Red Hemp-nettle.

Distinguishing Feature : dark beetroot coloured flowers with white blotches. Unpleasant mousy smell.

When any part of this plant is crushed a smell repugnent to most but a few individuals is unleashed. The upper leaves are narrow and a darker green than the lower heart-shaped leaves. The flowers are a dark beetroot shade of purple with white blotches and are covered in tiny bristle-like bracts.

It yields a yellow dye.

IRIDOID GLYCOSIDES The iridoid glycosides presented on this page epitomise the iridoids to be found in members of the Stachys Genus, of which Hedge Woundwort seems to be the representative member (certainly it is more widespread in the UK than is Betony (Stachys officinalis)). These iridoid glycosides are all similar to Aucubin, another iridoid glycoside found in Stachys genus plants. Ajugoside has an acetyl group, as do the others apart from Harpagide. Harpagoside has a prenyl group attached to the acetyl moiety. Harpagoside, Harpagide and Acetyl Harpagide are the main iridoids found within Betony (Stachys officinalis). These are the active ingredients of folk medicines that have for centuries been used as sedatives, febrifuges, cough medicines, for wound healing and skin complaints. However they are not the most physiologically active components in Stachys. Ajugoside is also present in Bugle (Ajuga reptans), another plant belonging to the same Mint & Dead-nettle family Lamiaceae. Harpagoside was originally found in the roots of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) which is not native to the UK and is also found in Chinese Figwort (Scrophularia ningpoensis). It has anti-inflammatory properties.