1. Bugle Hedge Nettle/ Wood Mint – Stachys rigida var. rigida / Stachys
ajugoides var. rigida (Jepson) (STAY-kis RI-jid-uh (aj-oo-GOI-dees))
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Western N. America from WA to Baja; usually along creeks and other moist places, but
also in open woods and in thickets.
Native to:
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3+ ft.
Spreading, upright herbaceous perennial.
Spreads via rhizomes, so often behaves like a
groundcover. Stems are square (typical for Mint family) and leaves have scalloped edges and may
be moderately hairy. Foliage has strong, somewhat minty scent.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in late spring (May-June/July). Flowers have typical shape of Mint family
with 5 petals fused into two lips. Upper lip pink to light purple, the lower lip with red or purple lines
and dots. Flowers small (1/2 inch) but pretty. Arranged in whorls around the stem (mint-like).
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Best use is in moist areas of the garden, where it serves as a groundcover.
Good under bird bath or in moist pots/planters.
plants. Excellent addition to habitat garden.
Can be used in mixed beds, with other native
Sensible substitute for: Non-native plants in Mint family. Low, non-native groundcovers.
Excellent habitat plant.
eaters will eat the seeds.
Attracts:
Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies love the nectar.
Seed-
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade best; full sun only in cooler gardens along coast.
Just about any local soil, including sandy soils & clay; any local pH.
Likes a little extra water (Zone 2-3 or even 3, but OK with Zone 2 in clays)
Likes an organic mulch.
Management:
Cut back yearly, in fall.
This plant will spread (like any Mint) so locate accordingly.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in fall
by cuttings: tip/semi-softwood cuttings
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 12, 13, 20
4/29/09
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