California Hedge Nettle
ExplorePlants
California Hedge Nettle
Stachys bullata
California Hedge Nettle is a lovely plant with soft leaves and pretty purple flowers. It grows in sunny places and is great for attracting butterflies and bees!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The California Hedge Nettle has distinctive square stems and wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves, giving it a bumpy texture. Its hooded, two-lipped flowers range from pinkish-purple to magenta, blooming in clusters along the stem. It stands out with its slightly fuzzy appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusStachys
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It grows wild only in coastal California, making it a very special local plant!
Its square stems are a secret clue it belongs to the mint family, even without a minty smell!
The leaves have a bubbly, crinkly texture, almost like a tiny quilted blanket!
This plant was a traditional remedy for bee stings and sore throats for some native groups.
Special abilities
Ability
Hairy Armor
California Hedge Nettle has tiny hairs on its stems and leaves that help protect it from hungry insects and reduce water loss on sunny days.
Ability
Spreading Roots
California Hedge Nettle can grow underground runners called rhizomes, helping it spread and form new patches of plants in its preferred habitat.
Ability
Scented Shield
California Hedge Nettle produces aromatic oils that help deter certain pests and grazing animals from munching on its leaves.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar and pollen
pollinates
Yellow-faced bumblebee
Bombus vosnesenskii
efficiently pollinates its hooded flowers
eaten by
Mule deer
Odocoileus hemionus
sometimes browses its leaves and stems
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is California Hedge Nettle?
30-100 cm
How wide does California Hedge Nettle spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on California Hedge Nettle?
1-2.5 cm
When does California Hedge Nettle bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is California Hedge Nettle edible?
Yes
Is California Hedge Nettle toxic?
None
What is California Hedge Nettle's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is California Hedge Nettle pollinated?
Insect
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