ExplorePlants

common hedge-nettle

Betonica officinalis

Common hedge-nettle is a lovely plant with pretty purple flowers. It grows in gardens and fields, attracting bees and butterflies that love its sweet nectar.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The common hedge-nettle has distinctive square stems and crinkled, heart-shaped leaves that grow opposite each other. Its vibrant pink-purple flowers bloom in dense, upright spikes, making it visually different from stinging nettles as it lacks stinging hairs.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusBetonica
common hedge-nettle
flowering trait badgeornamental trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgemedicinal trait badge
common hedge-nettle

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Romans thought it could cure nearly 50 different ailments!

Despite its name, this 'nettle' cannot sting you at all!

It was once grown in gardens to ward off evil spirits and bad luck!

Its beautiful purple flowers can be used to make a natural yellow dye!

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Beacon

Common hedge-nettle produces sweet nectar that helps it attract many buzzing insect pollinators.

Ability

Super Stem Structure

Common hedge-nettle has strong square stems that help it stand tall and sturdy, even in windy conditions.

Ability

Medicinal Magic

Common hedge-nettle contains special compounds that help it defend against pests and has been used traditionally for healing.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
1-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Feeds on nectar, helping the plant reproduce.

pollinates

Small Tortoiseshell

Aglais urticae

Visits flowers for nectar, spreading pollen.

eats

Spanish Slug

Arion vulgaris

Can graze on the plant's leaves and stems.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before picking any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common hedge-nettle?

30-90 cm

How wide does common hedge-nettle spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on common hedge-nettle?

1-1.5 cm

When does common hedge-nettle bloom?

Summer

Is common hedge-nettle edible?

Yes

Is common hedge-nettle toxic?

None

What is common hedge-nettle's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common hedge-nettle pollinated?

Insect

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