Stachys officinalis - Betony
Betony is a member of the mint family. Its flower heads, typically 30 mm
across and on almost leafless stems, appear frequently in hedgerows and at the edge of
woodland in late June and continue blooming until the end of September. This plant
occasionally grows to a height of 40 cm, but 25 cm is more typical.
In the past various medicinal and magical powers were ascribed to betony:
the Romans used it to treat headaches, and in the Middle Ages it was thought to serve as
protection against witchcraft.
Wildflowers of Wales
This wildflower is one of many dozens that are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 1 - Woodland and Waysides.
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