Genus: Betonica

Common Names: betony

A genus of 10 species that were considered to be part of the genus Stachys until morphological and genetic studies determined them to be distinct. B. officinalis has been used in herbalism and traditional medicine for thousands of years and is also cultivated as an ornamental. One other species, B. macrantha, is also commonly cultivated as an ornamental.

Distribution: Europe to Central Asia, NW Africa

Betonica officinalis

Common name(s): betony, wood betony, purple betony

Description: perennial; used in European herbalism and traditional medicine since the Ancient Greeks and probably earlier. Sometimes used as a substitute for or blended with smoking tobacco. Dense, scalloped leaves and attractive, reddish-purple flower spikes from late spring into summer. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, ornamental, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: Europe, NW Africa