How much sun does Hedge-nettle need?

Hedge-nettle grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Hedge-nettle bloom?

Hedge-nettle blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Hedge-nettle native?

Hedge-nettle (Stachys palustris) is native to OH, VT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Hedge-nettle toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hedge-nettle as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Hedge-nettle attract?

Hedge-nettle draws bees and butterflies.

Is Hedge-nettle HOA-friendly?

Hedge-nettle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hedge-nettle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Stachys palustris

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hedge-nettle as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

OH, VT

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Hedge-nettle is a native perennial that produces spikes of small pink to purple flowers from June through August. This moisture-loving plant thrives in partial shade and forms modest clumps with textured foliage.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hedge-nettle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Common name includes 'nettle' which concerns many HOAs
Can appear weedy or wild to conventional gardeners
May spread more than expected in ideal conditions

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. The plant provides nectar throughout the growing season when many other natives have finished flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Hedge-nettle need?: Hedge-nettle grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Hedge-nettle bloom?: Hedge-nettle blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Hedge-nettle native?: Hedge-nettle (Stachys palustris) is native to OH, VT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Hedge-nettle toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hedge-nettle as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Hedge-nettle attract?: Hedge-nettle draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hedge-nettle HOA-friendly?: Hedge-nettle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Hedge-nettle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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