Hedge-nettle
Stachys palustris
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Hedge-nettle (Stachys palustris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Hedge-nettle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz