How much sun does Shortspike hedgenettle need?

Shortspike hedgenettle grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Shortspike hedgenettle bloom?

Shortspike hedgenettle blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Shortspike hedgenettle native?

Shortspike hedgenettle (Stachys pycnantha) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Shortspike hedgenettle attract?

Shortspike hedgenettle draws bees and hummingbirds.

Shortspike hedgenettle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Stachys pycnantha

Last reviewed: October 2026

Shortspike hedgenettle (Stachys pycnantha) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Shortspike hedgenettle (Stachys pycnantha) 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.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains

A mint-family perennial with soft, textured leaves and dense whorled spikes of pink-purple flowers packed tightly along the stem in spring. It has a slightly coarse, informal texture typical of the hedge-nettle group.

Growing Shortspike hedgenettle

Grow Shortspike hedgenettle in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The densely packed flower spikes are a strong draw for bumble bees and are occasionally visited by hummingbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Shortspike hedgenettle need?: Shortspike hedgenettle grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Shortspike hedgenettle bloom?: Shortspike hedgenettle blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Shortspike hedgenettle native?: Shortspike hedgenettle (Stachys pycnantha) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Shortspike hedgenettle attract?: Shortspike hedgenettle draws bees and hummingbirds.

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.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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