Stachys palustris

The marsh woundwort, in Latin Stachys palustris, is a native perennial of wetlands that is decorative, perfectly adapted to our climates, and useful for balancing ponds. It forms a beautiful clump of leafy stems, with a long creeping crown that works to purify and stabilize the banks, while its upright spikes of pink flowers feed pollinating insects and delight the gardener throughout the summer. All these qualities make this beautiful woundwort a plant to prioritize for pond landscaping.

The marsh woundwort is an edible and medicinal herbaceous plant native to Europe and temperate Asia, which can be found in wet meadows and marshes. It is a very hardy plant, preferring marshy and clayey soil and sunny exposures. It is a deciduous species, with above-ground vegetation emerging from the ground in spring and disappearing in winter. It is worth noting that the drier the soil, the less vigorous the growth and the smaller and hairier the leaves. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List (endangered plants), and it is protected in the south of France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Stachys palustris forms clumps averaging 75cm (30in) in height (sometimes over 1m (3ft) when flowering), resembling nettles. The plant spreads through its rhizomes and colonizes the soil. This root system naturally filters water, absorbing nutrients such as nitrates from the decomposition of organic matter. It grows  upright, slightly hairy, square-sectioned stems, bearing leaves whose appearance can vary depending on the growing conditions. They are dark green, lanceolate and wavy, with a pointed tip and toothed edges. All parts of the plant emit an odour when crushed, which may be unpleasant. However, their nutty flavour is pleasant. The flowering period extends from June to September. The small two-lipped flowers, measuring 1.2 to 15cm (1 to 6in) long, are grouped in small clusters at the top of the stems, some appearing in the axils of lower leaves on the stem. They are pink-mauve with white spots. This nectar-rich flowering attracts many pollinating insects. The foliage, roots, and seeds are edible and renowned for their nutritional qualities.

A highly ornamental and easy-to-grow marsh plant, the marsh woundwort will naturally find a place near water, on humid and sunny banks. The purple loosestrife, the flowering rush Butomus umbellatus, the double marsh marigold Caltha palustris Plena, and the ribbon grass Phalaris arundinacea 'Côte de nacre' are other vigorous bank plants that can accompany it in sunny, moist to flooded areas.