Wenlock Edge,Shropshire Even though the woundwort has lost its place in the pharmacy, bees visit these late flowers for the nectar tucked inside themWoundwort grows from a hedge as whether to mark some damage, or not to heal so much as to witness it. Hedge woundwort,Stachys sylvatica, belongs to the betony, and horehounds and catmint of the waysides. It has small tight whorls of “blood and bandages” flowers – purply red clasps with white markings – nettle-like leaves and a hairy stem that when rubbed has a stink disagreeable enough to do you profitable. Related: Country diary: Baltimore,Ireland: For centuries these leaves were nature's gift to wearied travellers Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com