Stachys officianalis

A member of the Lamiaceae family, and cousin to Mint and Sage, Betony is a perennial ground cover that produces beautiful, tubular purple flowers. A unique looking plant to dress up your traditional garden, Betony has dark green scallop-edged leaves that have a velvety texture. A terrific pollinator magnet, Betony is a butterfly's best friend!

Traditionally used for its medicinal value, Betony is known as a general cure for many varying ailments. Used to treat everything from migraines and neuralgia to open wounds and concussions, the plant's astringent, expectorant and stimulative properties make this herb very beneficial. Used to relax tension and stimulate blood circulation, Betony has been highly regarded as a medicinal herb for centuries.

Potent whether fresh or dried, Betony makes a wonderful tisane that tastes similar to black tea. Caffeine free and soothing for its tonic action, it is also reputed to ward off evil and negative energy. Because of its use as a panacea, many cultures have believed that this pretty purple herb had great spiritual power. Also referred to as "woundwort"", "all heal" and "bishop's wort", betony is deer tolerant and prefers damp soil.