Trailside Apothecary

Meet Stachys palustris - commonly called Hedge Nettle.  The name is likely of English origin where the plant is frequently found in hedgerows.  A member of the mint family this perennial native plant  is found in moist meadows, wetlands, along rivers and streams in in both good habitat and degraded site locations.  This is growing aside Silver Creek at the crossing. 

It is characterized by a single (square) stem covered in hair, opposite leaves and a cluster of individual flowers on a spike.    

Like many of the natives growing around here this plant harbors a history as an herbal apothecary.  An infusion of leaves or a poultice has antiseptic properties that can be used to treat wounds and infected sores.  The tubers (roots) can be used to make a brew that if gargled provides relief to a sore throat.  In folk medicine this plant is also known as Woundwort.