California Hedgenettle

Stachys bullata

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

Slow, Standing; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as adequate water is present.

Size

1–3ft tall

Bloom

Mar-Nov

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Fragrant

Yes

Flowers

Prized

Edible

Tubers eaten cooked; traditional Indigenous food source

Native Range

Chaparral and oak woodlands of the Coast Ranges from Napa to Monterey County, 500-3000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant California Hedgenettle in partial shade to deep shade in spring or fall. It thrives in damp to wet soil and tolerates clay, so choose a spot that stays consistently moist - think bioswales, pond margins, or low-lying areas where water lingers. Space plants 1–2 feet apart since this evergreen spreads to fill available damp space. Unlike drought-tolerant natives, this plant needs moisture to thrive, so avoid hot, dry spots.

After Planting

Water weekly for the first summer to establish the plant, then reduce to once weekly or less during dry spells once established. California Hedgenettle is evergreen and will keep its deep green leaves year-round, flowering from spring through summer with purple or pink blooms. The #1 mistake is planting it in dry soil or letting it dry out - this is a wetland plant that wants damp conditions to perform well. It spreads readily but is easily controlled by removing growth where you don't want it.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Vandyk's bumblebeeBombus vandykei

Vandyk's bumblebee; California state endangered; species of special concern

CA: Endangered, CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported