Stachys floridana
(Florida Betony)
Common Names, Latin Name, & Family
Common Names: Its common names include Florida betony, rattlesnake weed, and Florida hedge nettle. Rattlesnake weed comes from the shape of the roots because they look like white rattlesnake rattles.
Latin Name: Stachys floridana
Family: In the Lamiaceae, or mint, family.
Form
A perennial wildflower that grows to a height of 1 1/2 feet tall.
Leaves
The leaves appear opposite and are lanceolate in shape with shorts stalks and toothed margins.
Flowers
The pink flowers of Florida betony appear in the summer and fall.
Habitat
Florida betony’s natural distribution in Florida is pine flatwoods, disturbed sites, roadsides, and open woods.
Native Range
In addition to being native to Florida it is also native to the following states: AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, and VA.
Landscape Use
In the home landscape it grows in part shade with average moisture.
It prefers partial shade and can tolerate wet feet, but not standing water.
If likes where it is growing it will spread out like a groundcover.
Wildlife Uses
Bees and other small pollinators use the flowers for a source of nectar.
Propagation
Florida betony spreads by runners and tubers which are easy to transplant. It loves rich soil along roadsides so dig around the base of the plants to look for white radish looking tubers to transplant. The roots have segments that make them look similar to a rattlesnake rattle. The tubers are a favorite food of wild pigs so look for areas where they may have been digging them up. Humans can eat the tubers as well and make a great addition to a tossed salad. Just be sure to wash them well before consuming.
It can also be grown from seeds.
