Stachys palustris L.

Rhizomatous perennial herb, to at least 1 m tall, almost odourless, sometimes producing elongated tubers 8–12 cm long. Stems hispid with some bulbous-based hairs. Petioles < 1 cm long or 0 in stem lvs (basal lvs not seen). Lamina 4–10 × 1.5–2.5 cm, ± oblong-lanceolate, hairy, crenate-serrate; base truncate to cordate; apex acute or short-acuminate. Bracts serrulate or crenulate, mostly very different from foliage lvs. Calyx 7–8 mm long, densely hairy; teeth ± = tube, narrowly triangular-subulate. Corolla c. 12 mm long; tube exserted from calyx lobes, eglandular, with simple hairs outside, rosy purple; upper lip hooded; lower lip > upper lip. Nutlets not seen.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Dec.–Feb.