Downy hemp-nettle (Galeopsis segetum, Hist. & Commentat. Acad. Elect. Sci. Theod.-Palat. 2: 474 (1770))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Neck.

Bibliography: Hist. & Commentat. Acad. Elect. Sci. Theod.-Palat. 2: 474 (1770)

Year: 1770

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Galeopsis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. & SC. Europe

Description

Downy hemp-nettle, known scientifically as Galeopsis segetum, is a compelling and notable member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant holds historical significance, having been documented as early as 1770 in the “Hist. & Commentat. Acad. Elect. Sci. Theod.-Palat.” by the author Neck.

The Downy hemp-nettle is primarily found across various regions in Western and South-Central Europe. This geographical distribution hints at its adaptability and the ecological roles it plays within these locales. The environment in these regions provides the ideal conditions for Galeopsis segetum to thrive, with its characteristic foliage and structural features drawing interest from botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, it shares a lineage with many aromatic herbs and plants, but what sets Downy hemp-nettle apart is its distinctive downy texture, which gives the plant its common name. The soft hairs covering its stems and leaves offer a visual cue to its identity, differentiating it from other members of the family.

The plant’s ecological presence is significant, as it contributes to the biodiversity and health of its native habitats. Galeopsis segetum supports local fauna, providing both shelter and nourishment to various insect species, thereby participating in local food webs and ecosystems. Additionally, it may have historical uses in traditional medicine, as many Lamiaceae members have been explored for their potential therapeutic benefits.

In summary, the Downy hemp-nettle, or Galeopsis segetum, is a fascinating species within the Lamiaceae family, well-documented since the late 18th century and prevalent in parts of Europe. Its distinctive downy appearance not only lends it its common name but also underlines its unique place within the plant kingdom and its native habitats.

Common Names

Eng: downy hemp-nettle, hemp-nettle
Deu: gelber hohlzahn
Dan: gul hanekro
Nld: bleekgele hennepnetel
Nno: bleikdå
Nob: bleikdå
Fra: galéopsis douteux
Swe: guldån, hietapillike
Fin: hietapillike
Ces: konopice bledožlutá
Hun: kétes kenderkefű
Cym: penboeth yr ŷd, y benboeth gulddail
En: Downy hemp-nettle, Hemp-nettle
Ar: سرعوبية زغبية
Hr: Žutičava srba
Cs: Konopice bledožlutá
Da: Gul hanekro
Nl: Bleekgele hennepnetel
Fi: Hietapillike
Fr: Galéopsis des champs, Galéopsis douteux, Galéopsis des moissons
De: Gelber Hohlzahn, Saat-Hohlzahn
Hu: Kétes kenderkefű
It: Canapetta campestre, Galeopside
Lt: Raudonoji aklė
Nb: Bleikdå
Nn: Bleikdå
Pl: Poziewnik piaskowy
Ru: Пикульник посевной
Sv: Guldån, Hietapillike
Cy: Y benboeth gulddail, Penboeth yr Ŷd

Synonyms

• Ladanum dubium ((Leers) Kuntze)
• Galeopsis tetrahit var. cannabina (L.)
• Galeopsis tetrahit subsp. grandiflora (Ehrh.)
• Galeopsis ochroleuca var. versicolor (Gaudin)
• Galeopsis nepetifolia (Timb.-Lagr.)
• Tetrahit longiflorum (Moench)
• Galeopsis ochroleuca (Lam.)
• Galeopsis media (Micheli ex Turra)
• Galeopsis villosa (Huds.)
• Dalanum segetum ((Neck.) Dostál)
• Galeopsis segetum f. glabra (J.Duvign.)
• Galeopsis segetum var. aranensis (O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Ladanum luteum (Gilib.)
• Galeopsis conillii (Sennen)
• Ladanella segetum ((Neck.) Pouzar & Slavíková)
• Ladanum ochroleucum ((Lam.) Slavíková)
• Galeopsis ladanum subsp. villosa ((Huds.) Čelak.)
• Galeopsis dubia (Leers)
• Galeopsis dubia var. nepetifolia ((Timb.-Lagr.) P.Fourn.)
• Galeopsis dubia var. brevifolia (Willk.)
• Galeopsis elegans (Boreau)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Oct 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Aaron 44 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Gui ferl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Gui ferl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Karim Ben Mimoun (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Boris Peisker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Thibaut Durr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Gui ferl (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 1, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Aaron 44 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Gui ferl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Ugoline Jacquot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Hervé Rey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 24, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341308)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:20002432-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galeopsis segetum Neck.)

Specifications

Growth