Field stachys (Stachys arvensis, Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 814 (1763))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (L.) L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 814 (1763)

Year: 1763

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stachys

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia to Taiwan

Description

Field stachys, scientifically known as Stachys arvensis, is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which is renowned for its aromatic properties and significant horticultural interest. The nomenclature of this species traces back to its authoritative classification in 1763 and was re-evaluated in the second edition of “Species Plantarum,” lending a historical touch to its botanical study.

Originating from a diverse geographical range that extends from Macaronesia to Taiwan, Field stachys thrives in various climates and environments, showcasing its adaptability. It typically inhabits fields, meadows, and open spaces, where it can often be found flourishing among other wild flora.

Field stachys is characterized by its distinctive square stems, a hallmark of the mint family to which it belongs. The plant bears small, tubular flowers usually appearing in shades of purple or pink, adding a splash of subtle color to its surroundings. These flowers, coupled with its compact form, make it an interesting plant for environmental studies and conservation efforts.

Moreover, Stachys arvensis holds ecological significance. It serves as an essential component of the ecosystem, providing nectar and habitat for various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its presence in a habitat can be an indicator of the environmental health of the area.

In traditional contexts, various species within the Stachys genus have been utilized for their medicinal properties, though the specific uses of Field stachys have not been extensively documented. This illustrates the potential for further ethnobotanical research to explore the uses and benefits of this modest yet intriguing plant.

Field stachys remains a subject of interest not only for botanists and ecologists but also for those fascinated by the rich tapestry of plant life that spans the globe. Its study offers insights into the evolutionary adaptability and ecological roles of plant species within the expansive family of Lamiaceae.

Common Names

Deu: acker-ziest
Dan: ager-galtetand
Eng: field woundwort, staggerweed, corn woundwort, field stachys, hedge-nettle, wild mint, field hedge-nettle, field nettle betony
Nld: akkerandoorn
Fra: epiaire des champs, épiaire des champs
Por: hortelã-das-roças, orelha-de-urso
Fin: rikkapähkämö
Swe: rikkapähkämö, åkersyska
Nno: småsvinerot
Nob: småsvinerot
Cym: archoll yr ŷd, briwlys y tir âr, briwlys yr ardd, briwlys yr âr, briwlys yr ŷd
En: Field stachys, Field woundwort, Hedge-nettle, Corn woundwort, Staggerweed, Wild mint, Field hedge-nettle, Field nettle betony
Ar: بطنج بري
Zh: 田野水蘇
Cs: Čistec rolní
Da: Ager-Galtetand
Nl: Akkerandoorn
Fi: Rikkapähkämö
Fr: Épiaire des champs, Epiaire des champs
De: Acker-Ziest, Ackerziest, Feld-Ziest, Feldziest, Roter Ziest
He: אשבל השדה
It: Stregonia minore, Stregona minore
Nb: Småsvinerot
Nn: Småsvinerot
Fa: سنبله‌ای ارونسیس
Pl: Czyściec polny
Pt: Hortelã-das-roças, Orelha-de-urso
Pt-br: Hortelã-das-roças
Qu: Supikiwa
Ru: Чистец полевой
Es: Hierba de gato
Sv: Åkersyska, Rikkapähkämö
Zh-tw: 田野水蘇
Cy: Briwlys y tir âr, Archoll yr Ŷd, Briwlys yr Ardd, Briwlys yr Âr, Briwlys yr Ŷd

Synonyms

• Stachys arvensis var. typica (Domin)
• Stachys brasiliensis (Benth.)
• Stachys arvensis f. albiflora (H.Lindb.)
• Trixago punctata (Gilib.)
• Stachys arvensis var. lamiiformis (Domin)
• Trixago cordifolia (Moench)
• Trixella arvensis ((L.) Fourr.)
• Trixago arvensis ((L.) Hoffmanns. & Link)
• Trixago colorata (C.Presl)
• Cardiaca arvensis ((L.) Lam.)
• Glechoma marrubiastrum (Vill.)
• Stachys arvensis var. bermudiana (Millsp.)
• Stachys arvensis var. albiflora (Bolzon)
• Glechoma arvensis (L.)
• Glechoma belgica (L.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Corse (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by laurent boniface (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Santiago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Carmi Grobler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Serge Facchin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Olivier Eudes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2022 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2022 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Serge Facchin (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Habit

Taken Mar 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ere BU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Santiago (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 4, 2022 by dewara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 1887 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ere BU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2018 by Marion MICHEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Audrey Maurin (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927229)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:459319-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stachys arvensis (L.) L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 6