Wood Betony

Wood Betony is a small to medium sized herb native to the temperate forests of central and southern Europe. Indeed in North America it is mostly “nursed up,” though it sometimes becomes naturalized. It has small softly lobed heart shaped leaves that for the first part of its life cycle grow in a rosette close to the ground. In June or July the plant sends up a slender stalk that hangs well above the leaves and contains a short purple red spike flower. It is a perennial in most temperate climates and has a thick, woody root.  The leaves are alternate on a square stem and have fine hairs that make them rough to the touch.