Stachys albens A.Gray

Nomenclature and Endemism

Stachys albens A.Gray, commonly called whitestem hedgenettle or white hedgenettle, is a species of Stachys that is endemic to California.

Calyx Structure

The flowers of S. albens have a two-lipped, five-lobed calyx.

Calyx Characteristics

This calyx is densely covered in cobweb-like fuzz, and ranges in color from white to pinkish, with purplish veins.

Plant Fuzz Trait

The entire plant is fuzzy.

Plant Morphology

It bears opposite, triangular, serrate leaves, has a square stem, produces a layered spike of many small flowers, and gives off a minty smell when bruised.

Elevation and Habitat

Stachys albens grows at elevations between 0 feet (sea level) and 9000 feet, in wet locations ranging from swampy to seepy.

Associated Plant Communities

It can be found in these plant communities: Foothill oak woodland, Coastal sage scrub, Yellow pine forest, Red fir forest, Lodgepole pine forest, California mixed evergreen forest, Wetland-riparian, and Pinyon-juniper woodland of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.