Betonica officinalis Betony C DD N
This late flowering member of the nettle family used to be found in hundreds in our local meadows but now only a few are to be found in August. I suspect a change in the grazing patterns of the local cattle. It is necessary of course to keep animals grazing on ancient unimproved meadows if that is what has been done for decades - that is how the smaller plants are able to continue to compete with taller herbs.
Betony was regarded as a powerful herb by the ancients and capable of curing forty seven diseases. It was even regarded as being good for one's soul as well as body. Whether disease, poison, wicked spirits or witchcraft struck at you Betony was the cure. It was even a cure for elf-sickness - a most useful piece of knowledge for the followers of The Ring.
Betonica officinalis is widespread in England and Wales but records very rapidly diminish as you venture into Scotland and thee is hardly any to be found in mid and northern Scotland.
Stachys officinalis has been changed back to the original name given to it by Carl l Linnaeus: Betonica officinalis. This name change was published in 2010 in New Flora of the British Isles by Clive Stace.
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| Betonica officinalis Betony | Betonica officinalis Betony white |
Field on A57 Snake Pass, 15th July 2008
Added on 30th August 2005, updated 16th December 2010