This is a quite common plant of boggy ground and waterside. It has long lanceolate leaves and ornate markings on the flowers which are usually paler and larger than the common Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica). but as you can see from the RHS photo can be almost the same deep pink.

Stachys palustris is common throughout the British Isles and on the outer island. Only on the highest grounds in the north are records sparse.

LHS: Banks of River Inny near Athlone, Ireland 8th October 2004 RHS Frodsham marshes, Cheshire 14th June 2005

Added on 11th October 2004, amended February 5th 2005, updated 11th February 2012