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Marcus, Joseph A.
Stachys coccinea Ortega
Scarlet betony, Scarlet hedge-nettle, Texas betony
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
USDA Symbol: stco
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
The stout, square stems of scarlet hedge-nettle or Texas betony rise to 3 ft. or more and are lined with pair of dark-green leaves becoming smaller up the stem. The inflorescence is an interrupted spike of two-lipped, bright-red, tubular flowers. A stout, erect, leafy plant, covered with soft hairs, with scarlet bilaterally symmetrical flowers in whorls at intervals in a spike at top of 4-sided stem.
Its scarlet color distinguishes this species from other western plants of its genus, which are pink or purplish. If cultivated, it should be grown from seed. Stachys plants have no stinging hairs, as do true nettles, but resembles nettles in other ways, especially before flowering. In the Old World, some grow near hedges and are known as hedge-nettles.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: W. TX to s. AZ & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Moist crevices of steep slopes & canyons, Found in moist crevices and steep, stony places in the mountains of the Trans-Pecos. Moist, well-drained sand, loam, clay.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Texas betony has aromatic foliage and a tremendous bloom show. The heaviest blooms are in early spring, but Texas betony continues to display vivid scarlet flowers throughout the season. Makes a good groundcover for shady places.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Propagation
Description: Not AvailableSeed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native plants for shady small spaces in Houston, TX
June 18, 2006
What are the best plants and flowers to plant in small spaces in an urban area in Houston, Texas? I have several flower beds that are 3 foot wide and 10-12 foot long that get half day sun. The area...
view the full question and answer
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
Native Plant Society of Texas - Fredericksburg, TX
NPSOT - Fredericksburg Chapter - Fredericksburg, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Stachys coccinea in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Stachys coccinea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Stachys coccinea
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-21Research By: TWC Staff, LAS
