Thriving in damp ground and along pond margins, this native herbaceous perennial emerges from a horizontal tuberous runner, boasting bristly square stems adorned with almost stalkless, dark green leaves. Unsuitable for smaller pond environments due to the plant’s vigorous and potential invasive tendencies, Stachys palustris is a standout choice for larger wildlife areas, where its hooded, lipped, mauve mint-like blooms provide a valuable food source for pollinators.