Plant Profile: Stachys floridana

Florida Betony is a perennial herb commonly found in lawns, gardens, and various landscapes. While it is believed to be native primarily to Florida, it has spread throughout the southeastern United States, where it is often regarded as a prevalent weed. Although sometimes referred to as wild artichoke, it is not botanically related to the artichoke.

This plant is prolific in seed production but primarily propagates through rhizomes and tubers. Small pieces of rhizome can develop into new plants, and tubers can be relocated to different areas. In ornamental settings, Florida Betony can be more challenging to manage than in lawns, often necessitating hand-pulling to ensure the complete removal of all tubers.

Belonging to the mint family, which encompasses aromatic herbs, shrubs, and some trees and vines, Florida Betony features hairy, upright stems that can grow up to 19 inches tall. These stems are square in cross-section and bear flowers in elongated clusters, heads, or interrupted whorls. The plant's growth is supported by a network of rhizomes and tubers, with the distinctive pale tuber segmented to resemble the rattle of a rattlesnake, which is the origin of its common name. The leaves are arranged oppositely and can reach lengths of up to 2 inches. Flowers emerge in clusters of three to six from the upper leaf axils, featuring a tubular, hairy calyx with pointed lobes. The corolla is two-lipped, measuring up to half an inch long, and displays a color range from white to pink, often adorned with purple spots. The fruit is a schizocarp, measuring less than an inch, that splits into two halves.

In terms of pests and diseases, Florida Betony can be quite aggressive as a weed.