Following on from the Bee Orchids last week, I am indebted to blog reader, Barry Hills, for this picture of Hedge Woundwort, a wild form of stachys, photographed in Great Waldingfield

Although not particularly rare it is very attractive, and only grows where we don't interfere with it by weeding and tidying up.

Apparently it is not one to encourage in the garden however, since it can be quite invasive!

If you crush the leaves it is said to give off a rather distinctive smell. Its name derives from the fact that it is said to have antisceptic qualities and was used in the past to staunch bleeding.