Florida Betony / Rattlesnake Weed

Common Names: Florida betony, rattlesnake weed, wild artichoke, Florida hedgenettle
Latin Names: Stachys floridana
Type: Herbaceous
Origin: Native
Description: The plant grows 1-3' tall. The stems are square and hairy with opposite leaves. The leaves grow up to 2” (5.5 cm). Flowers are small white/pink/purple arranged along a stem. Root is a white tuber with segments like a rattlesnake rattle.

Edible: Roots are crispy like radishes when eaten in the spring and early summer. Can be used in raw, salads, cooked in stir fry, or pickled. The young leaves and plant can be a potherb but not considered a terribly attractive taste. Dried leaves can make a tea. The seeds are edible.

Roots are nice and crunchy when eaten raw (while doing my weeding). They also work well in a stir fry and keep their crunch.

Other uses: Medicinal use with leaf infusion for headaches.
Notes: The plant is in the mint family and the leaves smell a bit minty. Has lots of seeds but can also reproduce by roots/tubers.

Florida betony (June)

Florida betony (September)

Florida betony (May)

Florida betony (September)

Florida betony (June)

Florida betony (September)

Florida betony (July)

Florida betony (February)

Florida betony (February)